| INNOVATIVE MATH SOLUTIONS INC LAUNCHES CHATHAM CO INITIATIVE
(SAVANNAH, GA) Georgia ranks near the bottom in math education, and Chatham County trails even further behind, raising concerns about future workforce competitiveness. Innovative MATH Solutions Inc. (IMSI) is launching a new Numeracy Initiative to strengthen math skills in elementary students. At the heart of the program is FIGURD, a math-based educational game shown to improve early-grade math mastery. IMSI plans a math competition modeled after traditional spelling bees that once fought literacy gaps. Supporters say the initiative could boost the county’s academic standing and prepare students for STEM careers. Community members and sponsors can learn more at www.figurd.com. HEALTHY SAVANNAH ANNOUNCES CONTINUED FUNDING OF CDC’S $5.1 MILLION REACH GRANT IN 2025-2026 (SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah has announced continued funding of the CDC’s five-year, $5.1 million Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant. Originally endowed in 2023, the funds, administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, are earmarked to support sustainable health equity for racial and ethnic minority populations in low-wealth neighborhoods, focusing on nutrition, physical activity and breastfeeding. During the second year of the grant, which concluded in September 2025, Healthy Savannah worked with 200 local partners to reduce health disparities in the region. During the 2025-2026 grant period, Healthy Savannah also plans to reshape its nationally recognized Community Health Advocate initiative to support breastfeeding families and increase workplace breastfeeding spaces in accordance with the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. https://carriagetradepr.com/ JESSICA LEIGH LEBOS (SAVANNAH, GA) Local writer Jessica Leigh Lebos debuts the first episodes of Savannah Sideways, Season 1: The Strange Story of Savannah’s Ancient Roman Statuary. This little-known saga spans continents and centuries and features Gilded Age tycoons, Revolutionary War heroes, vanished mansions, Georgia’s longleaf pine forests, barrier-island battles, Gullah Geechee heritage — even a cameo from James Brown! History, mystery, and Southern Gothic collide in this unforgettable deep dive into Savannah’s secrets — listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. https:// SCDATACOM TECHNICIAN JOHN ACQUINO RECOGNIZED BY NATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM (DALLAS/SAVANNAH, Ga.) – The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has announced that John Aquino, a security systems technician with Savannah-based scDataCom, has been named one of ten winners of the 2025 Security Technician of the Year Awards. Now in its third year, the national awards program recognizes security professionals whose skill, dedication, and technical expertise play a vital role in keeping communities safe. Aquino was honored for his exceptional technical performance, leadership, and commitment to delivering secure, reliable solutions for scDataCom clients. https://www.scdatacom.net FREE FITNESS CLASSES (SAVANNAH, GA) Experience what makes The Coop Gym one of Savannah’s favorite fitness communities! From Nov. 10–14, all non-members can attend any class for free during Bring-a-Friend Week. Try fun, functional workouts led by expert coaches in a supportive, encouraging environment. Whether you’re new to fitness or looking for a fresh start, The Coop welcomes you. Visit 341 Commercial Drive or go to www.thecoopgymsav.com https://carriagetradepr.com/ BUDDY WALK (WTOC) Over 3,000 people headed to Forsyth Park Saturday for the 20th Annual Buddy Walk, hosted by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society. https://www.wtoc.com/2025/10/ TALK ON TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS (SAVANNAH, GA) Hope Haven will host “Hope for the Holidays,” a special event offering practical tools and tips for dementia caregivers, Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m.. The program will take place at Hope Haven, located on the third floor of Cranmer Hall at 27 West Charlton Street. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the presentation begins at 11 a.m. Free parking is available. The featured speaker is Alexis Williams, Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, who will share strategies to help caregivers navigate the holiday season with greater ease and confidence. Seating is limited. Caregivers and community members are encouraged to reserve a spot by emailing savannahrespite@gmail.com or calling (912) 231-7310. TRAVEL WRITERS TO SPEAK (BLUFFTON, SC) Join the Libraries for Kids, International Free Author Series (a $5 donation is recommended) on Monday, Nov. 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road, Bluffton, S.C. Meet travel writers Lynn and Cele Seldon, authors of 100 Things to Do in Savannah Before You Die. An optional Dutch treat lunch with the authors will follow. RSVPs are required—call, text, or email Tamela Maxim at 843-683-4100 or tamelamaxim@gmail.com. BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO UPLIFT COMMUNITIES: NANDI MARSHALL BRINGS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES, PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTISE TO BRIDGE GAPS (GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY) Breaking down barriers to breastfeeding has energized much of the research and community outreach of Nandi Marshall, DrPH, (’12) for more than half of her two-decade career. As the associate dean of Academic Affairs and an associate professor of health policy and community health in Georgia Southern University’s Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Marshall’s focal point didn’t stem from textbooks. Rather, it was her own dramatically different — and often heartbreaking — experiences that fueled her mission. https://www.georgiasouthern. HOLD THE DATE (BLUFFTON, SC) The Libraries for Kids Team invites the public to an immersive African journey titled “Dreams Under the Serengeti” at 5 p.m. on April 25, 2026. The event will be held at the Port Royal Sound Foundation, 310 Okatie Highway in South Carolina. The experience is crafted through artistry, sound and visuals. SAVANNAH COUNCIL ON WORLD AFFAIRS (SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Council on World Affairs will be hosting its next meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm St. The featured speaker, Frank David Diaz — a former U.S. Marine and official with the Department of Defense, State Department, and National Security Council — now teaches at Georgetown University and works in the private sector on security issues. Diaz will discuss the proliferation and control of advanced conventional weapons, with a special focus on the war in Ukraine. The public is invited to attend. More information is available at https://savannahcwa.org. 10TH ANNUAL TOMMY HOLLAND AND FRIENDS MUSICAL TOY DRIVE SET FOR NOV. 29 (SAVANNAH, GA) The 10th annual Tommy Holland and Friends Musical Toy Drive benefit concert is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. on Saturday. Nov 29, 2025, at Coach’s Corner, 3016 E. Victory Dr in Savannah. This grassroots effort, which started in 2015 to support the next generation of Savannah musicians, has since placed more than $50,000 of musical instruments into the hands of area youth. A host of Savannah’s most renowned musicians will be performing, headlined by The Church Band and Tommy Holland and Friends. Those who make a $10 donation at the door will receive two raffle tickets and can purchase additional chances to bid on items. A silent auction will also be held. This annual event is presented by The Little Star Foundation of Savannah and sponsored by Coach’s Corner, Sandpiper Supply and Coffee Deli. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/ MORE INFO: https://www. HEALTHY WALKS (SAVANNAH, GA) Join the Healthy Savannah team every Tuesday morning for a #healthy walk or head out to explore a local trail on your own. The team has also launched a new Saturday walk series. Upcoming walks: November 4th, River Street, 7:30 AM November 11th, JF Gregory Park, 8:00 AM November 15th, Bowles C. Ford Park, 8:00 AM (Saturday) November 18th, Whitemarsh Preserve, 7:30 AM https://healthysavannah.org/ https://healthysavannah.org/ SHAMROCK+ PARTNERS WITH CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF POOLER (POOLER, GA) Shamrock+, a Savannah-based service-disabled veteran-owned visual solutions firm, has been partnering with the Children’s Museum of Pooler since May to provide ongoing media support. The contributions include professional photography, 3D virtual tours, drone fly-through videos, and promotional highlight reels—each designed to help elevate the Museum’s visibility and mission. The Children’s Museum of Pooler, a 501©(3) nonprofit, continues to serve as a vital educational resource for families throughout the region. Now operating out of its temporary home at Tanger Outlets Suite 191, the museum features hands-on learning exhibits inspired by Smithsonian partnerships and local community collaboration. To learn more about Shamrock+’s community goodwill projects or to explore how 3D mapping, drone media, or photography can support your organization, visit www.shamrockplus.com or call 912‑387‑0884. SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (SAVANNAH, GA) United Way of the Coastal Empire is seeking volunteers to join its Community Investment panels for the next grant cycle.“Your commitment will make a significant difference in our community,” said Lauren Knight, vice president of community impact at United Way of the Coastal Empire. “No experience is needed, and training is provided. As long as you have the time, dedication and passion, you are qualified. Visit uwce.org/investmentvolunteers. WELLNESS PROGRAM (SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah-based physician Dr. Yolanda Rivera-Caudill and wellness coach Chelsea Dye have officially announced that their Purpose & Plants Academy is now HSA and FSA eligible. This evidence-based lifestyle medicine course helps individuals manage obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and gut health using food-first strategies now covered under IRS-approved conditions. https://purposeandplants.com/ RETIRED GEORGIA EMPLOYEES (SAVANNAH, GA) Are you retired from the state of Georgia? The Georgia State Retirees Association (GSRA) is a membership based 501©4 agency. The GSRA advocates for active and retired state employees’ benefits and pensions. To become a member, visit: https://www.mygsra.com. We need you to join us as we advocate for our Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs). There is power in numbers! The local chapter’s email address is segamembership@mygsra.com. GEORGIA EMPLOYEES (SAVANNAH, GA.) The local chapter of the Georgia State Retirees Association (GSRA) participated as a team in the Savannah Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Members enjoyed taking part in the event while raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and contributing their time and donations to support the cause. The chapter’s next meeting will be held Thursday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the DFCS Building, 761 Wheaton St., Savannah. The gathering will be a potluck social event, and all members are encouraged to attend. segamembership@mygsra.com. HOT WHEELS (SAVANNAH, GA) Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ at EnMarket Arena on JANUARY 2 and 3, 2026. Tickets and event information are available at www. LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME (SAVANNAH, GA) National Down Syndrome Society hosted a free, month-long webinar series for caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome, covering topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, financial planning, mental health, and more. The recording can be found on our website HERE. https://ndss.org/ndss- SOUTHERN TELECOM AND SEIMITSU FORM SOUTHERNWAVES, SECURE DEAL WITH SOUTH DOWNTOWN ATLANTA PROJECT (ATLANTA / SAVANNAH) Southern Telecom, a subsidiary of Southern Company, and Seimitsu, a Savannah, Ga.-based leader in broadband networking solutions, have announced SouthernWaves, a strategic alliance poised to deliver fiber-optic network services across the Southeast. U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES MARCHESE CONSTRUCTION (SAVANNAH, GA) Marchese Construction, led by founder and president Joe Marchese, has been selected as one of the nation’s top small businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The company was named to the prestigious 2025 CO—100, an exclusive list recognizing 100 small businesses from across the country for their innovation, contributions to the economy, and commitment to their communities. www.marchese.com or https://www.uschamber.com/co/ BLESSINGDALES EXPANDS WITH SECOND THRIFT SHOP IN GEORGETOWN (SAVANNAH, Ga.) Blessingdales Thrift Shop officially expanded to an additional location in Georgetown with a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, September 16. Hosted by The Living Vine Maternity Home, the event drew community leaders, supporters and families, including Chatham County Commissioner Pat Farrell and representatives from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. Among those participating in the ribbon-cutting lineup was a mother and her three-week-old baby, who are current residents of The Living Vine’s maternity home. Proceeds from Blessingdales directly support the nonprofit’s mission to provide housing, resources and hope for women in crisis pregnancies. HOLD THE DATE (SAVANNAH, GA) Chefs + Farmers on March 5, 2026. Benefitting Forsyth Farmers’ Market Inc. Event will be held at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. https://www. |