INTRODUCTIONS: Meet Ella Shaffer
For most of her life, 17-year-old Ella Shaffer has been surrounded by leaders who inspired, mentored and motivated her. Now, she’s joining their ranks. On May 8, Shaffer, a Savannah Arts Academy junior and long-time Girl Scout, will be one of two honorees recognized for exceptional leadership by the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia (GSHG)…
Savannah Convention Center ready to lead
In recent years, Savannah has been beaming amidst a massive economic boom. The Hyundai Plant announcement and Gulfstream’s expansion are just two examples of the billions of dollars that are currently being invested in the Greater Savannah area. In addition to these impressive and promising economic expansions, the Savannah Convention Center is on track to…
ARTS SOUTHEAST’S DYNAMIC DUO: Emily Earl & Jon Witzky
In an issue dedicated to leadership, it was easy for me to think of two young people at the forefront of making Savannah both an arts destination and a vibrant place in which to live and work as an artist. Both fully dedicated to the nonprofit Arts Southeast, photographer Emily Earl serves as Executive Director,…
Sports betting bill passes through senate, Georgians could vote on issue at polls in November
History tells us it’s an underdog, but Senate Bill 386 could finally be the upset winner long awaited by those wanting to see sports betting legalized in the state of Georgia. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the capitol building in Atlanta, SB 386 was passed through the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism (SCEDT)…
Urban Deli opens in former Fox & Fig space
Just before noon on a breezy blue-skyed Sunday, diners were once again sitting at sidewalk tables on Habersham and Harris, catty-corner from what is arguably the most stunning of Savannah’s squares. For now, the awning still says ‘Fox & Fig’, but on Jan. 24, Annette Baik and Jae Kim opened Urban Deli and began serving…
Connect Savannah names new publisher
An accomplished veteran with over 33 years of news media and marketing experience has been named as the new publisher of Connect Savannah. Rufus Friday will join the Connect Savannah staff Feb. 1, and will help guide the company through a major expansion and redefining of its brand and mission. Friday’s most recent news media…
Connect Savannah names new director of events and community
Erica Baskin has been named Director of Events and Community for Connect Savannah, a new position created as part of the local media company’s ongoing expansion and evolution. Baskin has served as publisher for Connect Savannah for the past three years. “Erica’s exceptional skills have rejuvenated Connect, elevating its significance through her outstanding event management…
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 Savannah Cultural Arts Center to host Black Art Expo Who: Savannah Cultural Arts Center When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, Noon–4 p.m. Where: Savannah Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery…
Department of Defense identifies three soldiers killed in Jordan, one from Savannah
The Department of Defense announced Monday the death of three Army Reserve soldiers who were killed on Sunday, Jan. 28, in Jordan during a drone attack. The three Georgia soldiers, Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton and Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross were supporting Operation…
HUD secretary presents Savannah leaders $4 million check to aid in homelessness
Marcia L. Fudge, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), joined Mayor Van Johnson on Monday in Savannah to announce a nationwide spending program aimed at addressing the issue of homelessness in America. Together with the Chatham-Savannah Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Chatham-Savannah Continuum of Care was awarded $4,104,782 and the…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week
SPACE COKE + THE MAXINES + TEMPTRESS + DEAD REGISTER @ EL ROCKO THUR FEB 1 | 8 PM Savannah fans of live, loud music know Space Coke. They play out often, turn it up to 11, and end their shows with an eternal version of Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf” that makes you feel like…
BUILDING COMMUNITY IN THUNDERBOLT: Clayer & Co. and Ology Gallery
If you’re an art nerd like me, you get pretty excited when there’s a new art gallery in town. I learned about Ology Gallery (located, in all places, in the rear of a building on Thunderbolt’s Bonaventure Road) through friend Faran Riley who was helping co-coordinate SIP, A Ceramic Cup Show, the gallery’s first exhibition…
Veteran Carriers celebrate expansion with ribbon cutting
Veteran Carriers, a local trucking company owned by retired U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party’s Cliff White and Rob Cooch hosted a ribbon cutting celebrating the expansion of their 20 Telfair Place terminal office on Jan. 25th, 2024. Along with Congressman Buddy Carter, Veteran Carriers welcomed several community leaders including Post Commander 500 James Putney,…
DUVERNAY’S “ORIGIN”: Unveiling the roots of our discontent
In her latest project, “Origin,” Ava DuVernay adapts Isabel Wilkerson’s 2020 book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” into an investigative drama film. The movie was written and directed by DuVernay, and similar to the book, the movie focuses on the pain of loss and the journey Wilkerson takes to explore the link between India’s…
THE BRADLEY THEATRE: A new kind of cinema and community
The Bradley Theater, a new art house cinema, has big plans to bring independent, classic and foreign films to Savannah in the near future. While working to confirm their physical space, they are hosting community pop-up events that will make all film lovers excited. “This is something we need here. I’ve always been interested in…
Looking ahead to much anticipated 2024 Savannah-Chatham Day in Atlanta
Savannah-Chatham Day, a two-day event featuring a legislative oyster roast and listening sessions with state and regional leaders, is set for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 in Atlanta. An event strategically planned and organized mostly by the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, Savannah-Chatham Day brings together officials from across the City of Savannah and Chatham County…
GHSA Director says education for new NIL policy ‘was coming sooner or later’
Earlier this month, the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) announced a partnership with Triple Threat Leadership LLC, a leader in high school focused Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) education. The partnership, announced through a Jan. 9 press release, came after the GHSA State Executive Committee’s approval of updated language to its NIL policy on Oct.…
THE KARAOKE KREW: Bringing the joy of music and connection to Savannah
Grab your friends and get ready to belt out your favorite tunes with the Karaoke Krew in Savannah. A local group that has organically grown through Facebook and Instagram is purposed to not only inform people about the latest karaoke spots in our area but also to give people a chance from all walks of…
The corn ultimatum
Ken and Seana Corona were going to end up in Savannah at some point. Even they did not expect that ‘some point’ would come as quickly as it did. Having discovered the Hostess City on a mid-2000s vacation, the native Angelenos bought a house in the Victorian District in 2016. “We really loved it,” said…
Tybee Run Fest returns to Tybee, Savannah fills Rock ‘n’ Roll void with Every Woman’s Marathon
The YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2-3, 2024. It will be the third time that the race is presented by the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. The event will retain its format, where “Friday is the taste and Saturday is the test,” according to their press release. The weekend…
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 Camp Love — A Night of Burlesque Who: Camp Delicious When: Friday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. Where: Nomad Society, 2430 Bull St. What: Nomad Society Tattoo and…
SAVANNAH FLAVORS: New newsletter delivers food stories, delicious recipes and more straight to your inbox
Connect Savannah will be launching Savannah Flavors, a food newsletter, starting on Thursday, Jan. 25, to share more of the crunchy, tangy, rich stories that shape our city’s food landscape. Neil Gabbey, a local foodie with a knack for exploring and celebrating Savannah’s food scene, will dive into the latest restaurant openings and culinary happenings…
Uga X, ‘most decorated of all the Bulldog mascots,’ dies at home in Savannah
University of Georgia (UGA) Bulldog fans received tough news on Tuesday morning when the school announced the passing of former mascot Uga X. Fondly known as Que, the statement from UGA said the bulldog died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Savannah, where he was raised by Charles Seiler and the Seiler family.…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week
ANDREA & MUD @ OVER YONDER THUR JAN 25 | 8 PM Heavy on the surf reverb and with just as much Southern twang, Andrea & Mud answer their own questions. “Ever wonder what it would have been like if Johnny and June were backed by The Cramps?…if Conway and Loretta toured with The Ventures?…if…
Roger Moss, singer and school board president, to perform Friday at Tybee Post Theater
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) school board President Roger Moss can be heard from regularly at school board meetings or press conferences concerning educational matters. On Friday, Jan. 26 at the Tybee Post Theater, however, he can be heard from in a completely different light. Moss is a headliner for the “Songs of Soul…
TREES PLEASE: The Wormsloe Tree Replacement Project ensures a sustainable future for the iconic Avenue of Oaks
Savannah is known for its gorgeous tree canopy, which contributes much to the charming appeal of the city. The historic district is abundant with moss-draped oaks and blooming magnolias, and one of the most popular places among tree lovers is Wormsloe Historic Site. Here the iconic Avenue of Oaks, which dates back to the 1890s,…
Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Economic Outlook luncheon
The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2024 Economic Outlook luncheon at the Savannah Convention Center on Thursday, Jan. 18. A total of 840 members received the annual economic forecasts at regional, state, and national levels. Dr. Michael Toma from Georgia Southern University (GSU) presented the Savannah Area forecast, while University of Georgia’s Benjamin…
FREE RIDE: Pilot program offers students zero-fare CAT rides for next four months, but how does it work?
In just a few days, Chatham Area Transit (CAT) will begin to learn a lot more about the transportation habits of school-aged kids when they launch the Student Zero-Fare Pilot Program on Jan 29. The registration window is currently open and will provide free transportation services to all students across Chatham County until May 31,…
Two Tides Brewing hosts first Stout Fest
Two Tides is hosting their first ever Stout Fest on Saturday, Jan. 20, with plans to offer Savannah a flavorful way to embrace the cooler weather. After last year’s successful Sour Fest, Liz Massey, co-owner of Two Tides, said they wanted to focus more on “niche celebrations of different styles of beer” in 2024, with…
Comedian Drew Lynch embodies the spirit of survival
Growing up, comedian Drew Lynch says he never imagined himself becoming a comedian. “I moved out to Los Angeles when I was 18 and it was with every intention of being an actor and doing stuff on screen,” Lynch said. “I’ve grown up my whole life in and out of art schools and it’s something…
Buc-ee’s to break ground for historic Brunswick location
Originally approved in the Fall of 2022 by the Golden Isles Development Authority (GIDA), the construction of a Buc-ee’s travel center on Exit 42 off Interstate 95 in Brunswick is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 29. Both leaders in the community and company employees will attend a 10am ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking. Stan Beard,…
KEVIN KIRKWOOD: Embracing the art of being vulnerable
Kevin Kirkwood’s website (kevinwillpaint.com) describes the recent SCAD MFA graduate as a “multi-disciplined designer based in Savannah, GA” whose “current studio practice dances between small-scale conceptual installations and making acrylic paintings.” What his website cannot describe is how downright nice this guy is. Thoughtful, intentional, spiritual, introverted to the point of an almost painful shyness,…
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 Cheers for Charity Fundraiser Who: Tharros Place When: Wednesday, Jan. 17 (all day) Where: Sobremesa, 2312 Abercorn St. What: In acknowledgement of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, local…
As GHSA baseball practices start, newly allowed communication devices could prove divisive
In July of 2023, the National Federation of High School (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee approved the use of one-way communication devices between coach and catcher beginning with the 2024 season. On Monday, Jan. 15, the 2024 season began (kind of) as Georgia High School Association (GHSA) teams were allowed to practice for the first time.…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week
NORDISTA FREEZE’S SPACE PROM @ VICTORY NORTH THU JAN 18 | 8 PM Covered in detail for the December print edition of Connect Savannah, Nordista Freeze is landing Space Prom on Savannah this week. The unstoppable indie rocker hails from Nashville, but he’s made Savannah a second home with a steady stream of wild shows…
Enmarket Arena hosts 25th annual Publix Savannah Hockey Classic
Kicking off the new year with a community favorite, the 25th Annual Publix Savannah Hockey Classic featured a two-day collegiate hockey tournament with four of the top hockey teams in the Southeast at the Enmarket Arena on Jan. 12 and 13. This family friendly event had live music, ice skating and networking while watching teams…
Remembering Diana Rogers
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, Savannah lost a local legend. Diana Rogers, known for her piano playing, storytelling, fashion and larger than life personality, passed away at 76 years old. For many, her infectious love for music, laughter and life has become a part of Savannah’s storybook—a story that will get told again and again. “If…
What you need to know before MLK Jr. Day Parade in downtown Savannah
A longtime city tradition will be renewed Monday, Jan. 15, with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade taking place in downtown Savannah for its 44th annual celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade starts at 10am at the intersection of East Broad Street and Liberty Street. It concludes at West Anderson…
Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah kicks off 2024 Film Festival
This year, Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah will kick off their festival on Jan. 16 with “Mountainfilm for Students: Movies that Matter,” an educational program that serves over 11,000 students in Savannah Chatham County Public Schools and beyond. Additionally, several films will be screened during their evening programming including “Full Circle” on Jan. 19 and several…
Calling all ‘Swifties’ for a screening of “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”
On Saturday, Jan. 13, Savannah College of Art and Design will screen the film “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” at the Lucas Theatre at 7p.m. Along with experiencing the concert film on the big screen, students and the public will be offered themed drinks and concessions, friendship bracelets, giveaways and a photobooth. SCAD alumni who…
Terren Ward, Coach Anita Howard reflect on Georgia Southern’s crazy comeback ‘going viral’
By any measure, Terren Ward is having a pretty good week. The Georgia Southern women’s basketball star was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week on Tuesday after her incredible performance the week prior. It was her fourth time in nine weeks winning the award for the conference this season. Georgia Southern (12-3,…
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 Ship Watch Book Launch with Johnathon Scott Barrett Who: Jonathon Scott Barrett When: Thursday, Jan. 11 at 5 p.m. Where: The Learning Center at Senior Citizens, Inc., 3025…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Savannah Bananas, city upgrading Grayson Stadium, adding seating
While obtaining tickets will still be a luck of the draw, more fans should be able catch a Savannah Bananas’ game this coming season at a renovated Historic Grayson Stadium. The team’s owner, Fans First Entertainment, is investing in additional seating behind both sides of the outfield for the 2024 season, which President Jared Orton…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week
SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS + INTRACOASTAL PLAYBOYS @ VICTORY NORTH WED JAN 17 | 8 PM After the initial iteration collapsed in 1985, guitarist Rick Miller recruited Mary Huff on bass and Dave Hartman on drums. Miller’s NC-to-SoCal upbringing and the rhythm section’s Roanoke roots resulted in what they called a “swamp rock thing.”…
When Beatles meets symphony
The Savannah Philharmonic is proud to announce an upcoming performance that will transport audiences back in time. On Saturday, Jan. 20, the Philharmonic will present “Classical Mystery Tour” at the Lucas Theatre, a show that pays tribute to the iconic music of The Beatles. Under the baton of conductor Keitaro Harada, the Savannah Philharmonic will…
Desposito’s Seafood celebrates opening with ribbon cutting
Bringing new life to a former local culinary favorite, Michelle Smith and her Desposito’s team opened their doors for an all day ribbon cutting celebration on Saturday, Jan. 6. The longtime Thunderbolt restaurant featured an all afternoon live music lineup, an oyster roast, local vendors and a collection site for Jennifer Graham’s Shelter From the…
SPORTS NOTES: Savannah Hockey Classic Preview & Blitz Border Bowl VI roster release
The 2024 Publix Savannah Hockey Classic is returning on Jan. 12 through 13, 2024 at Enmarket Arena. It’s the 24th edition of the collegiate four-team hockey tournament which began in 1999. Every year from 1999 through 2020, the classic was played in Savannah. In 2021, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There…
Forsyth Farmers’ Market receives grant funding, starts new season
The Forsyth Farmers’ Market, which is expected to start off 2024 with a record-breaking number of local vendors on Saturday, Jan. 6, recently received grant funding to support their efforts in expanding access to fresh, affordable food in Savannah. “Amidst the excitement of commemorating our 15th-year anniversary at Forsyth Farmers’ Market, our team is delighted…
Zunzi’s offering free food, donating nearly $12K at first ‘Zunzifest’
Zunzi’s + Zunzibar, the Savannah-based sister brands is marking the culmination of its quarterly fundraising with “ZUNZIFEST!” on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the Zunzi’s location on Drayton Street in Savannah and the Zunzibar location on Tybee Island. Zunzi’s + Zunzibar is donating $11,289 to Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and Feeding America’s Atlanta Community Food…
New Pooler mayor to bring service legacy to city
Much will change when Karen Williams is sworn in as the city of Pooler’s new mayor this month. But one thing won’t: her servant heart. As Williams moves from her council seat to the mayor’s office, she’ll bring her lifelong commitment to service with her, using it to benefit the growing city and its nearly…
JOAN MAZZEO: “Seriously weird”
Joan Mazzeo, energetic, spunky, and wiry, meets me in her Avondale home to discuss her ceramics. I had seen (and purchased) some of her pieces at October’s Isle of Hope Art Fair and saw them again at a Christmas pop-up show at Ology Gallery. But little did I realize that ceramics are just the tip…
Kool Vibes Pizza and Wings hosts 4th annual Kwanzaa Krawl
Alderwoman Kesha Gibson Carter and Kool Vibes Pizza and Wings hosted UJIMA during the 4th Annual Kwanzaa Krawl, Thursday, Dec. 28th. Celebrating a traditional African-American holiday, guests were greeted with music from Ethiopian Sounds, iconic Savannah storytellers Lillian Grant-Baptiste, Alicia Miller-Blakely and Amir Toure and a dancing presentation from Amirah of Garrison K-8 School. The…
The future of Savannah from a food perspective
The reminders that Savannah is going to look very different in three short years were coming rapid fire throughout the course of the last year. Restaurants close all the time, so that in and of itself isn’t enough to make headlines. However, when you pair a half dozen plus closings with a dozen or so…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week
THURSTON HOWELL – YACHT ROCK SPECTACULAR @ VICTORY NORTH FRI JAN 5 | 8 PM Fans of “Gilligan’s Island” know the namesake, and fans of live yacht rock performed at levels of smoothness never seen before know the band. You don’t have to be familiar with either to enjoy a night of mellow grooves and…
LEAVING A LEGACY: Mayor Van Johnson, buoyed by re-election ‘mandate,’ eager to take on big issues in final term
When Savannah Mayor Van Johnson’s second and final term starts in January, he might be feeling less encumbered by political slog – a little lighter on his feet, as it were. “Expect to see me really pushing on a couple things. First, making some extremely major decisions quickly,” Johnson said recently. “We’ve got to decide…
THE HAWTHORN: A new minibar packs a big punch
Alex Bender had a big vision for a small space. With only about 400 square feet, his recently opened minibar and lounge, The Hawthorn, combines comfort and class into a neighborhood space that feels intimate and inviting. “It was just trying to be a local, neighborhood spot,” Bender said a week after he opened. “A…
