Marjorie Young’s bio – Savannah Public Relations – Carriage Trade PR

Guest speaker, Marjorie Young, President of Carriage Trade Public Relations, Inc.  will give a Lecture on 10 Proven Online PR Methods vs Traditional PR. She will talk about how to get your articles and press releases to rank in Google, the importance of blogs, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin, Flicker, Wikipedia, Podcasts and Skype. You will learn how to increase your visibility and credibility online through proven PR techniques.

Carriage Trade Public Relations, Inc. was founded in 1995 by Marjorie Young, to help businesses increase their visibility in the community and online. Marjorie’s achievements include, 2006 Top Ten Women in Savannah, AWWIN, Inc. Entrepreneur of the Year; Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce 2006; Buy Local Advocate of the Year 2006; Small Business Champion, Small Business Chamber 2002; Savannah Technical Institute’s, Small Business Owner of the Year 2001; and Georgia Woman Entrepreneur Finalist – University of Georgia 2000.  She is the past President of the Small Business Chamber and the Small Business Council. She currently sits on the board for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce,  Leadership Savannah, SCORE, and the Savannah Downtown Rotary.  She is also on the University of Georgia, Small Business Development Center’s statewide Advisory Board and the TCCa. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Journalism. Their office is located on Telfair Square in Savannah, GA www.carriagetradepr.com

Southern Environmental Law Center working to protect Georgia’s Public Resources

www.SouthernEnvironment.org
(SAVANNAH) – Living in coastal Georgia has many benefits and among the most valuable are access to and enjoyment of the public’s resources – the marshes, wetlands, rivers, streams, and beaches. According to experts, Georgians are losing access to and enjoyment of too many of those resources due to inappropriate and sometimes illegal development.
At times, they say, Georgia law is simply inadequate to protect those resources, putting assets at risk that contribute millions of dollars to the area’s economy – through tourism, commercial and recreational fishing, and other outdoor activities. Tourism provides two billion dollars annually to the coastal Georgia economy, according to the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The Georgia coast supports multimillion dollar commercial and recreational fishing industries.
In some cases, unregulated development and lax enforcement cause permanent, irreversible damage to these resources and diminish the economic benefit derived from their use. The old cliché that no man is an island is even more true of property. Experts explain that changes made to one person’s property can cause real damage to a neighbor’s property or to the natural landscapes and areas shared by all Georgians.
“Neighboring states do a better job of protecting their resources through enactment and enforcement of state laws,” says David Pope, Director of the Georgia/Alabama office of the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC).  Many people assume that laws and rules will protect the public’s resources in Georgia, and that state and local agencies will prevent rule-breaking or unwise permitting. But, Pope says, don’t count on it.
Unfortunately, low (and getting lower) budgets coupled with understaffing make enforcement of important protections scattered at best. Then there is the added issue of politics. “Favored groups are able to fill their own pockets at the public’s expense,” Pope said. “And the laws and regulations themselves are sometimes inadequate.”
“Our job is to protect the public’s interest in the public’s resources,” said Pope. Working to defend the public and never for private gain, SELC provides legal services without charge to other environmental organizations and advocacy groups. “We represent most of the non-profit environmental groups on the coast,” says Pope, “including the river and coast protection groups who are doing their best to protect what we have.”
Dana Braun, local attorney and former City of Savannah alderman, said protecting the area is important.

“As citizens of coastal Georgia we are very fortunate to have the SELC acting to protect our remarkable coastal environment and ecological system,” Braun said. “I have known and worked with several of the SELC attorneys for numerous years. They are some of the finest lawyers in Georgia and they approach these environmental issues in a diligent and highly professional manner.  Their concern for the coastal environment is genuine and they are able to respond and act on environmental issues that for one reason or another the government has not acted upon.”
At the state level, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is charged with responsibility for enforcing the state’s environmental laws. The enforcement of some of those state laws is relegated to some local jurisdictions to enforce. Because of differing approaches by EPD and some local jurisdictions, application of the same state law can vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.  A good example of inconsistent application of environmental laws is enforcement of the state’s law requiring a minimum vegetative buffer of 25 feet along all state waters.
“All state waters, including marshes, are supposed to be protected by a buffer,” says Nate Hunt, an attorney with SELC. “Unfortunately, however, some jurisdictions – Glynn County, for example – refuse to enforce a buffer on the marsh. Although EPD has the right to make local jurisdictions enforce state law in a uniform way, it does not always do so – Glynn County being a case in point,” Hunt says.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is charged with processing requests for federal permits to dredge or fill wetlands. To obtain a permit to dredge or fill wetlands requires showing why the activity needs to be conducted in the wetlands, and needs to include specific steps to minimize the harm, as well as steps for mitigation of the harm. Certain activities involving dredging or filling wetlands are exempt from permitting requirements. These activities include certain types of silviculture (forestry) and agricultural activities, such as construction of farm ponds.
“Unfortunately, what we have seen on the Georgia coast is abuse of the silviculture and agricultural exemptions,” says Bill Sapp, a wetlands expert with SELC. Some unscrupulous developers will dredge or fill wetlands under the guise of silviculture or agriculture when the activity is really to install infrastructure or amenities for development,” Sapp explains.
These activities are often conducted on property that is out of public view, so the damage to wetlands and the surrounding environment may be done before anyone notices it.
“We have recently obtained some very strong decisions in the federal court that make it clear that the exemptions are very limited and are not to be abused. Violations can lead to heavy penalties – up to $37,500 per day,” says Catherine Wannamaker, who leads SELC’s coastal litigation team.
“At the root of our cases,” says Pope, “is an effort to get the agencies to enforce existing law and hold violators accountable and therefore get the word out that the law must be obeyed. It is unfortunate that environmental groups have to do the job that the agencies are supposed to do, but that’s the way it is. And, of course, there will always be those who will get away with whatever they can.”
Some actions that are easily prevented cause the most damage. For example, it is widely recognized by experts that the sedimentation of streams and rivers from poor erosion and sediment control practices and inadequate stormwater management can cause large deposits of sediment miles downstream.
“The concept of the law is very simple: keep sediment on your own property and keep it out of the stream.” says SELC attorney Nate Hunt. “Developments far upstream that do not adhere to Georgia’s erosion and sedimentation laws can make the coastal rivers run red from the dirt washing off of developments.  The dirt then settles on the bottom and forms sand bars and deltas that damage the ecosystem in the rivers and also impact connected water systems downstream, such as marshes.”
Another example of a state resource under threat is the marsh, which was made famous in the Sidney Lanier poem, “The Marshes of Glynn.” The majority of the state’s marshes are held by Georgia for the benefit of all state residents.
“To be clear, the state does not own the marsh as it owns a state office building,” explains Catherine Wannamaker of SELC. “The state is the trustee of the public’s interest in the marshes.
“Georgia is unique in having the coastal marshlands, a tremendous asset, bringing millions of dollars to the area’s economy from activities such as tourism and commercial fishing, and also serving other valuable economic functions such as flood protection,” Wannamaker said. “The quality of life near the coast helps attract new businesses and makes hiring and retention easier for employers.
“Marshes are not only an environmental asset, they are also an economic asset and should be protected,” Wannamaker said.
But the marsh faces threats from inappropriate development that does not abide by the law, and from some inadequacies in Georgia law meant to protect it. In Georgia, for example, the state routinely permits docks of 1000 feet to be built over the public’s marshes, solely for the benefit of  one property owner. In fact, the state is trying to make it easier to permit these long, community and commercial docks and marinas.
“These long docks harm the marsh,” explains Bill Sapp, an SELC attorney. “They cause the marsh underneath the dock to receive less sunlight, an effect called marsh shading. Also, the long docks change how marsh wrack (dead marsh grass) accumulates and dramatically increases the area of marsh impact. Normally, the wrack is pushed by tides to the banks. Accumulating by the docks instead, it kills off the plants and harms the ecosystem underneath.”
“Based on what we have observed, we believe these long docks have a substantial environmental impact, not to mention the impediment they create to navigation,” said Sapp, adding that more research is needed to discover the full impact. “It has a major impact in the area by the dock. The cumulative impacts need to be addressed before more long docks are built,” says Sapp. In the most egregious cases, inappropriate docks can impair boat navigation, cause pollution and can affect where people can fish, cast and crab. “When the marsh becomes riddled with long docks, everyone’s rights are invaded and everyone loses,” Sapp said.
Marshland acts as a nursery, with many commercially important fish spending a significant part of their life in the marsh. “A large percentage of the seafood we eat spends some part of its life in the marsh,” Sapp said. In addition to beauty and recreation, the Georgia coast’s wetlands provide a cleansing sponge for stormwater runoff.
Unlike Georgia, South Carolina has a specific law to protect its marsh islands from bridge construction.
Non-marsh wetlands are another example of Georgia doing less to protect public resources than nearby states. Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and North Carolina all have state programs that protect certain wetlands that are not protected by the Federal wetlands program. But Georgia offers no such protection. In this state, for instance, isolated wetlands (those not close enough to or connected to larger waterways) can be filled and developed at will. In addition to ecological harm, that development can cause economic harm. Houses built in these filled isolated wetlands have been flooded out. Others have suffered cracked slabs or have lawns that are covered with crayfish chimneys.
“It is an age-old property law principle that one cannot manage one’s property in a way that’s going to damage other people’s, whether it’s private or public,” Sapp said.  For instance, one cannot build a road through wetlands if that road is going to block floodwaters from passing, thus causing flooding on a neighbor’s land. The population of the 10-county area of the coastal region is expected to increase 51 percent by 2030, according to a 2006 study by Georgia Tech and Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center. Chatham County’s population is projected to increase 32.5 percent between 2000 and 2030. Some local leaders expect growth to exceed those projections.
“The Southeast, already the fastest sprawling region in the U.S., faces unprecedented pressures from explosive population growth and development trends,” Pope said. “Georgia’s coastal marshes and hammocks are very vulnerable in the next 10 to 20 years given the intense population growth expected in the area. If special attention is not given to the Georgia coast, we could lose one of the South’s most precious resources.”
The Georgia coast is home to resources of worldwide ecological importance.  Georgia has one-third of the salt marsh on the East Coast and most of the marsh is owned by the public.
Georgia’s coastal area was deemed so important, and the risk to it so great, that SELC developed a special new initiative focused on protecting it, with three lawyers working on this effort.
“We do not want the Georgia coast to end up looking like the overdeveloped Florida coast or Myrtle Beach,” Hunt said. “Georgia still has vast areas of pristine marshland. We want development to occur where it’s appropriate. We know development’s coming, we just want it to go where it should.”
The Southern Environmental Law Center is a non-profit, donor-supported environmental advocacy organization using the power of the law to protect the environment and special places in the South. Working to defend the public’s interest and never for private gain, SELC provides its legal services without charge to other environmental organizations and partner groups. SELC has a special initiative focused on protecting the Georgia coast with a team of  lawyers working on this effort.
About the Southern Environmental Law Center
SELC is a nonprofit donor supported environmental advocacy organization using the power of the law to protect the environment and health in the Southeast. Since 1986, SELC has informed, implemented and enforced environmental law and policy concerning clean air and water, mountain forests, the coast and wetlands, and rural lands and livable communities. Working to defend the public’s interest and never for private gain, SELC provides its legal services without charge to other environmental organizations and partner groups. SELC has approximately 40 lawyers and offices in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia; Chapel Hill and Asheville, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina, Washington, DC; and Atlanta. Visit SELC online at http://www.SouthernEnvironment.org

Newell Recycling Grand Opening – scrap metal

Hannah, thank you for taking the photos at Newell Recycling today – this is a great shot of Governor Sonny Perdue and Bobby Triesh, owner of Newell www.newellrecycling.com

Diana Morrision, owner of Advertising Specialty Services and Chair of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Brynn Grant of SEDA / Tcca

http://spotted.savannahnow.com/galleries/index.php?id=367748

(SAVANNAH, GA) COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES™ AUGUST 24, 2009

(SAVANNAH, GA) COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES™
Distributed weekly on the CarriageTradePR Local NewsWIRE™ to the media.
(SAVANNAH, GA) Newell Recycling, one of the largest recyclers and processors of recycled metals in the Southeast, invites members of the press to the grand opening celebration of its Savannah location on Wednesday, August 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 100 Sonny Perdue Drive in Garden City. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue is expected to arrive at the invitation-only event at 9 a.m. for the ribbon cutting ceremony as well as a special road naming ceremony.
www.newellrecycling.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Sullivan Group’s local online job-posting site, SavannahJobs.com, has reached a new milestone with over 25,000 visitors a month. Rob Jones, President of SavannahJobs.com, credits the company’s SEO, marketing, and community involvement. Savannahjobs.com is ranked number one on Google, Yahoo, and MSN in the Savannah area when using the keywords “jobs” and “employment,” making it the most active local resource for job searches. http://www.savannahjobs.com 912.352.3800

(SAVANNAH, GA / BLUFFTON SC) Melaver Sustainability Consulting will be providing LEED for Homes certification for 62 homes at Osprey Lake Plantation in South Carolina. The LEED designation will let future owners know their home is truly “green” and energy efficient. For more info: www.melavermouchet.com or http://www.OspreyLakeSC.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Want to learn how to expand the love and money in your life? Dr.Brenda Wade, who you may have seen on CNN’s Issues, NBC’s Today Show or ABC’s Good Morning America, offers scientifically proven tips to help people understand, resolve and transform these dominating themes into success power in order to live a lifetime of love and abundance.  Workshop talks place this Labor Day weekend  September 3-6 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. http://loveandmoneysummit.com/inspiration/

(CHICAGO, NY, MIAMI, LA, USA – SARDINIA, ITALY) Acqua Smeraldina natural artesian water is pleased to announce the pre-sale of its 2009 special collection Christmas bottle. A portion of the proceeds from the festive bottle, which will be available to retail outlets and restaurants in time for the Christmas season, will benefit “Un Progetto per la Vita” (“A Project for Life”), an Italian fundraising initiative that seeks to find a cure for blood diseases such as leukemia. http://www.smeraldina.us/

(PT WENTWORTH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS)  participated in the first annual southeastern regional conference August 21st and 22nd at the Holiday Inn Express in Pt. Wentworth, GA. Approximately 25 representatives from 13 different Down syndrome support organizations located throughout Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas gathered to form a Regional Council designed to join forces and work together by sharing ideas, initiating projects, and supporting legislature that further enhances the outreach, education and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families.  http://www.ldssga.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) 4th Annual Crossfit Workout to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Athletes for a Cure will be held Saturday September 26th at CrossFit Hyperformance. Hundred of affiliates across the US and Canada will participate on one day in this one brutal workout, for two great causes. To register, donate, and general information.
http://www.crossfithyperformance.com/2009/08/fight-gone-bad-4-at-crossfit.html Participation is free, but registration must take place online. Non-member participants are requried to attend one practice fight gone bad workout prior to the event.  Contact Jennifer 912-224-0406

(SAVANNAH, GA)  Community Health Mission’s First Annual Fall Moon Gala, “A Celebration of Johnny Mercer,” on Friday, September 18, 2009 at Savannah Station.  The tax-deductible tickets are $75.00 per person, and include dinner, a fashion show, and a performance by the Roger Moss Ensemble.  Proceeds benefit the non-profit Community Health Mission, which provides free health care, medicine, and wellness programs to the working uninsured in Chatham County and the surrounding area.  Event made possible by the generous support of Timothy C. Hargus and Theresa Reed of Savannah Station and Memorial Hospital.  RSVP, or reach Miriam Rittmeyer at (912) 692-1451, or by e-mail at mrittmeyer@chmsavannah.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA) First Annual Georgia Solar Energy Association’s Southern Solar Summit. Learn about what’s happening in solar today from solar industry leaders, state and municipal government representatives, utility executives, technology experts, architects and other respected contributors. August 26, 2009 8am – Noon Hyatt Savannah http://www.gasolar.org/Southern_Solar_Summit.html

(SAVANNAH, GA) The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is now accepting applications for the Fall for all Childcare Programs – Pryme Tyme (school-based childcare), Fun-Club (YMCA based childcare), Preschool/Childcare, Pre-K, Holiday Camp, and Mother’s Morning Out. For more information and to find the YMCA closest to you visit http://www.ymcaofcoastalga.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) 200,000 Georgians have Alzheimer’s disease.  Savannah Memory Walk will be held Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Johnson Square. Memory Walk supports Programs and Services for local families struggling to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Over 14,000 people in our community have been diagnosed with Alzheimers.GA MEMORY WALK to register to walk, start a team or to make a donation. 920-2231.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Residential office or residential condos located at the corner of Whitaker and York Street with rare on-site parking.  This historic district property is within walking distance from the Civic Center, restaurants, River Street, and Forsyth Park.  Contact Rhett Mouchet or Michael Bone with Melaver Mouchet at 912-238-5416. PROPERTY

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is a family support group for anyone touched by Down syndrome in the greater Savannah, Georgia area. http://ldssga.org/

(SAVANNAH, GA) A compelling restoration of an elegant 20th century Savannah residence is nearing completion on Forsyth Park. Originally built in 1927 for Mary Lane, 102 E. Gaston Street features 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. The carriage house has a 4 car garage with a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment above. Agent Franklin Williams Co-listed with Celia DunnSotheby’s International Realty 912.234.3323.

http://www.celiadunnsir.com/listings_detail.asp?listingID=909

http://www.102EGastonSt.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Royce Learning Center will hold its 3rd Annual Evening of Jazz on September 13th, 2009 from 5:00-7:30pm at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront. Entertainment will be provided by Huxsie Scott and Ben Tucker with special guest Dr. Bertice Berry. All proceeds will benefit adult literacy. Reservations are required and are $35 per person which includes heavy Hors d’oeuvres. The evening will also feature a silent auction of local and regional artwork. Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Christy Edwards at cedwards@roycelc.com. To make reservations online go to http://www.aceatroyce.com or call 912-354-4047.

(SAVANNAH, GA) AWWIN, Inc (a non profit organization designed to assist single working women and their children since 2000) is hosting the AWWIN 12,000 Women Hand Up Challenge Kickoff Reception  Thursday, August 27 at the Savannah Mall at 6:00PM.
Lydia Syed at 912-484-3054 to find out how you can be a part of this wonderful endeavor.
http://www.awwininc2.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) Get your running shoes on! The YMCA of Coastal Georgia invites you to join them for the 20th Annual Heart of Savannah 5K Road Race and Kiddie Run. This family friendly event will be held on October 3, 2009 and takes place in historic downtown Savannah. A special storytelling activity for children will be held at 5:00 p.m. in City Market to kick-off the event. To register or for more information, please visit http://www.ymcaofcoastalga.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA)  The Chamber presents the 16th Annual Business Expo and Car Show Growing Green for Your Business on Thursday, September 17 at the Savannah Civic Center from 10 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.   http://www.savannahchamber.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society will hold the Buddy Walk Festival, Saturday, October 3, 2009.  There will be rides, food, games, and music for the whole family.  Registration begins at 8:30 AM.  The cost of registration is $12.00 per person (includes a t-shirt and a meal).  The Walk starts at 10:30 AM.  The Festival-fundraiser lasts until 2:00 PM. http://www.ldssga.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society invites you to join them at the 2009 Light the Night Walk on Friday, October 2, 2009.  This family-friendly, 2-mile walk starts at Forsyth Park and winds through downtown Savannah.  Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.  It’s not too late to sign up and start raising money to find a cure.  To register or for more information, please visit http://www.lightthenight.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA)  UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

(TROY, NY) Carol flies back to College today – where she will start her Masters at RPI. See you in Oct!

(CHARLOTTE, SC) Happy Birthday to my wonderful brother, Dave – Aug 26!

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DR. Brenda Wade Savannah International Love and Money Summit

Want to learn how to expand the love and money in your life? Dr.Brenda Wade, who you may have seen on CNN’s Issues, NBC’s Today Show or ABC’s Good Morning America, offers scientifically proven tips to help people understand, resolve and transform these dominating themes into success power in order to live a lifetime of love and abundance.  It is our hope to engage and inform everyone to better their lives and the lives around them, which is why Dr. Wade has come up with the International Love and Money Summit (http://loveandmoneysummit.com/inspiration/) taking place this Labor Day weekend (3-6) in Savannah, GA at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. Join us for three fabulous days of breakthrough, interactive sessions by day and unique world-class entertainment by night for this vacation with a purpose! Savannah residents can take advantage of our exclusive pricing offer here: http://loveandmoneysummit.com/inspiration/resident-discounts/

Newell Recycling Driving Directions Garden City Savannah location

*ATTENTION*
*NEW DIRECTIONS*

Starting tomorrow (5-21-09) we will start using our main entrance off HWY307 (dean forest rd).

ROUTE 1:
-    Take I-95 to exit 99A (south to savannah)
-    Take I-16 to exit 160 (dean forest rd, 307)
-    Left off the exit
-    Go 2 miles and cross over hwy 80
-    Go through the yellow flashing light and the new road is down on the right.
-    The road is brand new so you can’t miss it.

ROUTE 2:

-    Take I-95 NORTH to exit: 102 (one exit north of I-16)
-    Go RT off the exit
-    Go 1-2 miles and take a left on 307/Dean Forest road
-    Go through the yellow flashing light and the new road is down on the right.

Please tell drivers to call: 912-395-8900 if they get lost.

The speed limit is 35MPH and it will be STRICTLY ENFORCED. The road crew will continue to work so tell drivers to be very careful.

Evoca Express

SAVANNAH, GA — The first in a series of “WordUp Workshops” for Savannah area residents to learn about and share storytelling techniques is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 PM at the Bull Street Branch of the Live Oak Libraries location at 2202 Bull Street (north of 37th Street) in the Auditorium on the first floor. The program begins with a “How To” session delivered by J’miah Nabawi (http://www.southernartistry.org/jmiah_nabawi), Savannah’s national award-winning Master Storyteller and frequent Teaching Artist in the Chatham County school system and numerous educational and community programs throughout the United States. Then participants will receive hands-on assistance with developing and performing their stories, both non-fictional and fictional; receive a complimentary CD with their recordings; and a free subscription to Evoca Express, the Voice-to-Web service offered by workshop co-sponsor, Evoca (www.evoca.com), the Savannah-based audio web services company. For more information, email Evoca at: wordup@evoca.com or call 866-860-9988.

BOTTLED WATER HEALTHY ACQUA NATURAL ARTESIAN

(CHICAGO, NY, MIAMI, LA, USA – SARDINIA, ITALY) Acqua Smeraldina natural artesian water is pleased to announce the pre-sale of its 2009 special collection Christmas bottle. A portion of the proceeds from the festive bottle, which will be available to retail outlets and restaurants in time for the Christmas season, will benefit “Un Progetto per la Vita” (“A Project for Life”), an Italian fundraising initiative that seeks to find a cure for blood diseases such as leukemia.

Smeraldina

Smeraldina Corporation, The Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118

(PT WENTWORTH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will be participating in the first annual southeastern regional conference August 21st and 22nd at the Holiday Inn Express in Pt. Wentworth, GA

(PT WENTWORTH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will be participating in the first annual southeastern regional conference August 21st and 22nd at the Holiday Inn Express in Pt. Wentworth, GA. Approximately 25 representatives from 13 different Down syndrome support organizations located throughout Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas will be gathering to form a Regional Council designed to join forces and work together by sharing ideas, initiating projects, and supporting legislature that further enhances the outreach, education and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families. http://www.ldssga.org

ATLANTA GEORGIA SOLAR ENERGY TOURS, POWERS FESTIVAL AT GLENWOOD PARK OCT 2

The Georgia Solar Energy Association Hosts

Statewide Solar Tour; Powers Festival at Glenwood Park

Tickets on sale now for October events highlighting solar technologies                        available to residents and businesses

(ATLANTA)– The 2009 Georgia Solar Tour and Festival, presented by the Georgia Solar Energy Association (GSEA), will feature homes and businesses that have installed solar and a Solar Powered music festival (in cooperation with the 2009 HOToberFest) at Glenwood Park. Activities will unite solar advocates, concerned citizens, businesses and schools to share their experience while educating participants about how solar power can save money, create jobs, encourage economic development and deliver a more sustainable environment.

The two-day event will kick off on Friday, Oct. 2 with Hands on Solar Day where metro Atlanta students from area schools, including The Westminster Schools and The New Schools at Carver will get a unique opportunity to experience solar power up close and personal. During the three-hour event, students will engage in a field run class about solar energy and watch a solar powered sound system being installed and operating.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Solar Tour, part of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) national solar tour, will showcase solar installations across the state including locations in Athens, Savannah and metro Atlanta, where GSEA will host a VIP tour to give business and community leaders the opportunity to see successful solar projects completed in residential, commercial, industrial, governmental and educational settings. In addition, homeowners and businesses will open their doors to the general public for a self-guided tour to share how they are using solar technologies to reduce monthly energy bills and their carbon footprints, while realizing tax credits and incentives that help improve their property values and their bottom lines.

“This tour allows Georgians to get a first-hand look at solar energy in action,” said Michelle Conlon, GSEA board member and solar tour chair. “With better incentives available for solar, the tour provides us with an opportunity educate consumers and raise awareness that will hopefully help fuel an industry that can create jobs and generate economic development in Georgia.”

For the first time, solar energy will power the stage at the second annual HOToberFest, a day-long festival celebrating live music, craft beer and the potential of solar power to make “homegrown” power in Georgia. The event raises awareness of the importance of protecting the environment by living a more sustainable life, every day.

“With these great events, our hope is that more Georgians will see that solar offers ‘real’ benefits to ‘real’ people right now,” said Walter Brown, chairman of the board of GSEA. “Georgia is ripe for expansion of solar use.”

The Solar Powered music festival at the annual HOToberFest is the culminating celebration of a series of events sponsored by GSEA including the Southern Solar Summit, a two-day event taking place on Wednesday, Aug. 26 in Savannah in conjunction with the Georgia Environmental Conference; and Thursday, Sept. 3 in Atlanta, in conjunction with the GreenBusiness Works EXPO. The summit, first of a planned series of annual events, will draw a broad range of environmental and design professionals, policy makers, state and local government officials, developers, and others seeking and sharing knowledge about how to advance the clean energy economy in Georgia. Core tracks include: Solar Basics, Solar Economics, Solar Public Policy, and the Current State of Solar. The Atlanta session will feature Brad Collins, ASES executive director as its closing plenary keynote speaker.

The Solar Tour is an annual fundraiser for GSEA and affordable tickets are $15 for members, $25 for non-members (includes GSEA membership) and free for 17 and under accompanied by a paying adult. To purchase tour tickets and to get more details about the Solar Tour and Festival, visit www.gasolar.org.

About the Georgia Solar Energy Association
The Georgia Solar Energy Association (GSEA) leads the statewide effort to promote the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy through education, advocacy and industry support. GSEA, a non-profit affiliated with the American Solar Energy Society, is supported by more than 230 members across the state (energy professionals and grassroots supporters) who are working together to help create a sustainable energy economy for Georgia. For more information, visit www.gasolar.org. Fan GSEA on Facebook or follow on Twitter @GASolar.

SAVANNAH CARRY OUT TAKE OUT FRENCH CUISINE TO-GO PAPILLOTE

“French cuisine to-go”.

www.papillote-savannah.com

Walk in the door and be enveloped by the warm ambiance of the music, décor and personal touches of the Brittany region of France. Be intrigued by the presentation of the homemade edible selections. Savor the undeniable goodness of what Chef Didailler humbly calls “simple food” – made from scratch on the premises. Most important to the owners is the taste and freshness of the food (and of course, happy clients). Customers will always be greeted with a smile and more than likely a sample (or several) of something yummy. Papillote tries to prepare just enough food for the day to keep customers satisfied, but without having leftover food the next day. Sticking with the “simple” idea – there is nothing fancy about the paper plates and plastic utensils should you choose to eat in the shop. The concept is to have fresh, delicious food accessible to everyone. Don’t be discouraged if the deli case looks a little empty at the end of the day, it is a good sign of content customers and more fresh food for tomorrow.

Not just a patisserie of traditional Madeleines and Gilded Brownies, there is also a mouth watering selection of savory foods made fresh every day. The menu has some stationary items such as Bouchée a la Reine – a delectable chicken, mushroom, spinach and onion in white cream sauce poured into a puff pastry shell – but it is changing often as Papillote learns what its clients want. (Daily specials also change, depending on what is in season, and what Chef Didailler is in the mood to prepare). Soups made from scratch with fresh vegetables are popular particularly with vegetarians as there is no chicken stock used in the preparation. Presently you can call for daily specials, but a future website will provide the current menu as well as daily specials. A catering menu is available for dinner parties and private events, but only for pick-up from the shop.

Papillote believes in preserving the earth’s natural resources and living an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Melaver Construction & Development performed the build-out of the shop where best building practices were used including re-using many existing materials, installation of an instant water heater, fluorescent lighting, a dual flush toilet and the use of low-VOC paint. Most of the carry-out packaging is made from 100% recycled or recyclable/compostable materials.

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday: 10:30 am to 7:30 pm; Sunday: 12:00pm to 5:00pm, closed Mondays. Phone 912-232-1881, Fax 912-238-1883.

Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, Buddy Walk, Oct 3, 2009, SAVANNAH, GA, Forsyth Park

BUDDY WALK FACT SHEET

What:

The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to bring together a wide range of concerned individuals to reach out to friends, family, and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down Syndrome and to raise funds for local and national education, research, and advocacy programs. This is the Fourth Annual Buddy Walk Festival for the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society.

Where:

Forsyth Park ~ downtown Savannah, Georgia

When:

During the month of October, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, more than 300 Buddy Walks will occur, throughout the United States.

The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Festival will be held Saturday, October 3, 2009. We will have rides, food, games, and music for the whole family. Registration begins at 8:30 AM. The cost of registration is $12.00 per person (includes a t-shirt and a meal). The Walk starts at 10:30 AM. The Festival lasts until 2:00 PM.

Who:

Children, young adults, and adults with Down Syndrome, family members, friends, healthcare professionals, corporate teams, and members of the community – bring a wagon, a stroller, and your dog. All are welcome!

Why:

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. After the walk, you and your family will enjoy entertainment for everyone including face painting, carnival games, blow up slides, music, rides, and more!

Contact Information:

For more information or if you would like to register to walk, please call John or Candy Bogardus (912) 728-8505 or (912) 663-8573 or log onto our website

www.LDSSGA.org to register online.

Happy Birthday to my Father – Aug 17 – he would have been 77

David Deshler Watson Sr and his daughter Marjorie Christine Watson Young (me!)

I love my DADDY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANA MORRISION – SAVANNAH

PARTY – ROOF TOP

CAKE!

Georgia Solar Energy Association hosts two-day, two-city event to energize Georgia’s solar industry GREEN LEED

Southern Solar Summit Shines the Light on Georgia’s Renewable Energy Opportunities

www.gasolar.org

(ATLANTA, SAVANNAH)– With the recent decision by the Georgia Public Service Commission to triple the cap on solar purchases by Georgia Power, along with expanded incentives provided through the state and its newest clean energy bill, there has never been a better time for growth in Georgia’s solar industry. The Georgia Solar Energy Association (GSEA) is providing an opportunity for environmental and design professionals, policymakers, government officials, developers, and others seeking to learn how to advance the clean energy sector with the inaugural Southern Solar Summit. The Summit is the first of a planned series of annual events that will provide education, hands-on learning and networking opportunities across a broad range of subjects.

Core tracks will include Solar Basics, Solar Economics, Solar Public Policy, and the Current State of Solar. Scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 26 and Thursday, Sept. 3, in Savannah and Atlanta, respectively.

Savannah Real Estate Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty

Thomas ‘Jefferson’ cutest dog in the world

our cat Ari weighs 14 pounds – jeff weighed 6 pounds

He needed a haircut

Acqua Smeraldina Natural Italian Artesian Water

One of Sardinia’s Best Kept Secret’s Revealed as Acqua Smeraldina Natural Artesian Water Expands to Worldwide Markets

www.smeraldina.us

When Tony Priolo, executive chef and co-owner of Chicago’s Piccolo Sogno restaurant, opened his upscale Italian restaurant in 2008 with business partner Ciro Longobardo, he knew from day one that he was going to offer his patrons Acqua Smeraldina natural artesian water.

“It’s fresh and clean. You don’t want something to overpower your food,” says Priolo, who has been drinking the Sardinian bottled water for years.

For Priolo’s and Longobardo’s patrons, Acqua Smeraldina may be a new experience. But for thousands of Sardinians, the pure water has been a staple in their diets for more than 20 years.

A Little Emerald In the Mediterranean Sea

Acqua Smeraldina comes from Sardinia, Italy, a remote island in the Mediterranean Sea known for its jagged coastline and granite mountain highlands. Home to unspoiled beaches and emerald waters, Sardinia has a sparse population and no intensive agriculture. As a result, the island—the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea—is considered one of the most environmentally clean in all of Europe. Sardinia has also been designated a “Blue Zone” because of the number of residents who live active lives past the age of 100.

Smeraldina, which means “little emerald” in Italian, is named after Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda (“Emerald Coast”), a world famous tourist destination known for its glamorous hotels, villas and marinas. Just 30 miles from Costa Smeralda in the Gallura region of the island is Mount Limbara, a large granite rock formation that is the source of Smeraldina water.

From the Mountain of God to Dining Room Tables

Acqua Smeraldina comes from an underground aquifer 1,000 feet under Mount Limbara’s Monte di Deu (“Mountain of God”). For hundreds of years the region has been known for the freshness and purity of its waters.

It takes hundreds of years for rain water to slowly descend through Monte di Deu’s natural granite filtration system. This natural process clears the water of its impurities without any sediment being released. The final product is a unique, clean and light mineral water celebrated for its harmony, balance, and authentic and unmistakable taste.

Good to Drink, Good For Your Body

Most consumers pick a bottled water based on its taste. But drinkers of Acqua Smeraldina get an added health benefit: the artesian water’s mineral composition qualifies it as a chloride-rich alkaline water. As a result, the chlorides prevail over the bicarbonates and sulphates, creating a perfect balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Numerous doctors and experts recommend Acqua Smeraldina for its ideal balance of minerals, which help to correctly maintain arterial blood pressure. The high percentage of potassium helps to reinforce muscle tone, while the calcium and magnesium levels give Acqua Smeraldina diuretic properties.

A Legacy Built on Top-Notch Quality

Acqua Smeraldina was founded by Giovanni Maria Solinas, who discovered the emerald water of Monte di Deu in 1985. Today his five sons manage the privately owned company, which has expanded into world markets throughout Europe, the United States of America and China.

In its nearly 25 years of operation, Acqua Smeraldina has always maintained the highest standards of production. The water is extracted cold (15° C/59° F) and is bottled directly as it comes from the underground aquifer. To help maintain the absolute purity of the water, every piece of equipment used to manufacture Acqua Smeraldina is brand new and state of the art.

Since 2004, the pure artesian water has been certified ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The Acqua Smeraldina research lab performs more than 100 daily tests to ensure that the water and the materials used continue to conform to the highest possible standards.

Discerning Consumers, Distinctive Design

While many loyal Smeraldina drinkers may not know the science and history behind the water, they do recognize the unique and well-crafted bottles that are a hallmark of the company. Acqua Smeraldina’s still and sparkling waters are produced in both glass and plastic bottles that have been carefully crafted to merge modern technology with traditions of the past. The clear glass bottles come in four different sizes and are known for their sophisticated design. The plastic bottles take their inspiration from Acqua Smeraldina’s name and are emerald green with intricate and unique details.

In addition to its regular bottles, Acqua Smeraldina produces an annual collector’s edition Christmas bottle. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bottle goes to a designated charity.

Coming to a Market Near You

Patrons of Piccolo Sogno aren’t the only Chicagoans who have been enjoying Acqua Smeraldina. Among these, Caffe RōM, an Italian coffee bar with three locations throughout Chicago, also offers the pure bottled water on its menu.

And soon, more Americans will have an opportunity to enjoy Acqua Smeraldina. The company is expanding its presence in the U.S. market—which currently operates warehouses in Chicago and Fairfield, New Jersey—to include new facilities in Miami and Los Angeles.

“It is a great pleasure to bring this product to American consumers,” says Giuseppe Pinna, vice president of the Smeraldina Corporation. “The water is extremely pure, and I know the American audience will appreciate the many added health benefits.”

Learn More

To learn more about Acqua Smeraldina, please visit www.smeraldina.us or contact Giuseppe Pinna, vice president of the Smeraldina Corporation, at 414-732-6501.

Jefferson will be missed 1995-Aug. 5, 2009

Carol had just finished first grade and I had just started my business in 1995. Jefferson was our FIRST dog; a toy poodle. Carol specifically wanted a poodle because she read that they were smart -

I knew something was wrong late Wed afternoon – he couldn’t walk straight  – so I took him to the Emergency Vet on Eisenhower. His x-ray indicated a very, very enlarged heart. They didn’t think he would make it through the night.

I called my daughter and she listened to the vet on speaker phone. We both came to the conclusion that our precious Jefferson needed to be put to sleep. He was in distress, and there was no recovery -

Coming home – the house is now so quiet – not in a good way.

“…love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”

(Kabil Gibran)

… he was the cutest dog in the world

BiS Launch Party in Savannah – Business in Savannah