SAVANNAH COMMUNITY HEADLINES • AUG 2025

(SAVANNAH, GA) Blessingdales Thrift Store will celebrate the grand opening of its second location in Georgetown with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. This expanded 11,214-square-foot store will significantly increase support for The Living Vine maternity home, helping more mothers and babies in need. Donations will be accepted starting Aug. 11 at both the Savannah and Georgetown locations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter and learn how you can support our mission. https://thelivingvine.org/blessingdales-thrift-store/

HEALTHY SAVANNAH LAUNCHES “AVOID THE COVID CRASHER” CAMPAIGN
(SAVANNAH, GA.) Don’t let the summer COVID surge crash your plans. That’s Healthy Savannah’s message to adults this month as COVID infections are already on the rise in Georgia. According to the CDC, Georgia is currently experiencing a likely growing trend in COVID-19 infections. Data shows test positivity was 4.8% in mid-July, up from 3.7% the previous week. This follows a national trend reported by CBS News in late July, that COVID-19 cases are rising in many states, including Georgia, as a summer wave appears to be starting. In observance of National Immunization Awareness Month in August, Healthy Savannah, in partnership with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, is highlighting the importance of taking precautions to avoid the COVID-19 surge this summer. For more information, visit healthysavannah.org

(WTOC) Georgia fell two spots, to 39th nationally for overall child well-being, when the 2025 Kids Count Data Book was released last month. https://www.wtoc.com/2025/07/25/cgic-address-georgias-low-national-ranking-child-well-being/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah has officially recognized Georgia Southern University (GS) for providing designated lactation spaces for breastfeeding and nursing students, staff and guests. In a brief ceremony held on Wednesday, July 9, Armand Turner, Healthy Savannah’s executive director, bestowed a certificate of recognition to GS Dean Dr. Stuart Tedders and Interim Dean Dr. Stephen Rossi at the Health Professions Academic Building, Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus.

https://carriagetradepr.com/healthy-savannah-recognizes-georgia-southern-university-as-a-breastfeeding-welcome-here-space/

(SAVANNAH, GA / ASHEVILLE, NC) Shamrock+ is proud to announce that twelve team members across its Savannah headquarters and North Carolina disaster relief division have officially earned their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, marking a major step in expanding the company’s licensed drone operations across the Southeast. https://shamrockplus.com/

(SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS) Ogeechee Riverkeeper is offering its first Master Naturalist Program to train in watershed monitoring. For $475 and 10 Wednesdays, you can become a certified Master Naturalist of your local Ogeechee River watershed. Classes start on Sept. 3, 2025. Apply and find more information about the program at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/naturalist. LINK

(SAVANNAH, GA) On Saturday, August 9, the Forsyth Farmers Market will celebrate National Farmers Market Week at its weekly market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Forsyth Park. The official celebration will kick off at 10 a.m. with remarks by local community leaders and farmers. A recipe demonstration will be featured at 11 a.m. with the Farm Hospitality Group of Common Thread and Flora and Fauna. As always, FFM will double SNAP dollars, making fresh food go twice as far for those who need it the most.  https://www.forsythfarmersmarket.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to keep babies healthy, and the Coastal Health District will be celebrating breastfeeding moms, babies, and their supporters during World

Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7. https://carriagetradepr.com/celebration-of-world-breastfeeding-week-set-for-august-2-in-savannah/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah VOICE Festival is bringing their extraordinary talent to a private performance just for Hope Haven in downtown Savannah. There is a limited number of guest spots available for individuals living with dementia to enjoy this special event alongside their caregiver—and get a warm introduction to the Hope Haven experience. For time and details, contact Cathy Baxter

Director | Hope Haven at (912) 231-7310 Website: www.SavannahRespite.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Repertory Theatre has been awarded a General Operating Support grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts. https://carriagetradepr.com/savannah-repertory-theatre-awarded-general-operating-support-grant-from-georgia-council-for-the-arts/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Join the Healthy Savannah team every Tuesday 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:

Tue, August 5 @ 7:30 am, Tom Triplett Park 100 Tom Triplett Rd, Pooler

Tue, August 12 @ 8:00 am, Lake Mayer Community Park 1850 E Montgomery Cross Road, Savannah https://healthysavannah.org/our-programs/physical-activity/healthy-walks-story-map/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The 15th annual Georgia Clean Energy Roadshow, hosted by PSC Commissioner Tim Echols and produced by Event Energy Partners, will kick off on Aug. 12 with three consecutive tour stops in Savannah, Macon, and Lawrenceville. Georgia’s longest running educational series on alternative fuel vehicles for fleets opens at Savannah Technical College – Eckburg Auditorium on Aug. 12, followed by stops in Macon at the new conference facilities of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission at Macon Mall on Aug. 13, and a final stop at the Lawrenceville campus of Gwinnett Technical College on Aug 14. Advance registration is required, but is free to fleets and government attendees. Lunch is included. To register visit https://cleanenergyroadshow.com/events/.

(Savannah, GA) The inaugural Loop It Up Cup Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, at Savannah Country Club on Wilmington Island. Each entry includes green and cart fees, a light breakfast, a drink ticket, lunch, a Loop It Up Cup 2025 t-shirt, and the chance to win incredible prizes. The format for the day will be Four-Person Scramble with opportunities to purchase mulligans. Your participation will directly contribute to Loop It Up’s efforts to provide meaningful educational programs that make lasting differences in the lives of our community’s young people. Registration closes Friday, Sept. 26.

https://www.loopitupsavannah.com/golftournament.html

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Chatham Food Policy Council is hosting a series of community garden visits. In addition to its food policy council meetings, the Council is visiting local gardens to learn, connect, and explore ways to support a more equitable local food system. Join them on

August 13th from 6-7 p.m. at SCAD Back 40, 3650 Speedway Blvd, Hardeeville, SC

https://healthysavannah.org/scfpc/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Step Up Savannah is pleased to announce that the 2025 session of its renowned Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA) will be held in September. This 12-week program is designed to empower both established and emerging leaders in the Savannah community through comprehensive leadership training focused on advocacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Following a September 8 orientation session, the program begins on Monday, September 15, and will primarily meet virtually via Zoom on Monday evenings from 6:00–8:00 p.m. This year’s cohort will be facilitated by Dr. Elsie Smalls, Operations/Breastfeeding Manager at Healthy Savannah and a 2019 graduate of the NLA. For more information, please visit: https://forms.office.com/r/aD2dzKLgEK

(VOYAGE SAVANNAH) Exploring Life & Business with Cathy Baxter of Hope Haven. ARTICLE

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Rotary Club of Metropolitan Savannah recently inducted its new slate of leadership for the 2025-2026 year at its July 15 meeting and is proud to announce its new Club President, George Seaborough. https://savannahceo.com/news/2025/07/metro-savannah-rotary-announces-new-president-and-board-2025-2026/

(CHATHAM CO., GA) Free mammograms will be available by appointment for eligible women at the Chatham County Health Department on August 26, 2025. The St. Joseph/Candler Mobile Mammography Unit will be in the parking lot of the main health department clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. The no-cost screenings are open to women aged 40 and older without health insurance coverage. Space is limited – appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the Chatham County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program at 912-356-2946 or 912-307-9235.

More info: https://coastalhealthdistrict.org/free-mammograms-at-the-chatham-county-health-department-august-26/.

(BEAUFORT, SC) The CEO of Libraries for Kids, Int’l, reently spoke to members of the Beaufort Rotary Club and explained that the nonprofit organization’s work in Africa has provided access to over 1.1 million books to primary school students there. Libraries for Kids is dedicated to ensuring children have access to resources that can help them dream and succeed in life. The organization believes that strong minds are key to strong communities.LINK

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah has planned a special screening of the documentary “Chocolate Milk” at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 24 at Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus. The free event will be held at the Student Union ballroom, located at 11935 Library Dr, Savannah, GA 31419. The doors will open at 2:30 p.m. and the public is encouraged to arrive early to ensure everyone is seated before the film begins. The 90-minute documentary will be followed by a 45-minute discussion on efforts to help improve low breastfeeding rates among Black women. The event is sponsored by NextStep Evaluation, Think Equity Solutions and Georgia Southern University and is being held in conjunction with Black Breastfeeding Week. Learn more about Healthy Savannah’s “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” initiative and take the breastfeeding landscape evaluation survey at:

https://healthysavannah.org/our-programs/breastfeeding/

(SAVANNAH, GA) As part of the Healthy Savannah/YMCA REACH grant, a breastfeeding landscape assessment is underway to evaluate how businesses across Chatham County are supporting nursing parents. In light of the 2022 Pump Act—which expanded workplace rights for breastfeeding employees—the assessment aims to determine employer awareness, implemented policies, and areas needing support. The law requires most employers to provide adequate break time and a private space, other than a bathroom, for expressing breast milk. Feedback from businesses will help identify current practices and guide community efforts to create a more breastfeeding-friendly environment. Employers are encouraged to complete the brief survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Employer_2025_HS.

(Savannah, GA) scDataCom, a premier physical security integrator headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, has been ranked No. 29 on SDM Magazine’s 2025 Top Systems Integrators Report. This national recognition highlights scDataCom’s rapid growth, technical expertise, and leadership in delivering high-impact security solutions across North America. Published annually, SDM’s Top Systems Integrators Report ranks the largest security integrators by their North American systems integration revenue. The 2025 edition notes that this year’s top 100 companies achieved the highest collective revenue in over a decade—totaling $18.4 billion—fueled by demand for cutting-edge security technologies and operational innovation.

LINK

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Democratic Party of Chatham County will host its first annual golf tournament on September 11, 2025, at Henderson Golf Club in Savannah. The event, themed “Honoring Legends and Supporting the Families of 9/11 Casualties,” will raise funds for the Families of Freedom Fund. Golfers and guests will pay tribute to 9/11 victims and celebrate local leaders, including Al Scott, Jesse Blackshear, former Savannah mayors Otis Johnson and Edna Jackson, and current Mayor Van R. Johnson. The day includes a 4-person scramble tournament, contests, prizes, and a post-game BBQ lunch. For registration or donations, visit https://mailchi.mp/fd46677c5e4e/dpcc-announces-golf-tournament-to-honor-casualties-and-families-of-911

(DAFFIN PARK, GA) Peace in the Park. Hold the Date

(SAVANNAH, GA) Nicole Casino, CEO of IUMI Resorts, has poured heart, heritage, and imagination into the creation of Black Pearl Cove—a private island and wildlife sanctuary reimagined as an immersive, storybook-inspired luxury homestead where sustainability, high design, and hidden layers of meaning converge. Every element of the resort reflects her signature blend of nature, nostalgia, and wonder—from the treehouse tents and heirloom décor to the rescued animals, edible landscapes, and interactive technology learning trails that bring the land’s stories to life. Opening for bookings this October, Black Pearl Cove invites guests to step into “The Island That Time Forgot”—a place as elusive as it is enchanting, where time slows down and the future quietly unfolds beneath your feet. https://www.facebook.com/BlackPearlCove

WITH MARJORIE