(USA) A bold — yet simple — water challenge is being launched at Greenbuild. The RehydrateUS initiative, founded by sustainability guru Tommy Linstroth of Savannah based Melaver, Inc, calls for home and business owners to reduce their water consumption through three easy steps –

replace existing toilets with ultra-high efficiency toilets, and switch out standard faucet aerators and showerheads with water efficient models.

These three steps can reduce household or business water consumption by 30-60%, and will result in saving 1 billion gallons of water per day. The RehydrateUS Initiative is supported by a website, www.rehydrateus.org, which provides an easy to use calculator and a pledge form for you to use in making your commitment.

Tommy Linstroth is and available for interviews on the billion gallon challenge. For more information on The RehydrateUS Initiative, visit:

http://pitch.pe/32904

Contact Tommy Linstroth:
tlinstroth@melaver.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Artists invited to Paint Outside in Telfair Square in conjunction with the 2009 Telfair Art Fair.

(SAVANNAH, GA) This year, the Telfair Art Fair marks fifteen years of art promotion throughout the city of Savannah.

Local artists are invited to share in the celebration of the Art Fair’s fifteenth anniversary. Bring your canvases, easels, pencils, and paints. Create original pieces, along with other artists.

The Telfair Art Fair is Saturday, November 14th, 2009 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Outdoor artists are invited to paint during these hours.

Outdoor painting got popular during the impressionist movement, which included the work of Monet, Renoir, and Cezanne. At the time, outdoor painters defined innovation. Each artist captures a “fleeting moment” as they work, never really grasping the exact replica of what they are observing.
Outdoor painting in Paris is one of the top tourist attractions in their city.

Artist’s Square at Telfair Square in Savannah, Georgia will officially kick off the first day of spring 2010, where artists will be invited to paint original art 7 days a week, as a way to show case Savannah’s talent and beauty.

For more info visit our blog at www.artistsquare.blogspot.com or email artsquaresavannah@gmail.com.

The Landings on Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA, invites you to visit its first “Home For The Holidays” Designer Showhouse benefiting Savannah’s Community Health Mission. The exceptional architecture of the 4,800 square foot Midpoint residence will provide the backdrop and inspiration for six outstanding Savannah designers.

From the gourmet kitchen with its adjacent “keeping room”, to the master bedroom and child’s room, visitors will find many unique furnishings, design ideas, and festive holiday decorations.

Admission to our Showhouse is free, but a donation to the designated charity, the Community Health Mission (CHM), would be appreciated. The CHM offers free primary healthcare to approximately 6,000 uninsured residents of Savannah, through a large group of dedicated medical and health volunteers.

The Showhome, located at 17 Tidewater Way, will be open every Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., from November 21st through December 20th. Stop at The Landings Main Gate during show hours, mention that you will be going to the Holiday Home, and you will be provided access and directions. Call The Landings Company on 912- 598-0500, or toll free: 1-800-841-7011 for more information.

The Landings on Skidaway Island is located less than ten miles south of historic Savannah, GA. Six championship golf courses frame the center of this established gated residential community set on a 6,500-acre island. Residents enjoy four elegant dining clubhouses, miles of walking and biking trails, 34 tennis courts, two deep-water marinas and a variety of other coastal amenities. Named “one of the nation’s best residential communities” by the Urban Land Institute, homes at The Landings range from $250,000 to $1 million plus; home sites from $120,000. More information is available by calling 1-800-841-7011 or by visiting The Landings Company website at: www.thelandings.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Sycamore at The Stadium: Historic Grayson Stadium is
hosting the 7th annual Sycamore at The Stadium FREE baseball camp for
boys & girls ages 8-12. The Sycamore Church has rallied 40 volunteers
from its congregation and the Savannah business community to make this
a totally FREE event for the kids. The two day camp begins Saturday
November 14th at 8:30am and goes until 1pm; On Sunday camp will start
up at 1:30pm and end at 4:30pm; lunch will be provided both days by
Chick-Fil-A. The kids will learn from coaches with major league, minor
league, semi-pro, and college experience. Many generous local sponsors
have made it possible for campers to receive free baseball hats,
t-shirts and Bibles. The Julia Bass Teschke Foundation (which
emphasizes sharing the good news of Christianity throughout the world)
contributes the largest financial support for the weekend camp. Before
Teschke passed away in 2002 her last wish was to make a difference in
the lives of many. Because of this, children all over the Savannah
area will learn the basics of baseball, and the game of life, as
coaches share their time, passion, and life experiences with the kids.
For more information on the camp or to provide sponsorship for this
event, please contact Jason Rockwell. 912-631-0351
Jrockwell23@comcast.net

Acqua Smeraldina to Promote Artesian Water at Prestigious New York City Events

(New York, NY) Acqua Smeraldina will participate in two exciting and high-profile trade shows in New York City in November as part of a campaign to introduce its premium pure artesian water to New Yorkers. In addition, the company will reach out to New York restaurants to promote its renowned sparkling and still waters.

Acqua Smeraldina will participate in Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. November 6-8 at the Tunnel/La.Venue, 608 W. 28th St., in New York City. The show, which is open to the public, is a foodie’s paradise. This tasty three-day event will feature a large sampling of gourmet food and beverages, as well as appearances from world-renowned chefs and industry experts including Chef Jean-Louis Dumonet, television personality Ted Allen and Epicurious.com Editor-in-Chief Tanya Wenman Steel.

Visitors to Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. will not only indulge their senses with delectable food and the world’s finest beverages, they will also learn what goes into a great meal, discover the ingredients that help create delicious dishes, and learn tips and trends to make the most of the upcoming holiday season.

Acqua Smeraldina’s pure premium artesian water will be featured at Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. at a pavilion sponsored by Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani (GRI), a nonprofit association that promotes an awareness of fine, authentic Italian cuisine.

Acqua Smeraldina will also participate in the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show November 8-10 at the Javits Center, 655 W. 34th Street, in New York City. The industry trade show will feature the latest products and industry trends and will include seminars and networking events for participants. This exciting and informative event, which is expected do draw 35,000 industry professionals, will feature exhibitors from all sectors of the hospitality industry including food and beverage, equipment, furnishings, linens, technology, amenities and tableware, among others. In addition, the show will feature product launches from more than 1,000 exhibitors.

Among the 35,000 attendees at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show will be lodging and restaurant owners and operators, as well as catering and specialty food service establishments, owner groups, purchasing companies, design firms, equipment dealerships, resorts, casinos and more. These attendees represent the most influential buyers in the industry.

At both the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show and Cook. Eat. Drink. Live., Acqua Smeraldina will showcase its elegant and sophisticated glass and plastic bottles, which were recently redesigned. Acqua Smeraldina’s president, Mauro Solinas, who is based in Sardinia, will attend both shows.

As part of Acqua Smeraldina’s New York campaign, the company plans to send letters to more than 100 New York restaurants promoting its pure artesian water. Ten restaurants have also been designated to receive bottles of Acqua Smeraldina.

“Acqua Smeraldina is growing, and presenting ourselves to the New York market is a priority,” says Giuseppe Pinna, vice president of the Smeraldina Corporation. “The State of New York Department of Health recently granted Acqua Smeraldina a Certificate of Approval to Operate a Bottled Water Facility. Only about five Italian bottled water companies are Certified with the State of New York, and we are proud to be among them.”

Acqua Smeraldina natural artesian water is available in the United States through the recently opened distribution centers in Chicago and New Jersey. Additional centers will open soon in Miami and Los Angeles. Smeraldina bottled water comes from Sardinia, a small Italian island located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Sardinia is considered a “blue zone” because of the number of residents who live active lives past the age of 100. Smeraldina water is filtered for 200 years through the granite rocks of Gallura in an underground aquifer 1,000 feet under the Mountain of God. Numerous doctors and experts recommend Smeraldina Natural Artesian water for its perfect balance of sodium, chlorides and bicarbonates, which help to correctly maintain arterial blood pressure, and for its diuretic properties. For more information, please contact Giuseppe Pinna, vice president of the Smeraldina Corporation, at 414-732-6501 or visit www.smeraldina.us.

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

Acqua Smeraldina: www.smeraldina.us
Cook. Eat. Drink. Live: www.tastingsnewyorkcity.com
International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show: www.ihmrs.com

Helen Johnson of Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty

New realtor finding success despite the tough housing market

www.celiadunnsir.com

Helen Johnson has had a busy past year with Savannah area real estate experts at Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty

(SAVANNAH) – A year ago, Helen Williams Johnson started a new career – in real estate. Some might question her timing, but not her results. Despite the odds, she’s succeeding in perhaps the most challenging time ever in real estate.

“I started when the market had already bottomed out and I don’t know any different,” Johnson said. “I think this is to my advantage because I don’t know anything other than to work for the business. I was not around for the boom when agents were turning calls away.”

Since December 2008, Johnson has had five closings and has one more in the works. She’s had a busy Fall, with eight listings ranging from $190,000 to $950,000.

She credits her success to hard work, professional education, support from her agency, tenacity, and becoming close to her clients. She’s also found an unexpected networking benefit from her longstanding commitment to volunteerism – she’s chairing the Telfair Art Fair in November and serves on boards of several nonprofits.

For years many friends and family members, including her aunt, Celia Dunn, kept telling her she would be great at real estate and love it. Johnson is now a real estate sales associate at Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty. In addition to being successful, Johnson’s found she loves the career as much as everyone thought she would.

“I really enjoy meeting new people that are moving to town and trying to help them get acclimated,” Johnson explained. “I also enjoy helping old friends find the perfect home and neighborhood that best suits their needs and wants. You learn a lot about person’s tastes and personality when you are helping them search for a home.”

Kesha Gibson Carter and her husband recently closed on a home thanks to Johnson, who explained that the family had received “horrible” mortgage advice that tripped them up in the purchasing process. Carter appreciates that Johnson went above and beyond to make sure they got everything ironed out and could buy their new home.

“Persistent, tenacious and relentless are all words that come to mind when I think of Helen Williams Johnson and the experience we had with Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty,” Carter said. “She showed herself friendly, expressed genuine concern, and supported us as we worked to attain our goal. What we imagined would be a typical traditional real estate transaction, through no fault of our own, turned out to be ‘mortgage misery.’ However, because of the belief Helen had in our family and our ability, she did not shy away from working with us and continued her commitment to help get us through the crisis we found ourselves in.”

Johnson definitely goes way out of her way to make things work for her clients.

“It’s not about the sale – it’s about getting to know the client, their family, their goals in life. Some may think it is getting too close to the client, but I just want to make sure they are taken care of and that in the end we are all on the same page and trying to achieve the same goal.”

“The only other advice I would have for new agents is education,” Johnson said. The more courses you can take the better, she said, whether on marketing, networking, how to use MLS, contracts, or anything else. “You’ll be better off the more educated you are, and the more proactive you are about the market and its daily changes.”

“Celia’s office is also very special – the more I talk to agents at other offices, the more I realize how lucky we are,” Johnson said. “We have a wonderful support in the staff and the agents, and everyone just gets along, which is not always the case.”

Once Johnson’s youngest was old enough to start pre-school, she took the real estate class for new agents. With small children it was tough to be gone two nights out of the week from 6 to 10 p.m. for four months, she admits, but says it was well worth it.

Many people think real estate is a great career for mothers because you can make your own hours, but Johnson explains that’s not really the case. Many times you are working around the schedules of clients and customers.

“It is nice to have my parents in town, because my mother is great about keeping the kids for an hour here and there,” Johnson said. “Childcare of course is always tough in the summer time, but it’s been easier now that school is back in session.”

Johnson is chairing the Telfair Art Fair this year. She sits on the Savannah Technical College Community Council Board, helps with the tour of Homes every year and was a day chair for the Saturday tour last year. She is on the flower Altar Guild for Christ Church and teaches Sunday School. She is a member of the William Jay Society at the Telfair and the 13th colony society at HSF. She’s about to join the board of another local nonprofit as well.

“It can be tough juggling work, volunteer work, and children, but it somehow always seems to work itself out,” Johnson said. “My mother is great, and my husband is very supportive, as well as a very hands-on dad. Between the three of us, the kids always get to after-school programs and sports on time. And the great thing about all of the volunteer activities is that you can be as active as you want in all of them, so when you’re super busy in one you can slack off a little in another. It just works that way, which is nice.”

“Volunteering is just something I believe in,” Johnson said. “My mother has always been so involved my entire life in so many different things that I don’t really know any different. I can’t imagine not giving back to the community.”

“I am from Savannah and have a lot of contacts anyway, but there are so many neat people out there that do so much for the community that you would never know unless you volunteer,” she said. “I just believe so strongly in giving back to one’s community.”

Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. Founded in 1981, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty is noted for outstanding service to its clients, thorough knowledge of Savannah and the South Carolina Low Country, and excellent staff, in addition to having one of the region’s top property management departments. The owners are natives of Savannah who have more than 60 years’ combined experience in real estate. The offices are located at 9, 13, and 17 West Charlton Street on Madison Square in Savannah and 6 Bruin Street in Bluffton, S.C.

For more information, call Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty at (912) 234-3323 or visit www.celiadunnsir.com. To contact the Bluffton office, call (843) 836-3900.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Friends of Music will present Milano Classica, one of Italy’s most highly regarded chamber orchestras, during their 2009 USA tour in two different programs, Sunday afternoon, 4:00 p.m., November 1st, and Monday evening, 7:00 p.m., November 2nd, in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church, 223 Bull Street, on Chippewa Square.

In Sunday’s program, “Mostly Milano,” Mr. Philip Greenberg, former conductor of the Savannah Symphony Orchestra, will be one of eight soloists. Sunday’s performance features Vivaldi’s double violin concerto and the concerto for four violins. Monday’s performance features works by Italian masters of the 17th and 18th centuries with solo performances by Marcello Scandelli, principal cellist and founder of the group.

Tickets are $35.00 for one concert, or $50.00 for both concerts. Students with ID admitted for $5.00. Children twelve and under free with adult ticket holders. Purchase tickets at the door, or reserve them by calling 912-355-4252 or 912-598-8112.

In 1995, Ina Stuart, my cousin from Lake Como, Italy and our friend Mirko Fenu of Florence, Italy spent the summer with us in Richmond Hill. My daughter Carol was only 7 years old at the time. Matt Freeman (left) was our neighbor, he came over and showed the Italians how to make Taffy! It was a fun afternoon.

This past August – Matt, while serving his country, was Killed in Action. He was an amazing, amazing, amazing young man.

Captain Matthew Charles Hays Freeman –

RICHMOND HILL – Captain Matthew Charles Hays Freeman, age 29. Matthew was born in Lake Forest, Illinois. He spent most of his life in Richmond Hill. He was a graduate of Richmond Hill High School where he was a member of the tennis team, president of the Student Council and a member for four years, and a member of the Literary Club. In 1998, he earned the “Student of the Year” Award from the Richmond Hill Exchange Club. Matthew was an Eagle Scout and a life long member of the Richmond Hill United Methodist Church.

After high school, he entered the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 2002 with an Aerospace Engineering degree.

He received third generation Naval Aviator Wings passed down from his grandfather, Rear Admiral DeWitt L. Freeman USN (Ret.), and his father, Commander Gary M. Freeman USN (Ret.). He served as the aide-de-camp to Major General Kenneth J. Glueck Jr. USMC, Commanding General 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Matthew was stationed in Okinawa, Japan with VMGR-152 were he flew the KC-130J aircraft. He volunteered for an individual augment position with 4th Marines Embedded Training Team which was deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

It was while serving with this unit that he was killed in action.

(Chatham County, GA)  The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA)
wants to ensure that business owners in Chatham County understand how to
create an effective and reliable Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) so
to ensure that the capability exists for all businesses to continue
essential agency functions across a wide range of hazards.

Does your business have a COOP in place?  If not, here’s how to get
started:

First, all businesses need to understand a COOP’s planning
objectives.  A COOP:
●       Ensures continued performance of essential functions.
●       Reduces loss of life and minimizes damage.
●       Ensures succession to office of key leaders.
●       Reduces or mitigates disruptions to operations.
●       Protects essential assets.
●       Achieves a timely recovery and reconstitution.
●       Maintains a test, training, and exercise program for program
validation.

Check back next week for more tips from CEMA on COOP planning.

For further information about COOP planning, please visit CEMA’s
website at http://www.chathamemergency.org/businesses/ or contact
Courtney Cunningham at (912) 201-4500.

Photos by  Jade Mccully

(SAVANNAH, GA)  Newell Recycling is pleased to announce that pieces of scrap metal from its Savannah shredder plant have been used to create The Creative Coast Alliance’s 2009 Innovation Awards trophies. The trophies were presented at the Innovation Awards ceremony, Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m. at the Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St.
http://www.newellrecycling.com/
http://www.thecreativecoast.org/

TCCa Proudly Announces the Winners of the 2009 Innovation Awards, Presented by Lott + Barber

(Savannah, GA) October 22, 2009, 10pm – The drum rolled and the curtain parted tonight to unveil the latest and greatest Savannah innovators, the winners of the 2009 Innovation Awards.  The victors were chosen from a tough field of nearly 100 applicants by an independent panel of local and regional judges that included State Representative Ron Stephens, former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Craig Lesser, retired CFO/business consultant/angel investor Gordon Matthews, UGA Small Business Development Center Area Director Lynn Vos, WTOC General Manager Bill Cathcart, SCAD Professor of Graphic Design and Sustainable Design Scott Boylston, Executive Director of the US Green Building Council (GA Chapter) Leesa Carter, and a 2008 winner, Union Mission President/CEO Michael Elliott.

The second year for The Creative Coast Alliance’s (TCCa) trademark annual event brought together a diverse group of more than 400 and attracted a veritable ‘who’s who’ of local creative heavy-weights and technology buffs.

For the second year in a row, the Innovation Awards event was presented by Lott + Barber – a leading commercial architecture, sustainable design and land planning firm headquartered in Savannah.  “We’re thrilled to help TCCa celebrate innovation and shine the light on those helping to make Savannah a true Creative Coast.  Savannah has a history of innovation – our goal through this event is to honor those who are continuing the tradition,” said Forrest Lott, principal of Lott+Barber. “Tonight was perfect follow-up to last year’s ground-breaking inaugural event.”

Tonight TCCa and Lott + Barber “took it to the street” – Broughton Street, specifically – blocking it off between Lincoln and Abercorn Streets in front of SCAD’s Trustees Theater for conversation, cocktails provided by SEED Eco Lounge, and locally grown hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Earth to Table (Cha Bella’s catering arm.) The Awards presentation followed inside the Theater promptly at 8pm.

The mid-evening awards program highlighted the most pioneering personages of Savannah’s Creative Coast in five categories including Community, Education & Government; Small Business; Big Business; Sustainability; and the Howard J. Morrison Leadership Award.  Jim Carswell, co-owner and operator of Spy Hop Productions, a local production company, served as master of ceremonies.

“Tonight we honored some of Savannah’s greatest innovators, true examples of local and successful knowledge-based business,” said Brynn Grant, TCCa’s Executive Director.  “We pay tribute to local innovation through this event every October, but this kind of creative action is occurring every day. Through a new initiative we’ll be kicking-off soon called Actions Speak, we have plans to identify, empower and promote those doing new and meaningful things in Savannah all year long.”

Testament to the out-of-the-box planning that went into the event, the physical awards presented to the five winners were each themselves a work of art – literally. Handmade by Jerry Lancaster of Port City Metals, this year’s awards were made of a mix of shredded automobile parts from local scrap metal recycler Newell Recycling and scrap granite from Bella Terra Granite.

The 2009 TCCa Innovation Award WINNERS are as follows:

Innovative Achievement by a Small Business (less than 50 employees)

Who: Music Intelligence Solutions, Inc. (uPlaya)
What: Through uPlaya.com, Music Intelligence Solutions, Inc. provides interactive online services – including creative development, branding, social networking and discovery tools – for established and budding musicians and songwriters, producers, music supervisors, mobile distributors and anyone who has an affinity for music.
Why: The recently released site, uPlaya.com, provides users with music industry-focused services such as Hit Song Science™ and the Music Universe™, which provide technological feedback on the music’s viability in the marketplace and offers a first indication of a song’s success potential. Since creating a good song is only the first step in a complex machinery of hit creation, uPlaya™ also helps artists identify new fans, decide where to best place their music among the vast amounts of different markets, and promotes musicians through their social networking, promotional and PR resources to increase artist exposure. For consumers, uPlaya™ has a suite of services, including online and mobile interactive games, a music discovery application and a personalized streaming solution.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Creative Coast Alliance.  When our board of directors in Barcelona agreed to move operations to Savannah from San Francisco two years ago, the Creative Coast and others in the community stepped up to help make the transition a success,” said David Meredith, CEO of Music Intelligence Solutions.  “We now have artist and record label customers from over 170 countries around the world, so we hope to be an example that companies looking for global growth can find a home here in Georgia.”

Innovative Achievement by a Big Business (more than 50 employees)

Who: Chatham Steel Corporation
What: “Steel Fit” Wellness Program designed to help improve employee health, thereby positively impacting company health care costs.
Why: In 1999, when most businesses were preoccupied with the impact of Y2K, Chatham Steel was instead trying to get a handle on the company’s rising health care expenses. They realized the correlation between managing employees’ health and the impact that it made on the company’s health care costs. Chatham Steel collaborated with INTERxVENT to track chronic risk factors and provided lifestyle management programs to its truck drivers to modify those particular risk factors. Once the results were realized, this successful pilot program developed into a company-wide effort. Today, they provide communications and rewards through wellness competitions and on-site services, a tobacco-use policy, drug/alcohol free policy, disease management program, pre-natal management program, employee assistance program, and safety incentive program. A premium has been placed on healthy food choices at work and wellness through personal mentoring, ongoing educational Lunch N Learns, semi-annual employee meetings with the President, awards programs, and ongoing cookouts to celebrate employees wellness achievements. There is no charge to the employee and covered dependents for wellness benefits.

“Chatham Steel understands that investing in its employees and their wellness is ’smart’ business,” said Missy Jarret, Director of Human Resources for Chatham Steel.  “Even though the economy has had an impact on employers benefits offerings, we continue to increase our benefits in health and wellness and without an increase in healthcare premiums. Providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees is one of Chatham Steel’s key values on our Roadmap for organizational success.”

Innovative Achievement in Sustainability

Who: Structured Green LLC
What: Eco-friendly product, process and community approach
Why: In addition to an original line of sustainable furniture, Structured Green’s specialty is in custom design work. From restaurants to hotels, boutiques to special event installations, Structured Green is dedicated to seamlessly bringing modern design and earth-sensitive practices to both individual and corporate clients.  Pieces are built entirely in Savannah, GA using CNC technology for material efficiency. When not built from locally sourced reclaimed or FSC-certified woods, pieces are built from rapidly renewable bamboo ply, which is grown and harvested in South America. All finishes and adhesives are LEED compliant, Green Guard certified, no- and low-VOC. Wherever possible they prefer to use FDA-sanctioned, organic, food grade, Tung oil from Pennsylvania and Savannah-local, organic beeswax finishes. All hand finishing is done on premises and whenever possible the company works with local welders and artisans for special projects. With carbon-neutral, recycling and off-grid initiatives in place for this year, Structured Green hopes to be the paragon of the new “Eco-factory”.

“We hope that events like the Innovation Awards encourage Savannah to truly take on sustainability as the way forward as well as choosing local businesses first,” said Mike Ayres, owner of Structured Green LLC. “We would like to thank the Creative Coast for their encouragement of local businesses and are honored to win this award.”

Innovative Achievement in Community, Eduction or Government

Who: Savannah Music Festival
What: Off-season communications initiative resulting in new media programs, such as online streaming of Savannah Music Festival (SMF) concerts, and the new use of technology for internal data management.
Why: While the technology itself is commonplace, the successful integration of PURLs (personal URLs), SMF live radio (broadcasting online on GBP statewide and across 8 other states), eBlasts, Ticketing/Patron Development (interfacing its ticketing and development databases to create specific audience target areas), and its substantial Production Database (data/content that ties together the artists/vendors involved in the festival, from agencies and managers to sound and light companies, to volunteers and interns) is an innovative approach that could soon be taken to market for other festivals and presenting organizations. New media initiatives, coupled with publicity efforts, has increased the SMF profile both domestically and internationally. Over the last year, web visits are up in major US markets such as Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles, as well as in Canada and Europe.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen for this award. Our communications efforts have always relied on two core elements: unique musical programming and the incredible atmosphere of Savannah in the early spring,” said Rob Gibson, Executive Director of the Savannah Music Festival.  “With the wide variety of music that we present, it is essential that we rely on digital media to refine and customize our outreach. Many thanks, Creative Coast!”

Howard J. Morrison Leadership Award

Who: Stephen J. Stephens, Jr., Stage Front Presentation Systems

Why: This award honors an individual who exhibits outstanding commitment in Coastal Community leadership within the advancement of creativity, innovation or technology through his/her partnership building and collaboration-oriented contributions. Such contributions may be business, civic and/or educational in nature.

####

Note to Editors:
The Creative Coast Alliance (TCCa) is a 501(c) 6 organization dedicated to helping create, grow and attract higher-wage, knowledge-based businesses in the Savannah region. TCCa is currently funded by contributions from the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the City of Savannah. For more information, visit www.thecreativecoast.org.

A leading commercial architecture, sustainable design and land planning firm headquartered in Savannah, Lott + Barber excels at working with clients at every phase of a project, from site selection through grand opening events. Founded in 1990, the firm has been honored with numerous design awards over the years, including Historic Preservation Awards from Historic Savannah Foundation, Excellence in Architecture awards from the American Institute of Architects and a National Award for Outstanding Technical Merit in Metropolitan Transportation Planning from the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. For more information about Lott + Barber, please call (912) 234-5230 or visit www.lottbarber.com online.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Osprey Lake Plantation registered as first LEED for homes and neighborhood in Jasper County

Lakefront community is 10 minutes from Savannah

(JASPER COUNTY) – Osprey Lake Plantation is Jasper County’s first all-LEED housing development to be registered in the LEED for Homes certification program. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the internationally-recognized standard for high performance, low water and energy use buildings awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Osprey Lake Plantation is a unique lakefront community located less than 10 minutes from Savannah and 15 minutes from downtown Bluffton. Many of the 62 home sites surround the 18-acre lake with a neighborhood dock, said Jerry Reeves IV of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty. Lakefront home sites can also have a private dock. Osprey Lake is located less than five miles from two public boat launches and offers on-site boat storage. Homes start in the low $200,000 price range.

“People are looking for value right now, both short-term value and value for the long term, and LEED houses do that,” said Reeves. “Energy and water costs are dramatically reduced because of Energy Star and LEED features.” An open house will be held in the fall.
The homes will be 25-30 percent more energy efficient than the standard home being built today, explained Tommy Linstroth of Melaver Sustainability Consulting. The homes will be third-party tested and verified as part of the LEED certification process, which lets  future owners know their home is truly “green” and energy efficient.
Some of the features include:
·    Energy Star windows
·    Spray-foam insulation
·    Energy efficient lighting
·    Low-VOC  paint, adhesives and sealants. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, some of which may have long- or short-term adverse health effects, including autism, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
·    Low-flow water fixtures and dual-flush toilets
·    Drought-tolerant plants
·    Drywall that is a by-product of coal burning
·    Green space for Osprey Lake set aside by the developers
·    Tree preservation plan

The location is as much of a draw as the energy efficiency, Reeves said.

“It’s a great location to live – it gives easy access to the Talmadge Bridge,” Reeves said. “You don’t have to fight the traffic on the southside out Abercorn Street, out Highway 21 to Effingham, or out Highway 80 to Pooler. You have a great quality of life, with very large lots and lakefront property.”
Melaver Sustainability Consulting will be providing LEED for Homes certification for the 62 homes at Osprey Lake Plantation. As a LEED for Homes provider, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Melaver Sustainability Consulting has been tested, qualified, and certified to provide these services.  Combined with hands-on job site experience, the Melaver team can offer the highest level of experience based in the southeast.
Each home at Osprey Lake Plantation will be analyzed for sustainable construction practices, the materials used, and then tested for energy and water efficiency.  LEED for Homes providers offer third party project certification, and guide project teams through the overall certification process. All projects that wish to participate in the LEED for Homes program through the U.S. Green Building Council must do so through a LEED for Homes Provider.

Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. Founded in 1981, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty is noted for outstanding service to its clients, thorough knowledge of Savannah and the South Carolina Low Country, and excellent staff, in addition to having one of the region’s top property management departments. The owners are natives of Savannah who have more than 60 years’ combined experience in real estate. The offices are located at 9, 13, and 17 West Charlton Street on Madison Square in Savannah and 6 Bruin Street in Bluffton, S.C.

For more information, call Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty at (912) 234-3323 or visit www.celiadunnsir.com. To contact the Bluffton office, call (843) 836-3900.
www.OspreyLakeSC.com
www.MelaverConsulting.com
http://www.synergydesignerhomesinc.com

Win a $5000 Marketing Makeover
for your Local Savannah Business

WHAT
Win a $5000 Marketing Makeover for your Local Savannah Business

WHY
The Marketing Makeover Team can help you increase your visibility in the community and online and your $100 donation will help raise money for CASA.

WHO
Winner will receive a yearly marketing and PR plan for their company, website audit, one ad designed that is camera ready, develop a Facebook page, create a direct mail piece, training session on Social Media sites, 2 press releases about your company, distributed to the media and optimized online, and one YOUTUBE video about your company.

COST
$100 CHANCE TO WIN
Mail your check, made out to C.A.S..A (tax donation- 501 3c
Marjorie Young
CarriageTradePR
213 West York Street
Telfair Square
Savannah, GA 31401.
Must be received before Nov 11, 2009.

WINNER
Drawing November 12, 2009 at the Dancing with the Stars competition. Winner will be called. Checks will be placed in a hat – and a representative from CASA will draw the winner.

FUNDRAISER FOR CASA
Every child should have a safe, loving and permanent home, but unfortunately many do not. Each year in Chatham County, hundreds of abused or neglected children become entangled in an overcrowded juvenile justice and foster care system. A large majority of the children are removed from their homes and placed in an already overburdened system where they can get “lost” for months or even years. The Savannah-Chatham County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program provides an innovative, cost-effective solution to this urgent crisis. They are located at 428 Bull St in Savannah. 912-447-8908

DETAILS ABOUT MARKETING MAKEOVER
Winner will meet with the Marketing Makeover Team December 2, 2009 at 213 West York Street at 10am. Value is $5000

VISIBILITY TEAM CONSISTS OF
Marjorie Young – Carriage Trade Public Relations
Diana Morrison – Advertising Speciality Services
Joe Ippolito – River Horse Internet Marketing
John Powers – Bottom Line Marketing
Rick Monroe – Monroe Marketing
Cathy Rogers – 7 Waves Marketing
Brad Morrison of Southpoint Media

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL
Marjorie Young
912.844.9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

EVENT DETAILS

When: October 22nd, 2009. Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, 6:00-8:00pm.  Awards presentation from 8:00-9:30pm.

Where: On Broughton Street, in front of Trustees Theater. (Awards will follow inside the theater.)

Dress: Come as you are! Some people will be wearing suits, some jeans and a blazer. It’s whatever works for you, really.

Cost: $60 per person

Buy Tickets: http://innovation.thecreativecoast.org/tickets

Top Ten Reasons To Go: http://innovation.thecreativecoast.org/topten

Proceeds: Proceeds from the Innovation Awards will be reinvested in ways the TCCa Advisory Board determines match its mission and vision. Last year’s proceeds supported the Savannah Science Seminar, the Savannah-Ogeechee Regional Science and Engineering Fair, Savannah’s Engineering Academy and middle and high school robotics competitions.

CarriageTrade Public Relations, Inc. outsources to Kim-Imaging Photography in the Savannah, GA and Hilton Head, SC areas.

Kim Thomson can be reached at

kst@comcast.net

www.SustainableFellwood.com

http://southeast.construction.com/PDFs/SEC_Best09Winners.pdf

www.melaver.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) – The green affordable housing development Sustainable Fellwood has been honored in Southeast Construction magazine’s “Best of 2009” awards.

Sustainable Fellwood was named “Best In Category” for Multi-Family Residential. The magazine editors noted that this year was especially competitive, with a record-breaking number of entries.The annual competition recognizes construction and design excellence in the four-state region that includes Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The pioneering mixed use, mixed income Housing Authority of Savannah redevelopment Sustainable Fellwood has garnered national attention for its commitment to efficiency and the environment, as well as thoughtful design for a livable community.

Amenities for the environmentally friendly mixed-use, mixed income development include the preservation of trees, on-site recycling, cellulose insulation, high efficiency air conditioning and heating units, and low flow water fixtures. The homes have 30 percent less energy usage and 40 percent less water usage than typical construction. Sustainable Fellwood, which serves as a principal component of the City of Savannah’s Westside Development Revitalization Plan, is widely considered a national showcase for environmentally-responsible community planning. Catamount Constructors, Inc. is the construction company for Sustainable Fellwood.

Residents began moving into Phase I, the first 110 housing units, in April 2009. Phase II, which will include another 110 affordable housing units, and single family homes, is planned to begin construction this fall Future phases will include a senior housing apartment building, followed by potential retail, medical and technical space.

Construction on Phase I began in Fall 2008. Sustainable Fellwood is being built with sustainable materials with high standards for energy and water efficiency. For example, pervious paving will be used where possible to allow water to naturally infiltrate the ground, reducing the impact on the neighborhood stormwater system.

Sustainable Fellwood is registered in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Neighborhood Development pilot program and will be guided by the Smart Growth Network’s principles for diverse, walk-able, distinctive, attractive communities.

Sustainable Fellwood is also registered in the EarthCraft Coastal Communities through Southface Energy Institute. Sustainable Fellwood is a mixed use, mixed income Housing Authority of Savannah redevelopment. Master Developer: Melaver, Inc., in partnership with Parallel Housing, Progressive Redevelopment, and Vanguard Developers. In collaboration with: Lott Barber, Architecture and Planning, Catamount Constructors, Inc., City of Savannah, and CHSA Development of Savannah.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Festival in Forsyth Park was a huge success, with over 3,000 walkers turning out to support families touched by Down syndrome. Savannah’s fourth annual Buddy Walk raised $62,000 this year for the cause. A second Buddy Walk, inspired by the LDSS Buddy Walk in Savannah, held in the combat zone of Afghanistan by Sergeant Samantha Allen—boasted the participation of over 300 soldiers who were unable to be present for the Savannah walk—raising an additional $3,000. Together, these walks garnered an impressive $65,000 in support of those with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk is held each year during October which is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, to provide support and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Over 300 Buddy Walks are expected to occur throughout the United States this month.

About the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society:
Established in 2006, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a non-profit family support group designed to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. The LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), a national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

These societies envision and promote a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community allow people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. http://www.ndss.org

The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society now provides outreach to families in eight local counties. Families are encouraged to bring their children with them to meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. These gatherings usually include a guest speaker as well as social time for families to meet and share with one another. For more information call John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or visit the website at http://www.ldssga.org.

//////////////// Distributed by CarriageTradePR.com on the Local NewsWire™ Marjorie Young, President 912-844-9990 Writer: Leigh Donovan PRC: Holly Elliot Date: 10/9/09

Working on fundraising for CASA. Schedule so far…NEED HELP WITH ALL!!

**OCTOBER 28, Leopolds on Broughton, 5pm. Buy a $20 ice cream with all proceeds benefitting CASA (savannahcasa.org)

Cast your $5 vote www.dancingwithsavannahstars.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            CONTACT:  CHARLOTTE REHMERT
447-8908

Fundraiser will Support Abused and Neglected Children in
Savannah/Chatham County

Savannah, GA – Savannah/Chatham County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will host its annual Dancing with Savannah Stars event on Thursday, November 12, at 7:00 p.m. at The Charles Morris Center.  This event serves as CASA’s premier fundraiser with proceeds going directly to the support of abused and neglected children in Savannah/Chatham County.  This spectacular evening will include dance performances by local celebrities: Robin Greco, Jennifer Dickinson, Kristine Compton, Marjorie Young, Gordon Varnadoe, Lynn Fairbanks, Joe Steffan and Wayne Chambers as well as a cocktail hour, buffet style dinner, and silent auction.  Savannah/Chatham County CASA is a nonprofit organization that provides training and supervision to volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused children who are under the jurisdiction of the Chatham County Juvenile Court. For tickets to the CASA Gala or to donate tax deductible auction items or become a sponsor of the event, please contact CASA at 447-8908.

2.0 MARKETING WHEEL

http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/worksheet-10-proven-online-pr-methods-vs-traditional-pr/7769394

HOW TO PUT TOGETHER A YEARLY PR PLAN
http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/worksheet-for-lecture-how-to-create-a-simple-year-long-public-relations-plan/7772823

(SAVANNAH, GA) On October 3rd, The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society’s (LDSS) Fourth Annual Buddy Walk raised a record 62,000 dollars for the non-profit organization this year. They also had 3,100 participants, Another first was this year’s Buddy Walk in Kabul, Afghanistan which raised an additional 3,900 dollars for the LDSS www.LDSSGA.org

“Gold Service Award” – Meetings & Conventions Magazine, August 2009

“Top 10 Cities in the US and Canada” – Travel + Leisure Magazine, July 2009

“Top U.S. Tours” – TripAdvisor.com, June 2009

“20 Sweet Spots for Summer Travel” – MSNBC.com, June 2009

“America’s Most Mannerly City” – Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette, June 2009

“Top 10 Trips to Reboot Your Life” - Out Magazine, May 2009

“Top 25 City for the Arts” – American Style Magazine, May 2009

“Award of Excellence” - Corporate & Incentives Magazine, March 2009

“Top Destination Award” - Facilities & Destinations Magazine, March 2009

“15 Coolest Cities in North America” - MSN.com, February 2009

“Best Romantic Getaway” – Travel + Leisure Magazine, February 2009

“Best Southern City” – Southern Living Magazine, January 2009

(SAVANNAH, GA) Old Savannah City Mission aspires to be “Savannah’s Five Star Gospel Rescue Mission”

www.oscm.org

Timothy Ferrell is living the American Dream.  He wakes up every morning and heads to work.  He is climbing the corporate ladder.  His life is everything he dreamed it would be.  However, there was a time when he lived a nightmare.  That was only three years ago.

“I was addicted to crack-cocaine.  I was a criminal.  I was on the run.   I was hiding out in a local hotel, hoping my probation officer wouldn’t find me,” Timothy says.

He had warrants out for his arrest for selling drugs, robbery, and many other offenses.  But to him, that wasn’t the problem.  The problem was that he had no more money.  So, he made the agonizing decision to turn himself in.

He trekked on foot straight up Bay Street, looking for a police officer.

“On any other day, the officers on Bay seemed countless.  Now, when I needed one most, a cop was nowhere to be found.”

He eventually found himself at a supermarket on Bull Street, unaware that there was a police precinct just blocks away where he could have turned himself in.

“I ended up running into a guy I used to get high with,” Timothy explains.

“He was now clean, and he told me about the Urban Training Institute and Clean Start program at the Old Savannah City Mission.  So, I decided to give it a try.  Not because I wanted to get clean, but because I thought it would be a good place to hide out.”

Gone were the plans of turning himself in.  Off he went to the Mission to buy himself some more time as a free man.  Little did he know, change was about to come, and it was a change he couldn’t help but make.

“I went in under the name Thomas Jenkins, or TJ.”

Then, he met Reggie Lee, the “Clean Start” program manager.

“One of the pre-requisites for Clean Start is that the candidate must be very mature in his misery,” he explains.

“It sounds harsh, but if you’re not sick and tired of being sick and tired, it too easy to slip back into old ways.  TJ was beyond ready for a change.”

In about a week, it happened.   Something deep inside TJ changed.  He no longer wanted to be a criminal.  He saw doing drugs as a dead end street.  He was ready to embrace a new life through his faith in Christ.  He was ready to work on his issues.  He was a perfect candidate for the Clean Start program.

Lee explains, “A student must be willing to live in and relate to a community of Christians.  They must be teachable, willing to study, to learn and to change.  They must also agree to community service without compensation and work as permitted with required tithing, savings and restitution.   Plus, they must develop a vibrant connection with other believers in an approved church.”

TJ accepted the disciplines and direction of UTI with all the consequences.  He would soon become one of the Mission’s biggest success stories.

“On March 15th, 2005 I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  I was no longer scared.  I no longer wanted to hide,” Timothy says.

“I told everyone my real name, and that day healing started.”

Also on that day, he sought out his probation officer.

“I told him that I was a changed man for good.  And I know he had heard that a million times before, but I truly believe to this day that the Holy Spirit touched him, because I was facing 6 years in jail for my offenses and he gave me another chance.”

Timothy went on to complete the Urban Training Institute’s Clean Start division with its high standards, strong boundaries and clear direction.   The program included a 12 month residence at the Mission, plus an extra two months he chose to stay voluntarily.  After graduation, he went into transitional housing, which means living off campus for one year, but still under the Clean Start guidelines.

During that time, Timothy found a job making biscuits at Bojangles in Savannah.  After he mastered making biscuits, he was promoted to shift leader.  From there, he says, his progress seemed like a whirlwind.  He was soon promoted to assistant manager and eventually became a unit director in Statesboro.  Now, less than two years after being a biscuit maker, Timothy is now being groomed to become a district manager in Jacksonville.

“My life was changed at Old Savannah City Mission.  I’m not the man I was when I first walked through the Mission’s doors.”  Timothy says.

“I’d definitely be I jail if I hadn’t enrolled, and if I ever got out of jail, I’m sure I’d still be a criminal.”

But thanks to the Mission, his life is quite the contrary.  The criminal life is a thing of the past, and he is well on his way to success in the business world.

Since the Urban Training Institute was implemented in Savannah in January, 2004, there have been over 40 graduates.  Compliance with UTI’s “High Standards, Strong Boundaries, Clear Direction” is required of all.  Students understand that it costs a man nothing to enroll; it costs him everything to graduate.

The Urban Training Institute has two divisions.  “Clean Start” is a year-long residential recovery program which is based upon an adult education paradigm with curricula for character development, academic achievement and vocational skills.

The second division of UTI is “Fresh Start” which builds a bridge from incarceration to incorporation back into the community.  Enrollment is limited to those who while incarcerated come to faith in Christ and demonstrate a genuine desire for a fresh start in life.  In this program, participants reside in the Mission facilities for a minimum of one year.  Every student is matched with a mature Christian as their mentor.  Primary emphasis is placed on spiritual growth; however the common sense goal is the prevention of a return to crime and re-incarceration.  In April 2008, Fresh Start expanded to include women.

Old Savannah City Mission aspires to be “Savannah’s Five Star Gospel Rescue Mission.”  Its mission is to change lives through proclaiming the Gospel, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, rehabilitating the addict, and restoring the ex-offender.

In 2007 the mission provided 122,074 meals and more than 27,000 shelter beds.

The Mission, a Savannah-based 501(c)(3) charity functions with a staff of just seven employees; however, hundreds of volunteers deliver services to the community’s most vulnerable and needy citizens in a highly cost effective way.  During business hours visitors are invited to take a tour of the Mission’s facilities.  To learn more, log on to www.oscm.org or call Jim Lewis or Connell Stiles at 912-232-1979.

For Immediate Release: Local Physician announces Creating a Healthy Lifestyle health talks at the Hilton-DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, Saturday 10 October from 9:00am to 11:30am.

(SAVANNAH, GA) “The world’s most obese and chronically ill nation is the United States of America.” says Sam Young, MD, a Family Physician specializing in Complementary and Nutritional Medicine, who will be giving a presentation about nutrition and optimal dose vitamin therapy for the prevention of chronic disease.

The presentation is called Creating a Healthy Lifestyle. The talks explore current medical evidence based studies supporting the use of optimal dose vitamin therapy for the prevention of chronic disease, including Obesity and Pre-diabetes.

“True health requires good lifestyle choices, and we need current medical evidenced based information to make the best decisions. Medical literature does support the use of lifestyle changes and optimal dose, quality vitamin and mineral supplementation to prevent chronic diseases. This information is critical in avoiding chronic disease, and in selecting appropriate supplements. Good nutrition, moderate exercise, and quality vitamins dramatically improve health. True prevention is the key to improving our personal health, and our community’s health issues.” says Dr. Young .

Creating a Healthy Lifestyle will be held at the Hilton-DeSoto Hotel, 15 East Liberty Street, in Savannah, on 10 October. The presentations will start at 9:00AM and end at 11:30AM, and are FREE to the public. Topics will include: “The USA Obesity Epidemic and the Diabetes Explosion”. “Medical Evidence Does Support Vitamin Supplementation” and “All Multiple Vitamins are Not Created Equal”

Dr. Young is a Savannah native, a former US Army Medical Corp Colonel, and a Gulf War veteran. He is an active Family Physician with over 28 years experience, and currently practices in Savannah and Bluffton.

To RSVP for this free event, and for additional information, please call 1-800-920-9987 or e-mail jsy29909@yahoo.com

REAL L.I.F.E. CLASS

Law, Investing, Finances & Entities

Special One Time Rate FREE

This is a great opportunity. Don’t miss it!

“HOW TO KEEP MORE OF THE MONEY YOU MAKE“

Asset Protection, Tax Savings, Business Entities and Wealth Preservation

Take control of your financial future! You will learn the latest, innovative proven techniques for business formation, asset protection, income tax savings and estate tax planning.  Learn these lessons and your life and your business will never be the same.

• Wealth Accumulation
• Investing
• Financing (How to Use Other People’s Money to Finance Your Wealth)
• Creating Business Entities that Qualify for Special Tax Treatment
• Keep More Money (Avoiding Lawsuits, Income Taxes, and Estate Taxes)
• Start thinking like a C.E.O. (You deserve the best!)
• Learn the latest, innovative & bomb-proof your assets.
• Learn how to have fun with finances and taxes.
• Learn to save $1,000’s this year and every year!
• Save money by purchasing with pre-tax dollars.
• Learn to deduct 100% of your medical expenses.

WHY?

•Asset Protection – You never know when someone will

want what you have.

•Privacy – If they don’t know you have it, you’re less likely

to be involved in a suit or someone trying to swindle you

out of your assets.

•Diversification – All your eggs aren’t in one basket, a

bad deal in one area won’t wipe out everything you have

worked so hard to build.

•Simplification – Once you have a plan, you no longer

have to make a decision on how to structure a deal, but

only if you want to do it or not.

•Tax Savings – Taxes easily account for wealth reduction

of 1/3 or more. Structuring should consider this fact to

maximize wealth accumulation.

•Estate Planning – Proper structuring will build in an

estate plan that can save your family hundreds of thousands

in estate taxes and keep your estate private!

INSTRUCTORS ~ ED SPIVA & HOWARD SPIVA

Ø  Trial attorney (1984) .

Ø  Real Estate Broker (1982).

Ø  Senior Real Estate Specialist (less than 1% of Realtors Nationally have this designation).

Ø  Businessman.

Ø  Real Estate Investor.

Ø  Airplane Pilot.

Ø  National Seminar Speaker.

Ø  Record Verdicts and Recoveries for catastrophically injured clients.

Ø  The Highest rating (“AV”) in both legal professional ability and ethical standards given by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. The ratings include over one million lawyers in 160 countries; only approx. 21% have an AV rating.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2009

Time: (Registration 9:30 am) (Class 10am- 2pm) (Plus Q&A)

Location: SPIVA LAW GROUP • 12056 Abercorn Street, Savannah

For more information please contact 920-2000.

Native American (Hopi) Prayer

I give you this one thought to keep –
I am with you still — I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still — in each new dawn.

The next presentation in the Food for Thought Series will be on Thursday, October 15, 2009.

Please see attached flyer for complete details on our speaker, Marjorie Young, and her presentation “Ten Proven Online PR Methods vs. Traditional PR”.

Marjorie Young is President of Carriage Trade Public Relations, Inc.  She is 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 Advisory Board for TCCa.

Marjorie is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Journalism.  Her achievements include:  2006 Ten Top 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.  Carriage Trade Public Relations, Inc. was founded in 1995 by Marjorie Young to help businesses increase their visibility in the community and online.  Their office is located on Telfair Square in Savannah, Georgia (www.carriagetradepr.com)

In her presentation, Marjorie will discuss Ten 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.

This series is open to all entrepreneurs, small businesses and interested parties, so feel free to forward this announcement and invite your friends and colleagues.  Please sign up by Tuesday, October 13th to be included for lunch. Sign up by email to Jane Jordan at jane.jordan@gatech.edu or by calling the office at 912-963-2551.

Directions to the luncheon location:

Directions from Savannah to Ga Tech / PARB 126

Take I-16 to I-95 North

Take I-95 North to Exit 106 (Jimmy Deloach Parkway, 1 exit north of the Savh/Hilton Head Intl. airport)

At Exit 106, turn right; get into left turn lane immediately

Take 1^st left (which will be a long driveway)

Turn left at the stop sign

The EDRB building is the first building on the right.

The PARB building is the second building on the right.

The “Food for Thought” luncheon is being held in the PARB building, Room 126.

There will be signs inside the PARB building directing you to Room 126.

http://www.gtsav.gatech.edu/go/welcome/campus-map

Participants 2009 / line up

Jennifer Dickinson

Marjorie Young

Lynn Fairbanks

Robin Greco

Joe Steffen
Gordon Varnedoe
Kristine Compton

Wayne Chambers

///////////////////////////////////

Welcome and thank you for agreeing to participate in CASA presents Dancing with the Savannah Stars. Each year CASA hosts one major fundraising event in the fall and this inaugural event promises to be our best one yet. Your commitment to the success of this event ensures that CASA will continue to be the most recognized voice for abused and foster children in the Savannah community. We have a wonderful slate of dancers who are ready to begin the next phase in preparation for our November event.

What is expected of you?
Per the assistance of J.J. Kane, you will be matched with your professional dance partner, a dance will be choreographed especially for you. This is the routine you will perform the night of the exhibition.

Sponsorships
As a participant we ask that you assist in our fund raising efforts by identifying potential sponsors and encouraging them to support the event. Remember: your friends, family, employers and business associates are all potential supporters.

A member of the CASA Board of Directors will be assigned to each participant to assist with your fundraising efforts and to further ensure a successful campaign.  In addition, an event website is being developed that will feature the competition participants and allow voter participation and donations.

2009 Dancing with Savannah Stars
Sponsorship Opportunities

Tango Sponsorship: $5,000
•    A table for ten will be reserved for you at our event featuring entertainment, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and raffle/auction baskets of spectacular items.
•    Company name and logo will be displayed on all printed material as a headlining sponsor and on event websites, savannahnow.com and thecoastalsource.com.
•    Company name included in all television PSAs and newspaper ads as a headlining sponsor and recognition in all promotional advertisements.
•    Company name prominently displayed in atrium on night of the event as a Tango sponsor.
•    Company name listed as an event sponsor in the program book.
•    Company will receive a full-page ad in our program book.
•    Company will be recognized from the stage the night of the event.
•    Company will be recognized in CASA monthly newsletters through the end of 2008 as a headlining sponsor.

Foxtrot Sponsorship; $3,500
•    A table for ten will be reserved for you at our event featuring entertainment, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and raffle/auction baskets of spectacular items.
•    Company name & logo displayed on event websites, savannahnow.com and thecoastalsource.com.
•    Company name prominently displayed in atrium on night of the event as sponsor.
•    Company name listed as an event sponsor in the program book.
•    Company will receive a half-page ad in our program book.
•    Company will be recognized from the stage the night of the event.
•    Company will be recognized in printed promotional advertisements.

Rumba: $2,000
•    A table for ten will be reserved for you at our event featuring entertainment, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and raffle/auction baskets of spectacular items.
•    Company name displayed in atrium on night of the event as sponsor
•    Company name listed as an event sponsor in the program book.
•    Company will receive a half-page ad in our program book.
•    Company will be recognized from the stage the night of the event.
•    Company will be recognized in printed promotional advertisements.

Swing: $1,000
•    A table for ten will be reserved for you at our event featuring entertainment, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and raffle/auction baskets of spectacular items.
•    Company name displayed in atrium on night of the event as sponsor
•    Company listed as a sponsor in the program book.

Tickets: $100 each

Sustainable Fellwood | LEED Neighborhood Development Pilot Program HOME

ARTIST’S SQUARE TELFAIR
VISION: Have artists painting in Telfair Square 7 days a week. Works will be for sale. Large open air studio. Kick off March 1, 2010 – a week before the Music Festival and St. Patrick’s Day. Simular to Montmartre Sqauare in Paris, France; a top tourist attraction. http://www.art-montmartre.com/

GOAL: Attract tourist to the Telfair Museums. Expose ‘up and coming’ artists to the Telfair Museums. Destination for tourist. Provide a way for artist to make money in their profession. Brands ART with Savannah.
FIRST MEETING: SEPTEMBER 22, 2009, TUESDAY AT NOON, JEPSON CENTER, SAVANNAH, GA

INTRODUCTIONS:
SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE THIS A SUSTAINABLE, VIABLE PROJECT

MANAGEMENT: Have artists register with the Jepson or the Local Art Association

COSTS TO ARTIST: None

HOURS: 7 days a week. All hours?

ARTIST’S SET UP: on sidewalk or grass / sectioned?

LOCATION: Telfair Square and INSIDE the Jepson (WHAT IS THIS AREA CALLED?) area during the winter or rain.

INSURANCE:
BUSINESS LICENSE:
TYPES OF ART ALLOWED IN TELFAIR SQUARE: Originals only. Can’t sell prints. What art is allowed? Restrictions?

OTHER SQUARES: could offer music or live performances.

MARKETING:
HOW DO WE GET ARTIST?
HOW DO WE GET TOURIST?
LOGO:
WEBSITE:

GOALS:
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE: Top tourist attraction – Increase 50% more foot traffic into the Telfare Museums
NEXT MEETING:
ACTION ITEMS
MEETING END

Cute photos by Brooke May

Local Physician announces CHOOSE HEALTH Bluffton/Hilton Head Lecture Series on Optimal Dose Vitamin Therapy for the Prevention of Chronic Disease.

jsy29909@yahoo.com

(BLUFFTON, SC) “The world’s most obese nation is the United States of America.” says Sam Young, MD, a Family Physician specializing in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, who will be giving a series of talks about Nutrition. The series is called CHOOSE WELLNESS.

The talks explore current medical evidence based studies supporting the use of optimal dose vitamin therapy for the prevention of chronic disease, including Obesity and Pre-diabetes.

“True health requires good lifestyle choices, and we need current medical evidenced based information to make the best decisions.  Medical literature does support the use of optimal dose, quality vitamin and mineral supplementation.  This information is critical in selecting appropriate supplements.   Good nutrition, moderate exercise, and quality vitamins dramatically improve health.  True prevention is the key to improving our personal health, and our community’s health issues.” says Dr. Young

CHOOSE HEALTH Bluffton/Hilton Head Lecture Series will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1575 Fording Island Road. Each talk will start at 7 PM and end at 8 PM and are FREE to the public.

September 21:  “The USA Obesity Epidemic and the Diabetes Explosion”.

September 28:  “Medical Evidence Does Support Vitamin Supplementation”  The facts revealed.

October 5: “All Multiple Vitamins are Not Created Equal”   How to choose quality vitamins.

Dr. Young is a Savannah native, a former US Army Medical Corp Colonel, and a Gulf War veteran.  He is an active Family Physician with over 28 years experience, and currently practices in Savannah and Bluffton.

To RSVP and for additional information please call 1-800-920-9987.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Breaking Down Barriers:  Progress for those with Down syndrome

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition experienced by human beings.  There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome. All people with Down syndrome experience some cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. In fact, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams. It is the mission of Down syndrome support groups, such as Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) to ensure that people with Down syndrome are provided the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.The LDSS currently provides outreach to families in eight local counties. http://www.ldssga.org

Breaking Down Barriers;

Progress for those with Down Syndrome

(SAVANNAH, GA)  Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition experienced by human beings.  There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.  One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome.  The condition can occur in people of all races and economic levels.

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development, and thus causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.  Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or even prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.

People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions.  Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead normal, healthy lives.  Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades—from 25 in 1983 to 60 today—approaching that of peers without the condition.

All people with Down syndrome experience some cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

In fact, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams. For example, more teens and adults with Down syndrome each year are graduating from high school, going to college, finding employment and living independently.

The Buddy Walk, introduced in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)—a national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome—was a major breakthrough in promoting the acceptance and inclusion of all people with the condition.

A nationwide campaign to raise awareness and funds for programs that support families touched by Down syndrome, the Buddy Walk enables NDSS affiliates to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome in their community, which has opened many minds and doors for people with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk started with just 17 walks in 1995, and increased over the years, totaling more than 260 walks in 2005.  This year in 2009 the NDSS expects over 300 Buddy Walks to occur nationally during the month of October, which is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  Savannah’s Buddy Walk Festival (hosted by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society) will be happening October 3^rd in Forsyth Park.

Such wide-spread acceptance has been instrumental in allowing people with Down syndrome to lead increasingly normal lives—attending school, working, participating in decisions that affect them, and contributing to society in many wonderful ways.

Most recently, children with Down syndrome have been included in regular academic classrooms throughout schools across the country.  The current trend in education is for full inclusion in the social and educational life of the community.

Educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome.  Increasingly, individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school with regular diplomas, participate in post-secondary academic and college experiences and in some cases, receive college degrees.

Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

The opportunities currently available to individuals with Down syndrome have never been greater. However, it is only through the collective efforts of parents, professionals, and concerned citizens that acceptance is becoming so widespread.  It is the mission of all Down syndrome support groups to ensure that people with Down syndrome are provided the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

Established in 2006, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS)—an affiliate of the NDSS—is a non-profit family support group designed to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families.  The LDSS currently provides outreach to families in eight local counties.  Families are encouraged to bring their children with them to meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month.  These gatherings usually include a guest speaker as well as social time for families to meet and share with one another.  For more information and to register for the 2009 Savannah Buddy Walk, call John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or visit the website at http://www.ldssga.org.

//////////////// Distributed by CarriageTradePR.com on the Local NewsWire™ Marjorie Young, President 912-844-9990 Writer: Leigh Donovan PRC: Holly Elliot Date: 09/09/09

(SAVANNAH) – David Pope and Catherine Wannamaker of the Southern Environmental Law Center will speak to the U.S. Green Building Council September 22 about “Protecting Coastal Treasures.” They will discuss the unique and important resources on the Georgia coast, the threats they face, and what SELC is doing to protect those resources. 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.
www.SouthernEnvironment.org

Calendar format:
What: Meeting of Savannah chapter of USGBC.
Topic: David Pope and Catherine Wannamaker of the non-profit environmental advocacy organization the Southern Environmental Law Center will speak to the Savannah chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council about “Protecting Coastal Treasures.”
When: Sept. 22, 5:45-7 p.m.
Where: Wild Wing Cafe in City Market, second floor
Free, but RSVP by Sept. 18 at www.usgbcga.org
Web site: www.usgbcga.org
The group typically meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 5:45-7 p.m. on the second floor of the Wild Wing Cafe in City Market. Free and open to the public.
www.usgbcga.org

Experts from non-profit environmental advocacy organization Southern Environmental Law Center to speak to USGBC Sept. 22
‘Protecting Coastal Treasures’ will be topic

(SAVANNAH) – David Pope and Catherine Wannamaker of the non-profit environmental advocacy organization the Southern Environmental Law Center will speak to the Savannah chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council September 22 about “Protecting Coastal Treasures.” Pope and Wannamaker will discuss the unique and important resources on the Georgia coast, the threats those resources face, and what SELC is doing to protect them. They will discuss how the environmental issues are connected with the building industries and explain why conservation issues need to be considered and prioritized.

The Southern Environmental Law Center uses 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 three lawyers working on this effort.

“Our job is to protect the public’s interest in the public’s resources,” said Pope, Director of the Georgia/Alabama office of SELC.

The Georgia coast is a national ecological gem, and its protection is vital to the local economy, most obviously in tourism, commercial fishing, and real estate, but in many other ways as well. The beauty of the coast draws businesses here and makes it easier for companies to attract and retain qualified workers, for example.

Illegal actions by a few developers and lax enforcement of laws here, due in part to understaffed agencies, can have a permanent effect. The state owns much of the marshland here, so actions that damage the marsh are harming the public’s resource. SELC supports responsible development that follows the rules.
SELC attorney Catherine Wannamaker, who heads the litigation efforts for SELC’s Georgia coast team, will also discuss the Navy sonar/right whale issue. The Navy is considering locating an undersea warfare training range within a 500-square mile area off southern Georgia and northern Florida. This area contains the only known calving grounds for the endangered North Atlantic right whale (of which only 300-350 individuals remain) and is designated as right whale critical habitat by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
In 2005, more than three dozen whales beached and died on the Outer Banks of North Carolina within hours of a U.S. Navy sonar training exercise. While the exact cause of the whales’ death was not conclusively established, scientists continue to find strong links between underwater sonar and the ability of whales, dolphins and other marine species to communicate, navigate, and even to survive.
The training range would put hundreds of ships in the critical habitat of the right whale off the Georgia coast. SELC will be representing several groups trying to get some accommodations from the Navy to avoid harm to the whales.
The Director of the Georgia/Alabama office of the Southern Environmental Law Center, Pope oversees the nonprofit environmental advocacy organization’s special initiative focused on protecting the Georgia coast. He also supervises all of SELC’s other work in Georgia and Alabama, including work to protect the public’s interest in our air, water and forests and work to improve our transportation issues and energy efficiency. In addition, he serves on the management committee for the organization and helps sets the priorities for work throughout the South.

He is a former partner at Carr, Tabb & Pope in Atlanta, with 29 years of environmental law practice. He graduated from University of Florida, Phi Beta Kappa, and University of North Carolina Law School.

U.S. Green Building Council, Savannah Chapter
The Savannah Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council is dedicated to promoting sustainable design and green building throughout the Creative Coast. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The meetings are open to the public. The USGBC-Savannah Chapter seeks to educate the public on the long-term benefits of green building and how sustainable design can be integrated or implemented into one’s life. For more information, visit www.usgbcga.org.

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 63 staff members and offices in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia; Chapel Hill and Asheville, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina, Washington, DC,; and Atlanta. Visit SELC online at www.SouthernEnvironment.org

Bruce Feiler will be making
his first public appearance in 18 months
a speech and book signing for his new book

AMERICA’S PROPHET
Moses and the American Story

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
7:00 p.m.
Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church
429 Abercorn Street
Calhoun Square

If you have any questions, please contact
ejfeiler@aol.com (912-658-4545)
feilerja@aol.com (912-658-3234)
or 912-232-6444

For more information about the book and other tour dates, please check out the newly redesigned website www.brucefeiler.com

Savannah winners of national business excellence awards announced
Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence showcase companies seeking new ways to make work “work” in today’s economy

SAVANNAH— Hancock Askew & Co., LLP and Wesley Community Centers of Savannah Inc. are Savannah’s winners of the 2009 Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility.

The Sloan Awards for Business Excellence recognize organizations that are striving to find new ways to make work “work” in today’s difficult economy. The awards honor organizations of all sizes and types in 30 communities across the nation that are using workplace flexibility as a strategy to increase workplace effectiveness and yield positive business results.

Step Up Savannah and the national partners of “When Work Works”—Families and Work Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce, and the Twiga Foundation—cooperated this year to promote the prestigious national awards in the Savannah area. The awards will be presented to the local companies by Step Up Savannah, Inc. at its annual meeting on October 20.

The award means that Hancock Askew & Co. LLP and Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc. rank in the top 20 percent of employers from around the country in terms of flexible work programs, policies and culture. The organizations were evaluated in a rigorous two-step process, first comparing their applications to national data from the Families and Work Institute’s “National Study of Employers,” and then corroborating the employers’ responses through an employee survey.

“It is an honor to win the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in the Workplace,” said Harry Haslam, managing partner of Hancock Askew.
“As a firm we continuously focus on employees’ needs for workplace flexibility and oblige them, blending them with the firm’s needs . We began a concerted effort to make our workplace more flexible 15 years ago and our current programs are an evolution of this process. Our greatest assets are our people. Without them, we do not exist as an entity.”

Tammy Mixon, executive director of Wesley Community Centers, commented on her organization winning, “We are thrilled and honored to receive the Alfred P. Sloan Award as a small non-profit.

“We take pride in focusing on the workplace and caring for our employees so they may care for our customers.  We actively build flexibility into our workplace so that our people can pursue their education improving their credentials, and attend classes during the work day. This benefits our customers and our employees,” Ms. Mixon said.

Each of the 2009 Sloan Award winners also will be recognized nationally and featured in next year’s edition of the “Guide to Bold New Ideas for Making Work Work,” published by Families and Work Institute.

Hancock Askew and Wesley Community Centers will be honored by Savannah’s local award administrator, Step Up Savannah, at its annual meeting on October 20, which starts at 7:30 a.m., at the Civic Center.  Step Up administered the national award locally this year, and contributed questions focusing on lower wage workers to the national Alfred P. Sloan application.

For more information about When Work Works or the Alfred P. Sloan Awards, please contact Tyler Wigton at (212) 465-2044 x 224 or twigton@familiesandwork.org Kelly Sakai at (212) 465-2044 x 211 and at ksakai@familiesandwork.org.

For more information about Step Up Savannah’s annual meeting, contact Suzanne Donovan at (912) 232-6747 or sdonovan@stepupsavannah.org.

Casey, David, Dodie, Jim

Casey, Clayton, Dan

Celia Dunn, Boom Modlin

Boom and Marjorie

Paula Kreissler of Wound Care Clinic ESU, Cathy Rogers with 7 Waves Marketing, Sonny Colley

VISION: Have artists painting in Telfair Square 7 days a week. Works will be for sale. Large open air studio. Kick off March 1, 2010 – a week before the Music Festival and St. Patrick’s Day. Similar  to Montmartre Square in Paris, France; a top tourist attraction. http://www.art-montmartre.com/

GOAL: Attract tourist to the Telfair Museums. Expose ‘up and coming’ artists to the Telfair Museums. Destination for tourist. Provide a way for artist to make money in their profession. Brands ART with Savannah.

FIRST MEETING: SEPTEMBER 22, 2009, TUESDAY AT NOON, JEPSON CENTER, SAVANNAH, GA

If you are interested in helping create this vision – please contact me / Marjorie Young 912.844.9990. or Marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

Local Physician announces CHOOSE WELLNESS SAVANNAH Lecture Series on Optimal Dose Vitamin Therapy for the Prevention of Chronic Disease.

jsy29909@yahoo.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) “The world’s fattest country is the United States of America.” says Sam Young, MD, a Family Physician specializing in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, who will be giving a series of talks about Nutrition. The series is called CHOOSE WELLNESS.

The talks explore current medical evidence based studies supporting the use of optimal dose vitamin therapy for the prevention of chronic disease.

“True health requires good lifestyle choices, and we need current medical evidenced based information to make the best decisions.  Medical literature does support the use of optimal dose, quality vitamin and mineral supplementation.  This information is critical in selecting appropriate supplements.   Good nutrition, moderate exercise, and quality vitamins dramatically improve health.  True prevention is the key to improving our personal health, and our community’s health issues.” says Dr. Young

///SAVANNAH LOCATION///

CHOOSE WELLNESS SAVANNAH Lecture Series will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Savannah Midtown, 5711 Abercorn Street. Each talk will start at 7 PM and end at 8 PM.
Free to the public.

September 15: “The World’s Fattest Country is…..the USA.”   How to avoid weight problems.

September 22:  “25% of America’s are Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic.”  How to avoid diabetes.

September 29:  “Medical Evidence Does Support Vitamin Supplementation”  The facts revealed.

October 6: “All Multiple Vitamins are Not Created Equal”   How to choose quality vitamins.

/// HILTON HEAD LOCAITON ////

CHOOSE HEALTH Bluffton/Hilton Head Lecture Series will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1575 Fording Island Road. Each talk will start at 7 PM and end at 8 PM and are FREE to the public.

September 21:  “The USA Obesity Epidemic and the Diabetes Explosion”.

September 28:  “Medical Evidence Does Support Vitamin Supplementation”  The facts revealed.

October 5: “All Multiple Vitamins are Not Created Equal”   How to choose quality vitamins.

To RSVP and for additional information please call 1-800-920-9987

Sam Young, MD

Doris Martin Dance Studios in Sandfly, GA

We all met on Sept 3 – my dance coach suggested we use this song.

… this should be interesting and fun!

Congratulations to the new Leadership Savannah class. They met for the first time at Rocks on the Roof at the Bohemian.

Diana Morrision, Chair of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

Burt Tennabaum, incoming Chair for 2010

CLASS

David    Acuff
Greer    Allgood
Hugh    Barnes
John    Benton
Ralph    Bowden
Chris    Brown
Terry    Cassidy
Lonnie    Chestnut
Irvin    Clark
Denise    Cooper
Jeff    Cressman
Juliette Cyr
Anthony    D’Aguillo
Roy    Davenport
Suzanne    Donovan
J.E.B.    Harper
Douglas    Herman
Larry    Jackson
Talmadge    Johnson
Ruel    Joyner
Caroline    Keller
Greg    Kelly
Daniel    Mahfet
Joseph    Marchese
Peter    Mastopoulos
Jessica    McClellan
Wendy    Owens
Jennifer Payne
Benjamin Perkins
Melissa    Phillips
Danielle Pinkerton
Joseph R.Ross, Jr.
Christopher Smith
Amanda    Taylor
Marian    Teuton
Frank    Twum-Barimah
Robby     White
Wanda    Williams

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

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 www.SouthernEnvironment.org

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™
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 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 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
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 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.
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 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.   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 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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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/

*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.

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.

(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. 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

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.

“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.

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

I love my DADDY!

PARTY – ROOF TOP

CAKE!

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.

our cat Ari weighs 14 pounds – jeff weighed 6 pounds

He needed a haircut

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

Dave Davies, Ron Higgins and Elizabeth

…tried to go jet skiing

Then and now: Savannah is a community shaped by its people Three generations of Celias have seen the city change from quiet to cosmopolitan

www.celiadunnsir.com

(SAVANNAH) – Growing up in the Thomas Square neighborhood of Savannah, Celia Williams Dunn never imagined how her life – or her city – would turn out. “Savannah was a small conservative Southern town … DeRenne Avenue was dirt,” she said with a laugh. As a child, she took horseback riding lessons there.

Three generations of Celias have seen Savannah changing, shaped by the residents who love it. Celia Williams, still spry at 95 years old, inspired her daughter’s love of historic buildings and community spirit and is “the consummate mother.” Celia Williams Dunn is a civic leader and has been an important part of the revitalization of downtown. Her daughter, Celia Dunn, is a Dance Therapist who leads several dance therapy groups for senior citizens in Savannah. Growing up, the middle Celia didn’t see many examples of strong businesswomen, except Alida Harper Fowlkes, who had an antique shop and a tea room.

“Women weren’t looked on as having professional careers,” Dunn said. “I thought I’d graduate from college, work for a few years, get married, have children, do volunteer work and play tennis, and that would be my life.” She never expected to become a business leader owning her own company, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, which she runs with her husband, Larry. And maybe if her in-laws hadn’t offered Celia and Larry a place to live rent-free downtown when they married in 1963, her path might have turned out differently. “My parents said, ‘We gave you a good education and you got married and moved to the slums!,” Dunn laughed.

By 1963, people had started renovating historic properties, but the area had a long way to go. The preservation and restoration movement had begun, but on a fairly small scale, she explained. “We were able to attract other people to rent apartments in the Historic District,” Dunn said. “We talked to friends and said we like living downtown.” They brought residents into long-vacant homes, even connecting people with homes without compensation before starting the business. Her volunteer background, especially being president of Junior League, gave her the confidence to start her real estate business.

“The attraction was old-world charm for less money,” Dunn said. “We had lots of young families living downtown. Having people living downtown was key to its revitalization. You were taking a chance on its being a sound investment,” back before anyone knew how well downtown was going to turn out. “Now, it’s a vibrant Southern city,” Dunn said. “I always thought it was a comfortable place to live, but I didn’t know it was going to be so much fun to live here. There’s such a diverse group of interesting people who have moved here or who grew up here and have moved back.”

One of those dynamic people is her daughter, Celia Dunn, who has a master’s degree in Dance Therapy from Pratt Institute in New York. She volunteers with Ruth Byck Adult Day Care Center and Sisters Court, leading dance therapy groups that improve the cognitive, emotional and physical health of participants. Dance therapy is also her career, and she plans to add more dance therapy groups. Her motto is “Move into health.” Therapy is about making connections, she explained, whether with yourself or others. Dance therapy allows the seniors to get in touch with emotions and memories we hold in our bodies. She finds volunteering and helping the community makes her feel good. “I’m feeling involved and feeling connected to something bigger than myself. It gives more purpose to life and living.” And that attitude, shared by so many Savannahians, is a big reason the city has become what it is today.

Sidebar: Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. The owners, Celia and Larry Dunn, are natives of Savannah who have more than 60 years’ combined experience in real estate. Celia Dunn has earned the Distinguished Sales Society recognition for the 28th consecutive year. She has been inducted into the Savannah Business Hall of Fame. She’s been featured on HGTV as well as in a BBC documentary and book by British actor Stephen Fry, showing off Savannah’s real estate. Founded in 1981, the company has grown from one broker in one room to seven brokers and 41 agents in three adjoining buildings on Madison Square, and an office in Bluffton, S.C. As of January 2006 it has become Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty. Since the early 1960s Celia and Larry Dunn had been encouraging young families to invest and move into the Historic District where homes were spacious, charming and less expensive. Larry researched possible properties, and they put buyers and sellers together. Larry managed several properties, and the bank where he worked was one of the first to make mortgage loans for purchasing and restoring historic properties. By 1974, they had effected several real estate transactions with no compensation, so Celia and Larry decided to get their real estate licenses.

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/07/15/science/space/20090715moon-readers_17.html

(CHICAGO, IL – USA / SARDINIA, ITALY)  Smeraldina Announces Giuseppe Pinna as Vice President

www.smeraldina.us

(CHICAGO, IL – USA / SARDINIA, ITALY) Giuseppe Pinna has been named Vice President of the Smeraldina Corporation, producers of Acqua Smeraldina, a natural artesian water now available in the United States. Pinna oversees Smeraldina’s U.S. operations, which currently include distribution warehouses in Chicago and Fairfield, New Jersey. Additional centers will open soon in Miami and Los Angeles. www.smeraldina.us

The Smeraldina Corporation is a privately owned company that has been in business for more than 20 years, producing highly sought after bottled water known for its many health benefits.

Pinna comes to the Smeraldina Corporation from Patrick Cudahy, Inc., where he worked in sales and marketing for the company’s Italian product line. He also served as Executive Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Chicago.

Pinna received an M.B.A. from Loyolya University in Chicago. “I was born and raised in Sardinia, and for me to represent a company and product of Sardinia is a great opportunity,” says Pinna. “I’ve been drinking Acqua Smeraldina all of my life, and my family in Sardinia drinks it too, and I know firsthand how pure the water is and the associated health benefits. I am very excited to bring Acqua Smeraldina to the American consumer.”

Acqua Smeraldina comes from the beautiful and pristine island of Sardinia, Italy, a remote island in the Mediterranean Sea considered one of the environmentally cleanest locales in Europe.

Sardinia is considered a “blue zone” because of the number of residents who live active lives past the age of 100. Smeraldina natural artesian water is extracted from an underground aquifer 1,000 feet under the Mountain of God in the Gallura region of Sardinia. It takes hundreds of years for rain water to slowly descend through the natural granite filtration system, during which time the water is cleared of its impurities without any sediment being released. The result is a unique, clean and light mineral water that numerous doctors and experts recommend for its perfect balance of sodium, chlorides and bicarbonates, which help to correctly maintain arterial blood pressure.

For more information, please contact Giuseppe Pinna, vice president of the Smeraldina Corporation, at 414-732-6501

*ABOUT THE COMPANY*

Smeraldina Corporation The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue 59th Floor New York, NY 10118 www.smeraldina.us Giuseppe Pinna, Vice President 414-732-6501

Media Release: Distributed by CarriageTradePR.com 912-844-9990

The Humane Society has 4 dogs that are heartworm positive and cannot be treated because the environment there is too stressful. They are looking for temporary foster “parents” to take these dogs while they undergo treatment.

The shelter pays all vet cost, so the only thing they need from you is a quieter place to be treated. The treatment period is 6 week.

There is a miniature Poodle, a Finnish Spitz and 2 very cute mixed breeds. One of the mixed breeds is an especially cute terrier mixed breed that is very calm and loving. She would happily sit on someones lap for the duration of her stay. Once these sweet dogs are treated they can be returned to the Humane Society to find their forever home. Even if you have pets, if you could accommodate one of these loving souls for a short period of time, it would greatly improve their adoptability. They may be be perfect short term pets for those of you who travel or have schedules that cannot have a full time dog. Everyone would benefit! A few important points……………

1. If you have a dog or cat – they will not “catch” the heartworms from these dogs. The only way to transmit heartworm is if an infected animal is bitten by a mosquito and then bites an untreated animal. 2. There is no cost to the foster parent – all that is required is loving care. 3. If you would like to keep the dog after the foster period, the pet can be adopted “forever”. 4. The treatment period is 6 weeks. For more information about the dogs, please contact Lynn Gensamer or Nancy Richards at the shelter 354-9515 or stop in and see them. Thanks in advance for your consideration. Robin

When my brother and I got to the Savannah airport, American Airlines informed us that they had canceled our flight. Thank heavens DELTA had 2 extra seats for us. It was a 3.5 hour flight to St Thomas from Atlanta

First day in St Thomas

my brother

Davy and Max – on the “compound”

Jim, Davy and Max

shopping in st thomas -

Jim, Max and Michael

Carol, “Island Girl” and friend

Michael Smith

An hour before Carol got married

max, dave, jim, carol, judy and michael (wedding party)

cousins — david watson, carol watson smith herrin

everybody at the wedding went swimming – skinny beach

(Chatham County, GA) The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) wants to ensure that business owners in Chatham County understand how to create an effective and reliable Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) so to ensure that the capability exists for all businesses to continue essential agency functions across a wide range of hazards. Does your business have a COOP in place? If not, here’s how to get started:

First, all businesses need to understand a COOP’s planning objectives. A COOP:

● Ensures continued performance of essential functions.

● Reduces loss of life and minimizes damage.

● Ensures succession to office of key leaders.

● Reduces or mitigates disruptions to operations.

● Protects essential assets. ● Achieves a timely recovery and reconstitution.

● Maintains a test, training, and exercise program for program validation. Check back next week for more tips from CEMA on COOP planning. For further information about COOP planning, please visit CEMA’s website at http://www.chathamemergency.org/businesses/ or contact Courtney Cunningham at (912) 201-4500. The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) wants to ensure that your business has an effective and reliable Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) in place. The first step in COOP planning is to understand the basic COOP planning objectives. Second, there are several critical planning considerations for any COOP plan. COOP’s must:

● Be capable of implementation anytime, with and without warning, during duty and non-duty hours.

● Provide full operational capability for essential functions not later than 12 hours after activation.

● Be capable of sustaining operations for up to 30 days. Agencies must develop operating procedures and acquire resources necessary to sustain operations for up to 30 days.

● Include regularly scheduled Training, Testing & Exercises (TT&E). Agencies must train members of their emergency staff and practice COOP procedures to ensure their skills stay current. Equipment and communications must be tested periodically to ensure that they are operable. Check back next week for more tips from CEMA on COOP planning. For further information about COOP planning, please visit CEMA’s website at http://www.chathamemergency.org/businesses/ or contact Courtney Cunningham at (912) 201-4500.

USTA SAVANNAH CHALLENGER DONATES CHECK TO HOSPICE SAVANNAH

Diane Walker Evans, Executive Director, Hospice Savannah Foundation, Inc.

Debra Anthony Larson, President and CEO, Hospice Savannah, Inc.

Here is a picture of Kenny Grainger and crew cutting the ribbon at the new Cash N Carry facility on Staley Ave. yesterday.

The people in the picture, left to right, are Terry Grainger, Ansley Grainger, Savannah Chamber of Commerce Ambassador London Mainor, Alderman Jeff Felser, owner Kenny Grainger, Latisha Grainger, Grace Grainger, Pamela Grainger, and Ken Grainger.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Kenny Grainger, President of Savannah’s Cash-n-Carry used auto parts and self-serve salvage yard, proudly announces the grand opening of a new 4,200-square-foot customer service building with a ribbon cutting Wednesday, May 27, at noon. Customers will be able to enjoy free admission and food and have a chance to win a car through a raffle! 912-352-0725
http://iluvused.com/

Events planned for Wootton’s Class of 1979 30th Reunion Weekend

Proceeds from ticket sales and the event’s raffle and extensive silent auction will assist Jason and Lyra Statts with the overwhelming financial burden they face.

Doors open for auction preview at 4:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 6pm.

The benefit will include an array of live entertainment acts including Joe Nelson, the Josh Maul Blues Band, The 8-Tracks and DJ Emkay. The raffle and auction boast art from some of the area’s best artists, vacation rentals, and many other incredible items from local businesses and retailers. The $25 advanced ticket price includes tapas dishes from provided by a number of Savannah’s finest restaurants and caterers and complimentary wine and beer (provided by Moon River Brewing Company). There will also be a cash bar. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 23 at the following downtown locations: Arcanum, 422 Whitaker St.; Primary Art Supply, 14 E. Broughton St.; The Jinx (cash only), 127 W. Congress St. Tickets will be $30 at the door the night of the benefit. More information can be found soon at www.stattsbenefit.com.

“Willie-Off-The-Pickleboat” is officially on the market, in both paperback and the easier-to-chew downloadable (.pdf) format.

http://stores.lulu.com/verhoodled

He is the most creative writer I have EVER MET.

Here’s to many more books and your continued success Monty – x0×0

www.savannahjobs.com

I used to shop in their grocery store in Alexandria, VA – it ROCKED!!!! Lots of organic foods – great prices – — a store with personality

Abercorn Common is the first all-retail LEED shopping center in the United States to become LEED certified (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) through the U.S. Green Building Council.  Abercorn Common received Silver certification in April, 2006.

While the lush landscaping may conjure images of environmental consciousness, much more is going on at this site. Some of the main features include:

- A cistern which collects rainwater from the roofs of the entire shopping center, to the tune of 5,000,000 gallons per year. This water is then used for irrigation, reducing demand on this precious commodity.

- Speaking of water, the entire shopping center is over 30% more water-efficient than a typical shopping center. This has been accomplished through ultra-low flow fixtures, toilets and waterless urinals.

- Preferred parking is offered for those who drive hybrids or tenants who car pool.

- A highly-reflective white roof reflects away heat, keeping the entire center cooler.

- A tighter building envelope, the white roof, and high efficiency HVAC systems make this center over 30% more energy-efficient than a typical center, saving tenants money on utility bills.

- Low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints, sealants, and adhesives were used throughout the project, improving indoor air quality for shoppers and workers.

- Approximately 1 acre of porous pavement throughout the parking lot lets stormwater drain naturally and reduces local flooding.

- Construction: Over 85% of construction debris, totalling over 6000 tons of material, was kept out of the landfill through recycling or reuse.

- Specifications: Recycled materials and those manufactured locally were used extensively throughout the project.

- On site recycling of cardboard, plastic and glass.

Building Green in Savannah.

I drove up from Savannah yesterday and enjoyed a GREAT dinner at the Royal Palm Inn (also where I am staying.)

At 12:30 today I will give a talk about social media, online PR to the group.

Forsyth looks like a movie set; beautiful court house in the center of town, on a square surrounded by shops.

The Forsyth Rotary meets every Thursday at 12:30

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

— Max Ehrmann, 1927

The Savannah Tree Foundation held a tree planting on March 7th at Lamarville and Westlake community parks in the Westside of Chatham County.  Volunteers from Melaver, Inc., Dalton State College, and the community helped plant 30 trees at two Chatham County parks.  The planting sponsor was Melaver, Inc., which uses tree plantings as a way to offset its carbon footprint.  Planting partners included Chatham County, Georgia Power, and Forklifts & Bobcat of Savannah.

jamie’s garage

kayaks

My lecture at the West Austin Rotary about Social Media and PR 2.0

The Austin Dance

Bug sunglasses

cute guy in a hat

flying to Austin

Pink Leomonaid at the Lost Creek Club

a perfect tree

Jamie and his lizard car