SAVANNAH COMMUNITY HEADLINES • JUNE 2025

(SAVANNAH, GA) Shamrock+, a leader in visual solutions for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, is proud to announce that Gage Clark, the company’s in-house architectural designer, has officially earned his LEED Green Associate credential. This professional milestone reflects Clark’s commitment to environmentally conscious design and reinforces Shamrock+’s broader mission of supporting sustainability across the built environment. https://carriagetradepr.com/gage-clark-of-shamrock-earns-leed-green-associate-credential/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Council on World Affairs (SCWA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Holt Dwyer as the new president of the Board of Directors, along with its new board members. https://carriagetradepr.com/savannah-council-on-world-affairs-announces-new-leadership-and-board-members/

(SAVANNAH, GA( BAPS Charities will host its annual “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run” in Savannah, GA, bringing together an estimated 350 community members to support Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society.https://carriagetradepr.com/baps-charities-will-host-its-annual-spirit-of-service-walk-run-in-savannah-ga-bringing-together-an-estimated-350-community-members-to-support-lowcountry-down-syndrome-society/

(BLUFFTON, SC) Author Kacey Kowars will discuss his book, Chasing the Queen’s Gambit: A Literary Biography of Walter Tevis, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on June 16, 2025, at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road, Bluffton, SC. https://carriagetradepr.com/author-kacey-kowars-will-discuss-his-book-chasing-the-queens-gambit-a-literary-biography-of-walter-tevis/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Rotary Club of Savannah has announced Peter Hoffman will serve as its 111th president. A retired U.S. Army colonel and respected community leader, Hoffman brings decades of leadership experience to the helm of one of Savannah’s most historic and impactful civic organizations. The official gavel-passing ceremony will take place on Monday, June 30, at 12:30 p.m. at The DeSoto, 15 E. Liberty St., and will include the installation of club officers and board members. https://carriagetradepr.com/rotary-club-of-savannah-announces-peter-hoffman-as-2025-2026-president-elect-and-new-board-of-directors/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Join the 100 Days of Purpose Challenge, kicking off June 1st with one small, healthy action a day. Science says your brain rewires through consistent signals, not massive overhauls. Backed by the science of lifestyle medicine and the heart of Savannah, this is your chance to commit to a healthier, more purposeful life—alongside hundreds of others doing the same. https://purposeandplants.com/100-days-of-purpose-1

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will host its 16th annual Camp Buddy in Effingham County from June 9–13. The weeklong summer camp is designed to help children with Down syndrome retain what they learned during the school year while preparing for the next, through fun, hands-on activities and therapies. Campers will enjoy cooking, art, life skills, and physical and occupational therapy disguised as games. LDSS encourages families in the area to register and take advantage of this enriching experience. To register for Effingham County Camp Buddy, contact Molly Marchese at mollymarchese6107@gmail.comor 912-213-9127. https://carriagetradepr.com/lowcountry-down-syndrome-society-announces-16th-annual-camp-buddy-in-effingham-county-june-9-13-2025-2/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The 12th Annual State of Small Business in the Savannah Area was held Wednesday, May 7, 2025, during the City of Savannah’s Mayor’s Small Business Conference at the Savannah Civic Center. Sponsored by Carver State Bank and presented by the City of Savannah, the event brought together local leaders to provide a comprehensive snapshot of economic trends and opportunities for the region’s small business community. Recap of the information shared by area leaders: https://carriagetradepr.com/state-of-small-business-in-savannah-2025/

(HILTON HEAD, SC) Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park invites the public to join in a powerful, family-friendly Juneteenth Celebration from June 12–19, featuring the headlining performance by R&B sensation Leela James on Saturday, June 14. exploremitchelville.org

(USA) Quillify™ has launched a new website to help businesses and nonprofits find and write grants using artificial intelligence. https://carriagetradepr.com/quillify-launches-new-website-to-help-businesses-and-nonprofits-find-and-write-grants-using-ai/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) hosted its 16th annual Night of Champions and Hiring Expo on May 1, honoring local businesses that employ differently abled adults and celebrating the invaluable contributions of these exceptional individuals in the workforce. This year’s event was themed “Lighting the Way for a Brighter Tomorrow,” reflecting LDSS’s ongoing mission to create inclusive opportunities and brighter futures for all.

https://carriagetradepr.com/lowcountry-down-syndrome-society-announces-night-of-champions-award-winners-2025/

(MINNEAPOLIS, Minn/ BLUFFTON, SC) Laura Winkel, the CEO of Libraries for Kids Int’l, recently traveled to Minnesota to meet with His Excellency David Kerich, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, at a Books for Africa event. During the visit, Winkel and Ambassador Kerich discussed how Libraries for Kids Int’l has shipped over 1.1 million books to Kenya in about five years. They also explored ways to bring more books to children in Kenya and across Africa. Winkel announced that Libraries for Kids Int’l has secured four additional shipping containers of books. https://carriagetradepr.com/libraries-for-kids-intl-ceo-meets-with-kenyas-ambassador-to-the-united-states-in-minnesota/

(COBB COUNTY, GA) Step into this open-concept condo featuring a stunning kitchen with a center island, raised bar with seating for two or more, newer quartzite countertops, recessed lighting, and under-cabinet lighting—all with a seamless view into the inviting family room. A spacious breakfast area includes a cozy two-sided fireplace with gas logs that also warms the family room. As an end unit, the home benefits from abundant natural light, with windows on two sides of the family room. Community amenities include a clubhouse with full kitchen, resort-style pool with outdoor kitchen, fitness center, pet exercise areas, scenic trails, and more. Additional features include two tandem parking spaces for added convenience. Located in The Flats at Riverwalk, enjoy city living in a park-like setting within Wildwood. Ideally situated for active lifestyles, you can hop on the FREE Cobb circulator or bike to Truist Park and The Battery, enjoy local dining and entertainment, take advantage of easy access to neighboring Sandy Springs and to downtown Atlanta via I-75 and I-285, and explore paved pedestrian/bike and natural trails connecting to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Plus, the HOA takes care of nearly everything, making this an easy, maintenance-free lifestyle. https://kesstadler.georgiamls.com/idxsearch/search-detail.cfm?ln=10532334

(GEORGIA, USA / SERBIA) In a landmark step toward promoting international goodwill and peace, Rotary districts recently signed a historic Intercountry Committee agreement with Serbia during a special ceremony at the Rotary United District Conference on Jekyll Island. This pivotal agreement connects Rotary clubs in Georgia with their counterparts in Serbia, forming a cross-cultural partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation, fostering dialogue, and launching joint service projects.

https://carriagetradepr.com/rotary-districts-in-georgia-sign-historic-intercountry-committee-agreement-with-serbia-on-jekyll-island-landmark-partnership-aims-to-promote-peace-cultural-exchange-and-joint-service-projects-acros/

(SAVANNAH, GA) If you have a knack for writing and research, as well as experience securing nonprofit funding, Loop It Up Savannah would love to hear from you. This integral role requires 30 hours a week and has an annual salary of $45,000, plus benefit options. A bachelor’s degree or relevant credentials are required. If interested in applying, email a resume, 3-4 writing samples (including one from a successfully funded grant application), and 3 professional letters of recommendation to carmen@loopitupsavannah.com

Learn More: https://www.loopitupsavannah.com/careers.html

(RICHMOND HILL, GA) Arts On the Coast invites the community to experience ArtNite: Poetic from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13 at the Richmond Hill City Center, located at 520 Cedar St. Established in 2005, Arts on the Coast is a non-profit association working to promote arts in Bryan County and the neighboring coastal communities. www.artsonthecoast.org

(THE CURRENT) Journalism is a vital public service and a cornerstone of democracy. The Current’s mission to produce independent, accountability-driven reporting relies on the support of readers. This summer, The Current is proud to work with emerging journalists including Ellen Hunter, a Savannah State University student from Effingham County; Domonique King, a Mercer University student from Hinesville; Tyler Davis, of Jacksonville, who attends American University; and Lily Belle Poling, a Yale University student from Montgomery, Alabama. Help strengthen local journalism by supporting our work: https://thecurrentga.org/support-our-publication

(SAVANNAH, GA) Join the Healthy Savannah team every Tuesday for a #healthy walk or head out to explore a local trail on your own. Join us on June 3 for a two-mile walk at Bowles C. Ford Park, Cloverdale Dr & Stiles Ave. Then, celebrate Juneteenth with us as we explore downtown squares, meeting up at 7:30 a.m. on June 10 in Taylor Square, 165 E. Gordon St., to celebrate Suzie King Taylor, Mother Mathilda Beasley and other notable African-American Savannahians who helped provide healthcare and education to formerly enslaved persons in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Click on the link below for more info or just show up. For more information, contact Armand.Turner@healthysavannah.org

https://healthysavannah.org/our-programs/physical-activity/healthy-walks-story-map/

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Are you a retired employee of the state of Georgia? The Georgia State Retirees Association (GSRA), a membership-based 501(c)(4) organization, advocates on behalf of active and retired state employees, including efforts to secure Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs). To learn more or become a member, visit www.mygsra.com. The Southeast Georgia chapter holds regular meetings; check the website for upcoming dates. For local inquiries, email segamembership@mygsra.com.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Author and Coach Natatia VanEllison Joins the Inaugural HUGS Behavioral Health Summit to Promote Resilience Through Storytelling. Drawing from her upcoming book, Behind Every Smile: How to Spot and Support Victims of Trauma, VanEllison will guide attendees through narrative-based healing, micro-wins journaling, and reflective communication as she shares personal and professional insights designed to help educators, mental health professionals, and community advocates support healing in their clients and themselves.

https://carriagetradepr.com/behind-every-smile-author-and-coach-natatia-vanellison-joins-the-inaugural-hugs-behavioral-health-summit-to-promote-resilience-through-storytelling/

WITH MARJORIE

• EUFRIKA – Desert Song

My friend Mark Levinson who lives in Paris is involved with this music, maybe one day we can get this band to play in Savannah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drQCFN-VBiA

They just uploaded this to YouTube and they have over 1/2 a million views.

I asked him for the story behind this song, here is what he wrote –

‘Desert Song’ is a song with two levels of interpretation.

The first level tells the story of mythical figures such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad and their revelations in the desert, often a place of initiation.

The second level illustrates the journey through the desert of ordinary mortals during their time on earth, as can happen in life, and how this ordeal makes them grow.

Its Afro Pop musical style is a mix of African Gospel and Brit Pop with a touch of Klezmer music, built on a dialogue between a soloist who tells the story and a choir that responds, supporting him at a tempo of 130 quarter notes per minute.

Its structure follows the verse-chorus pattern, with a bridge and an ad lib at the end.

The instrumentation features acoustic and electric guitars, piano, a Hammond B-3 organ, violin and Klezmer accordion, percussion, drums and desert wind.

The chorus in Hebrew, ‘Daï Daï Dayenu’, is taken from a prayer said every year at Passover, during the celebration of the mythical memory of the end of the Hebrews’ slavery in Egypt, and means “That would have been enough for us”, at the moment when all the miracles that God performed to free his people from Egypt are recalled.

Just one of these things would have been enough, says the song. Day means ‘enough’ ‘and the suffix -enu means “for us”.

At each stage, this movement towards freedom, sufficient in itself, is celebrated to the fullest. And the journey towards the light continues.

In this sense, Desert Song is a song about redemption.

• Congratulations to my Navajo artist friend, CARLIS CHEE. His artwork has been accepted into the Santa Fe Indian Market, which is widely recognized as the largest and most prestigious juried Native American art market in the world. The Santa Fe Indian Art Market scheduled for Aug 16 and 17, 2025 https://www.swaia.org/ His Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/carlis.chee