COMMUNITY HEADLINES – FEBRUARY 27, 2023

(FOX28 SAVANNAH) The head of Healthy Savannah, Paula Kreissler, said there is a clear need to expand access to fresh food when one in three kids within Chatham County is obese.

https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/community-organizations-continue-work-to-address-food-deserts-across-savannah

(SAVANNAH, GA) Your SavPhil is BACK in Chippewa Square for the FREE Phil the Squares concert series on Saturday, March 11 at 3 PM. Come enjoy music and beautiful downtown Savannah!

https://savannahphilharmonic.org/event/phil-the-squares/

(SAVANNAH, GA) LDSS and the Ghost Pirates have partnered together for a great night of entertainment and education on March 7. LDSS will receive 25% of the proceeds of tickets sold through this link.

https://offer.fevo.com/ghost-pirates-vs-gladiators-lgi9zc-3effbbd?fevoUri=ghost-pirates-vs-gladiators-lgi9zc-3effbbd%2F

(SAVANNAH, GA) Seimitsu offers a free Dark Web Scan for businesses. Don’t be blindsided by your organization’s dark web data. With more and more data breaches happening every day, it’s likely your organization and employees’ information is being sold on the Dark Web. If your business has compromised information on the Dark Web it can increase your risk of receiving a phishing email and other security problems. Seimitsu will search the Dark Web for compromised credentials associated with your business domain, then offer vCISO solutions to protect your business from cyber-attacks.

www.seimitsu.com/cybersecurity

(SAVANNAH, GA) Chevron named Colonial Oil Industries, Inc. a recipient of the Regal Class Marketer Program and congratulates them on achieving “Gold” status for their performance in 2021. The award recognizes partners that go above and beyond in customer-first experience, brand image, training, and volume growth at Chevron/Texaco branded storefronts.

https://carriagetradepr.com/colonial-oil-recognized-by-multi-national-energy-organization/

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Wondering what types of content perform well with TikTok ads? Need fresh and proven ideas that really work? Discover how to make TikTok ads that work.

(CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION) Creating a budget is one of the most vital parts of financial wellness, and it’s actually one of the simplest. It’s Step 2 in our continuing series 12 Steps to Financial Wellness.

https://www.centerparc.org/12-steps-to-financial-wellness-step-2-creating-a-budget/

(PFIZER) Nearly 3 in 5 American adults have at least one risk factor that puts them at high risk for getting very sick from #COVID19. That’s why it’s important to be informed, prepared, and ready to act if COVID-19 strikes. Knowing if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19 is one of the first steps you can take to protect yourself and making a plan before COVID-19 strikes can help; if you test positive, be ready to act fast and ask your healthcare provider if an authorized oral treatment option is right for you. P!NK, Questlove, Jean Smart and Michael Phelps have joined us to #KnowPlanGo when it comes to COVID-19 and encourage you to do the same. Visit https://bit.ly/3GvCuFr to learn more.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Chefs & Chocolates is Urban Hope’s annual fundraiser in support of our free, 8-week summer camp. Campers participate in learning, engaging field trips, and lots of fun. Camp Urban Hope hosts 110 1st through 8th graders and we have a robust Student Leadership Program for high school students. Learn more here: https://www.urbanhopesavannah.org/chefsandchocolates

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Rotary Clubs of Savannah South and Savannah West are hosting a high school speech contest for students in grades 9th through 12th. The contest is at 6 pm on Thursday, March 2, at Senior Citizens, Inc., 3025 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31405. There is no cost to enter, but participants must register by February 28. The top two finalists will advance to the Zone Competition. The winner from that contest will win a $1,000 scholarship, if they present at the Rotary District 6920 Conference. Participants can register at www.rotaryclubofsavannahsouth.com.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Jewish Federation (SJF) is hosting the second annual Savannah Jewish Cultural Arts Festival from March 1-31. Visit SJF’s website www.savj.org/sjcaf for a full calendar of events.

(WTOC) More than 4,000 5th graders got to experience a special concert by the Savannah Philharmonic on Feb. 9 at the Johnny Mercer Theatre. The concert was meant to introduce students to different types of instruments.

https://www.wtoc.com/2023/02/13/over-4000-5th-graders-experience-special-concert-johnny-mercer-theatre/

(WSAV) WSAV is pleased to announce local news anchor Tina Tyus-Shaw will be inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony to take place March 15 in Atlanta. Tina Tyus Shaw anchors the WSAV newscasts weeknights. Tina shared this honor with viewers in December during WSAV News 3 at Six.

https://carriagetradepr.com/wsav-is-pleased-to-announce-local-news-anchor-tina-tyus-shaw-will-be-inducted-into-the-georgia-association-of-broadcasters-hall-of-fame/?fbclid=IwAR2mPlaLS0FPPnNVdE3cO9LllPzIao9ICWNS8YXD5TyQ95Xy3pfhwhjcj3s

(COLONIAL OIL) Colonial Oil’s Wholesale & Commercial Division is delighted to announce the promotion of Kyle Donaldson to Retail Support Manager. Over the last 10 years, Kyle has worked his way through the Colonial family starting in the tax department, then became a controller, and has now been in the retail division for the last 4 years. He is most proud of being able to help customers with beginning-to-end support and working alongside a talented team.

https://www.facebook.com/1663236863906413/posts/pfbid02UJyU9XMf25hSmALsGPER5hjBaR8sfrT2wcjAzCuZdkfpmQsumhT7jZxXAiHekF1Ll/?mibextid=cr9u03

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) This energetic old man loves to be outside! Snooping around, stopping to smell the roses and running and rolling around in the sunshine are a few of his favorite hobbies. Once he gets to know you, Lucky is down for a cuddle and would love a soft place to curl up with you. While Lucky is okay snuggling up with you, he’s not a fan of cats, and can be a bit particular about the canine company he keeps. If you have a dog in your home, slow introductions will need to be made to be sure everyone gets along. BUT – If your home is cat and dog free, then Lucky could be a great contender of you’re looking for a loyal companion. This sweet old man is just a happy-go-lucky kind of guy looking to luck into a new home. If you think that might be you, don’t wait to submit an application to meet him so we can get his new life started.

https://coastalpetrescue.org/adopt/view/2022-d-150-lucky/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition hosted a Meet and Greet on February 13 for those interested in contributing to a positive change in Savannah’s faith community’s health and future. The event was held at Kingdom Life Church at 425 W. Montgomery Cross Road in Savannah. Learn more about this initiative:

https://carriagetradepr.com/envisioning-a-healthier-life-for-the-savannah-faith-community/

(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 Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (CORE MPO) is updating the Regional Freight Transportation Plan for the Savannah region (Chatham, Bryan, and Effingham Counties). The plan will provide a series of recommendations to address freight movement in the coastal region, including recommendations for infrastructure improvements and land use. On March 6, the project team will host a virtual community meeting to share information about freight transportation to the community and gather feedback on early recommendations. The meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. via GoToMeeting. Register Here: https://bit.ly/3y1hL8N. Take the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COREMPO_Freight. Identify location-specific comments via the online map: https://arcg.is/1mbT0b1. The study is scheduled for completion by July 2023. More information is available online at https://www.thempc.org/Core/Fp.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Young children need fruits and vegetables daily to support healthy growth and brain development but a new study has found 1 in 2 Georgia children don’t eat a vegetable daily and 1 in 3 don’t eat a fruit daily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the results of a 2021 study, “Fruit, Vegetable, and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Young Children, by State.” [https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7207a1.htm?s_cid=mm7207a1_w] The data indicates the importance of and need for interventions at both the national and state levels that improve young children’s nutrition to support their optimal growth and brain development.

https://carriagetradepr.com/national-study-recommends-georgia-children-need-to-eat-more-fruits-and-vegetables/

(SAVANNAH, GA) SHE HUSTLES is a Creative Coast tri-annual event, during which Savannah’s women entrepreneurs and leaders connect, learn, and inspire. The event features an inspirational keynote speaker and panel discussion made up of Savannah women who are paving the way in their industries. The Creative Coast is excited to announce its partnership with SCORE Savannah for the upcoming SHE HUSTLES event, which is set to take place from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m on Thursday, March 2, at The Clyde Venue, 223 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online, in advance only at https://thecreativecoast.org/programs/shehustles/. Creative Coast members receive 50% off their ticket price. Email kaitlin@thecreativecoast.org with inquiries about the event and for sponsorship opportunities.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Current recently released its inaugural Impact Report, which highlights its key achievements and the journalistic impact it has had in the past year. The Impact Report is available at https://thecurrentga.org/support-our-publication/making-a-difference-check-out-our-impact-report/.

(WASHINGTON D.C./SAVANNAH, GA.) The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession and lead organization for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders, has selected Alexandria Nicholson, Program Manager, Horizons Savannah, Savannah, GA., as one of NAA’s 2023 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.

https://www.horizonssavannah.org/news

(EFFINGHAM COUNTY, GA) Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Sewon America, a subsidiary of Korean-based Sewon Precision Industry Co., will create 740 new jobs in Rincon and invest more than $300 million in a new Effingham County manufacturing facility.

https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-02-21/gov-kemp-sewon-america-announces-740-new-jobs-effingham-county

(HILTON HEAD, SC) Libraries For Kids, International, will host a World Book Day Celebrity Gala dinner & dance from 5-9 p.m. on April 22 at Martin Family Park in downtown Bluffton, SC. The fundraiser to benefit children who live in places with no internet, electricity, or libraries in their schools will feature music by the 2020 Readers’ Choice best local band, The Chiggers. Each event ticket buys a seat at a table with a local, national, or international celebrity. Sponsorship packages are available. Click HERE https://www.libraries4kids.org/events for tickets or to sponsor.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Creative Coast has announced Winter/Spring 2023 sessions for Girls Code, a youth coding program for girls in 5th to 8th grade attending Savannah Chatham County Public Schools. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to code video games using MIT Scratch during the upcoming season’s Girls Code Games. Sessions will run independently of one another and take place from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at a different Live Oak Public Library branch each week on the following Saturdays: March 4, March 11, April 1, and April 8. Registration is required for attendance. Seats are limited so The Creative Coast encourages early sign-ups to reserve a spot. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.thecreativecoast.org/girlscode.

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Want more customers from your Facebook campaigns? Looking for a model for scaling Facebook ads? Discover a three-step Facebook ads strategy to scale your business results.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Soup It Up for Loop It Up, will be held on March 11, 2023. Individual tickets and business sponsorships are available and all purchases help support the 2023 Annual Campaign for Loop It Up. To RSVP: https://www.loopitupsavannah.com/soup-it-up.html

(SAVANNAH, GA) Do you know a business that deserves recognition for hiring workers with different abilities? If so, here is your chance to recognize them. The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is seeking nominations for its 14th annual Night of Champions on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 6-11 p.m. at The Savannah Convention Trade Center on Hutchinson Island. The multifaceted event includes recognition of some of the area’s outstanding employers of differently-abled people, and the public is invited to nominate businesses for this recognition. Employee nominations may be completed online at https://ldssga.org/night-of-champions and will remain open until March 22.

https://carriagetradepr.com/lowcountry-down-syndrome-society-issues-call-for-nominations-for-2023-night-of-champions/

(CDC.GOV) Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. However, if you were not able to get vaccinated yet, vaccination is still recommended because flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May. Find a flu vaccine near you at https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2022-2023.htm

(SAVANNAH, GA) The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia, invites small business owners of young companies and entrepreneurs who are in the planning stages of their business to participate in their upcoming SBDC StartSMART™ Program. Seating is limited. Application Required. Only one business per industry accepted. For more information, please contact Liz Overstreet at (912) 651-3200 or go to https://ugasbdc.training/sav/SMART2023 for a complete brochure and to apply online.

(SAVANNAH, GA) On Thursday, March 23, from 6 to 9 p.m., Pin Point Heritage Museum will host its annual “Art & Oysters,” a coastal-themed fundraising event featuring a silent auction of original artwork presented by local artists. Guests are invited to meet and greet with the participating artists and enjoy an evening on the Moon River marsh. Proceeds from the auction will support educational programs and operations at Pin Point Heritage Museum. Tickets for “Art & Oysters” are $60 for Coastal Heritage Society Members and $75 for nonmembers and may be purchased by contacting Dan McCall at 912-944-7457 or registering at: bit.ly/AandO2023.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Representatives of Healthy Savannah, YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Chatham County Health Department and Georgia Southern University Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health are applauding new legislation that expands rights for lactating parents to pump at work.

https://carriagetradepr.com/local-advocates-applaud-new-legislation-expanding-rights-for-lactating-parents-to-pump-at-work/

(GEORGIASOUTHERN.EDU) Beginning in fall 2023, a public health pathway will be offered to high school students in Bulloch County. This three-course pathway will introduce students to the broad topic of health care. The first two courses, Introduction to Healthcare Science and Essentials of Healthcare, are currently offered to high school students in the county. The new course, Applications of Public Health, will introduce students to the knowledge and skills needed for a career in public health. The public health course was developed by the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH) at Georgia Southern University. The course will be offered in an asynchronous online format and will be facilitated by JPHCOPH Associate Dean Nandi A. Marshall, DrPH.

https://news.georgiasouthern.edu/2023/02/01/georgia-southern-partners-with-bulloch-county-high-schools-introduces-public-health-pathway-for-students/

(COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT) This February, the Coastal Health District wants to help you love your heart, and that starts with knowing your blood pressure and blood glucose numbers. The Coastal Health District will be offering free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings at various locations with no appointment needed. You can learn about these heart healthy programs at the screening events in February or on the Coastal Health District website at coastalhealthdistrict.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA) SavPhil musicians are looking for housing hosts for the 2023-24 concert season. To learn more about hosting a SavPhil musician, please contact Executive Director Amy Williams at amy@savannahphilharmonic.org or 912-232-6002.

(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.

(SAVANNAH, GA)  Savannah Toastmasters Preparing Speakers Club would like to offer an opportunity for aspiring speakers, leaders, or person(s) 18 and up to join its members on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. via Zoom.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82179965484?pwd=MFE4cmZCWnB3Znc4QWZXeGRRbWhuUT09

KIDS WHO CARE SCHOLARSHIP

(JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SAVANNAH) Kids Who Care is a program designed to salute high school Seniors who have made a positive difference in the lives of others by volunteering. Scholarships will be awarded to local Seniors from the Savannah and Lowcountry area in recognition of their outstanding volunteer service to their community. These scholarships are not based on academic or athletic ability. Please nominate a high school Seniors who has been an active volunteer.

For more info contact Donna Williams at CommOutreach@jrleaguesav.org.

https://www.jrleaguesav.org/kids-who-care-scholarship/

(STEPUPSAVANNAH.ORG) The Savannah Ghost Pirates have partnered with Step Up Savannah for the FIRST TIME EVER for a fundraiser. 25% of each ticket price for the game on Sun, Mar. 12 at 3:00 PM will be donated to Step Up Savannah as long as the ticket is purchased using the link below. Make it an event to remember as you cheer on the Ghost Pirates as they battle the Swamp Rabbits while donating to a great cause. https://offer.fevo.com/ghost-pirates-vs-swamp-rabbits-sy93rxu-adaea2a?fevoUri=ghost-pirates-vs-swamp-rabbits-sy93rxu-adaea2a%2F

(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. Upcoming 2023 training sessions are February 27- March 23; April 10-May 4; May 22- June 14. Sign up online:

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

(SAVANNAH, GA) Dr. Jessica Eisner, a researcher at Georgia Southern University is working on a study of influential factors of job satisfaction of small- and medium-sized business owners in the Coastal Georgia region. This includes eligible businesses in the following counties: Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven.The survey ends on March 1, 2023, If you are interested in participating, please complete the following survey at this link: https://georgiasouthern.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RnDoujDyCFnYBU

(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/