There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes.
Savannah Philharmonic extends contract of Executive Director Amy Williams through 2025-26 season
The Savannah Philharmonic is pleased to announce the contract extension of Executive Director Amy Williams through the 2025-26 season. Dr. Williams has played a pivotal role in elevating the organization’s presence and fostering connections within the community since her tenure began.
Under Williams’s leadership, the SavPhil has produced innovative concerts through their Phil the Neighborhoods series and Phil the Park event in Forsyth, which have been instrumental in engaging the local community and expanding the organization’s reach. This has garnered many new patrons and a more diverse audience at their season concerts, with multiple sold-out performances at The Lucas Theatre for the Arts.
“It has been wonderful to see the community come together and connect through music,” states Williams. “Watching the city embrace our change and growth has been inspiring, and I am very excited for what’s to come and honored to lead us into the future.”
To learn more about their upcoming season, Phil the Neighborhoods, Phil the Park, and other SavPhil initiatives, please visit savannahphilharmonic.org.
Healthy Savannah celebrates 16 years and bestows 2023 Health Innovation Award to Loop it Up Savannah at biennial meeting
Healthy Savannah observed its 16th anniversary on May 2 at the Charles H. Morris Center in Savannah. The non-profit organization is known locally and nationally for championing a culture of health in Savannah and Chatham County by fostering programs and promoting environments that make the healthy choice the easy choice.
During the breakfast event, held every other year with a collaborative network of local partners, Healthy Savannah announced the winner of the 2023 Health Innovation Award to Loop it Up Savannah and celebrated the milestones that have made and are making Savannah a healthier place to live and work.
In celebration of the achievements made by Healthy Savannah’s network of more than 200 partnerships, Christina S. Cook, MPH, CHES; presented the 2023 Health Innovation Award to Loop It Up Savannah for its Mindfulness Zone program. The program offers children a toolkit of strategies for addressing emotionally challenging circumstances that arise in school among peers, at home with family members, and among community members.
Nominees for the Health Innovation Award which were also recognized for their contributions to Healthy Savannah included Blessings in a Bookbag / Bike Walk Savannah Bike Drive; Chatham Area Transit’s Wellness Center; Mountain Film Festival Youth Program; and Stars School Initiatives Summer Camp for Boys.
Healthy Savannah’s Armand Turner presented the inaugural Dennis Hutton Spirit award in support of a community or school garden to Feiler Park Community Garden along with a $1,000 check. Hutton, who passed away in 2022, was well known for contributing his time and talent over the past decade to Healthy Savannah, Savannah Urban Garden Alliance, Mixed Greens and the Forsyth Farmers Market.
Visit healthysavannah.org/ to learn more.
Historic Savannah Foundation announces 2023 Preservation Award winners
Historic Savannah Foundation kicked off its celebration of Preservation Month with the annual Historic Preservation Awards on Thursday, May 4 at the Charles H. Morris Center. HSF presented awards to individuals and organizations whose contributions demonstrate excellence in preservation in Savannah and Chatham County.
“We are thrilled to honor these recipients and all who dedicate themselves to preserving Savannah’s history and the historic appeal of our city,” said Sue Adler, HSF’s president and CEO. “It is our honor to bring recognition to their hard work and that of our staff and sponsors for making this evening one to remember.”
During the awards ceremony, Historic Savannah Foundation recognized these six projects: Tybee Island/Fort Screven Bowling Alley & Library, 315 W 38th St./38th Street school, 208 W 40th St./Louis S. Harford House, 27 Montgomery St./The Darling Oyster Bar, 12 W 38th St./Brunner-Heitman-Park House, and 103 E Broughton St./Rivers and Glen Trading Co.
HSF also presented the Lee and Emma Adler Award for Preservation Advocacy to Mae Bowley, executive director of Re:Purpose Savannah. The nonprofit's mission is to have a positive impact on the local and global environment by reducing the harmful effects of demolition on the health of neighborhoods and by diverting large quantities of waste from landfills, transforming it into community resources.
For more information, visit myhsf.org.
Center Parc to host annual fundraiser for Horizons Savannah
Center Parc Credit Union will be hosting a free business lunch and learn event in support of Horizons Giving day on May 10 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.
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.
Attendees must RSVP via the Google form to receive a boxed lunch.
Plant Riverside District to host LOVEthirteen by Heather Wells Trunk Show
Plant Riverside District will feature designer Heather Wells’ LOVEthirteen crystal jewelry collection at a special trunk show in the JW Marriott main lobby on Friday, May 12 from 12 to 6 p.m. Each sparkling piece is thoughtfully designed to empower wearers by connecting them to their inner strength and beauty, inspiring them to live their best lives.
Defined by “spiritual glamour,” Wells’ jewelry is crafted from hand-selected precious gems, semi-precious gems, stones and crystals with various energetic properties. At this special trunk show, Wells will assist guests as they shop her latest jewelry collection as well as an extensive selection of natural crystals.
Visit love-thirteen.com/ for more information.
