Tagged: children
LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY ANNOUNCES MAY FAMILY SUPPORT MEETING: CELEBRATING THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR AND WELCOMING SUMMER
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is thrilled to invite the public to its upcoming May Family Support Meeting on Thursday, May 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at 1525 Dean Forest Rd., Savannah, GA 31408, with attendees asked to use the side entrance labeled “100A” for access.
As the school year draws to a close and the warmth of summer approaches, LDSS is preparing to celebrate and welcome the opportunities that summer brings. The May meeting promises to be an engaging and informative event for families and caregivers in the community.
Attendees can anticipate an exciting lineup of guest speakers who will share valuable insights and information about summer programs and activities tailored for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. From recreational opportunities to educational programs, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of resources available to make the most out of the upcoming summer months.
The LDSS May Family Support Meeting offers a supportive environment for families to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources. Whether attendees are seasoned members of the LDSS community or newcomers seeking support and information, all are welcome to participate in this enriching event.
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) supports people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact. LDSS encourages the whole family to attend; children of all ages are welcome. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
CONTACT
Joe Marchese
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
jmarchese@ldssga.org
912-213-9999
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
The Monthly Family Support Meeting by LDSS is April 18: Come Connect and Learn
(SAVANNAH, Ga) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) announces its upcoming Family Support meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 18th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The meeting will be held at 1525 Dean Forest Rd., Savannah, GA 31408. Attendees are kindly asked to utilize the side entrance labeled “100A”.
This monthly gathering is open to all families and individuals in the greater Savannah/Lowcountry area who have been touched by Down syndrome. Established in 2006, LDSS serves families across eight surrounding counties, providing vital support, resources, and a sense of community.
The meetings, held every third Thursday of the month, offer a valuable platform for families to connect, share experiences, and gain insights. Each session typically features a guest speaker, providing valuable information and perspectives, followed by dedicated social time for families to interact and build relationships. Children are enthusiastically encouraged to attend, fostering a supportive environment for all members of the family.
“We’re excited to welcome both familiar faces and newcomers to our upcoming meeting,” said Joe Marchese, President of LDSS. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together as a community.”
The LDSS Family Support meetings are free to attend, and no RSVP is required. Simply join us and be part of this vibrant community.
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) supports people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact. LDSS encourages the whole family to attend; children of all ages are welcome. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
CONTACT
Lindsey Barron
Construction Administrator
Joe Marchese
Marchese Construction, Inc
lindsey@marchese.construction
229-457-7974
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society partnering with Sunshine Pottery to hold a monthly family support meeting August 17
(SAVANNAH, GA) Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is partnering with Sunshine Pottery to hold the monthly family support meeting Thursday, August 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Banquet Room located at 1525 Dean Forest Rd., Savannah, GA 31408. Please enter through the side entrance labeled “100A.”
Sunshine Pottery is donating a variety of pottery pieces to be painted during Thursday’s meeting. LDSS plans to auction the one-of-a-kind artwork at the 2024 Night of Champions. A “Certificate of Authenticity” will be created and presented with the pottery to the winning bidder for each piece sold. The certificate will include a photo of the child who painted the piece and their story.
Virtual attendees will be able to ask questions and have them answered in real-time by LDSS leaders and the guest speaker.
LDSS President Joe Marchese encourages all members to reach out to a fellow LDSS family they haven’t seen in a while and invite them to this month’s meeting.
“We’ve got lots of things to talk about and introduce to our families this month,” said Marchese. “LDSS will be involved in some awesome events and activities in the coming months and we want your support and participation so make sure to mark your calendars so you won’t miss out!”
If you’d like to have your child paint a piece of pottery, please email Lindsey at lbarron@ldssga.org.
Limited spaces are available.
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) supports people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact. LDSS encourages the whole family to attend; children of all ages are welcome. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/.
CONTACT
Joe Marchese
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
jmarchese@ldssga.org
912-213-9999
MEDIA CONTACT
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
Marjorie Young
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com\
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society to hold monthly family support meeting July 20
Dance Savannah Elite presents new program offering a competitive dance team for differently abled kids.
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will be holding its July family support meeting. New and former members are invited to attend. Mr. Darrell Jordan from Dance Savannah Elite will talk about a new program offering a competitive dance team for differently abled kids. He will talk about how the LDSS members can get involved.
This month’s meeting will be Thursday, July 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Banquet Room located at 1525 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, GA 31408. Please enter through the side entrance labeled “100A.” Those who are unable to attend in person can log on to the Live stream via the LDSS Facebook page at 6:30 p.m. on the 20th. Virtual attendees will be able to ask questions and have them answered in real time by LDSS leaders and the guest speaker.
LDSS President Joe Marchese encourages all members to reach out to a fellow LDSS family they haven’t seen in a while and invite them to this month’s meeting.
“We’ve got lots of things to talk about and introduce to our families this month,” said Marchese. “LDSS will be involved in some awesome events and activities in the coming months and we want your support and participation so make sure to mark your calendars so you won’t miss out!”
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) supports people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact. LDSS encourages the whole family to attend; children of all ages are welcome. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/.
CONTACT
Joe Marchese
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
jmarchese@ldssga.org
912-213-9999
MEDIA CONTACT
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
Marjorie Young
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
Stacy Jennings to Lead YMCA of Coastal Georgia Community Impact Campaign
(SAVANNAH, GA) Stacy Jennings, a prominent marketing figure in the Savannah market and a long-time supporter of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, will serve as the campaign chair for the Y’s 2023 Community Impact Campaign, a drive that aims to raise $662,000 to fund a wide swath of YMCA programs.
“As a long-time member of the YMCA, I know first-hand how it serves everyone in the community and is particularly impactful for children,” Jennings said.
Jennings’ role as the campaign chair is to drive volunteer efforts to generate contributions that fund vital YMCA programs and to serve as the face of the 2023 campaign, which runs through the end of December 2023.
Supporters can donate to the campaign at www.ymcaofcoastalga.com/donate or by calling Suzanne Duggan, annual fund director, at her office at the Habersham Street YMCA at 912-358-2651.
Jennings is the director of communications for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. Previously, she led the marketing department at the Savannah Morning News after starting as an advertising account executive in 1986. Over the course of a 30-year career there, she worked in a variety of roles at the newspaper, including sales management, advertising production services, special projects, and event marketing. She later joined the Georgia Press Association to direct its sales and marketing efforts until 2019, when she joined the communications department at the public schools.
In addition to a longstanding volunteer relationship with YMCA of Coastal Georgia, she also has served on the boards for United Way of the Coastal Empire, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, the Rape Crisis Center, and the vestry of St. John’s Church. She has been recognized by the American Advertising Federation, the Newspaper Association of America (now part of the International News Media Association), the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Assistance Corporation. She has performed various board duties for professional organizations including chairing conferences, competitions, training and professional development, and organizational development/change. The Tulane University graduate is also an accomplished speaker on topics such as branding, marketing and media, and strategies for change.
The Community Impact Campaign will run through the end of the year. Donations are tax deductible.
The funds will go toward children’s Coastal Safety Around Water courses; swim sessions; the Y-Readers Program, which helps students catch up to grade level in their reading skills; A Place to Dream, which provides beds for needy children; summer day camps; after-school programs; youth sports; teen leadership and workforce development; membership scholarships; the Live Strong Program and rehabilitation programs.
ABOUT THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is the largest provider of childcare in the Coastal Georgia region, operating 11 units in Bulloch, Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Glynn Counties. The YMCA serves men and women, girls and boys of all ages and from all walks of life regardless of the ability to pay. All of this and more is accomplished while putting forth the Y mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. http://YMCAofCoastalGA.org
CONTACT
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia
6400 Habersham St, Ste A,
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 354-5480
http://YMCAofCoastalGA.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY ANNOUNCES 14TH ANNUAL CAMP BUDDY IN EFFINGHAM COUNTY, JUNE 26-30
(EFFINGHAM COUNTY) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will be hosting its 14th annual Camp Buddy summer camp for Effingham County on June 25-29 at the Blandford Elementary School and local places in Rincon for community-based learning opportunities.
Camp Buddy is for children of all ages with Down syndrome and is designed to help students retain previous accomplishments and prepare for the upcoming school year with a specially designed curriculum by special education teachers and therapists.
Elementary school children will attend the morning session where they will stay at the facility and engage in one-on-one occupational, physical and speech therapy. Campers will also enjoy games, arts and crafts with educational components.
Middle school children will also receive therapies as they work on several projects including preparing bags for Backpack Buddies, teacher appreciation bags, and experiencing opportunities that will help them advance in challenging academic areas.
High schoolers will attend the later afternoon session and will engage in various activities such as volunteering at local food and clothing pantries and going on a shopping trip to the grocery store where they will work on budgeting and healthy meal planning. During the camp session, they will have an opportunity to learn occupational and life skills in the kitchen as well as preparing several meals. An overnight stay will assist with learning valuable skills that will promote living independently. Extra fun physical activities in the community will be enjoyed by this group also.
“Our 14th annual Camp Buddy is here! It provides a great opportunity for awesome, differently-abled individuals who have Down syndrome or a similar chromosomal abnormality to receive needed physical, occupational and speech therapies as well as enhance and retain gains made throughout the school year by working individually with each camper to retain what was learned and address specific academic challenges to ready them for the upcoming school year” said Camp Buddy director, Molly Marchese.
Throughout the camp session, occupational, physical, and speech therapy are cleverly disguised as games and activities, and all campers participate in activities that promote health and wellness as well as the importance of giving back to the community.
To register for the Effingham County Camp Buddy, contact Molly Marchese at mollymarchese6107@gmail.com or 912-213-9127.
>>> Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will also be hosting Camp Buddy summer camp for Chatham County on July 10-14 at St. Andrews School, located at 601 Penn Waller Rd, on Wilmington Island. Contact Pam Hussey, pbjhussey@gmail.com to register. <<<
Camp Buddy is sponsored by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society and is made possible through the generosity of the community, friends and families of LDSS and events such as the Buddy Walk and Night of Champions. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY:
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. LDSS encourages people to bring their children. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
CONTACT
Molly Marchese
mollymarchese6107@gmail.com
912-213-9127
LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY ANNOUNCES 14TH ANNUAL CAMP BUDDY IN CHATHAM COUNTY, JULY 10-14, 2023.
(CHATHAM COUNTY) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will be hosting its 14th annual Camp Buddy summer camp for Chatham County on July 10-14 at St. Andrews School, located at 601 Penn Waller Rd, on Wilmington Island.
Camp Buddy is for children of all ages with Down syndrome and is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year with a specially designed curriculum.
Activities that take place during Camp Buddy include but are not limited to, cooking, art, crafts, life skill lessons, physical and occupational therapy, money and time management-related activities. These activities are created and designed to grow the student’s knowledge base and hands-on experience with real-life scenarios. Money and time management will help the students with real-life purchasing processes and understand the importance of a daily routine. Cooking activities present real-life situations that focus on safety and following instructions and steps to create the dish and achieve the goal. Arts and crafts will help develop hand strength and muscle development with physical therapy activities such as scooter board riding that helps develop core strength that in turn helps with small muscle development.
For over 14 years, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society has been helping students with Down syndrome enjoy summer fun at Camp Buddy with a customized curriculum designed by special education, occupational, physical, and speech therapists that helps the students retain the information they learned during the previous school year and preparing for the upcoming school year.
Throughout the camp session, occupational, physical, and speech therapy are cleverly disguised as games, and campers participate in activities that promote health and wellness as well as the importance of giving back to the community.
Camp Buddy is sponsored by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society and is made possible through the generosity of the community, friends and families of LDSS and events such as the Buddy Walk and Night of Champions. Camp Buddy for Effingham County was held in June. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY:
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. LDSS encourages people to bring their children. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
CONTACT
Pam Hussey
pbjhussey@gmail.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
www.carriagetradepr.com
Paula Kreissler to speak at Monthly Lowcountry Down Syndrome Meeting March 16
(SAVANNAH, GA) Paula Kreissler, executive director of Healthy Savannah and the program manager for the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; will speak at the monthly meeting of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) on ways to get out, get active and get healthy.
LDSS’ Family Support meeting will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16 in the banquet room at Joe Marchese Construction located at 1525 Dean Forest Rd., Savannah, GA 31408. Please enter through the side entrance labeled “100A”.
Kreissler volunteered with Healthy Savannah from its launch in 2007, before accepting her current position. She graduated from Concordia University, is a licensed CPA, earned an MBA in Sustainable Business from Marylhurst University in 2012 and is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia. The first 25 years of her career were spent primarily in Operations Management at FedEx.
In 2008, Kreissler received the Top Ten Working Women’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award from A Working Women In Need (AWWIN). The business she founded in 2005, Wound Care Clinic -ESU, won the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Kreissler was recognized by the United Way Women’s Legacy Council with a “Women Who Rule” award.
Accompanying Kreissler at the meeting will be Armand Turner, Physical Activity Program Manager with the (REACH) grant. Turner is a Gary, Indiana, native and a graduate of Indiana University with a BS in Recreation. Turner interned at the Denver Parks and Recreation Department in 2014. A year later he worked at Texas Parks Recreation Department in Southlake and Grapevine, Texas. Most recently, Turner was the Recreation Coordinator at Albany State University in 2016.“Healthy Savannah and its 200+ public and private partners are making an impact by collaborating around policy, systems, and environmental change through the lens of health equity,” said Kreissler. “The organization has collectively been at the table to educate policy influencers and policymakers on how they can help make the healthy choice the easy choice.”
Since the creation of Healthy Savannah in 2007, numerous studies have shown a positive upturn in health outcomes and healthy lifestyles as a result of new policies being implemented like Smoke-Free Air, School Wellness Policy, School Design Guidelines, Complete Streets Ordinance, Community Garden Policy and the Farm Truck Ordinance.
In July 2022, Healthy Savannah received the organizational REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity [https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/reach/reach-lark-award/index.html]. The award recognizes the organization’s efforts to reduce health disparities among African American and Hispanic/Latino American residents with low incomes in Chatham County. Those initiatives include Active People, Healthy Savannah; Farm Truck 912; Healthy Checkout Initiative and #HEALTHY WALKS.
LDSS will be partnering with Healthy Savannah on Tuesday, March 21 to celebrate the three-year anniversary of #HEALTHY WALKS and to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day with a 2-mile walk on the Truman Linear Trail. Participants will meet up at 7:30 a.m. in the parking area at Scarborough Sports Complex, Skidaway at Bona Bella Ave.
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. LDSS encourages people to bring their children. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
ABOUT THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA/HEALTHY SAVANNAH GRANT FOR RACIAL AND ETHNIC APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY HEALTH: In September 2018, Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia were awarded a five-year, $3.4 million grant called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health. Awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the funding is being deployed in an “upstream” approach by the Savannah/Chatham County project team to foster sustainable health equity among Black residents in low-wealth neighborhoods. The aim of the local project, called Healthy Opportunities Powering Equity, or HOPE, is to increase the availability of high-quality nutrition; promote physical activity through creating greater access to safe places to walk, run, bike and play; and foster stronger connections between people and the healthcare providers who serve them. Working with more than 200 community partners and organizations, the team is committed to elevating the health and wellness of the community through policy, systems, and environmental change. In July 2022, Healthy Savannah received the CDC’s 2022 REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity Challenge. The award recognizes extraordinary individuals and entities whose work has contributed to advancing health equity.
healthysavannah.org ymcaofcoastalga.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME IN LOVING MOOD FOR FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will be celebrating Happy Valentine’s all month, including inviting new and former members to its upcoming monthly meeting.
“Isn’t it awesome that we get a whole month specifically dedicated to showing those around us how much we love and appreciate them,” said LDSS President Joe Marchese. “It’s a reminder with the start of a new year to make an extra effort to show our friends, family, and the folks we pass by in the store they are special, important and cherished!”
This month’s meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 16th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Banquet Room located at 1525 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, GA 31408. Please enter through the side entrance labeled “100A”. Those who are unable to attend in person can log on to the Live stream via the LDSS Facebook page at 6:30 p.m. on the 16th.
Marchese encourages all members to reach out to a fellow LDSS family they haven’t seen in a while and invite them to this month’s meeting.
“We’ve got lots of things to talk about and introduce to our families this month,” said Marchese. “LDSS will be involved in some awesome events and activities in the coming months and we want your support and participation so make sure to mark your calendars so you won’t miss out!”
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) supports people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact. LDSS encourages the whole family to attend; children of all ages are welcome. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
CONTACT
Joe Marchese
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
jmarchese@ldssga.org
912-213-9999
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY ANNOUNCES SPEAKER BRENDAN FERRARA FOR DEC 15 MEETING AND HOLIDAY SOCIAL
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will be celebrating the holidays at its upcoming Holiday Social and opening its doors to members of the public who would like to join the charitable organization.
LDSS’ family support meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 15th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the banquet room of Joe Marchese Commercial Construction, located at 1525 Dean Forest Road in Savannah. Attendees are asked to please enter through the side entrance labeled “100A”.
Guest speaker Brendan Ferrara, CEO and President from EmployAbility, will discuss ways to prepare young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for competitive employment and community integration.
LDSS offers support to people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, education and promoting acceptance and inclusion. The event will be livestreamed on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ldssga
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY:
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every 4th Tuesday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. LDSS encourages people to bring their children. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade PR
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
912.844.9990
SAVANNAH AREA REALTORS® DONATE $26,300 TO 7 LOCAL CHARITIES
Requesting Media Coverage on March 29, 2021 at 2 p.m.
SAVANNAH, GA – Savannah Area REALTORS® (SAR) is donating more than $26,000 to seven Low Country charities. Recipients include Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS), Safe Shelter, Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, Lifeline for Children, Ronald McDonald House, Tiny Homes Project and the SAR Disaster Relief Fund. The checks will be presented on Monday, March 29 at 2 p.m. at the Savannah Area REALTORS® office, located at 7015 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.“Our members are committed to improving the communities in which they live and work, and we are pleased to support these worthwhile organizations,” said Steve Candler, CEO Savannah Area REALTORS®. “We are very grateful for this funding”, said John Bogardus, president of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, “It will be used for Camp Buddy, a camp which hosts campers ranging from age 7 to 16. Campers engage in occupational, physical, and speech therapies in order to sharpen their skills during summer break. Camp Buddy provides kids from Chatham County, Effingham County, and nearby areas with a fun, exciting and educational summer experience.”
ABOUT SAVANNAH AREA REALTORS®
Savannah Area REALTORS® (SAR) is the trade association for real estate licensees in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties, representing approximately 1,300 members. SAR is the voice for real estate in the Coastal Empire and works to provide education, promote the highest professional and ethical standards and address the changing needs of members while protecting private property rights and being active in the community. For more information visit https://savannaharearealtors.com.
CONTACT
Cissy Smith
Savannah Area REALTORS®
(912) 354-1513 × 1
wwww.savannaharearealtors.com
cissys@savannahboardofrealtors.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
http://www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
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The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire Fifth Annual Wine Women & Shoes Fundraiser
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire Announces Fifth Annual Wine Women & Shoes Fundraiser Set for May 3
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Fifth Annual Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser will be held on Thursday, May 3 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Savannah, located at 2 W Bay St. This major fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire benefits families of seriously ill and injured children.
“Last year we raised more than $150 thousand and we have worked hard to help make this year’s fundraiser supporting the Ronald McDonald House our best ever,” said Bill Sorochak, executive director. “We are expecting a sell-out crowd of more than 600 guests for a fabulous evening of sip-sational wines, fabulous shopping, charming ‘Shoe Guys’ and savory foods.”
Kicking off at 6:00 p.m., VIP ticket holders will be allowed early access to the Hyatt’s Harborside Room (the glass room on River Street) to peruse items for sale and get first dibs on the coveted Keys-to-the-Closet and Key-to-the-Cellar raffles. Then, at 7:00 p.m., the doors will open for everyone else to join the festivities.
“We say that this event can change your shoes but its real mission is to change lives,” Sorochak added. “One hundred percent of the funds raised in the Coastal Empire stays here to help our residents cope with the stress and expense of daily living while trying to be close and emotionally strong for their child. In 2017, we provided 4,270 family night stays at the Ronald McDonald House. An event like this can provide 1,600 of those family-night stays.”
Sorochak projects proceeds from this year’s Wine Women & Shoes may top previous years due, in part, to the continued support from local McDonald’s restaurant owners and operators as well as the dedication of partners since the event’s inception – Ameris Bank, Dr. Corinne Howington of Low Country Dermatology and Cecilia Russo Marketing.
Tickets are now on sale and sponsor opportunities are also available. For tickets or more information, contact Bill Sorochak at bill@rmhccoastalempire.org or visit http://www.winewomenandshoes.com/savannah.
MORE ABOUT WINE WOMEN & SHOES
Wine Women & Shoes is the brainchild of Napa Valley vintner, Elaine Honig. While chatting with a girlfriend about the growing popularity of wine and food pairing events, they jokingly said, “Wine and shoe pairings would be a lot more fun!” And they were right. WW&S events are now in 50 cities across the country, and they have raised more than $22,000,000 for women and children’s causes. Wine Women & Shoes fundraisers create an opportunity for partnerships between charities, wineries, shoe and accessory retailers, corporate sponsors and women in the community. In addition to raising money, these events raise awareness for charities, increase sales for wineries and retail partners, and provide community outreach for corporate sponsors. For more information, visit http://www.winewomenandshoes.com/savannah
MORE ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire is to create, find and support programs that directly enhance the health and well-being of children and families. The Savannah Ronald McDonald House has thirteen bedrooms and operates on a waiting list most of the year. The House provides a “home away from home” for families who live more than thirty miles away and who have a critically ill or injured child receiving treatment at Memorial Children’s Hospital, Candler Hospital, or where needed in the Coastal Empire.
MEDIA CONTACT
Cecilia Russo
Cecilia Russo Marketing
info@crussomarketing.com
912-665-0005
Faith Equestrian To Hold 2018 Gala to Support Equine Therapy for Children on Feb. 9
Faith Equestrian To Hold 2018 Gala to Support Equine Therapy for Children on Feb. 9
(SAVANNAH, GA) Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center will hold their second annual Hearts for Healing Gala on Friday, Feb. 9, at the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel. The evening will include dinner, dancing and live music from the John Brackett Quartet. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the silent auction; the reception will begin at 7 p.m.
Faith Equestrian is a non-profit organization founded to improve the quality of life for children with special needs through the therapeutic nature of horses.
2018 Hearts for Healing Gala
“Fundraisers and donations cover all the costs for a child to participate in our program,” said Bonnie Rachael, the program’s founder and executive director. “The Gala is our largest fundraiser and a great way for us to create awareness for our unique program.”
Rachael opened the center in 2006 with only two students, three horses and a $25,000 budget. Today, the program has expanded to serve more than 125 participants from Chatham, Effingham and surrounding counties. It has a $200,000 budget, eleven horses, two instructors and more than 60 volunteers.
The center is accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH, Intl.), which reports some of the benefits of equine assisted activities and therapies on their website (www.pathintl.org).
Faith Equestrian serves children with all types of challenges, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. Interaction with the horses allows the students to build strength, develop coordination skills, and gain confidence in an outdoor and supportive setting.
Michael, an autistic child whose real name is being withheld to protect the privacy of he and his family, began taking therapeutic riding lessons at Faith Equestrian in 2011 in an effort to improve his attention span, his ability to follow directions, keep calm in new situations, as well as to become able to speak.
Part of Michael’s lesson each week was to encourage speech as part of the therapeutic plan along with following directions of steering the horse. The instructor repeated phrases telling Michael to tell his horse to “walk on” and increased the speed of the horse from a walk to a trot.
“It took 8 months, patience and a horse, for Michael to begin to speak,” said Rachael. “During the normal routine of his riding lesson, he said ‘WALK ON’ himself in a loud voice. Everyone, volunteers and mom alike broke into tears of joy.”
Since that day, Michael has improved cognitively, behaviorally, and physically. He has begun using sign language he has learned, is now beginning to steer his horse and follow the instructor’s directions.
“These are the types of stories that help us know we are changing people’s lives,” said Rachael. “And we need the community to support this powerful program.”
Tickets for the Gala are $150 and may be purchased at http://www.faithetc.org/hearts-for-healing-gala/.
The 2018 Hearts for Healing Gala is sponsored by Savannah Special Events by Ranco, First City Events, Low Country Paper Co., Whitemarsh Beverage, J Thomas Catering, Savannah’s Hall of Cakes, South Magazine and Tybee Island Wedding Chapel. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For more information on sponsoring the gala or any aspect of the equestrian program, call 912.728.3728 or visit https://faithetc.org
ABOUT FAITH EQUESTRIAN THERAPEUTIC CENTER
Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, located at 243 Appaloosa Way in Guyton, GA. 31312, exists to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through the power of the horse. The program serves children ages 4 to 18 with all types of challenges including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. The center offers therapeutic riding courses and an equestrian program in partnership with local schools. For more information, visit https://faithetc.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Wright
Carriage Trade Public Relations®
cynthia.wright@carriagetradepr.com
912.856.9075
Kilt and Kolor 5K Race to Benefit Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is pleased to be the charity partner of the 3rd annual Kilt and Kolor Run on Saturday, March 19 along the Savannah Christian Prep School race track, located at 1599 Chatham Parkway. The non-profit organization has been selected to be the beneficiary of the 5K race and is assisting with coordination of the event.
“We are currently securing sponsors, volunteers and runners to assist with supporting the annual 5K race,” said Kim Watson, LDSS volunteer and race organizer. “There really is something for everyone at this race. Volunteers are needed for registration, working water stations and throwing color. And sponsors and runners are obviously an important component as well.”
Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and the event begins with a clean, timed 5K race followed by a 1/4 mile kids’ fun run filled with color. Finally, the main event, at 9 a.m., is a 5K Kilt and Kolor Run. All participants receive two color powder bags, a t-shirt, medal and photo.
This marks the first year that the Kilt and Kolor Run proceeds are benefitting a Savannah area non-profit. Since 2006, LDSS has grown from a group of a few families to an organization serving Savannah and the surrounding counties through events such as The Buddy Walk, The Night of Champions and Camp Buddy.
For more information or to participate in the 5K race as a sponsor or volunteer, please contact Kim Watson, k-gamble@hotmail.com To register for the race or to donate online, visit http://savannahraces.com.
MORE ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a family support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, outreach, education, and advocacy to champion and celebrate acceptance and inclusion. Meetings are held every 4th Tuesday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. LDSS encourages people to bring their children. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Wright
Carriage Trade PR
cynthia.wright@carriagetradepr.com
912.856.9075
The American Health Lawyers Association Releases Handbook for Parents on the Disabilities Education Act
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS), which celebrates the idea that all children have different abilities, is pleased to announce a new handbook is now available to help parents learn about education assistance resources for their children through the Disabilities Education Act.
About 15 percent of U.S. children aged 3-17 have one or more developmental disabilities and about 13 percent of public school students receive special education services. Some 35 percent of those students have specific learning disabilities. To help their parents navigate through what may be an overwhelming process in determining if their child may qualify for educational assistance and the programs available to them, the American Health Lawyers Association in Washington, DC has recently released “A Handbook for Parents: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” (IDEA), offering practical information and advice.
The Handbook explains that IDEA provides federal funding to states and local school districts for special education of infants, toddlers, pre-school and school-age children. It also covers the “six pillars” of IDEA. They are:
• IEP: The “individualized education program” (IEP) is a personalized plan for a child’s educational needs that describes the special education and services the child will receive from the school. The IEP must be developed within 30 days after a child has been determined eligible for Part B services and is written by a team that includes parents, a regular education teacher, a special education teacher, someone who can interpret evaluation results and the child (if appropriate).
• FAPE: Every disabled child is entitled to a “free and appropriate public education” (FAPE), meaning that education is paid for by the government and meets standards set by the state’s educational agency.
• LRE: The education must be provided in the “least restrictive environment” (LRE), which means a child with a disability should be educated with children who do not have disabilities when possible.
• Appropriate Evaluation: Parents should talk to their pediatrician or contact a local early intervention office and request an evaluation if they feel their child might benefit from diagnostic testing to measure physical, cognitive, communicative, social/emotional or adaptive development.
• Parent and Teacher Participation: Parents have the right to be informed of and to participate in all special education decisions about their child. All evaluations require parental or family member consent and are generally free of charge.
• Procedural Safeguards: The school must provide a notice explaining the procedural safeguards, including the complaint and appeals process, at least once per year.
The Handbook also reviews eligibility requirements for transitioning children from pre-school to school-age services, and early intervention services (EIS) available such as speech and language, hearing, occupational/physical therapy, medical services, counseling and transportation. The Handbook additionally provides information for post-secondary education and college age students no longer covered by IDEA but who are protected by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The LDSS hopes that parents of children who may qualify for services provided under IDEA will take the time to review the Handbook to learn about all of the resources available to them. Most of all, the LDSS wants parents to know they should never feel intimidated or hesitate to ask questions as they are their child’s best advocate. The Handbook is free and may be downloaded at https://www.healthlawyers.org/store/Pages/Product-Details.aspx?productid=%7B18FB74CB-B287-E511-8B77-0050569E6195%7D.
MORE ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a family support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, outreach, education, and advocacy to champion and celebrate acceptance and inclusion. Meetings are held every 4th Tuesday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. LDSS encourages people to bring their children. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
CONTACT
Candy Bogardus
jcbogardus@gmail.com
912-663-8573
MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Wright
Carriage Trade PR
cynthia.wright@carriagetradepr.com
912.856.9075
Marvel’s Captain America Speaks Out Against Bullying at Savannah Mall
Marvel’s Captain America Speaks Out Against Bullying at Savannah Mall
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Mall invited kids and their families to a special event with Marvel’s Captain America. In conjunction with National Bullying Prevention Month, the superhero shared his story and a few simple steps on how to deal with a bully.
“The Savannah Mall was pleased to host this costumed character event,” said Becky Orsi, Savannah Mall’s marketing/specialty leasing manager. “Marvel’s Captain America spoke about bullying and what you can do to overcome it, which is an important message that kids and their parents needs to hear.”
National Bullying Prevention Month was held during the month of October and unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. Established in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, the campaign includes activities, education, and awareness building. National Bullying Prevention Month is recognized in communities across the United States, with hundreds of schools and organizations signing on as partners.
Capt America speaks out against bullying at the Savannah Mall
ABOUT SAVANNAH MALL
Originated in 1990, the Savannah Mall, located at 14045 Abercorn St., features anchor stores Bass Pro Shops, Dillard’s, Target, Burlington Coat Factory and A.C. Moore. The 960,000-square-foot, two-level mall is also home to Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Gymboree, Game Stop, Champs, Hibbet Sporting Goods, Kay Jewelers, Shoe Dept., Zales Jewelers, Rue 21, Cato, Savannah Piano, Fitness Emporium, Relentless Records and Vapors Smoke Shop. Virginia College offers a variety of classes in areas such as cosmetology, medical billing, culinary arts, business, healthcare and more. The Savannah Mall’s Food Court features Chick-fil-A, Savannah Gyro, Sbarro Italian Eatery, China Max, Sakkio Japan, Cajun Café, American Deli and Subway. Other dining options at the mall include Ruby Tuesdays and Texas Roadhouse, along with Savannah Candy Co., Cold Stone Creamery, the Nutty Bavarian and Dough Boys. The Savannah Mall has a double-decker carousel in the Food Court and soft play area on the lower level for children. For leasing information, contact Becky Orsi, marketing/specialty leasing manager at 912.927.9663 or borsi@urbanretail.com. For more information about the Savannah Mall, call 912.927.7467 or visit www.savannahmall.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade PR
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
912.844.9990
Over 200 LIVE Butterflies Arrive at the Savannah Mall for the Summer
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Mall is hosting a LIVE Butterfly Exhibit from Friday, July 3 until Saturday, August 2. The exhibit features over 200 live butterflies from a variety of species tucked away inside a conservatory, decorated and complete with plants conducive to butterfly flight. The program also features educational displays, butterfly crafts and life-cycle kiosks.
Guided tours will be taking place every 10 to 30 minutes inside the conservatory to explain the stages of life between the caterpillar and butterfly. Once the guided tour is over, participants will be able to explore the conservatory on their own. Admission is $3 per person and children 2 years-old and under will be free with the purchase of one paid admission.
After exploring the conservatory, everyone has the option to purchase an Adopt-a-butterfly kit to watch caterpillars grow and hatch into beautiful butterflies. For every kit sold, the Savannah Mall will be donating $1 to the benefit the animals at Oatland Island Wildlife Center. There will also be a free craft activity where kids can create their very own flapping wing butterfly.
The LIVE Butterfly Exhibit will be located in the Center Court of the Savannah Mall, from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon until 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit http://www.adoptabutterfly.com or www.savannahmall.com
There are also field trip opportunities for schools, churches and other groups to experience the program in depth, where youth will tour the conservatory, learn about the parts of a butterfly and the life cycle, and have to chance to test their knowledge in a Jeopardy type game. Reservations can be made through http://www.adoptabutterfly.com.
ABOUT SAVANNAH MALL
Originated in 1990, the Savannah Mall, located at 14045 Abercorn St., features anchor stores Bass Pro Shops, Dillard’s, Target, Burlington Coat Factory and A.C. Moore. The 960,000-square-foot, two-level mall is also home to Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Gymboree, Game Stop, Champs, Hibbet Sporting Goods, Kay Jewelers, Marks & Morgan Jewelers, Shoe Dept., Zales Jewelers, Rue 21, Cato, Savannah Piano, Fitness Emporium and The Stuff Store. Virginia College offers a variety of classes in areas such as cosmetology, medical billing, culinary arts, business, healthcare and more. The Savannah Mall’s Food Court features Chick-fil-a, Savannah Gyro, Sbarro Italian Eatery, Saigon Flavors, China Max, Sakkio Japan, Cajun Café American Deli and Subway. Other dining options at the mall include Ruby Tuesdays and Texas Roadhouse, along with Savannah Candy Co., Cold Stone Creamery and the Nutty Bavarian. The Savannah Mall has a double-decker carousel in the Food Court and soft play area on the lower level for children. For leasing information, contact Becky Orsi-Faircloth, marketing/specialty leasing manager at 912.927.9663 or orsib@urbanretail.com. For more information about the Savannah Mall, call 912.927.7467 or visit www.savannahmall.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade PR
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
912.844.9990
10 Ways to Motivate Your Child to Take Care of Their Teeth ~ By Angela Canfield, DDS
Dental hygiene is important to everyone’s overall health, especially when it comes to children. In the early developmental stages, it is critical to take charge of oral health and February is the perfect time, as it is Children’s Dental Hygiene month. Taking care of those little chompers helps prevent plaque, which is a clear film of bacteria that sticks to teeth. Consider these ways to teach your kids to take care of their teeth:
1. Start the hygiene regiment early by cleaning your baby’s gums. After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums with water and a gauze pad or washcloth. Since the baby cannot spit, don’t try to use toothpaste. Once they become a toddler, you can start brushing them. Make it a routine and have them brush their teeth at the same time every day so it becomes a habit for them.
2. Make sure you are a role model and show children habits you want them to learn. If you brush and floss daily, in front of your children, then they become more receptive to follow you. You can even make it a family affair.
3. On the flip side of that, tooth decay is contagious. If you have a cavity or mouth infection, you can easily pass it on to your children by sharing cups or utensils. Keep your own mouth healthy.
4. Make sure your child will enjoy the flavor of toothpaste and design of toothbrush. There are so many flavors and styles to choose from. There are a full range of characters from cartoons and children’s stories on new toothbrushes, and some even light up. This can be very motivating to some children.
5. Use hand-held flossers instead of regular floss. This might make flossing easier for children and they come in different colors.
6. Encourage your children to brush their teeth with a reward. You could even create a reward chart for monthly, weekly or daily goals. Try to shy away from candy rewards though, for obvious reasons.
7. Read books with your children or watch a fun children video about dental hygiene. This will be a great educational tool to motivate your child to brush their teeth.
8. Try switching kids to an electronic toothbrush. An electronic toothbrush gets teeth cleaner than a manual toothbrush. At the same time, these toothbrushes sometimes sing songs or flash different colors which is just plain fun.
9. When your child becomes older, let them start using mouthwash. A mouthwash with fluoride will help reduce cavities and periodontal disease.
10. One of the questions most asked by parents is, “When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?” According to recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, a child should visit the dentist when they turn 1-year-old. The dentist can then observe the development of your toddler’s mouth and to notice issues before they develop into major problems.
To kids, brushing teeth can seem like a chore, but with the right encouragement, those little tikes could be loving their pearly whites in no time. For more suggestions, please contact me at 912.826.4037
ABOUT DR. ANGELA CANFIELD
Dr. Canfield is licensed by the Georgia Board of Dentistry and the National Board of Dentist. She owns and practices at two dental offices: Premier Dental Designs located in Rincon, GA at 5871 HWY 21 South, and Sandfly Family Dental located in the Norwood Market in Savannah, GA. Both dental offices provide Family/Preventative Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Orthodontic Dentistry, Digital X-Rays, E4D One Day Crowns, Electronic Claims, Intra Oral Camera and Paperless Charting. The offices are open Monday through Friday and offer evening appointments. For more information, call 912.826.4037 or visit http://www.premierdentaldesigns.com/ or http://www.sandflyfamilydental.com/ .
For more information, contact:
Angela C. Canfield DDS
molar799@yahoo.com
912-713-1398 Cell
912-826-4037 office
Media inquiries, contact:
Cecilia Russo
Cecilia Russo Marketing
912-665-0005
info@crussomarketing.com
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations, Inc.
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
MY SAVANNAH™ 