There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our periodic News & Notes.
Upcoming Events
Wurlitzer Wednesdays: Winter Wonderland Edition!
Who: SCAD
When: Wednesdays Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.
Where: Lucas Theatre for the Arts
What: Back by popular demand just in time for the holiday season, visit Savannah’s iconic movie palace for a historic theater tour and demonstration of its recently-restored original 1925 Wurlitzer theater organ. Explore the the theater’s storied past as it is all decked out in its holiday best and sing-along to a selection carols as well as live organ accompaniment to a special festive silent comedy. Tours begins at 11 a.m. and the organ demonstration starts at 11:30 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Savannah Ballet Theatre to host ‘Tea for Tutus’ Mother Daughter Fundraiser
Who: Savannah Ballet Theatre
Where: The Savannah Country Club, 501 Wilmington Island Rd. Savannah, GA 31410
What: Savannah Ballet Theatre is slated to host a special Nutcracker-themed Mother Daughter fundraising lunch this holiday season. Mothers and daughters will celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a special meal including gingerbread and dew drops. Ballerinas from The Land of Sweets, Nutcracker Princes and Sugar Plum Fairies from the ballet’s production will also join the event for a memorable holiday celebration. The fundraiser will directly benefit the local theatre’s upcoming low sensory school performance of ‘The Nutcracker’. To purchase tickets for ‘Tea for Tutus’, which start at $25 per person, visit eventbrite or call 912-525-5050.
Coastal Heritage Society hosts annual Savannah Santa Train event
Who: Coastal Heritage Society
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Georgia State Railroad Museum at 655 Louisville Road
What: Savannah Santa Train is Savannah’s favorite family holiday event with festive activities and entertainment, including a holiday-themed train ride experience, Tin Soldier Training, model trains with Coastal Rail Buffs, holiday crafts, and more. Children and their families can also learn about holiday traditions from around the world through hands-on participation.
“We are looking forward to celebrating the holidays with this popular annual event,” said Nora Lee, CEO of CHS. “We are grateful to our community partners for helping to make this festive event possible and we look forward to celebrating with children and their families!”
Tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting bit.ly/SantaTrain2023. Jonny Boy Cookies food truck will be in attendance to provide delicious treats for purchase. Other community partners for this event include Savannah Speech and Hearing, Lowcountry Turners, Savannah Ballroom, Savannah Stage Co., Savannah Tree Foundation, Snapology, and Massie Heritage Center.
Holiday Spectacular with the SCAD Bee Sharps
Who: SCAD Bee Sharps
When: Thursday, Dec.14 at 7 p.m.
Where: Lucas Theatre for the Arts
What: Join the SCAD Bee Sharps, the university’s elite performance ensemble, for an evening of carols and good cheer at the all-new Holiday Spectacular concert. The Bee Sharps will be joined by special guest stars and alumni, including American Idol winner Candice Glover (B.F.A., dramatic writing, 2022), as SCAD celebrates the holiday season. Guests will step into a winter wonderland to enjoy old and new holiday favorites at this festive new tradition directed by Tony Award-nominated producer, actor, and SCAD artistic director of executive ensembles Mike Evariste. For more information, email scadtheaters@scad.edu.
Local Updates
Savannah Film Alliance announces eight honorees
The Savannah Film Alliance Honors Gala, presented by I.A.T.S.E. Local 491, honored eight creative individuals on Friday evening, Nov. 17 for their contributions to the growth of the local film and television industry. The Gala was hosted by Steven Michael Quezada, who is best known for portraying DEA Agent Steven “Gomie” Gomez on the TV series “Breaking Bad.”
Honorees for the 2023 Gala were:
Reva Grantham: A nationally known figure in the craft industry, Reva has worked with the film industry for years, beginning shortly after her graduation from high school and including early years at a commissary at the new DeLaurentis Film Studio in Wilmington, North Carolina. Arriving in Savannah in 2015 to work on a film, she never left and continues to provide essential craft services to film productions and crews in our region.
Nikalia Hill: Nikalia graduated from SCAD in 2022 with honors. Since 2021, Nikalia has worked on productions such as “The Menu,” “Halloween,” “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “Exorcist,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” and others. When she is not working long hours on productions, she continues to further her award-winning documentary work, such as her work in the ongoing docuseries entitled “STARLAND” for which she earned a Pabst Blue Ribbon Open Door Grant.
Megan Lombardo: Megan is a Directors Guild of America member and has worked in film and television production for nearly 25 years. She has experience in feature film, cable and network television, commercials, music videos, promos, web series, and branded content. She brings her industry experience into the classroom as a part-time SCAD professor in the Film and Acting, and Dramatic Writing departments. She also teaches part-time for Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema.
Kareem McMichael: Kareem is an award-winning filmmaker and documentarian. He has produced short films in various genres and documentaries with social justice themes. He received his B.A. from Savannah State University in broadcast journalism and a certification in production from the Georgia Film Academy. Kareem has worked for the ABC, Fox, and CBS news affiliates in Savannah. Currently, Kareem is the online content manager and advisor of the Tiger’s Roar student newspaper in the journalism and mass communications department at Savannah State University. He also serves as the Director of the Southern Regional Press Institute, a two-day media conference.
Judith More: After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Philosophy, Judith traveled the world working in the film industry. After years of travel, Judith made Savannah her home and continued to work in the film industry. Recognizing she needed to raise the profile of filming in Savannah, she co-founded Savannah Women in Film and Television ten years ago. During her tenure as President, SWIFT focused on mentoring young women new to the business and giving back to the community by sponsoring Parker House for single homeless women in Savannah.
Mike Neal: Mike, a local Savannahian, is a renowned Marine and Water Safety Coordinator in film and television productions in the Savannah area and nationwide. Known for his ability to scout water locations, prepare budgets, assemble a marine crew, find picture boats, camera boats, support vessels, make safety plans, and permit the work, Mike has rapidly become one of the industry’s most sought-after Marine and Water Safety Coordinators.
Mark Nguyen: Mark is an Emmy Award-winning Savannah native who graduated from the SCAD in Visual Effects and Broadcast Media and Motion Graphics. He also founded his own media production company, Alienworx, which focuses on both production and post-production and specializes in drones, car rigs, and media production content. He is currently a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 600 and works as a Creative Director, Director of Photography, and a drone pilot.
Beth Nelson: Beth is a native of Savannah, an AFCI Certified Film Commissioner, and founding Executive Director of the Savannah Regional Film Commission where she served in that role from 2016 through 2022. Beth is also a Founding Member of the Savannah Film Alliance as well as a co-founder of SWIFT. As Savannah Film Commissioner, Beth promoted the Savannah region to the entertainment industry, liaised between film companies and the local community, assisted production companies filming in the area, and supported local crew and businesses. Under her leadership, Savannah saw exponential growth in the entertainment industry, which resulted in a tremendous economic benefit to the region. Beth currently works with I.A.T.S.E. Local 491 as the Savannah Field Steward.
Savannah-area residents, businesses are invited to host local Farmsgiving celebrations to support Forsyth Farmers’ Market
The Forsyth Farmers’ Market, South Georgia’s largest farmers market, invites Savannah-area residents and local companies to host their own Farmsgiving celebrations in November, December and January. All proceeds will benefit Forsyth Farmers’ Market programs designed to support local farmers and to expand access to healthy food throughout the Savannah community.
“Farmsgiving is our take on the popular ‘Friendsgiving’ concept,” explains Forsyth Farmers’ Market Executive Director Dr. Deidre Grim. “This annual fall fundraising event encourages local families and companies to invite their friends and colleagues to enjoy a fun meal to celebrate the Forsyth Farmers’ Market mission to support sustainable agriculture and to increase access to fresh, local food.”
Farmsgiving meals can range from a casual backyard potluck to a formal sit-down dinner party with silver and china. Hosts are encouraged to source fresh items from the Forsyth Farmers’ Market and to let guests know that this event is a fundraiser.
The Forsyth Farmers’ Market can provide donation cards for guests, offer additional information and create a custom fundraising webpage for each Farmsgiving event. Forsyth Farmers’ Market staff members and board members are also available to speak at individual Farmsgiving events.
“Farmsgiving offers the opportunity to support food justice, health equity and the fight against food insecurity,” Grim adds. “Hosts and attendees will help ensure that fresh, locally grown produce is accessible to all members of our community.”
To sign up to host a Farmsgiving celebration, please visit forsythfarmersmarket.com. For questions or more information about Farmsgiving, please contact Forsyth Farmers’ Market Communications Manager Bella Marchena at bella@ffm-sav.org.
Enmarket’s 2023 Enjoy Winning Summer Sweepstakes $25,000 Grand Prize Winner from Portal, GA
Edward E., a Portal, Georgia man has won $25,000 as the grand prize winner among participants in Enmarket’s Enjoy Winning Summer Sweepstakes.
Edward has been an active Enjoy Rewards loyalty program member since 2020 and is a frequent shopper in the Enmarket locations in Portal, Swainsboro, and Statesboro Georgia. He takes advantage of the program’s member discounts on drinks, cents off per gallon, and enjoys the free items specifically during the sweepstakes.
“Our Summer Sweepstakes is a fan favorite with our Enjoy Rewards customers, everyone loves winning free prizes. The sweepstakes is a fun and engaging way to show our customers how much we appreciate their business,” said Jeannie Amerson, vice president of marketing for Enmarket. “Congratulations to our $25,000 Grand Prize winner and the many winners who won free prizes daily.”
During the Enjoy Winning Sweepstakes, Enjoy Rewards members earn extra rewards when they shop at any of Enmarket’s 130 locations across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. These rewards range from free instant products, including $25 gift
cards, snacks, and drinks. Each participant also receives an entry into the sweepstakes for the grand prize. Free instant prizes are loaded onto the members’ Enjoy Rewards account via email and are redeemable in-store. Sweepstakes winning options range from $25 gift cards given away daily and free fuel for a year winners, to a grand prize of $25,000. This is the third year that Enmarket has hosted the Summer Sweepstakes promotion and the second with a grand prize giveaway of $25,000.
This article appears in Connect Savannah | November, 2023.
