AMERICA’S SECOND HARVEST OF COASTAL GEORGIA: Making their biggest move this holiday season
It may have been over two decades ago, but this isn’t Mary Jane Crouch’s first rodeo. Not even close. As executive director of America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, she’s pretty much seen it all before. “I was actually brought on board in 2001 to raise money to buy this building,” she said. The building…
Location Gallery and the gift of art (the gift that keeps on giving)
When you buy a piece of art, you buy a gift that keeps on giving pleasure for years to come. In my former career, I managed a little art gallery at Hospice Savannah as part of my role as marketing director. One of the most rewarding aspects of that job was watching folks buy a…
EAT IT AND LIKE IT: New bagel shop set to open in downtown Savannah
For all of the new, fun additions we are seeing added-seemingly monthly- to the downtown Savannah food scene, the one meal that has lagged a little behind is the quick and casual breakfast. Yes, of course, we have plenty of options for good eats early in the day. Dotties immediately comes to mind on Broughton…
Country singer Chase Matthew is ready to rock District Live
A multi-instrumentalist hailing from Nashville, country singer Chase Matthew says music has always been a big part of his life. “I’m a highschool dropout who grew up singing in church,” Matthew said. “Music has kinda always been something that’s been around me and if there wasn’t a piano in the corner there was a guitar…
DRINK AND BE MERRY: Holiday bars popping up around town
Twinkling lights. Holiday jingles. Comforting scents of pine, cinnamon and sweet, baked cookies for Santa. The holiday season is here, and there are so many fun festivities to take part in around town — holiday pop-up bars among them. Local lounges are converting their spaces into welcoming winter wonderlands, complete with Christmassy cocktails, themed treats…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
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…
PACK Savannah holds 4th annual stocking event
People of Action Caring for Kids (PACK) held their 4th annual stocking event on Nov. 26 where over 300 volunteers of all ages came together to pack stockings, donate new toys, and help make Christmas cards for local children in need. Guests experienced a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus in addition to face painting, fairy hair…
WHAT ARE WE READING? Books of the week
With Savannah seeing some cooler temperatures, its time to cozy up and find your next favorite book. The experts at E. Shaver Booksellers have curated their top picks to take the guesswork out of finding your new page-turner. Enjoy these great reads! The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu: When a child goes missing in Edinburgh’s…
ART PATROL: Some year-end thoughts on Savannah’s art scene
This time last year, I wrote a rather depressing column about the sad state of affairs for Savannah’s art galleries. Many were closing, and there wasn’t (and this part hasn’t changed much) much financial encouragement from the City, Chamber or SCAD to promote artists to live and work in our city. Despite the arts playing…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows you should see this week
LAUREL HELLS RAMBLERS + X DIRTY FINGERS @ THE SLAB TUES DEC 5 | 6:30 PM You might not even know it exists, but gothic mountain bluegrass is a real thing, and it’ll haunt you like the dead relative you failed to pay enough attention to. From the heart of Appalachia in the hills of…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Affordable housing exemption sought as Savannah’s new impact fee set to net more than $1 million
The city is seeking to amend state regulations to incentivize affordable housing projects after implementing a development impact fee this summer. On Nov. 21, the Savannah City Council approved its legislative agenda, which includes among the priorities a resolution for state lawmakers to allow municipalities to waive development impact fees for affordable housing to help…
CASA GUAVA: Authentic Cuban cafe opens in downtown Savannah
While Casa Guava’s location may have happened by accident, everything else about Chef Joaquin Montesino Jr.’s new Cuban spot is intentional. The decor, the menu offerings and the ambiance are all motivated by Montesino’s intent to share his culture and his cuisine with Savannah. “I think it’s every chef’s dream to have your own…
First Savannah Hoops Shootout could be start of annual tradition
The inaugural Savannah Hoops Shootout was held over the weekend at Enmarket Arena and basketball fans across the city are hoping it’s the start of an annual tradition. In an unforgettable first event, those in attendance were treated to a pair of solid boy’s high school games on Friday, Nov. 24, and two more good…
Annual Savannah Boat Parade of Lights Shines for 22nd Year
For over 20 years, the Savannah Boat Parade of Lights has been kicking off the holiday season with their annual show of whimsically decorated vessels. The boats, a mix of powerboats, sailboats and yachts, followed the Georgia Queen Riverboat on Nov. 25 as they made their way from the Eastern Wharf Dock at the Thompson Savannah Hotel,…
Shelter From the Rain honors single mothers with “A Christmas Tradition”
Shelter From the Rain, a non-profit that supports single mothers in Savannah, is celebrating the holidays with their annual show, “A Christmas Tradition,” in partnership with the Savannah Theatre on Dec. 3. “This is our 8th annual Christmas Tradition show with Savannah Theater, and it’s our biggest annual fundraiser that funds the programs that we…
PREPS: 2023-24 Savannah area boy’s basketball season preview
It has been nearly a decade since a Savannah school last won a Georgia High School Association (GHSA) state championship. Not since the 2014-15 Jenkins Warriors has Savannah brought home hardware for GHSA boy’s basketball. St. Andrew’s (28-1 in 2022-23) and head coach Mel Abrams Jr. have won back-to-back GIAA state titles. Memorial Day School…
Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity celebrates 40 years of building community and hope
The Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity will celebrate 40 years of building communities at their annual Home for the Holidays gala. The gala on Dec. 1 will be an opportunity to not only support the organization, but also learn more about their future plans. “This is our 40th anniversary, and I want us to reflect…
INTRODUCTIONS: Meet Tommy Holland
Savannah native Tommy Holland believes music helped shape his life, and he believes it can help shape the lives of our youth. That’s why every holiday season he makes it his mission to collect and raise money with one goal in mind: making sure that musical instruments get into the hands of deserving children. This…
Kansas celebrates 50 years of highs, lows and fresh starts
Fifty years have seen the band Kansas travel a winding path that has included periods of major success, lulls in the band’s popularity, the arrivals and departures of multiple band members that have introduced different talents into the lineup and stretched the band’s sound into new territories, a long span of time where Kansas didn’t…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to Survive Turkey Day
EMBER CITY @ BARRELHOUSE SOUTH FRI NOV 24 | 9 PM The day after Thanksgiving can be difficult. You ate too much, your blood is 17 percent gravy, and you can barely move. Still, you must carry on with your life, and one meal can’t slow you down for months. So go see Connect Savannah’s…
Tourism Leadership Council celebrates 25th annual awards and scholarship dinner
The Tourism Leadership Council held their 25th annual Tourism Awards and Scholarship Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 16th, at the Savannah Convention Center. With over 700 attendees, the annual gala recognized the best of the best in the hospitality community while giving back to the next generation of leaders.
SAVANNAH’S FRALI GOURMET: New faces, same family quality
Despite the fact that it has been sitting on the corner of Liberty and Tattnall Streets in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District for over a decade, and existed elsewhere before that, Frali Gourmet Pasta Shop and Restaurant remains one of this city’s best kept secrets. Pretty much anyone who has been there will tell…
WHAT ARE WE READING? Books of the week
Welcome all book lovers! This week, E. Shaver Booksellers shares three new recommendations on books you shouldn’t miss. This curated list takes the guesswork out of finding your next favorite book. System Collapse by Martha Wells: Everyone’s favorite lethal SecUnit is back. Following the events in Network Effect, the Barish-Estranza corporation has sent rescue ships to a…
Starlandia Foundation looks to bring more public art to Savannah
In 2019, Clinton Edminster, the owner of Starlandia Supply, realized more could be done to support community and public art in Savannah. In addition to selling art supplies, he started Starlandia Foundation, an initiative that provides legal and financial support for creative endeavors. “It was created to support the Starland mural project, which completed eight murals by local…
Savannah mayoral candidate not a registered voter when she filed to run
November 15, 2023 Chatham County officials confirmed that Savannah mayoral candidate Tyrisha Davis was not registered to vote when she filed paperwork this summer to run for office in the November elections, a violation of the requirements for candidacy. The director of the Chatham County Board of Registrars said Davis was considered unregistered from May…
May the force be with food
Smallvannah strikes again. Earlier this year, Shane Schautteet and Adam Simonitch catered their first big event, serving up a Lowcountry boil at the wedding shower for the latter’s Common Thread colleague and friend Caitlin Galvin. The party was held at Over Yonder, and co-owner Chris Moody was there and met the pair behind Prana Catering.…
ANNOUNCING THE 2024 SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL: A Global Celebration of Musical Diversity
The much-anticipated 2024 Savannah Music Festival is just around the corner, promising an incredible line-up of various genres and musical performances. With over 70 concerts and venues scattered throughout the city, including the iconic Lucas Theater, this year’s festival truly showcases the rich tapestry of American and global music. According to Ryan McMaken, the Artistic…
TATTNALL COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT: Football Coach Dismissal Unrelated to Viral Baptism Video
The Tattnall County School District (TCSD) relieved Tattnall County High School’s Isaac Ferrell from his position as head football coach following an incident which took place on Nov. 3 as the team traveled back from its season finale at Pierce County, according to TCSD Superintendent Dr. Kristen Waters. “I was notified that night – November…
Shark Tank-Style Competition Will Award $10,000 to Three Small Businesses
A Shark Tank-style entrepreneurial competition called BizPitch will take place at Georgia Southern University on Nov. 17th at 4pm. The competition is put on by a business consulting firm called SCORE. Three winners will be awarded $10,000 each to make their business dreams a reality. The participants must be starting their business or have started…
NO-FUSS FEASTS: Top Savannah Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving Meals
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, which means more people are heading to the grocery store, scrambling to get their ingredients ready for the big day. While spending hours in the kitchen preparing a lavish Thanksgiving meal is an act of service and love relished by some, for others, it can be an absolute dread. Whatever your…
WHAT ARE WE READING? Books of the Week
Hello book lovers! The time has come again where we present you with a weekly line-up of highly recommended books from E. Shaver, Booksellers. Enjoy these page-turning titles! Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott: What if you found a once-in-a-lifetime love…just not in your lifetime? Audrey Cameron has lost her spark. But after getting…
Junior Achievement Savannah Business Hall of Fame Inducts Newest Members
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, over 500 community members attended the Junior Achievement Savannah Business Hall of Fame at the Hyatt Regency. The event celebrated its newest inductees – EnviroVac’s Kevin Jackson and Thomas & Hutton’s Sam McCachern – for their business and civic contributions.
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows you should see this week
JAY VAN RAATLE & THE SPECTRUM @ THE WORMHOLE SAT NOV 18 | 10 PM The early-20s Lowcountry native just might be a guitar and songwriting prodigy. On her 2022 album Sound and Soul, she went full-on Prince/Lenny K and played nearly every instrument. Her trio is currently rounded out by her dad Derek on…
The Cove at Dundee Tiny House Project Opens Final Homes for Homeless Veterans
On Nov. 10, Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) in partnership with the National Society of Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA Georgia-Savannah Town Committee) opened the final 12 homes at the Cove at Dundee for veterans exiting homelessness. This final phase of the Cove neighborhood marks the completion of a 46-home community that includes…
SAVANNAH SALUTES THE TRAVELING WILBURYS: The Best Supergroup of All Time
Collaboration and ego do not mix well. So who would guess a supergroup of some of the biggest names in rock and roll would work as well as The Traveling Wilburys did? It could be the members were such legends, egotripping would seem absurd. And legends they were. George Harrison of The Beatles, Bob Dylan,…
Davenport House Museum To Open the “Urban Enslaved Exhibit”
After an official ribbon cutting hosted by the Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF), the Davenport House Museum will open the “Urban Enslaved Exhibit” to the public on Monday, Nov. 13. The new exhibit, located in the reopened basement level of the 1820s home, is dedicated to sharing the stories of 13 enslaved workers who resided alongside…
Lights, Camera, Action! SCAD Opens New Film Backlot
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) introduces its latest jewel, the Savannah Film Studios backlot. This groundbreaking backlot is not just your ordinary film set, it’s a transformative space that is bringing dreams and ambitions to life. More than just a mere set, this extraordinary space is a testament to the power of SCAD’s…
From Husk Till Dawn
At this very moment, a chef at a great restaurant in Barcelona is preparing a meal for Chris Hathcock. The tables are literally turned as this getaway is purely for pleasure. “This is the first trip I’ve taken where I haven’t had a detailed itinerary planned,” he said, an hour before he and his life…
PROPERTY MATTERS: City’s affordable housing projects struggle to get state assistance
The city’s efforts to develop more affordable housing in Savannah recently hit a setback, when two planned developments did not qualify for state low income housing tax credits – considered essential for moving the projects forward. The projects include planned affordable senior housing at the former fairgrounds site being developed by Bill Gross. In April,…
PREPS: Calvary ‘Stays’ in Class 3A, BC Back to 4A, SCPS and SCDS to 1A
In September, I wrote about the upcoming reclassification meetings at a certain athletic association in Thomaston, Georgia. I thought at that time things were getting ready to change for high school athletics in Savannah. I especially thought the private schools – Benedictine, Calvary Day, Savannah Christian and Savannah Country Day – were in for fairly…
Van Johnson Gets Second Term as Savannah Mayor with Landslide Victory
Incumbent Mayor Van Johnson matched up against challengers Kesha Gibson-Carter and Tyrisha Davis on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the polls across Savannah. Johnson won in landslide fashion, earning a second term as Savannah’s 67th mayor. With all of the precincts reporting late Tuesday night, Johnson tallied 77 percent of the vote while Gibson-Carter came in…
Karen Williams Becomes Pooler’s Next Mayor
On Nov. 7, Pooler voters casted their ballots and elected Karen Williams as the city’s next mayor. Her victory came by a significant margin, receiving 1,932 votes over her opponents, Stevie Wall who received 999 votes and Tony Davis who received 414. “I’ve always had a passion for the community, especially as a military spouse…
SAVANNAH’S CUBIST: Jim Cone
Jim Cone (b.1951) likens himself to the nursery rhyme character Humpty Dumpty, an egg so badly broken that “all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.” Despite the odds however, he has put the pieces of his life back together. I shall explain… We meet in Cone’s Talahi Island…
Savannah State Alum and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe Brings ESPN’s “First Take” to Alma Mater SSU
It was a homecoming celebration on Monday, Nov. 6, at Savannah State University (SSU). Shannon Sharpe, a SSU Alum and three-time Super Bowl champion, returned to his alma mater for an airing of ESPN’s “First Take” with host Stephen A. Smith, and moderator Molly Qerim. Sharpe was welcomed with thunderous applause and cheers from students,…
ELECTION DAY: Issues on voter’s minds as they cast their ballot
Today, Nov. 7, Savannah voters are heading to the polls to cast their ballot for the Municipal General Election. Connect Savannah spoke with voters about the issues that are top of mind as they decide the future leadership of the city. Martell Merritt, a Savannah native, said, “The issues [that] were important were about crime. We know that…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows you should see this week
LOBSTROSITY + ALL HELL + ATOMIC PEACEMAKER @ EL ROCKO THUR NOV 9 | 8 PM It’s doubtful they set out to prove anything. Still, Lobstrosity put on an absolutely blistering performance at the Lodge of Sorrows Halloween cover show, crushing a Slayer set — not an easy task with those face-melting solos and warp-speed…
LEARNING LITERACY: Educator and Advocate Kareem Weaver Works to Transform Literary Education to Ensure All Students Have the Fundamental Right to Read
The ability to read is among the most valuable and essential skills a person can possess. Literacy enables people not only to learn and work, but to be empowered and engaged citizens in the communities where they live. Because reading is so fundamental, it is vitally important to ensure that children in schools are receiving…
AGC Statesboro Skills Challenge Hosts Annual Competition
With hundreds of high school students from 26 local counties competing in electrical, welding, masonry and carpentry categories, the AGC Statesboro Skills Challenge hosted their annual competition on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Bulloch County Agricultural Complex in Statesboro Georgia.
Kesha Gibson-Carter Talks Policy, Priorities and More Ahead of Election Day in Savannah
Kesha Gibson-Carter says voters have a clear choice to make on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the polls. The primary challenger to incumbent Van Johnson for Mayor of Savannah, Gibson-Carter recently spoke with Connect Savannah about her campaign, her priorities for the city, and yes, about her opponent. During her relatively short time on City Council,…
Mayor Van Johnson on Campaign Contributions, Opponent Gibson-Carter and Why He ‘Takes Nothing for Granted’ on Election Day
“Our city is stronger now today than at any other time in its 290 year history.” Those were Mayor Van Johnson’s words six days before Election Day during his annual State of the City address on Nov. 1, 2023. Two days later, Savannah’s 67th mayor spoke to Connect Savannah about his first term, his message…
WHAT ARE WE READING? Books of the Week
We have another exciting week of book recommendations thanks to the curated picks from E. Shaver, Booksellers. Enjoy! Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond by Henry Winkler: From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole. Henry Winkler,…
Junior Achievement Savannah Business Hall of Fame to Induct Newest Members
The 23rd annual Junior Achievement (JA) Savannah Business Hall of Fame will celebrate the induction of Kevin “Catfish” Jackson, President and CEO of EnviroVac, and Sam McCachern, President and CEO of Thomas & Hutton. They join a long list of prestigious business leaders who have impacted Coastal Georgia’s community through their civic and professional achievements. After…
Local Film Producer Stephen Stanley Discusses Latest Project, “Ganymede”
On Nov. 9, Cinema Savannah will host a screening of “Ganymede,” a 97 minute film that blends a traditional LGBTQ+ coming-of-age story with a creature feature. Stephen Stanley, the film’s producer, first spoke with Connect Savannah back in 2005 to discuss his SCAD thesis project, a music video called “Push It Real Good.” Now, 18 years…
The 912 Group Takes Center Stage with Dairy Daze Fall Music Fest
Savannah punches above its weight in live music offerings and year-round festivals. From the city’s growing art scene to new music venues, more artists are calling the Hostess City home. Musicians, in particular, are fortunate to have the support of a business-minded community who offer opportunities to promote and market their talent to local audiences. Enter…
Looking for Literacy?
November is National Family Literacy Month. To celebrate, we’re connecting you to the people, places and events focusing on literacy in Savannah. LISTEN 107.5 FM (WRUU) Listening to Literature In 2017, Leigh Rich started the Listening to Literature hour on 107.5 FM (WRUU) as a way to interview local and state authors about their work.…
The Natural Talent of Figurative Painter Mary Carol Kenney
SLAM, the Savannah Local Artists Market spearheaded by the energetic and positive Charlie Ellis (see my 2021 column), will be held on Saturday, November 11 in the ballfield behind the Salvation Army at 3000 Bee Road. One of the more than 85 makers and artists showing their work is figurative painter Mary Carol Kenney, a…
THE TINIEST BOOKSHOP: How a Small Bookstore Keeps Growing
It all started with a bus full of books. About two years ago, Kaitlynn Perry converted a school bus into a bookstore and drove it around Savannah and Tybee Island. It was originally intended as a side project, but quickly evolved into much more. Perry, a history lover originally from West Virginia, moved to Savannah…
WSAV Announces Sixth Annual Blitz Border Bowl
WSAV-TV will celebrate its sixth annual Blitz Border Bowl, a high school football all-star game where the best seniors from the South Carolina Lowcountry compete against the best seniors from the Georgia Coastal Empire. It’s not all about the competition, as the game will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. The Blitz Border…
INTRODUCTIONS: Meet James Putney
According to retired United States Army Staff Sergeant James Putney, he had a good, lavish life serving in the military. This level of humility is likely why he is so revered and respected by the Veterans Council and fellow members of the American Legion, Post 500. In addition to 20 years of active-duty military service,…
Superintendent Denise Watts Sets Sights on Literacy, the North Star for SCCPSS
Superintendent Denise Watts, Ed. D., knows first-hand that education can mean the difference between life and death. She spent 45 years of her life in the foothills of rural North Carolina. “My mom was a single parent. And school was a refuge for me in a lot of ways,” Watts said. A refuge Watts’ sister…
Connect Savannah Names New Editor
Connect Savannah, long a major player in the city’s arts and entertainment scene, has named Erica Lang as its new editor as part of an expansion that will see the addition of new reporters, more variety and depth in content, and new distribution platforms to meet the needs of readers. Lang brings a variety of…
THE STACKS: How a Small Bookstore Plans to Make Big Waves on Waters Avenue
Cindy Otis didn’t always intend on opening up a bookstore, though she always secretly wanted to. When tasked with having to choose between a college degree in creative writing or political science, Otis chose the latter. Now, she’s getting to choose that second piece, her love for reading and writing, and she’s sharing it with…
