SCAD School of Film and Acting presents Little Shop of Horrors May 23–26

Come see Little Shop of Horrors performed as only SCAD can! The Award-winning sci-fi horror musical comes to the Lucas Theatre with delectable performances, featuring over 60 students, mentored by Broadway veterans.

“This is SCAD’s latest act of bringing Broadway to Broughton Street!” said Andra Reeve-Rabb, the dean of the School of Film and Acting. “With our team of creatives made up of talented students and Broadway veterans, we are thrilled to bring this musical favorite to the historic Lucas Theatre.”

There will be four performances from Thursday, May 23 through Sunday, May 26. There is a 7 p.m. show on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. show on Sunday. Tickets are available at scadboxoffice.com.

City invites residents to Southside traffic improvements open house

The City of Savannah Transportation Services department will host an open house meeting regarding planned traffic improvements for the intersection of Windsor Road and Largo Drive on May 22 at 5:30 p.m.

The purpose of the project is to improve traffic movements and enhance safety at the existing intersection of Windsor Road and Largo Drive for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

A concept for a single-lane roundabout has been developed. The existing on-street bike lanes and sidewalks along Windsor Road and Largo Drive will be reconstructed within the project limits.

At the open house, there will be a short presentation on the project at 5:45 p.m. but residents can drop-in at any time between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to ask questions and provide input.

Residents can submit written statements about this project until June 12 to Transportation Services by emailing trafficcalming@savnanahga.gov, or via regular mail, or in-person at the open house.

SCCPSS 2024 graduations begin on Monday, May 20

New Hampstead: May 20 | 9 a.m.

Islands High School: May 20 |1 p.m.

​Savannah Arts Academy ​May 20 | 5 p.m.

Jenkins High School ​May 21 | 9 a.m.​

​Windsor Forest High School May 21 | ​1 p.m.

​Alfred Ely Beach High School ​May 21 | ​5 p.m.

Woodville-Tompkins High School ​May 22 | 9 a.m.

​Sol C. Johnson High School​ ​May 22 | 1 p.m.

Robert W. Groves High School ​May 22 | ​5 p.m.

​School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High ​May 23 | 9 a.m.

Savannah Chatham E-Learning Academy & Savannah Early College High School ​May 23 | 1 p.m.

City hosting public engagement meetings regarding future use of Civic Center site

Following a stakeholder meeting on April 25, the City of Savannah hosted two community-wide engagement sessions regarding the future use of the Savannah Civic Center site, with the third slated for Monday, May 20 from 6–7:30 p.m. in the Armstrong Center at 13040 Abercorn St.

The City invites all residents to attend the open house to learn about plans for the site and provide feedback for its future use. This session will include a review of the project background; provide updates on technical analysis, cultural landscape analysis, survey, and archaeology assessment; an opportunity for community feedback on questions focusing on the facility, community, and the future of the site.

Feedback from residents will be compiled by City staff and be part of the recommendation to City Council on what direction is taken with future use of the site.

Georgia Southern awarded $600,000 to lower equity gaps, increase graduation rates for low-income students

Students at Georgia Southern University now have even more opportunities to excel with the help of two new grants from the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University totaling up to $600,000.

The first is a $500,000 Acceleration Grant that will be distributed to Georgia Southern over the next two years to cover start-up costs for critical implementation steps of an ambitious program that further catalyzes Georgia Southern’s student success outcomes.

“As Georgia Southern’s Fall 2024 enrollment continues to increase at record levels through freshman applications and admits, we are pleased to partner with the National Institute for Student Success to reinforce our commitment to providing exceptional student experiences and support that nurtures future leaders and global citizens,” stated Alejandra C. Sosa Pieroni, Ed.D., executive vice president, Division of Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success. “We are steadfast in our commitment to providing comprehensive, coordinated and differentiated student care to ensure every one of our students achieves their educational goals.”

Funding through the Acceleration Grant will contribute to Georgia Southern’s existing initiatives to improve graduation rates and student success outcomes through the adoption of a suite of innovative, evidence-based programs. These programs, which deploy tools such as predictive analytics, AI technology, CRM platform, and big data to deliver personalized support to students, have been shown to help universities increase their graduation rates by 50% or more and to reduce discrepancies in graduation rates significantly.

The second NISS award to Georgia Southern is the Keep HOPE Alive grant, which offers $100,000 across one year to support students who have lost the HOPE Scholarship as they work to regain eligibility.

“We are enthusiastic about our partnership with Georgia Southern and working to deploy strategies that will contribute to substantive improvement in student outcomes,” said Timothy M. Renick, Ph.D., NISS executive director.

Housed at Georgia State University, the NISS Acceleration Grants have been awarded to partner institutions that have completed a rigorous diagnostic analysis and have demonstrated a commitment to addressing structural and institutional barriers to the success of their students.

Georgia Southern is a member of the second cohort to receive support from the NISS Accelerator Grant program, which launched in 2022.

Unique to the Accelerator Grant program is up to three years of implementation coaching, webinars, meetings with expert practitioners and online resources provided by the NISS to support each awardee in implementing the new programs. The NISS coaching model is built on more than a decade of experience at Georgia State University developing and disseminating new approaches to student success that include predictive-analytics-based advising, AI-enhanced chatbots, and data-informed models for distributing financial aid.

“These programs have helped Georgia State University increase its graduation rates for its bachelor’s students by 70% and its associate’s students by 300%,” according to Renick. “Black, Hispanic and low-income students now graduate from Georgia State at or above the rate of the student body overall.”

The Acceleration Grant program will advance the NISS goal of producing 500,000 additional college graduates across its partner institutions over the next decade.

Savannah filmmaker Josh Jasso nominated for Best Director at 50th Anniversary Southeast Emmy Awards

Josh Jasso, a seasoned professional with 24 years of experience in film and television, has been nominated for a prestigious Southeast Emmy Award in the category of Best Director – Short Form Content. The nomination is for a documentary Jasso directed for CURE Childhood Cancer, a vital organization dedicated to accelerating the search for cures for childhood cancer.

The nomination comes during a momentous year, as the Southeast Emmy Awards celebrate their 50th anniversary. This milestone event recognizes the best and brightest in television production across the Southeast region, encompassing Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and North Carolina.

“Telling the stories of these brave children battling cancer is the single greatest part of my career,” Jasso said. “Having the ability to leverage my skills to contribute to their fight is incredibly rewarding.”

Jasso, the owner and executive producer of Josh Jasso Films, is a highly experienced filmmaker with a rich background in both documentary and advertising work. The Southeast Emmy Awards are no stranger to Jasso’s talents, as he has garnered three awards in the past for his work.

The nominated documentary can be viewed here: Link to CURE Childhood Cancer Video.

The Southeast Emmy Awards are presented by the esteemed National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Southeast chapter. This respected organization recognizes excellence in television production across a diverse range of categories.

The winners of the Southeast Emmy Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, June 15. The ceremony will be held at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta, Ga. (3300 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Ga.). The evening will commence with cocktails at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm, and culminate in the awards ceremony at 6:30 pm.

For more information, visit southeastemmy.com.

Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office installs new self-service tag renewal kiosk at Eisenhower location in Savannah, Ga.

The Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently installed a new self-serve auto tag renewal kiosk at the Eisenhower Office, located at 1145 Eisenhower Dr. The new kiosk allows residents to renew annual vehicle registrations in as little as two minutes and to receive their registration and tag decal instantly, without waiting in line.

The new tag renewal kiosk at the Eisenhower Office is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5 p.m. In addition, citizens can renew auto tags in person at Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office locations in downtown Savannah at 222 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 107; on the Westside at 295 Police Memorial Dr. or at satellite locations that are open by appointment only in Port Wentworth, Wilmington Island or Bloomingdale:

“The auto tag kiosks are extremely easy and convenient for citizens,” said Chatham County Tax Commissioner Sonya L. Jackson. “It takes less than two minutes to renew your auto tag when you use the self-service tag renewal kiosk. We made it a priority to expand the number of tag renewal kiosks in our area to meet the needs of Chatham County citizens.”

Self-service tag renewal kiosks are also available at the Pooler Marketplace Publix, 467 Pooler Pkwy.; Savannah Marketwalk Kroger, 318 Mall Blvd.; Wilmington Island Kroger, 495 Johnny Mercer Blvd.; and Berwick Marketplace Kroger, 5720 Ogeechee Rd.

The self-serve kiosks have been extremely popular with Chatham County residents and taxpayers, who have used them to renew annual auto tags and vehicle registrations since they were first introduced in November 2021. The automated kiosks are part of the Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s ongoing effort to modernize and streamline services to create a more user-friendly experience for local residents.

To use the kiosks, citizens simply scan their Georgia driver’s license or input their tag information and provide a debit or credit card for payment. Kiosk instructions are available in English and Spanish. There is a nominal convenience fee of $3.95, regardless of how many vehicles are registered. A complete list of tag kiosks in Georgia is available at georgiatags.us.

Citizens can also renew vehicle tags by mail or online at tax.chathamcountyga.gov. Please contact the Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office at (912) 652-7100 or tax@chathamcounty.org with any questions.

Savannah State University honored alumni, community leaders during 25th Anniversary Gala thanks to generous sponsors Savannah State University Foundation, Hyundai Motor America and The First Bank

Savannah State University (SSU) honored distinguished alumni and community leaders during its 25th Anniversary Scholarship Gala on May 4, 2024 at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront.

The annual event celebrated the generosity of the SSU community and with the support of SSU’s Foundation, The First Bank, Hyundai Motor America and charitable community members, the University raised $412,000 in scholarships at this year’s gala. Nearly 90 percent of SSU students use some form of financial aid. Special thanks to Michael Williams, class of 1980 and president of Atlanta-based Jetaire Group, and David Paddison, Savannah native and president of Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, co-chairs of this successful event.

“For 25 years the Savannah community has gathered to show their support for the students of Georgia’s first public historically black college and university,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Alexander. “Their support is a lifeline to these young students trying to make their way in the world and an example of how to give back when it is their turn. We’re ecstatic to have the support of our local business community as well as the consistent contributions from our university foundation.”

SSU honored a diverse array of accomplished individuals and organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to education, philanthropy, and community service including:

Scholarship: Mary Morrison Clark

Mary Morrison Clark is a retired elementary school teacher, councilwoman and mayor of Bowman, Ga. She is a member of the SSU One Hundred Thousand Dollar Club, a Diamond Life Member and former secretary of the SSU National Alumni Association and was named the 2000 National Alumni Queen. Clark is a member of the Bon Bons Social and Civic Club, ACTION, Inc., National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Elbert County Voters League. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and serves on the Deaconess Ministry and is chairperson of the Women’s Conference Ministry at Oconee Baptist Church in Stephens, Ga.

Arts & Entertainment: Tone Bell

2004 SSU alumni, comedian and actor Tone Bell starred in the 2023 Netflix comedy series, “Survival of the Thickest,” a role for which he earned a nomination for a NAACP Image Award in the Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series category. Bell is the host of the new Netflix reality show “Drink Masters,” which premiered in October 2022. Bell studied television and film at SSU and performed as the school’s mascot, the SSU Tiger. Bell’s stand-up comedy career took off in 2012 when he won the NBC Stand Up for Diversity Talent Search. That same year he appeared on the series “Single Ladies” (VH1) and took the role of RJ on NBC’s sitcom “Whitney.” He first gained notoriety for his wisecracking role as court bailiff Tedward on NBC’s sitcom “Bad Judge.”

Leadership: Robert E. James

Businessman and community leader Robert E. James has served as president of Carver State Bank since 1971. He is former chairman of the St. Joseph’s/Candler Board of Trustees, and has served on the boards of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Coastal Empire and Step Up Savannah, Inc. James is a life member of the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the 100 Black Men of Savannah, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and The Frogs Club, Inc. of Savannah. He is also a member of the Trustee Board of St. Philip AME Church.

Philanthropy: Beatrice W. and Lemuel Campbell & Linda and William Daniel

Beatrice Campbell, class of 1967, taught mathematics in the Savannah Chatham

County Public School System for 30 years before retiring in 1997. Lemuel Campbell, class of 1974, is a U.S. Army veteran who worked at CSX Transportation for 36 years before retiring in 2001. Lemuel is co-Founder of The Liberty City Athletic Organization, served on several athletic boards and was inducted into the Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame. The Campbells established the Lemuel and Beatrice W. Campbell Athletic Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2013. They also support the Annual Scholarship Gala, the College of Education, SSU bands and other areas of need at the University. The Campbells are Diamond Life members of the SSU National Alumni Association and active members of the Savannah Chapter. Other memberships include the SSU Community Booster Club and the President’s Club.

Linda Daniel retired from the Savannah Chatham Board of Education after 30 years as a school psychologist. William (Bill) Daniel practiced law before joining his father-in-law, the late Dan Vaden in the car business. He retired in 2022 and founded Lassiter Investments, a private commercial real estate investment firm with properties throughout Georgia. Linda and Bill have supported SSU for more than 40 years including chairing the 2020 Annual Scholarship Gala. In addition to currently serving on the SSU Foundation board, Bill has served on many local boards including serving as chairman of Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors of Memorial Health University Medical Center, and Savannah Christian Preparatory School.

Entrepreneurship: Otis L. Bizzard

Otis Bizzard is owner of Savannah-based Otis Bizzard Construction Co. LLC, M&O Landscaping Co. and DJB Real Estate. Bizzard’s entrepreneurial spirit developed at a young age when he first learned how to pour concrete. He started his lawn care company after working for a company for many years and started his construction company after gaining experience from building a house for a relative. In addition to managing his companies, Bizzard enjoys passing on the hard work ethics, morals and dedication he learned in his childhood to today’s youth. He sponsors youth sporting organizations in the Savannah area and sponsors college students who do not have sufficient resources for college matriculation.

Service: Overcoming by Faith Ministries

Ernestine Dilworth started Overcoming by Faith Ministries of Savannah, Ga. in her home in 1976 and served as the church’s pastor for five years. In 1981, Ricky R. Temple, a graduate of LIFE Bible College in Los Angeles, Calif., became pastor. Under his leadership, Overcoming by Faith has become one of the fastest-growing ministries in Savannah. Overcoming by Faith offers a number of ministries inside the church for different ages (youth, college, adult and seniors) and demographics (single, married, parents, military). Outreach Ministries include Life Changers College Age, Young Adults, Inner City Night Shelter and Prison ministry, to reach people outside the church.

“We are delighted to recognize these outstanding individuals for their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to making a difference,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander. “Their dedication to education, service, and philanthropy inspires us all and serves as a shining example of the transformative power of higher education.”

The Scholarship Gala serves as a vital source of support for SSU’s scholarship programs, which enable talented and deserving students to pursue their academic goals regardless of financial barriers.

“Through the generosity of our donors and the commitment of our honorees, we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers,” Alexander said.

For more information about Savannah State University, visit savannahstate.edu.

Chatham Emergency Services Celebrates National EMS Awareness Week

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Chatham Emergency Services will celebrate National EMS Awareness Week during the week of May 21 to May 25. Various events and activities are planned throughout the week to highlight the service of over 230 EMS first responders who work with Chatham Emergency Services.

“I know firsthand what a commitment it is to work in the first responder industry,” notes Chatham Emergency Services CEO Chuck Kearns. “I have served multiple communities during my 43-year career and am proud to be a part of the Chatham Emergency Services team. I have worked with various teams and boards – and I can say that our crews and community board are some of the most dedicated and service-oriented professionals and volunteers I have ever encountered.”

Various community organizations are honoring the first responders this week including Memorial Health University Medical Center, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, Inc., Donato’s, and the Stop the Bleed Campaign. Chatham Emergency Services also has several additional events planned for team building and appreciation.

About Chatham Emergency Services
Founded in 1961, Chatham Emergency Services (CES) is a community-owned, not for profit Fire and EMS agency, in its 63rd year of community service. Chatham Emergency Services is committed to providing the highest level of emergency service to all of Chatham County. CES operates with a team of 400 local personnel, both paid and volunteer, exemplifying safety and protection “for the community, by the community.”

This article appears in Connect Savannah I Best of Savannah.