CDH PARTNERS
(ATLANTA/SAVANNAH, GA) CDH Partners has announced the appointment of Jarrette
Burckhalter as chief operating officer. Burckhalter is a strategic operations executive
known for translating vision into disciplined execution and scalable growth. Throughout
his career, he has partnered with founders and leadership teams to strengthen
operational performance, align strategy with accountability, and build high-trust, high-
performing cultures. For nearly 50 years, CDH Partners has been an award-winning, women-owned architecture and interior design firm. For more information, please visit cdhpartners.com.
GA MANUFACTURERS NEED STABILITY
(SavannahCEO) Opinion | Georgia Manufacturers Need Stability — Not More Trade Whiplash. By COO Matt Bush, SESOLINC Group, Inc. https://savannahceo.com/news/2026/03/matt-bush-sesolinc-group-georgia-manufacturers-need-stability-not-more-trade-whiplash/
HEALTHY SAVANNAH CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAVANNAH’S SMOKE FREE AIR ORDINANCE
(Savannah, GA) Healthy Savannah is commemorating the 15th anniversary of the City of Savannah Smoke Free Air Ordinance, a 2011 landmark public health policy conceived by City of Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, Ph.D., which has significantly improved air quality and health outcomes across the community. Data from the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health demonstrate meaningful improvements in public health since the implementation of smoke-free policies, including decreases in emergency room visit rates due to asthma and deaths due to obstructive heart disease.
THE CURRENT GA
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Current GA, in collaboration with ProPublica, has received an Honorable Mention in the prestigious Best in Business Awards from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW).
The recognition honors “Broken Pathways: How the Nation’s Only Medicaid Work Requirement Experiment Fails Georgians,” reported by Margaret Coker, editor and co-founder of The Current GA. https://carriagetradepr.com/the-current-ga-and-propublica-project-earns-national-recognition-from-sabew/
ART AND MUSIC FAIR APRIL 18
(ISLE OF HOPE, GA) Talent in Design & Expression, better known as TIDE, is a relaxed, family-friendly art and music fair, taking place April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on the Isle of Hope. The event will gather the community to celebrate the creativity of local Lowcountry artists and musicians. The church is located at 2 St. Thomas Ave., Savannah, GA 31406. Volunteers are needed. For more information, visit www.stthomasisleofhope.org.
INC. NAMES scDataCom TO ITS 2026 LIST OF THE FASTEST-GROWING PRIVATE COMPANIES IN THE SOUTHEAST
(SAVANNAH, GA) Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today revealed that scDataCom has been ranked No. 46 on its sixth annual Inc. Regionals: Southeast list – the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the Southeast. The region includes South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Puerto Rico. An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, the Regionals list offers a data-driven look at the independent small businesses driving growth across the Southeast economy. Companies on this year’s list demonstrate exceptional revenue expansion, resilience, and job creation during a challenging economic period. visit www.inc.com.
MATH BEE APRIL 23
(SAVANNAH, GA) Innovative Math Solutions, Inc. (IMSI) will host the inaugural Figurd Math Bee at 6 p.m. on April 23 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 702 Concord Rd on Wilmington Island. The event is free and open to the public. The competition will feature the fourth- and fifth-grade finals, where student relay teams will compete to solve math problems with speed and accuracy. Awards will be presented to the winners and finalists following the competition. Students participating in the Math Bee were introduced to Figurd at the start of the school year, a multi-platform, gamified arithmetic learning tool developed by IMSI. Since then, students have practiced both online and with printed materials in preparation for the finals. Unlike traditional academic competitions, the Figurd Math Bee is team-based, emphasizing collaboration and problem-solving skills aligned with today’s workforce needs. The event is proudly supported by local sponsors, including GA Eye, Woof Gang Bakery, Miller Dental, Luba Lowry Art Studio, Vinyl Industries, and Edward D. Jones – Chris Auclair’s office, with more sponsors joining every day. Please feel free to attend to make the event a memorable and rewarding experience for the kids. We will also have some great door prizes for attendees, provided by our generous, community-minded supporters.
https://carriagetradepr.com/innovated-math-solutions-to-host-inaugural-figurd-math-bee-on-april-23/
BOOK DONATION
(SAVANNAH, GA) Loop It Up Savannah is collecting books for its Looping Literacy Together students. Email bryce@loopitupsavannah.com to schedule pick-up or drop-off. The organization is also seeking volunteers to help with upcoming Book Box Library projects in which students paint a wooden crate or canvas bag that becomes theirs to take home as a bookshelf or library bag. After the crates or bags are decorated, students get to choose 10 books that have been donated to Loop It Up, helping start or add to their personal libraries.
https://www.loopitupsavannah.com/looping-literacy-together.html
COMMUNITY GARDENS
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Chatham Food Policy Council is hosting a series of community garden visits this spring and summer and invites community members to join them. The Council is visiting local gardens to learn, connect, and explore ways to support a more equitable local food system. Join them, along with cohosts from the City of Savannah ACTion grant team, at the Tatemville Community Garden, 333 Coleman St, in Savannah, from 5:30-6:30 PM on Tuesday, May 12. Additional garden visits will be added soon.
https://healthysavannah.org/scfpc/
APRIL 30, NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will host its 17th Annual Night of Champions & Hiring Expo on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront Hotel.
The annual event celebrates businesses that provide meaningful employment opportunities to differently-abled adults, including individuals with Down syndrome, while highlighting the importance of inclusive workplaces.
Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are now available for purchase. LDSS offers sponsorships at all levels, and all tickets and sponsorships can be secured online at
https://ldssga.org/night-of-champions/
LECTURE ON CHINA, TAIWAN AND U.S. RELATIONS
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Council on World Affairs will host a program on China, Taiwan and U.S.-China relations on Thursday, April 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 305 Fahm St.
The program will be presented by Dan Blumenthal, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, whose expertise includes East Asian security issues and Sino-American relations. Blumenthal has served in and advised the U.S. government on China policy for more than a decade. The discussion will examine current tensions involving China and Taiwan, as well as broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and global security.
For more information and tickets, visit https://savannahcwa.org/event/china-taiwan-and-us-china-relations/
GA STATE RETIREES ASSOCIATION
(SAVANNAH, GA) Curious how the 2026 Georgia legislative session affects your retirement? Join the Georgia State Retirees Association to discuss bills, potential COLA updates, and how they impact you. The Association is planning a chapter meeting at 10 a.m. on April 23rd, at the DFCS building, 761 Wheaton Street, Savannah, Ga. Whether you’re retired, planning to retire, or a family member, you are welcome. Learn more here: mygsra.com/
INSURANCE RATES ARE UP
(THE CURRENT GA) Are Georgia and other states becoming uninsurable? The Current GA has the latest data. State’s insurance rates have risen 24% from 2023-2025, with another 10% rise projected for 2026.LINK
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 is also offering a Saturday walk series. https://healthysavannah.org/our-programs/physical-activity/healthy-walks-story-map/
https://healthysavannah.org/events/
UPCOMING WALKS-
April 7, 7:30 AM: Tribble Park, 12517 Largo Dr, Savannah, GA 31419
April 14, 8:00 AM: Sterling Creek Park, 1700 Elbow Swamp Rd, Richmond Hill, GA 31324
April 18, 8:00 AM: (Saturday) Retha May McCoy Park, 240 Riverview Drive, Savannah, GA 31404
April 21, 7:30 AM: McQueen’s Island Trail, 101 Fort Pulaski Rd, Savannah, GA
April 28: 7:30 AM: Bonaventure Cemetery, 330 Bonaventure Rd, Savannah, GA 31404
HEALTHY SAVANNAH OBSERVES NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
(SAVANNAH, GA) As many as 33,000 people living in Chatham County (11%) have low incomes and do not live close to a grocery store, limiting their ability to access healthy foods. In recognition of National Nutrition Month® this March, Healthy Savannah is highlighting its ongoing efforts to support nutrition in priority neighborhoods, expand faith-based training, and address local food insecurity. As a leading advocate for health equity, the organization is striving to provide the resources to help individuals and communities implement this year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition.”
ROTARY
(SAVANNAH, GA) Mary’s Place: Sexual Assault Center of the Coastal Empire (formerly Rape Crisis Center) and the Rotary Club of Savannah East have announced a new partnership, supported by a joint award from the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust (GOCAT) and Rotary District 6920 to support youth prevention education initiatives, focusing on opioid misuse prevention and distributing harm reduction supplies throughout Southeast Georgia. Visit marysplacega.org
DOWN SYNDROME
(USA) Looking for Down syndrome research opportunities? The National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) new Clinical Trial Finder helps you discover studies currently recruiting near you. Simply enter your search criteria to filter trials from the US National Library of Medicine and see which studies you or your loved one may qualify for. Start exploring today: https://ndss.org/clinical-trials?vcrmeid=qztJC6sK9UqqlPCGxOkHA&vcrmiid=nSfkBGyHdU6LKq1gNeZZIA
HOLD THE DATE
(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition will host its fourth annual Faith Walk on Sunday, May 3, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lake Mayer Community Park, 1850 E. Montgomery Cross Road. The community event will include a walk around the lake and additional activities promoting health and wellness. Partners include Tide to Town, Forsyth Farmers’ Market and GirlTREK.
For more information, visit healthysavannah.org.
MUSIC ON MADISON
(SAVANNAH, GA) Music on Madison Square, Savannah’s new concert series, will present the Tallis Scholars at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at St. John’s Church on historic Madison Square. Led by director Peter Phillips, the ensemble will perform their program “Mysteries and Miracles,” featuring Renaissance polyphony depicting events in the life of Jesus. Since launching in 2025, the series has showcased the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, the choirs of St. John’s Church with members of the Savannah Philharmonic, and the St. James’ Compline Choir of Mississippi. William Douglas, organist and choirmaster at St. John’s, said the series aims to “lift listeners beyond the ordinary” and share “something transcendent” with the community. Tickets are available now at stjohnssav.org/mms, and all are invited to experience this rare Southeastern appearance by the renowned group.
LDSS
(LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY) On September 12, 2026, thousands will gather in New York City to kick off the NYC Buddy Walk, and 500 individuals with Down syndrome will be featured in a video on two jumbotrons in Times Square. Submit your photo today. https://ndss.org/nyc-buddy-walk-tsv
TEATIME
(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah’s historic Green-Meldrim House will launch a new program, “Teatime at the Meldrims,” on select Mondays in April and May at 4:30 p.m. Guests will experience an early 20th-century tea with friends of the Meldrim family while enjoying conversation, tea and treats inside the historic home. Dates include April 13 and 27 and May 11, 18 and 25. Tickets are $22.50 and must be purchased online. The Green-Meldrim House is located at 327 Bull St. on Madison Square in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District. https://greenmeldrimhouse.square.site/tea-time
KIDS HEALTH & SAFETY ZONE
(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah held a Free Kids Health & Safety Fair on March 21 at the Greenbriar Children’s Center Gym in Savannah. The event, in partnership with the Savannah Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, offered health screenings, interactive fitness activities, food demonstrations, and educational resources for families. Children enjoyed free smoothies, games, and raffles while learning about healthy habits. “Keeping kids healthy should be a community effort that is accessible and fun,” said Devin Frails, Healthy Savannah’s physical activity program manager. The event was part of Healthy Savannah’s ongoing efforts to promote wellness and provide resources for local families.
https://carriagetradepr.com/healthy-savannah-to-host-free-kids-health-safety-fair-on-march-21/
JOY PROM
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society will host JOY Prom Savannah 2026, an inclusive celebration for individuals of all abilities, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8, at the Henderson Campus Student Center of Compassion Christian Church. Participants ages 16 and older are invited to enjoy a red-carpet entrance, dinner, dancing and an evening of friendship and fun. Buddies and volunteers will arrive earlier for orientation and participant matching to help ensure a welcoming experience for everyone. The annual event, a community tradition since 2010, celebrates belonging, confidence and connection. To register or volunteer, visit: https://ldssga.org/joy-prom
HOPE HAVEN
(SAVANNAH, GA) Hope Haven will host its next volunteer training on April 24, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cranmer Hall, 27 W. Charlton St. in Savannah. The training will feature dementia expert Robin Dill. Attendance does not commit participants to volunteer. For general information about Hope Haven or to register for the volunteer training, visit savannahrespite.com or call 912-231-7310.
BUG FEST
(SAVANNAH, GA) Coastal Heritage Society’s annual Bug Fest is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 18 at Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Road. The event features live insect encounters, an Eat-A-Bug contest, a ladybug release and a visit from a Chatham County Mosquito Control helicopter. Admission is included with general museum entry and free for society members. Food trucks will sell concessions. Sponsors include Vulcan Materials Co., Mosquito Shield and LiveOak Fiber. https://chsgeorgia.org/savannah-childrens-museum/
RUN APRIL 25
(RICHMOND HILL, GA) Girls on the Run South Georgia Coastal Lowcountry is excited to host its spring 5K celebration on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at J.F. Gregory Recreational Park, bringing together girls, families, and community members for a morning of fun, inspiration, and community celebration. The day begins with the Girls on the Run festival at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m. While the 5K marks the conclusion of the season, the true achievement happens throughout the weeks of preparation, teamwork, and personal growth. The event is open to the public and welcomes runners, walkers, families, and community supporters of all ages. Attendees can expect a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that reflects the organization’s mission to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident. For more information or to register, visit www.gotrsga.org or contact Girls on the Run South Georgia Coastal Lowcountry at gotrsga@gmail.com or 229-234-7425.
GREEN GALA, APRIL 18
(SAVANNAH CEO) The Savannah Tree Foundation (STF) is thrilled to invite the community to its 2026 Green Gala, a signature fundraising event set for 6:00 to 10:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Hosted at one of Savannah’s most beautiful venues, 700 Wilmington Island Road, Savannah, Georgia 31410. This cherished annual gathering celebrates The Hostess City’s legendary live oak canopy while raising vital funds to protect, plant, and grow Chatham County’s urban forest.
DRONE-ASSISTED FERAL HOG HUNTING
(THE CURRENT GA) Georgia’s budget includes funds for drone-assisted feral hog hunting
Bill allows feral hogs to be killed without a hunting license.LINK
2026 STATE OF SMALL BUSINESS IN THE SAVANNAH AREA TO HEADLINE MAYOR’S SMALL BUSINESS CONFERENCE
(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah’s small business community will gain critical, real-time insights into the region’s economic landscape during the 2026 State of Small Business in the Savannah Area, a featured presentation at the Mayor’s Small Business Conference on Wednesday, May 6, at the Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave. This year marks the 13th year the State of Small Business presentation has been offered, providing a trusted snapshot of trends, opportunities and challenges facing local entrepreneurs. By presenting fast-paced, sector-specific insights, the session helps business owners identify opportunities, anticipate challenges and remain competitive in Savannah’s dynamic economy. savannahga.gov/msbc.
PAPA MOUNTAIN
(GEORGIA) Papa Mountain secured the top spot in the 2026 Flavor of Georgia food product competition for its product, Garlic and Herb Bread Rolls, rising to the top of 180 products entered in 12 categories. Flavor of Georgia is the state’s proving ground for small, upstart food companies as well as established products looking for recognition or new markets. More than 2,410 products have been entered into the contest since 2007. “What started nine years ago in Ziplock bags and farmers markets has turned into an award-winning brand,” said Solomon Cohen, Papa Mountain founder and owner. “As a single father of three boys, a full-time super dad, I put my life, blood and soul into this company. We have a great product, and we are just getting started.” https://news.uga.edu/2026-flavor-of-georgia-winners/
SAVE THE DATE
(THUNDERBOLT, GA) 2026 Thunderbolt Blessing of the Fleet Festival taking place on Saturday, April 25, from 12 to 6 PM.
SUBSCRIBE
(THE GEORGIA COAST) The Current GA provides in-depth, nonpartisan watchdog journalism for Savannah and Coastal Georgia.
https://www.facebook.com/TheCurrentGA
APRIL 25
(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.
NOVEMBER 7
(WASHINGTON, DC) Reception for illustrator, Carol Stuart Watson. in Georgetown. More details to follow. https://carriagetradepr.com/georgetown-illustrators-legacy-preserved-estate-of-carol-stuart-watson-donates-body-of-work-to-dc-public-library/
ROTARY DOING GOOD
(WTOC) Metro Savannah Rotary and Loop It Up Savannah team up to teach families how to grow their own food. https://www.wtoc.com/2026/03/30/savannah-families-dig-into-hands-on-gardening-project-through-rotary-partnership/