Tagged: Education
LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME ANNOUNCES 5 CHAMPIONS
(SAVANNAH, GA) — The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society hosted its 15th annual Night of Champions & Hiring Expo on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, at the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.The Night of Champions event honored local businesses that employ differently-abled adults, including those with Down syndrome, and celebrated the invaluable contributions made by these remarkable individuals.
This year’s Champions are:
Lainey Bogardus:
Michael’s Craft Store
A Champion is someone who takes on challenges and conquers obstacles. You will see that Lainey Bogardus does just that at Michael’s Craft Store where she has been working for over a
year. She has mastered every task she has been asked to do. She comes to work on time and has a ready to get to work attitude. She has learned the inventory processes on the computer and the team relies on her accuracy to keep the inventory up to date. Lainey has also learned where all of the products are located in the store and can take customers right where they need to go. Lainey is the true definition of a Champion and is a very valuable asset to the store
Darren Fuller
Butler Elementary School
Darren has been working at Butler Elementary School since 1991 and has definitely made his mark in the Cafeteria as a Food Service Worker. He will proudly tell you that he has not missed
a day of work in all 20+ years of his employment. Darren helps to stock items, cleans after each dining time, and helps to serve healthy meals to the children. Darren’s lovely smile and superior
customer service have created a wonderful environment at the school. His enthusiasm has established him as a true Champion and as a favorite with teachers, staff, and students alike!
Shelby Vanarsdale
Effingham Commissioner’s Office
A true Champion leads the way and makes a difference. Shelby exemplifies this spirit. Since July 2018, she has been a vital part of the Effingham County Board of Commissioners Office.
While she began in the mail room, Shelby’s ambition and drive quickly outgrew that role. Recognizing her potential, she advocated for herself, leading to significant benefits for the Commissioner’s Office. Today, Shelby is the welcoming face of the Developmental Service Department. Beyond her professional duties, she dedicates her time to serving on the Board of the Effingham County Navigator’s Team and volunteering at Ship It, a pack-and-ship mailing service in Springfield.
Carey Moss
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
For a decade, Carey has been an employee at Gulfstream. He began his career on the production floor and now serves in the Customer Support Distribution Center. Known for his unwavering positivity and dedication, Carey uplifts his team with every task he undertakes. His ability to forge lasting connections and meaningful relationships among coworkers is commendable. With a constant positive attitude, Carey approaches each day with enthusiasm,
ready to excel in his role and enhance the efficiency of the distribution center. Recognized for his style and charm, Carey’s deliveries are always accompanied by a radiant smile, solidifying
his status as a highly esteemed member of the team and a true Champion.
Brian Walker
Publix Whitemarsh Island
Brian has been affectionately called “Buddy” by the customers and employees at Publix Whitemarsh Island for over 10 years! He loves his job and does exceptionally great work. You will always be greeted with a smile from Brian. He started as a courtesy clerk, but has worked hard to move into positions of cashier, bakery assistant and produce assistant when the opportunities arise. He never complains and is always willing and ready to help out in any way
he can. Brian is definitely our Champion at Publix!
Bill Grainger
Owner, Grainger family of dealerships
In the realm of faith, the principles of time, talent, and treasure hold significant meaning. It’s a rarity to find an individual who embodies all three with such profound impact, but Bill Grainger is one such exceptional person. He dedicates time to personally connect with each of his employees, regardless of their abilities. His talent shines through his mastery of the car sales process, evident in his inclusive approach towards individuals with special needs. Bill’s generosity extends beyond words, as seen in his substantial financial contributions, including the remarkable donation of a brand-new 2024 automobile. Through his unwavering commitment, Bill exemplifies a vision of creating a better world for all people embodying the true spirit of community leadership.
“Our mission at LDSS extends far beyond a mere awards ceremony; it’s a platform for recognizing the incredible potential inherent in every individual,” stated LDSS President Joe Marchese.
The Hiring Expo featured companies offering job opportunities tailored to adults with diverse abilities. Night of Champions serves as a testament to the profound impact of embracing diversity in the workplace. Beyond showcasing success stories from esteemed businesses, attendees gain firsthand insight into the myriad benefits of inclusive hiring practices and the chance to connect with prospective employees.
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
229-457-7974CONTACT
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
National Early Language and Literacy Expert Trains Savannah Educators and Leaders on Critical Literacy Skills for Young Learners
(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Learning early language skills helps children make social and emotional connections and affects their ability to communicate, engage socially and regulate emotions.
Developing this skill in young learners is one of the Savannah area’s biggest challenges, according to the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC), a Savannah area collaboration of resource agencies that address overall health and well-being while leveraging resource initiatives. The Coalition has determined that the community must seek opportunities to work alongside the school system in improving early language skill development to foster more positive life skills.
On Jan. 11, the CGCI hosted 84 local leaders and educators who work with Savannah area Pre-K and Kindergarten-aged children for a training session with national early language and literacy expert, Emily Rubin.
Presented by Coastal Georgia Indicators Collation, United Way of the Coastal Empire and the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, the all-day event held at the Southwest Branch of Live Oak Public Libraries provided a tool kit for educators to help to identify early indicators of language and how to interact with children to help with their communications.
“I’m passionate about the relationship between engagement and language development. Did you know that when you’re interacting with children, you are producing this awesome chemical called oxytocin? When you produce it, it actually triggers oxytocin in the child. This is an incredible hormone that breaks through the blood-brain barrier and gets children to grow their brains and develop their language. It’s one of the reasons why it’s so exhausting interacting with children because we’re doing all that – but boy, did we know that we are brain architects!” Rubin said.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the first three years of life, when the brain is developing and maturing, are the most intensive period for acquiring speech and language skills. The NIH says these skills develop best in a world that is rich with sounds, sights, and consistent exposure to the speech and language of others.
“This training opportunity gave us the platform we need to engage a wider audience within the community,” said CGIC Executive Director Lizann Roberts. “It shines a light on the importance of language skills in a child’s overall development while also providing educators with the tools they need to help young learners who may be struggling with language development.”
ABOUT SPEAKER EMILY RUBIN, MS, CCC-SLP
Emily Rubin, MS, CCC-SLP is the Director of Communication Crossroads, Inc. in Decatur, GA. She is a speech-language pathologist specializing in social emotional engagement and its relationship with language development, learning and positive outcomes. As a former adjunct faculty member and lecturer at Yale University, she served as a member of their Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic. She has also served as an instructor for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts where she has developed courses to prepare graduate level students for addressing the needs of children with autism and their families. She participated as a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Ad Hoc Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a committee charged with developing guidelines related to the role of speech-language pathologists in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of ASD.
Rubin’s publications have focused on early identification of autism, contemporary intervention models, and programming guidelines focused on the social emotional engagement of all learners. She is a co-developer of the Social Emotional Engagement – Knowledge and Skills (SEE-KS) professional learning approach, an approach that provides freely accessible tools for measuring learner engagement, enhancing engagement in everyday settings and academic instruction, and empowering educators to sustain the work through peer to peer mentorship.
Rubin provides support for the development of community viable models of staff training. Her focus is on building the capacity of school systems and early intervention providers to serve as informed consumers of evidence-based practices. Emily’s professional vision is to empower our public schools with a framework for social emotional engagement and learning that is: 1) ecologically valid to the demands of achieving academic standards, 2) sensitive to the unique needs of students with social learning differences, and 3) can serve as a universal design for learning that benefits all of our students and young children in order to maximize return on professional learning.
SPONSORED BY:
Corporate sponsorship for this training is provided by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and St. Thomas Thrift Store.
EVENT PARTNERS: Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, United Way of the Coastal Empire, Live Oak Public Libraries, Get Georgia Reading, Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy and Savannah Chatham Public School System.
ABOUT EVENT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
Emily Rubin https://scerts.com/emily-rubin-ms-ccc-slp/
Get Ga Reading https://getgeorgiareading.org/
Deal Center https://www.galiteracycenter.org/
CGIC: https://www.coastalgaindicators.org
St Thomas Thrift Store Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StThomasThriftStore
UWCE: https://uwce.org
SCCPSS: https://spwww.sccpss.com/Pages/default.aspx
ABOUT COASTAL GEORGIA INDICATORS COALITION
The Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC) is comprised of community members and advocates working together through a comprehensive coordinated approach for planning accountability. It serves as a collaboration of resource agencies addressing overall health and well-being while leveraging resource initiatives. The purpose of the Coalition is to improve community well-being by engaging and leading the community to work collectively in its development of strategic priorities that guide policy, programs and resource allocation. CGIC is the responsible organization for the development, and with partners, the implementation of the Chatham Community Blueprint. CGIC has strength and capacity related to leadership, management, systems and partnerships.
https://www.coastalgaindicators.org
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE
The mission of the United Way of the Coastal Empire is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of community. The nonprofit organization provides a safety net for the most vulnerable and pathways for upward mobility so everyone in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties thrive. With upward mobility in mind, United Way of the Coastal Empire intends to help build a ready & resilient workforce and a better future for our youngest citizens through READ UNITED, a year-round series of early language and literacy development programs, and strategic partnerships to support SCCPSS and all school systems in their four-county service area. For more information, please visit www.uwce.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
CENTER PARC TO HOST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER FOR HORIZONS SAVANNAH
Youth-focused charity’s Giving Day 2023 will be held May 10
(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union will be hosting a free Business Lunch and Learn Event in support of Horizons Giving Day on May 10th at noon at the Flagship Branch located at 5698-A Ogeechee Road. Box lunches will be provided. Community members can learn more about Horizons and the upcoming Horizons Giving Day.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHnCIe5A7jWEEM-Wd0wolvc_W_3Pzce3OwG8v5CBb3JXaGWQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
Horizons Savannah collaborates with families and the community in its efforts to support Savannah-area youth. The yearly fundraiser is designed to help “close the gap” for under-resourced students over summer break. Funds raised during Giving Day 2023 will support a summer program, featuring engaging academics, social-emotional learning and swim lessons for every child, as well as continued engagement with Horizons Savannah students throughout the year.
A division of Atlanta Postal Credit Union, Center Parc Credit Union’s mission includes “helping our members achieve financial success by providing exceptional products.”
Center Parc Marketing Growth Specialist Regina Pointer said, “I believe Horizons is all about teaching young students how to make good decisions, which can lead to success. So we are both making a positive difference in the Savannah community that will have a far reaching effect in the short and long term. Center Parc’s collaboration with Horizon also will extend to offering the youth in their summer program financial workshops. At the end of the day we are both ‘people helping people.’”
The 2022 summer program saw the group’s first Experiential Learning Week where students took part in a week of experience-based learning at off-campus locations. Topics of interest included culinary arts, the environment and history. This Lunch and Learn is an opportunity to get to know Horizons and how the organization supports the growing need for youth engagement and addresses educational equity in the Savannah area.
The local event is an offshoot of Horizons National’s Giving Day 2023.
ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The new free-standing flagship branch is located at 5698-A Ogeechee Road at the Berwick Marketplace. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org
ABOUT HORIZONS SAVANNAH
Horizons Savannah’s mission is to partner with youth, families and the community to enrich the lives of students with the joy of learning, the skills for success and the inspiration to realize their dreams. The 6-week summer program features high quality academics, social and emotional learning, and swim lessons. Horizons serves 300 income-qualified students from public schools through summer and year-round programs at the host campuses of Savannah Country Day School, St. Andrew’s School, Bethesda Academy and Savannah Christian Preparatory School. For more information visit www.horizonssavannah.org, call 912-961-8854 or see Horizons on social media @horizonssav
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
(912) 844-9990
Center Parc Credit Union works with Junior Achievement to connect Savannah High students’ education to careers
(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union has partnered with 3DE Junior Achievement to teach Savannah High School sophomores about problem-solving in the context of a financial institution – and to help them present during the Chase Challenge Presentation held on Oct. 19.
Savannah High students: Christiana Roberts, ShaNiya McNair, Destiny Frazier, Keshauna Gusby and Regina Pointer, Savannah marketing growth specialist at Center Parc Credit Union
3DE Junior Achievement partners with national and local businesses to introduce the case method approaches to public high schools, enabling students to connect their education with real life scenarios. Over a five-week span, students work in teams to craft a solution to an actual problem faced by a partner company such as Center Parc.
“We presented the students with a case challenge on cultural agility,” said Regina Pointer, Savannah marketing growth specialist for Center Parc. “We asked them a question that we work on every day: how can we attract younger members to the credit union? It’s a chance for them to learn from us – and for us to learn from them!”
During the first part of the learning process, Center Parc financial experts acted as coaches for the participating students, bringing their relevant problem-solving techniques to the student teams. On Oct. 19, those same experts served as judges during the competition.
Teams researched their cases and developed their unique solution to the question into a formal presentation. Judges from Center Parc evaluated and provided feedback on each presentation and ultimately selected the winning team.
The winning team members were Keshauna Gusby, Christiana Roberts, Destiny Frazier and ShaNiya McNair.
“We are excited to see what our students figured out with the help of Center Parc Credit Union,” said Shybria Moore, 3DE Junior Achievement director. “Partnerships like this allow our students insights into real-life problem-solving skills and give them the confidence they need to enter the workforce We couldn’t be fore thankful for the credit union’s time and energy!”
ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in the state of Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The new financial flagship office is now open in Berkwick Market Place. An ongoing community gardens program was launched in August 2020. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org
CONTACT
Regina Pointer, Savannah Marketing Growth Specialist
Center Parc Credit Union
5698-A Ogeechee Road
Savannah, GA 31405
rpointer@centerparc.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young, President
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
Healthy Savannah’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health grant-funded programs are addressing food insecurity issues.
(SAVANNAH, GA) Young children need fruits and vegetables daily to support healthy growth and brain development but a new study has found 1 in 2 Georgia children don’t eat a vegetable daily and 1 in 3 don’t eat a fruit daily.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the results of a 2021 study, “Fruit, Vegetable, and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Young Children, by State.” [https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7207a1.htm?s_cid=mm7207a1_w] The data indicates the importance of and need for interventions at both the national and state levels that improve young children’s nutrition to support their optimal growth and brain development.
The CDC study cites the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans which recommends that children eat fruits and vegetables each day, and limit sugar sweetened beverages. However, it also found that many young children between ages 1 and 5 years are not eating fruits and vegetables each day and are regularly drinking sugary beverages.
“Two-thirds of Chatham County children 2-5 years of age consume more than the recommended amount of sugar daily and 73% of food advertisements use familiar characters to target children,” said Paula Kreissler, executive director of Healthy Savannah. Kreissler has been at the forefront of a “healthy checkout” initiative to encourage local grocery stores to place healthy items at the registers instead of sugary snacks.
“Moreover, 17.6% of all Savannahians are food insecure and 21.8% of our children are food insecure,” Kreissler said. “Food insecurity is more than lack of access, it’s about being able to find fresh fruits and vegetables near where you live. Improving access to healthy foods is one of Healthy Savannah’s top initiatives through the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant.”
The five-year, $3.4 million REACH grant is administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. The grant was awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2018 with funding deployed in an “upstream” approach by the Savannah/Chatham County project team to foster sustainable health equity among Black residents in low-wealth neighborhoods.
Healthy Savannah has also conducted community surveys since 2014, asking residents in priority neighborhoods about their access to healthy food options among other lifestyle topics.
Respondents in 2020 said they wanted more fresh produce at neighborhood stores. In the 2022 survey, participants indicated a general increase in healthy food purchases and the use of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
The 2022 survey also showed that Forsyth Farmers’ Market (FFM) continues to be a leading resource of fresh food in Savannah /Chatham County. A majority of respondents (66%) had heard about or used the market and (53%) currently purchase healthy foods at FFM, up 20% from 2019. A quarter (26%) had purchased food from FFM’s Farm Truck 912 and three quarters (75%) desired to do so.
“We’re encouraged that people are becoming more familiar with resources like the Forsyth Farmers’ Market and Farm Truck 912, the latter being supported by the REACH grant,” said Kreissler. “The grant has also fueled the expansion of Healthy Savannah’s Corner Store Initiative and the Y’s Fresh Express program.”
An initiative of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, in partnership with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, the Fresh Express program was launched in 2016 to serve neighborhoods with low access to fresh food.
“In 2022, Fresh Express distributed 9142 pounds of fresh produce to 2028 households in Savannah,” said Ruby Castro, Nutrition Program manager for the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health grant. “The monthly event is now serving three permanent sites at Curtis V Cooper and Moses Jackson community centers every third Friday and Waters Ave & 40th St every first Friday.”
12 local stores are also now participating in the Corner Store Initiative which launched in 2019 to make healthy food choices the easy choice in small retail stores that are often the only source of food in some of Savannah’s low-wealth neighborhoods.
“The CDC study [https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7207a1.htm?s_cid=mm7207a1_w] is intended to renew a national focus on nutrition, hunger, and health and the call to improve food and nutrition security,” said Kreissler. “It provides information that decision makers and practitioners need to help ensure children have an opportunity for their healthiest start. We’re already seeing how programs and policies that promote access to healthy food are making a positive difference right here in Savannah.”
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
Center Parc Credit Union co-sponsors Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity Conference helps to help new homeowners secure financial futures
(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union hosted the inaugural Habitat for Humanity Forever Family Conference at its Flagship Branch at Berwick Market in Savannah this past Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The event, which Center Parc co-sponsored with CareSource, helped homeowners secure long-term financial success.
“Our mission here at Habitat is to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, community, and hope,” said Zerik Samples, CEO of Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity. “That is what we accomplished at this conference. We connected our homeowners with the necessary resources and training from community professionals to help prepare them for their futures as homeowners and potential investors.”
Samples also thanked Center Parc Credit Union for hosting the event and having some of its employees serve as instructors.
This year’s event comprised workshops on relevant topics, such as
– “Why Budgeting is Important, 21 Simple Tips that Make Budgeting Easy,” presented by Regina Pointer Marketing Growth Specialist, Center Parc Credit Union
– “Basic Home Maintenance,” presented by Samuel Pointer, Pastor, Bethel Apostolic Church Savannah
– “Life Planning,” presented by Moya Campbell, vice president, Lighthouse Financial Group
– “Understanding Generational Wealth,” presented by LaWanda Johnson Allen, real estate broker, The Allen Real Estate Group
“We are proud to have hosted a program whose themes fit so well with our mission,” said Center Parc’s Regina Pointer. “This program was designed to be a benefit to the attendees and the larger community as well.
“For most people, owning a home is how they fulfill their American dream. Being financially savvy helps people plan for the future. It gives them a measure of security. Stability in homeownership creates stability in communities.”
Center Parc donated the conference room for the event and co-sponsored with CareSource.
ABOUT COASTAL EMPIRE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
As an affordable homeownership ministry, Habitat for Humanity is committed to partnering with low-income, working families. Habitat helps deserving families realize their dream of owning quality, affordable, energy-efficient homes in safe, revitalizing neighborhoods in Chatham County. The organization brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. As one of 1,600 affiliates in the US and part of Habitat for Humanity International, which is active in 70 countries worldwide, Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity addresses the need for safe and affordable shelter both locally and around the world. https://www.habitatsavannah.org
ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The new free-standing flagship branch is located at 5698-A Ogeechee Road at the Berwick Marketplace. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
912.844.9990
Fresh Express Expands to Three Permanent Locations for Healthy Food Choices
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Fresh Express no-cost fresh food distribution program has expanded to a third permanent site.
Located at the intersection of East 40th Street and Waters Avenue, the site provides food on the first Friday of each month. The two other locations — the Curtis V. Cooper Family Health at 106 E. Broad St., and the Moses Jackson Center at 1410 Richards St. — distribute on third Fridays. All begin at 9:30 a.m. on the day of distribution.
The new site started as a pop-up location but was made permanent due to demand.
“At each site, we usually have around 25 households that come to pick up produce, but turnout at Waters and 40th often surpasses that average,” said Laura Schmarkey, association outreach program director. “For example, in June we served 34 households there.”
An initiative of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, in partnership with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Fresh Express launched in 2016 to serve neighborhoods with low access to fresh food. The monthly event expanded to its second and now third permanent sites with the support of the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant funding awarded to Healthy Savannah and the Y through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Schmarkey says while demand helped drive the decision to make the new location permanent, it was made possible through the efforts of the volunteers who staff each site and make each day successful.
“One of our site volunteers told us about a young lady who consistently wanted lemons, specifically as a remedy during the pandemic to make hot lemon water,” said Schmarkey. “So our staff and volunteers always made sure to gather some lemons for this lady and her elderly mother when stocking up before distribution day.”
On the first and third Fridays of each month, the volunteers and staff members distribute an average of 750 pounds of fresh produce and bread to neighbors in need. Each family can fill two bags full of fresh foods to take home each month at no cost to them.
“We shop the Second Harvest’s selection on the day of distribution so every time there is something different, but we like to lean towards having an even mix of fruits and veggies,” Schmarkey said.
“We love selecting mixed greens and salad kits and staples like potatoes and onions. We try to always find what we call ‘walkable food,’ such as apples, peaches, plums, and bananas for our community members who don’t necessarily have a kitchen or a home. We also distribute bread and often have surprise items like pumpkins, mini evergreen trees, water, and sunscreen.”
According to a 2020 study from Feeding America, 17.1% of Chatham County residents are considered food insecure. Additionally, 21.8% of the children in Chatham County are food insecure.
“Since the launch of Fresh Express we have been able to put more than 60,000 pounds of fresh food back into the community to serve neighbors in need,” Schmarkey said. “The Y is proud to serve our community with our partners at Second Harvest and United Way, along with support from the REACH grant, to provide this monthly produce distribution program that aims to provide access to fresh fruits, vegetables and bread in neighborhoods with insecure access to healthy foods.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at one of the Fresh Express sites can sign up by emailing Schmarkey at laura.schmarkey@ymcaofcoastalga.org or calling 912-354-5480.
For more information on volunteering, visit https://ymcaofcoastalga.org/Volunteer or https://www.unitedwayvolunteers.org/ Learn more about the Fresh Express program and see the schedule of upcoming distribution dates at https://ymcaofcoastalga.org/freshexpress.
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
Center Parc Credit Union Cuts Ribbon on New Flagship Center
(SAVANNAH, GA) A collection of community leaders gathered to help Center Parc Credit Union officials and members celebrate the ribbon-cutting of its flagship financial center at 5698-A Ogeechee Road on Friday, Nov. 4.
While the new branch stands in unincorporated Savannah, both Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson and Pooler Mayor Rebecca Benton attended the ribbon cutting to show support of the members who are served by Center Parc in both cities.
Savannah Flagship Branch Manager Emily Hopper, Marketing Growth Specialist Regina Pointer,
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, II, Interim Vice President of Savannah State University Shalonda
Mullgrav, Savannah Superintendent M. Ann Levett, Pooler Mayor Rebecca Benton, Center Parc CEO Charles M. Head, Center Parc President Blake Graham, Center Parc Board of Directors Chairman Charles “David” Disharoon, Board of Directors Secretary Timothy Payne, Board of Directors Member David G. (Jabo) Patterson, Board of Directors Member Vanessa Meek, Board of Directors Member Philip “Phil” Upchurch, Tameka Moultrie Director/Member Partnerships Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Inc. and Courtney Rawlins, Executive Director of the Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.
The new financial center, located in an outparcel of the Berwick Marketplace, becomes Center Parc’s first stand-alone facility in the Savannah area. Two existing branches in Chatham County are located inside the Pooler Walmart at 160 Pooler Parkway and the Savannah Walmart at 6000 Ogeechee Road.
“With this modern, purpose-built facility, we are more prepared than ever to serve our members and our community,” said Chuck Head, CEO of APCU and Center Parc Credit Union. “We invite members and potential members to come see what this member-owned financial institution can do to help them reach their financial goals.”
For his vision in helping achieve this flagship branch, Center Parc named a conference room in Head’s honor. They also honored retired COO Theresa Stonecypher by dedicating the branch’s welcome center in her name.
Since Center Parc Credit Union makes supporting the communities a priority, the new 6,200-square-foot building includes several community-oriented features. For instance, groups can use its community room for meetings without charge.
The flagship location is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Drive-up ATM and ITM services are available on a 24-hour basis. Anyone who lives or works in Chatham, Effingham, Bryan or several other counties in Georgia qualifies to become a member of Center Parc.
ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest chartered credit union in the state of Georgia. In September 2020, two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The new financial flagship office is now open in Berkwick Market Place. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800.849.8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org
CONTACT
Regina Pointer, Savannah Marketing Growth Specialist
Center Parc Credit Union
5698-A Ogeechee Road
Savannah, GA 31405
rpointer@centerparc.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young, President
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
Center Parc Credit Union to Cut Ribbon on New Savannah-Area Flagship Center
(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting at its new Savannah-area flagship financial center, 5698-A Ogeechee Road on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022 at 11 a.m.
The new comprehensive financial services center becomes Center Parc Credit Union’s first stand-alone facility in the Savannah area, as its two existing branches in the area are located inside the Pooler Walmart at 160 Pooler Parkway and the Savannah Walmart at 6000 Ogeechee Road.
Center Parc invites the community to join credit union officials, members, and invited guests as they gather at 5698-A Ogeechee Road, an outparcel of the Berwick Marketplace, to cut the ribbon on the flagship location.
Since Center Parc Credit Union makes supporting the communities it serves a priority, the new 6,200 square-foot flagship building includes several community-oriented features. For instance, groups can utilize a community room for meetings without charge. The building also
features amenities including a coffee bar and a technology station for credit union members.
The new flagship location is open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., with 24-hour drive-up ATM and ITM services Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Chatham, Effingham, Bryan or several other counties in Georgia can become a member of Center Parc Credit Union.
Center Parc Credit Union welcomes its members and the community to come by for a tour of the facility, information about their products and services and to get to know the friendly and professional staff.
“We are delighted with our new facility and can’t wait to share it with our members, our employees and the community at large,” said Regina Pointer, marketing growth specialist for Center Parc Credit Union.
The Redmond Group served as the primary contractor for this project and worked with many local subcontractors as part of the financial institution’s commitment to working with firms local to its service area.
Center Parc also has locations in Atlanta and is part of the CO-OP Shared Branch network, which gives members access to 5,000 credit union branches and offers surcharge-free transactions at more than 70,000 ATM locations across the U.S. For more information, call 800-849-8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org.
ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The new free-standing flagship branch is located at 5698-A Ogeechee Road at the Berwick Marketplace. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org
CONTACT
Regina Pointer, Savannah Marketing Growth Specialist
Center Parc Credit Union
5698-A Ogeechee Road
Savannah, GA 31405
rpointer@centerparc.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young, President
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
Savannah Country Day School to Host Ground-Breaking Ceremony for Upper School STEM Building
MEDIA ALERT
Savannah Country Day School to Host Ground-Breaking Ceremony for Upper School STEM
Building
What:
Ground-breaking ceremony for 32,000 sq. ft. Upper School STEM building, Mingledorff Hall
Who:
Savannah Country Day School
West Construction Company
Hussey Gay Bell
Why:
The Upper School STEM building is the initial phase of Country Day’s $20 million “Invest in
Excellence” campaign to improve campus facilities and better meet the needs of students.
Construction will begin immediately, with a slated completion date of fall 2022.
When:
Tuesday, June 8, at 9:00AM
Where:
Savannah Country Day School, 824 Stillwood Drive, 31419; Upper School Quad
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Allison Rhodes
Savannah Country Day School
rhodes@savcds.org
Savannah Country Day School to Break Ground on Upper School STEM Building
Savannah, GA (May 13, 2021) Savannah Country Day School has announced that it has secured the
funding to begin construction on a new 32,000 sq. ft. Upper School building.
The new building, which will be named in honor of Shirley and Bud Mingledorff ’64, will house all Upper
School STEM classes, including five math classrooms, five science labs, an energy learning lab, and a
fabrication/maker space. Other building features will include a library, conference/meeting rooms,
common areas for students, Deans’ offices, and a second-story outdoor gathering space.
The new Upper School building was made possible by the lead gifts of Bud ’64 and Shirley Mingledorff,
Rob ‘66 and Celeste Demere, Ben and Susie MacMillan, and Reed ‘87 and Meredith ‘92 Dulany. Other
significant contributors include Peter Thacher and Jane Vaden Thacher ‘84, the Lewis Family Foundation,
Brian and Kathie Harlander, Hunter ‘97 and Clementine Philbrick, Curtis ‘70 and Carol Lewis, and the
Hunter Foundation.
“We are thrilled to be moving forward with the construction of our new Upper School STEM building. The
support of our donors, especially during this past year, speaks volumes to the generosity and resolve of
our larger school community,” states Head of School Kef Wilson. “This new state-of-the-art building will
transform our campus and provide for our students a first-rate academic facility.”
Savannah Country Day partnered with Architectural Resources Cambridge out of Boston, MA, and
Hussey Gay Bell of Savannah to design a building that would complement the surrounding facilities and
anchor the Upper School buildings. Local general contracting firm West Construction Company will
oversee construction, which is expected to conclude in the fall of 2022.
Matt West, president of West Construction Company adds, “The addition of the STEM building reinforces
Country Day’s reputation of academic excellence and its commitment to students and faculty. We’re
excited to be a part of this significant project for our community, and look forward to all of the work
ahead.”
The Upper School STEM building is the initial phase of Country Day’s $20 million “Invest in Excellence”
campaign to improve campus facilities and better meet the needs of students. Additional components
include athletic upgrades and renovations, a fine and performing arts expansion, and efforts to benefit
The Little School and grow the school’s endowment.
Local Rotary Calls for Volunteers for Second Annual Savannah Rotary Read-In
Local Rotary Calls for Volunteers for Second Annual Savannah Rotary Read-In
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Rotary Club of Savannahis searching for volunteers to serve as community readers for the second annual Savannah Rotary Read-Inon Wednesday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Last year’s inaugural event drew 526 volunteer readers who read to students in 566 classrooms. This year, Savannah-Chatham public schools plans to add pre-kindergarten to the list, which means Rotarians and volunteers will read to students in 600 pre-k through third-grade classrooms in 32 schools.
“We hope to promote literacy with nearly 15,000 local students at this event,” said Lowell Kronowitz, president of the Rotary Club of Savannah. “Our goal is to have around 600 volunteers join our Rotarians in giving back by reading for one hour on this special day to spark young imaginations and encourage the desire to read more.”
A report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation indicates children who aren’t reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times as likely to drop out of high school.
Debra Larson, president & CEO of Hospice Savannah, and retired trucking company owner Frank Moore, Jr., who serves as a substitute teacher in the school system, are co-chairing the event. Moore introduced the idea when he moved to Savannah from California where his club there had run the program for 26 years.
“We are looking for volunteers to help just one day for one hour with just one book. The impact for the students is tremendous,” said Moore.
The club also is seeking 32 volunteers to serve as liaisons to handle communication with the schools’ personnel, confirm classrooms and identify books for the read-in.
E Shavers Booksellers is offering a discount to anyone who buys a children’s book to read during the event.
To register to read at the Savannah Rotary Read-In, please sign up here by March 7: https://savannahrotaryreadin.com/
ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF SAVANNAH
The Rotary Club of Savannahincludes 225 community leaders and volunteers. Over the past 103 years, the club has championed local and regional developments that include completing the road to Tybee Island, improving the Savannah River for commercial traffic, enhancing the Dixie Highway system in southeast Georgia and building bridges over the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers. Most recently in recognition of the 100th anniversary, the club raised funds and constructed an all-accessible playground in Forsyth Park. Meetings are held each Monday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the DeSoto Hotel, 15 E. Liberty Street. For more information, visit www.savrotary.org
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
Frank Moore, Jr.
frankm.jr@prodigy.net
912-604-5319
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Announces New President/CEO
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Announces New President/CEO
(POOLER, GA) The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott W. Loehr as President and CEO. Scott will succeed Henry Skipper who announced his intended retirement earlier this year after over nine successful and meaningful years as head of the Mighty Eighth. As CEO, Loehr will be responsible for ensuring the stories of the heroes of the Eighth will not only continue to be told but will also be introduced to new generations.
Scott Loehr brings more than thirty years of experience leading cultural organizations, particularly public-history agencies, to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. He most recently served as CEO of the Delaware Historical Society, where he led a successful multi-million-dollar capital campaign and introduced several new exhibitions and education programs on Delaware history.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s next President and CEO. The museum’s mission is so important, so compelling, and I look forward to working with the board, staff and constituents to engage more and more people with the Mighty Eighth history,” stated Loehr.
A native Floridian, Loehr holds a B.A. in history from Florida State University and earned an M.A. in History, with concentrations in Museum Studies and Historic Preservation, from Colorado State University. He and his wife, Deborah, will be relocating to the Savannah area in the next two months. Loehr will assume his new position in early December.
Scott W. Loehr as President and CEO, The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum preserves for all Americans the stories of courage, character and patriotism displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air force from World War II to the present.
The Museum treasures and teaches these values for all generations.
The Mighty Eighth Air force Museum’s vision is to sustain our cultural heritage, support lifelong character education, and to be a center of community engagement.
Pearl Fyderek
Director of MarketingNational Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
pfyderek@mightyeighth.org
Savannah Entrepreneur Howard Morrison to Speak in Passport to Excellence Lecture Series on January 21
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) District announces that entrepreneur and technology pioneer, Howard Morrison will speak on Thursday, January 21 at Woodville-Tompkins High School, in the Passport to Excellence Lecture Series. Morrison is the third and final presenter in the 2015-2016 inaugural series.
The free lecture series features presentations from accomplished individuals who previously attended or graduated from SCCPSS, sharing their unique career journeys and the insights they have learned about success and how to achieve it.
Although a graduate of Yale University, Morrison attributes much of the credit for his successes to the educational start he received through the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS). He attended Massie School, now Massie Heritage Center, from the second grade to the sixth grade, and will speak on those formative years and how they helped shape his career.
“When I was a student at Massie School, I learned to develop a curiosity for so many things,” said Morrison. “Curiosity is a wonderful thing and something I wish every child could have.”
The Savannah native has devoted a lifetime of service advocating educational and entrepreneurial related initiatives. After spending much of his career years in the Atlanta area, he retired from banking in 1996 and returned to his hometown where he has since added another career’s worth of accomplishments to his biography. To name a few, he established the organization that evolved into the Creative Coast Alliance and helped organized the Savannah Fund for Excellence in Public Education, which was subsequently merged into the ALL Foundation.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Morrison graduated from Yale University and embarked on a banking career that spanned nearly 30 years. Along the way, he helped develop the C&S Bank’s (now Bank of America’s) High Technology Banking Group and Atlanta’s high technology business community. In 1995, Morrison was inducted into the Georgia High Technology Hall of Fame. In 2003, the Coastal Business, Education & Technology Alliance established an Outstanding Leadership Award in Morrison’s name and honored him as the inaugural recipient. The Georgia Tech Alumni Association named him an Honorary Alumnus for 2004. In 2009, the Junior Achievement of Georgia (Savannah) inducted Morrison into the Savannah Business Hall of Fame. In 2011, he received Savannah Technical College’s Opportunity Award.
Morrison’s latest entrepreneurial endeavor is Verdant Kitchen, which recently made Opera’s “favorite things” list in 2015. The gourmet health and wellness company sells products made from ginger and turmeric grown at his Lebanon Plantation in West Chatham County.
Morrison, who will be the third presenter in the series, will speak on Thursday, January 21 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School, 50 Market St, Savannah, GA, 31408. Previous presenters in the series were movie producer Stratton Leopold and WTOC-TV new anchor Dawn Baker.
The presentation is free and open to the public, but reservations are required to attend. To RSVP, please contact Cynthia Wright at cynthia.wright@carriagetradepr.com. The Passport to Excellence Series is sponsored by JCB North America, AT&T, 24E, Healthy Savannah, Carriage Trade PR and Cecilia Russo Marketing. For more information, visit http://www.passport2excellence.com/
MORE ON THE PASSPORT TO EXCELLENCE SERIES:
In partnership with Carriage Trade PR and Cecilia Russo Marketing, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS)’s inaugural series, which began in Aug. 2015, features presentations from accomplished individuals who previously attended or graduated from SCCPSS. Attendees can hear inspirational stories and learn how the foundation of their success began right here in Savannah’s public school system. The presentations are free and open to the public, but reservations are required to attend. The Passport to Excellence Series is sponsored by JCB North America, AT&T, 24E, Healthy Savannah, Carriage Trade PR and Cecilia Russo Marketing. For more information, visit http://www.passport2excellence.com/
CONTACT
Cynthia Wright
Director of Communications
Carriage Trade PR
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia.wright@carriagetradepr.com
912.856.9075
Five Simple Ways to Save Attorney’s Fees
By Charles Bowen
In today’s complex and litigious world, it is inevitable that you will one day find yourself in need of a lawyer. Whether you are a business owner, want to buy or sell a house, have rental properties, or even just need a will, you will almost certainly need the services of an attorney.
The drawback, of course, is that lawyers can be expensive. This is the reason that many people end up not hiring an attorney and instead trying to handle legal matters on their own. Unfortunately, that typically works out about as well as a seriously ill person skipping the doctor because they don’t want to incur medical bills. Here are some simple ways to help avoid costly legal fees.
I. Educate Yourself.
There is an incredible array of online resources available that will enable you to educate yourself on almost any legal issue. Every state and federal statute and most case law can be found on the internet, and many attorneys have blogs that give step-by-step instructions on handling common legal matters.
Even simply Googling your legal question can be extremely helpful. In addition, Google has scholar.google.com which is an excellent source of legal information. There are also numerous other sites that provide free legal resources, such as nolo.com, justia.com and findlaw.com.
I highly recommend that you read everything you can about your legal issue before meeting with an attorney. While you do not want to take this too far by handling complex legal matters on your own (just like reading WebMD does not make you a doctor), educating yourself will ensure that your attorney does not have to spend significant time bringing you up to speed on the basics.
II. Prepare Your Own Documents.
Many legal documents, such as articles of incorporation and simple sales contracts, are fairly straightforward. Even examples of more complex documents, such as operating agreements, can be easily found online. It can be very cost-effective to draft these documents yourself and simply have your attorney review them. This will save time on the creation of a new document.
There are also numerous online legal document preparation services such as legalzoom.com and rocketlawyer.com. The problem with these services is that these companies often supply cookie-cutter templates that do not account for your unique needs. However, it can be a good starting place provided you then allow your attorney to review and update your forms as needed.
III. Organize In Advance.
Before you meet with an attorney, print copies of all relevant documents and have them well-organized. If you have a dispute that occurred over time, draft a timeline of all relevant facts and events. This preparation will save time and significantly reduce your costs.
IV. Hire the Right Attorney.
It is vitally important that you hire an attorney that is interested in creating a long-term relationship with you and your business. Ask for recommendations and research the attorney online, and make certain they focus their practice in the area in which you require assistance. Meet with them in person to make certain they are friendly, attentive and are a good fit for you and your business.
If you provide a service that may be beneficial to your lawyer, you may also be able to save money by proposing a trade of services. It certainly cannot hurt to inquire, but be advised that smaller firms or solo practitioners are much more likely to be open to such an arrangement.
V. Consider Alternatives to Legal Action.
For smaller disputes, you may consider filing an action on your own in Magistrate Court. As long as the amount you are seeking does not exceed $15,000.00, Magistrate Court offers a very simple and quick alternative to hiring a lawyer. Nolo.com has a small claims court area on its website that contains helpful tips on handling such a case by yourself.
Another alternative is to suggest mediation. Mediation is an informal process in which the parties meet together with a neutral third party to try to reach an agreement to their dispute. Mediation can be a very cost-effective alternative to legal action, especially when the parties have an interest in staying on good terms.
By following these simple tips, you will find that procuring the services of an attorney will not be nearly as expensive as you may fear. The extra effort will be well worth it.
Charles Bowen is a business attorney who focuses on commercial, banking and manufacturing law and also offers comprehensive mediation services. He may be contacted at 912.544.2050 or cbowen@thebowenlawgroup.com.
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System District Holds Inaugural Series to Share Success Stories from Previous Students
Passport to Excellence Lecture Series Spotlights Stratton Leopold, Dawn Baker and Howard Morrison
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) District announces the inaugural Passport to Excellence Lecture Series presented by the gold sponsor, JCB North America. The series is made up of three lectures featuring presentations from accomplished individuals who previously attended or graduated from SCCPSS, sharing their unique career journeys and the insights they have learned about success and how to achieve it.
On Thursday, August 27, Stratton Leopold will present from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Savannah Arts Academy, located at 500 Washington Ave. Leopold attended elementary school at Massie Heritage Center, and then went on to attend Chatham Jr. High. Several years later, he studied Pre-Med at Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt Universities, but ultimately chose to work his way into the film industry. He has now been in the film business for more than 40 years, producing major, large-budget motion pictures. He has nearly 60 film and television credits to his name ranging from executive producer and producer to casting director and actor. Leopold has also served as an Executive Vice President at Paramount Pictures. He is locally famous for Leopold’s Ice Cream on Broughton Street, which was founded in 1919 by his father, Peter Leopold and his uncles Georgia and Basil.
The second lecture, taking place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 29 at Savannah High School, located at 400 Pennsylvania Avenue, will feature a presentation from Dawn Baker. Baker graduated with honors from Savannah High School, and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Baker now co-anchors WTOC’s The News at 5:30 and THE News at 11:00. Baker is also a published author from her book, “Dawn’s Daughter: Everything A Woman Needs To Know.” 20% of all of the proceeds from her book go to “The Dawning of a Miracle Scholarship,” a fund Baker created to help young ladies with chronic and/or life-threatening illnesses go to college.
Howard Morrison will be the final speaker on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Woodville Thompkins Technical and Career High School located at 151 Coach Joe Turner Street. His lecture will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Morrison attended Massie School from the second grade to the sixth grade in Savannah. Later becoming a graduate of Yale University and a veteran of the US Navy, Morrison had a banking career that spanned nearly 30 years and helped to develop the C&S Bank’s (now Bank of America’s) High Technology Banking Group and Atlanta’s high technology business community. As a result in 1995 Morrison was inducted into the Georgia High Technology Hall of Fame. After retiring from banking in July 1996, Howard returned to Savannah where he has devoted a lifetime of service advocating educational and entrepreneurial related initiatives.
These presentations are free but are invitation only. If you are interested in attending a lecture, please contact Cynthia Wright at cynthia.wright@carriagetradepr.com or 912.856.9075.
The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Lockamy and three “Public School Patriots,” SCCPSS district’s nominated recent graduates, will co-emcee the panel interviews of each speaker. At the end of the Passport to Excellence Series, the three speakers will be honored at the February 2016 Teacher of the Year Banquet with the Passport to Excellence Awards of Distinction.
The Passport to Excellence Series is sponsored by JCB North America, Healthy Savannah, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Carriage Trade PR and Cecilia Russo Marketing. Sponsorships are still available. For more information, visit http://www.passport2excellence.com/
MORE INFORMATION ON PASSPORT TO EXCELLENCE:
In partnership with Carriage Trade PR and Cecilia Russo Marketing, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System announces its first-ever “Passport to Excellence Lecture Series.” The series will kick off in Aug. 2015 and will feature presentations from accomplished individuals who previously attended or graduated from SCCPSS. Hear inspirational stories, as we sit down to learn how the foundation of their success began right here in Savannah in our public school system. Dr. Lockamy, the Superintendent of Schools, and the other members of the community, will be conducting the public interviews with the speakers. http://www.passport2excellence.com/
CONTACT
Cynthia Wright
Director of Communications
Carriage Trade PR
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia.wright@carriagetradepr.com
912.856.9075
MY SAVANNAH™ 