COMMUNITY HEADLINES – MARCH 21, 2022

THE CURRENT

(THE CURRENT) ProPublica has announced the addition of three new partner newsrooms and local reporters to its Local Reporting Network and The Current is among them. The editor in chief Margaret Coker will be working with ProPublica, a nonpartisan national investigative news organization, on an in-depth year-long project affecting Coastal Georgia. “At a time of ongoing challenges in local and regional news, this new generation of news organizations has successfully launched to produce high-impact, accountability reporting,” said Charles Ornstein, managing editor, local at ProPublica. Since 2018, ProPublica has supported investigative journalism in 50 local newsrooms.

ENMARKET STOREFRONT AT THE JA COLONIAL GROUP DISCOVERY CENTER CUTS RIBBON

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) As Savannah’s largest convenience store chain and one that continues to grow, ribbon-cuttings are not that unusual for Enmarket. But earlier this month, the store observed a ribbon-cutting unlike any other in its history. The facility the ceremony opened was not a regular store, but instead was a storefront inside the Junior Achievement Colonial Group Discovery Center at the Armstrong campus of Georgia Southern University.

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.

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.

PRAY FOR PEACE 4 UKRAINE BENEFIT CONCERT

(SAVANNAH, GA) The people of Ukraine are suffering in an unjust invasion and good people are on the ground at the front lines providing relief for those who need it the most. PROEM in Poland is taking in refugees every day, and Chef Maksym is cooking meals for the brave Ukrainians in the capital of Kyiv defending their homeland. The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra invites you to this FREE concert being presented by Equinox Global Missions for the purpose of raising funds to send to these operations. Please RSVP today: https://events.eventgroove.com/event/Pray-4-Peace-4-Ukraine-Benefit-Concert-61247

HOW TO WRITE BETTER-PERFORMING FACEBOOK ADS

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Are your Facebook ads underdelivering? Wondering how to improve your results? Learn how to write better ad copy, including where to find ideas and what to avoid, plus a lot more.

ATL/SAV RAILROAD

(THE CURRENT) If you’ve ever driven to Atlanta from the coast and wished there was an easier way to get there, WABE/Grist’s Emily Jones has some good news. The Georgia DOT has $8 million in federal funds to look into the feasibility of a high speed rail line running between Atlanta to Savannah.

CHATHAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONSOLIDATES COVID-19 OPERATIONS

(CHATHAM COUNTY, GA) The Chatham County Health Department is consolidating resources as demand declines for COVID-19 services. Free COVID-19 testing and vaccination will continue to be available through public health in Chatham County, but upcoming changes will release some facilities and personnel for other uses. More information about COVID-19 testing and vaccination in Chatham County is available on the Coastal Health District website, coastalhealthdistrict.org.

SALLY NEEDS A HOME

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) Sally is a super charming, sweet, and loving young kitty who came to Camp Pawsawhile with his (yes, his) two brothers last Fall. When they arrived, they were so tiny that they required help from a surrogate mom and they’ve become close with their surrogate siblings. Sally is quite similar in “purrsonality” to his brother Jack. They often entertain volunteers by playing and wrestling with each other. Sally loves to be cuddled with and would be an amazing buddy to watch movies with. Sally can’t wait to leave Camp Pawsawhile and settle into a home with a family of his own!

MARVIS HERRING JOINS WJCL 22 NEWS AT 5:00 P.M. AS CO-ANCHOR

(SAVANNAH, GA) WJCL 22, the Hearst Television-owned ABC affiliate for Savannah, Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry, has named Marvis Herring as its new 5:00 p.m. co-anchor. Herring joins the current 5:00 team which includes anchor Riley Miller and StormTracker 22 Chief Meteorologist Jeremy Nelson.

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.

PRETEEN IMMUNIZATIONS

(CHATHAM COUNTY, GA) – The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends certain immunizations for preteens 11 to 12 years old which include human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and Tdap. Everyone 11-12 years of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year and preteens may also need to catch up on other immunizations, including chickenpox, MMR (measles mumps, rubella), hepatitis B, and COVID-19. For more information on immunization schedules, please visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/immunizations.

IS LINKEDIN SALES NAVIGATOR RIGHT FOR YOU?

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) In this video, LinkedIn expert Mandy McEwen walks you through how to determine if Sales Navigator is a fit for your needs and how to get the most out of it. You’ll discover two questions to ask yourself when deciding if Sales Navigator is right for your business and a basic rundown of how it helps you find qualified prospects. You’ll also learn about two critical features to help you identify low-hanging fruit, automate lead list generation, and save time and energy prospecting.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO CELEBRATE HEALTHY WALK ANNIVERSARY ON MARCH 22

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Walk, a grass-roots initiative to explore Savannah area trails and walkways, will celebrate its two-year anniversary on Tuesday, March 22. Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia are inviting the public to join them at 7:30 a.m. for a walk on the Truman Linear Park Trail. Please meet up in the parking area at Scarborough Sports Complex, Skidaway at Bona Bella Ave, Savannah, GA 31406, and remember to bring a mask. The walk will start at 7:30 a.m. and last about an hour. For more information on upcoming Healthy Walks, visit the Healthy Savannah Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/healthysav.

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.

SWEEPSTAKES FORE CHARITY

(ENMARKET) Visit us on Victory Drive or Chatham Parkway in Savannah to enter the Club Car Championship at The Landings Club Sweepstakes Fore Charity for a chance to win a Club Car Onward cart! Learn more about the event and sweepstakes at https://www.clubcarchampionshipattlc.com/.

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.

CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES $1000 YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) High school seniors are invited to apply for the 2022 Youth Member Development Scholarship Award being presented by Center Parc Credit Union. The financial organization will present two $1,000 scholarships to students who are entering college or vocational school this year. The deadline for submitting a completed application packet with supporting documents is March 31, 2022. To access the packet and full information about the application process, visit https://www.centerparc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Center_Parc_2022_Scholarship_Packet-Print_Ready.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2seZ1oJL1sc8uqiDBrCd7HzRixGBoppeDgx1M3uZ6ff4KfWgdjryC-wLw.

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.

TAKE THE HEALTHY SAVANNAH COMMUNITY SURVEY

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) Healthy Savannah’s 2022 Community Survey is ready and we would love for you to take it so we can learn more about the health needs and wants in our community! Take the survey in the month of March for a chance to win a gift certificate to Ashford Tea Company!

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.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: WORLD TRADE CENTER SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

(SAVANNAH, GA) World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) is now calling for nominations for the 2022 World Trade Center Savannah International Business of the Year Award. Given annually, the award recognizes companies that excel in international trade and acknowledges the importance of trade to the region’s economy. This award is presented to encourage and recognize exemplary corporate leadership for international business or trade that advances relations between the U.S. and other nations as well as creates quality jobs in the region. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 1. Nominations can be submitted online at wtcsavannah.org/nomination2022 or for more information contact Antwone Smoak at asmoak@wtcsavannah.org.

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.

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

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.

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