BEYOND THE BELL PARTNERS WITH BIBB COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HOST ‘WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE BLUE’ TOWN HALL EVENT – SATURDAY JANUARY 22

BEYOND THE BELL PARTNERS WITH BIBB COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HOST ‘WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE BLUE’ TOWN HALL EVENT – SATURDAY JANUARY 22

MACON, GA. – December 7, 2021 – Beyond The Bell Macon-Bibb County has partnered with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office to host the “What To Do when You See Blue” town hall event at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 22 at Glorious Hope Baptist Church, located at 3805 Napier Ave. Macon, Ga. 31204. Law enforcement and leaders of the Macon-Bibb community will inform attendees about what to expect and the processes of getting stopped by a police officer with advice on what to do.

Lt. Reggie Thomas of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office will be the featured speaker for the event and will be joined by Judy Gordon, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator for the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and Jeremy Grissom, Safety Net Project Specialist for the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. There will be a Q&A session with all three speakers following the event and lunch will be provided to attendees as well as free information materials.

“It can be intimidating for citizens, especially youth, to interact with law enforcement due to a lack of understanding and trust. The goal of this free town hall event is to encourage honest conversation and positive interactions between law enforcement and the citizens of Macon-Bibb County,” said Executive Director Sandra Dean. “We are thrilled to be working with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office to inform our community’s youth about what to do when they interact with law enforcement.”

Beyond The Bell, along with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) provides tools and evidence-based strategies to train, educate, and support youth and families in the prevention of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use and abuse.

Beyond The Bell offers programs to the community including the “Botvin Life Skills Training”, which consists of a 7-week groundbreaking substance abuse and violence prevention program which is designed to promote mental health and positive youth development. They also implement the “Positive Social Norms” campaign which focuses on the fact that people’s behavior often is influenced by their perceptions of what is “normal” or “typical.” The problem is that people usually severely misperceive the typical behaviors or attitudes of their peers. For example, if people believe that the majority of their peers drink, then they are more likely to drink. Using social norms marketing to inform people that most of their peers do not drink can potentially lead them to avoid drinking.

For more information about Beyond The Bell and its programs/resources, please visit www.beyondthebellkids.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com, Allie Robinson at allie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-547-3100 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY FOOD DRIVE COLLECTS 2,269 MEALS FOR DONATION TO SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY FOOD DRIVE COLLECTS 2,269 MEALS FOR DONATION TO SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

SAVANNAH, GA. – Dec. 6, 2021 – Throughout the month of November, Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) students collected canned food for America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Food Bank. SCA accumulated 2,723 pounds of food, which equates to 2,269 meals for families in need. SCA’s donation is the largest amount of food collected by any school in Savannah this year.

“We are so proud of our students for their dedication in leading this food drive for our local Second Harvest Food Bank,” said Barry Lollis, CEO of SCA. “Ms. Pando’s third grade class deserves special recognition for collecting the largest amount of food items.”

According to studies from the Georgia Department of Education and Feeding America, 175,540 residents in Coastal Georgia, including more than 45,090 children, are at-risk for hunger. Last year, Second Harvest food bank provided more than 19.8 million meals (more than 25.5 million pounds of food) to hungry people in our area. Support from the community and collaboration with partners, like SCA, make it possible for the organization to reach those in need.

Established in 1981 in Savannah Georgia, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is a locally inspired, volunteer driven nonprofit food bank and community partnering organization. Second Harvest serves as the food safety net for tens of thousands of children, senior citizens, low-income families, and people with disabilities who are at risk for hunger throughout Southern Georgia.

It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete difficult tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community.

For more information about Savannah Classical Academy, please visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

GEORGIA TECH-SAVANNAH AWARDED BOOST GRANT FROM GA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO EXPAND CEISMC STEAM LABS TO RURAL GEORGIA

GEORGIA TECH-SAVANNAH AWARDED BOOST GRANT FROM GA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO EXPAND CEISMC STEAM LABS TO RURAL GEORGIA

SAVANNAH, GA – December 6, 2021 – The Center for Education Integrating Science Mathematics and Computing (CEISMC) has been awarded just under $1 million in funding by the Georgia Department of Education through their BOOST Grant Program. This grant will be allocated over three years and will specifically enable Georgia Tech-Savannah to extend access to their Saturday STEM/STEAMlabs and summer programs to rural Georgia communities and students who qualify for free/reduced lunch. The funding will help K-12 students overcome barriers to participation including registration cost, food, and transportation. Georgia Tech-Savannah campus offers high-quality and uniquely themed programs for K-12 students that are designed to inspire and enrich curiosity and enthusiasm for science, mathematics, engineering, art, and technology. Students can have fun while learning through experiments, hands-on activities, creative projects, and more.

The BOOST grant was applied for by Sirocus Barnes, CEISMC Student Programs Director at the Georgia Tech-Atlanta campus and Timothy Cone, CEISMC Program Director at the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus.  Around 25% of the funding will be allocated to the Savannah campus each year to enable rural students from counties such as Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, and Evans to participate in summer and Saturday programs. Students from throughout coastal Georgia who qualify for free/reduced lunch can also apply to participate. BOOST grants are allocated over three-years and renewed annually, to support community-based organizations that operate comprehensive out-of-school time (OST) programming year-round, over the summer months, or after school during the academic year. The goal is to provide evidence-based afterschool and summer enrichment programs that target learning acceleration and support whole child development. This grant is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education through Georgia’s American Rescue Plan education allocation and administered in partnership with the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network.

“We are very excited to have been awarded this grant and bring in students who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to attend. Our programs are designed for students in 3rd-12th grade who are interested in discovering more about science, technology, engineering, and math through our applied and project-based learning. We hope to spark new interest and creativity within every student and look forward to expanding our impact,” said Timothy Cone, CEISMC Program Director at the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus.

Programs take place at the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus, 210 Technology Circle Savannah, Georgia 31407. Campus adheres to all COVID-19 policies and procedures in accordance with safety guidelines from local, state, and federal health officials.

For more information about CEISMC and these programs, please visit https://www.ceismc.gatech.edu/savannah/.

For more information on the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus, please visit https://pe.gatech.edu/savannah.

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH SAVANNAH:

Georgia Tech-Savannah provides educational experiences for learners of all ages. Our multitude of learning platforms are tailored to meet the needs of a diverse population, from working professionals pursuing career development and those seeking specific certifications to children eager to explore and discover. Georgia Tech-Savannah’s professional education, training and military programs encourages participants to challenge themselves and meet goals by sharpening existing skills and picking up valuable new ones. We’re proud to bring cutting-edge technology, applied research capabilities and innovation to the Coastal Empire, where our campus also serves as a home for various Georgia Tech affiliates, institutes, and centers. To learn more, visit us at pe.gatech.edu/savannah.

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SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

RICHMOND HILL, GA – December 6, 2021 – Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church would like to celebrate the season of Christmas with the community by inviting them to their midweek Advent events at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8 and 15, as well as their Christmas Eve service on December 24 at 7 p.m.

Spirit of Peace’s Advent services will combine their traditional Advent worship service with their Bible study group, “Faith Builders,” which includes a free dinner followed by a delightful music worship service called Holden Evening Prayer. The homilies will focus on how God’s prophets can help everyone get ready for Christmas. The Christmas Eve service involves guests singing their favorite Christmas carols, sharing Communion, and will conclude by singing Silent Night in candlelight.

“The advent season is put in place to remind everyone of the true meaning of the holidays. We aim to make our worship time feel bonded, like we are one community, and we invite people – Lutheran or not – to join us in praise,” Pastor Devin Strong said. “Our church relishes the Christmas spirit, so our advent and Christmas Eve services full of joy and song is not to be missed!”

The community is welcome to attend all services but should contact the church administrator at tara@spiritofpeacelutheran.org to reserve a space and learn about the required safety protocols.

For more information on Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org.

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY HOSTS NEW DINNER THEATER SHOW– THURSDAY, DEC. 9

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY HOSTS NEW DINNER THEATER SHOW– THURSDAY, DEC. 9

SAVANNAH, GA. – December 1, 2021 – Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) is slated to host the “SCA’s Class Act Gala”, a new dinner theatre show, that will feature performing arts pieces from SCA’s high school students. SCA parents and the wider community are invited to join SCA for an evening of entertainment on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. in the school gymnasium, located at 705 E Anderson St., Savannah GA 31401.

During this event, students from SCA’s Theatre Arts and Acting Department will present monologues, duologues, skits, music, and a featured One Act production of “The Bridge.” This one act play, written by Ford Ainsworth, is based on the popular children’s book, “Three Billy Goats Gruff,” and highlights the moral decay in today’s society. All acts will be intertwined with a delicious three course meal including appetizer, salad, steak entree, dessert, water, and beverage prepared by the chefs of the Daniel Reed Hospitality Restaurant Group. This is a ticketed event limited to 75 guests. Tickets are priced at $35 each and can be purchased by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/SCAClassActGala.

“We are so proud of the SCA students for all of their hard work and dedication as we worked to create a unique experience for their families,” said SCA CEO, Barry Lollis. “Our faculty is committed to providing avenues for creativity for programs that students are excited about. We are happy to invite our SCA families and the community to come out and enjoy the dinner theater and support our students!”

It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete complex tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community. 

For more information about SCA’s Class Act Gala or to purchase tickets for the show, please visit http://www.savannahclassicalacademy.org/.

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com/229-393-6457 or Lesley Francis at lesley@francis.com/912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

Beaufort: Five Hundred Years of History

Beaufort: Five Hundred Years of History

Historic Beaufort Foundation proudly presents this 5-part lecture series on the History of the Old Beaufort District, Settlement to the 20th Century

Dr. John McCardell, Jr.
Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland
Dr. Stephen R. Wise

Beaufort, S. C. – November 30, 2021. Historic Beaufort Foundation will host a unique 5-part lecture series on the history of the Old Beaufort District from settlement to the 20th century. The series to be held at the USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, will begin on Thursday evening January 13, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. and will continue every Thursday evening through February 10, 2022.

This rare opportunity to experience Beaufort’s history as presented by three of South Carolina’s leading historians:  Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland, Dr. Stephen R. Wise and Dr. John M. McCardell, Jr., will bring to life the Beaufort District and its developmental role in the region, the state and the nation. Tickets may be purchased by individual lecture or 5-part series.

  • Thursday, January 13 – Exploration, Settlement & Revolution, 1521-1782 Presented by Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland and Dr. Stephen R. Wise
  • Thursday, January 20 – “King Cotton”, “Calculating the Value of the Union”, and the Mindset of Beaufort, 1783-1860

Presented by Dr. John M. McCardell, Jr. and Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland

  • Thursday, January 27 – The War of the Rebellion & the Rehearsal for Reconstruction, 1860-1868                                                 Presented by Dr. Stephen R. Wise  
  • Thursday, February 3 – Reconstruction, Recovery & Redemption, 1868-1913

Presented by Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland

  • Thursday, February 10 – The Twentieth Century, 1910 – 1970

Presented by Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland and Dr. Stephen R. Wise

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.historicbeaufort.org.

Speaker Biographies:

John McCardell, Jr. Ph.D.

Dr. McCardell, Vice Chancellor Emeritus of Sewanee, The University of the South and retired Professor of History, is a distinguished historian and respected national leader in liberal arts education. A scholar of the American South and a prolific writer, Dr. McCardell is author of The Idea of a Southern Nation, which won the Allan Nevins Prize in 1977, and has authored may essays, chapters, articles and book reviews. His specialty is U.S. history in the 19th century with special emphasis on the Old South and on American historiography.

A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa, Dr. McCardell received his A.B. from Washington and Lee University and Johns Hopkins University; his doctorate from Harvard; LITT. D. from Washington and Lee University; L.H.D., from St. Michael’s College; and L.H.D. from Middlebury College. He has been honored with grants and fellowships from the American Philosophical Society, the National endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute for Southern Studies.

Lawrence S. Rowland, Ph.D.

Dr. Rowland is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History for the University of South Carolina, Beaufort and previously held roles with the University as Professor of History and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He holds a Bachelors of Arts from Hamilton College (New York), and both a masters and doctorate from the University of South Carolina. Professor Rowland is author of numerous articles, books and book reviews on South Carolina and Sea Island history including the following: 

The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Vol. I, 1514-1861, with Alexander Moore and George C. Rogers, Jr., 1996. (Columbia: USC Press, 1996) Window on the Atlantic:  The Rise and Fall of Santa Elena, South Carolina Spanish City (South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 1990.) The Civil War in South Carolina: Selections from the South Carolina Historical Magazine, Co-editor with Stephen G. Hoffius, (Charleston: Home House Press, 2011). The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Vol. II and Vol. III, 1861-1990, with Steven R. Wise and Gerhard Spieler. (This volume is in process.)

Stephen R. Wise, Ph.D.

Dr. Wise,  Museum Curator and Cultural Resources Manager at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, has written and edited a number of works including Lifeline of the Confederacy: Blockade Running During the Civil War, a highly acclaimed, comprehensive account of the Confederate effort to deliver supplies through the northern blockade and Gate of Hell: The Campaign for Charleston Harbor 1863, which received the South Carolina Historical Society award as the best book written in 1994 on South Carolina History.

Dr. Wise received his Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. He received his doctorate from the University of South Carolina.

HBF is a 501(c)3nonprofit education foundation created to preserve, protect and present sites and artifacts of historic, architectural and cultural interest throughout Beaufort County South Carolina. For more information on HBF’s mission and programs, please visit www.historicbeaufort.org and follow them on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

For media inquiries and interviews, please contact:

Cynthia C. Jenkins, executive director

Historic Beaufort Foundation

info@historicbeaufort.org or

843.379.3331

SAVANNAH AFRICAN ART MUSEUM HOSTS KWANZAA WORKSHOP SERIES AND AFRICAN GOODS SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES

SAVANNAH AFRICAN ART MUSEUM HOSTS KWANZAA WORKSHOP SERIES AND AFRICAN GOODS SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES

SAVANNAH, GA – November 24, 2021 – The Savannah African Art Museum (SAAM) is hosting a Kwanzaa workshop series on three consecutive Saturdays – December 4, December 11, and December 18 – from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in their Terracotta Gallery (upstairs), 201 East 37th St., Savannah. The Gallery, at the rear of the main museum, is accessible only by stairs and has no wheelchair or elevator access. This series will close out their 2021 bi-monthly workshops and will also offer guests shopping opportunities with the Diaspora Marketplace and Ghanian Fine Artist, William Kwamena-Poh.

A short presentation on what Kwanzaa is, why it’s celebrated, and its African connection will precede each of the following “back by popular demand” workshops:

  • December 4 – African Beaded Bracelet Making: SAAM Docent and CEO of Savanna Naturals Inc., Connie Williams, will guide participants through the process of working with beads while sharing a brief history of African beading. Participants will have the choice of making a bracelet with recycled glass beads from Ghana, made by a group known as the Krobo people; terracotta beads from Mali; or Bone Batik hand-dyed beads, using a Kenyan wax relief process. Hand-made beaded items also will be available for purchase.
  • December 11 – Making Affirmation Journals for the New Year: Facilitated by Billie Stultz, SAAM Executive Director/Chief Curator and artist, participants will design their own journal and be guided through the process of creating affirmations to manifest their goals for the next year. Affirmations are statements of truth. They are often used to encourage and reinforce positive thinking to create positive outcomes. Writing affirmations and revisiting them in a journal helps us to reinforce them.

December 18 – Interactive Kwanzaa Visual Story Telling: Facilitator Kat Robertson, visual and performing artist, teacher, published poet and writer, will engage participants in an interactive Kwanzaa Visual Story Telling experience. She will introduce the Nguzo Saba (the Swahili name for the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa) and the week-long lighting of the candles that represent the 7 Principles. Using construction paper, paints, color markers and fabrics, participants in this storytelling process will select and create the Swahili principle named candle of their choice. Then they will decorate the other side of their drawing with a word or phrase that exemplifies what the principle means to them. The collective candles will be ceremoniously “lit” as all the words/phrases are woven together to create the fabric of the Kwanzaa story.

Storytelling is a universal art that exists in every culture to pass on cultural traditions, knowledge, history, and experiences from one generation to the next. Its presence in African culture goes back to ancient times and plays a role in passing on codes of behavior and maintaining order in the community.

  • This distinctive event will stimulate the imagination and encourage creativity while fostering awareness and unity. Storytelling is a universal art that exists in every culture to pass on cultural traditions, knowledge, history, and experiences from one generation to the next. Its presence in African culture goes back to ancient times and also plays a role in passing on codes of behavior and maintaining order in the community. Hand-made Kwanzaa cards and books by the facilitator will be available for purchase.

From noon-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, Savannah’s, “The Diaspora Marketplace” will be at SAAM with authentic items for sale such as clothing, jewelry, home goods, and more from some of the West and Central African countries featured in the museum’s collection. From noon-4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23 at SAAM, attendees will have the opportunity to shop originals, limited editions, and prints of water-color images of Ghanaian scenes from Fine Artist, William Kwamena – Poh.

“Kwanzaa is a time where we celebrate family, community, and culture; and what better way to observe this holiday than by welcoming the community to learn more about African art and culture through our most popular workshops. Through this educational and interactive series, we can keep the tradition alive by making homemade gifts, telling stories, creating a positive headspace for the new year, and offering an authentic ‘taste of Africa’ shopping experience on the premises,” said SAAM Education Coordinator Lisa Jackson. “We invite families and individuals to honor the spirit of Kwanzaa with us.”

Additionally, for families who are in town over Thanksgiving weekend and looking for a unique experience, SAAM also has its “Exploring Animal Symbols in African Culture and Art” from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27. At this workshop, participants will create a piece of art representing their favorite animal or one they feel represents them by drawing, molding clay, using animal stamps, and more. It will be held in in the Terra Cotta Gallery as well.

For more information about the Kwanzaa workshops, registration, and the Kwanzaa shopping experience, please visit www.savannahafricanart.org/workshops. For more information about the shopping vendors, please visit www.diasporamarketplc.com or www.williamkfineart.net.

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950.

GEORGIA TECH-SAVANNAH PARTNERS WITH EVANS COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM TO IMPLEMENT STEM/STEAM CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS

GEORGIA TECH-SAVANNAH PARTNERS WITH EVANS COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM TO IMPLEMENT STEM/STEAM CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS

CLAXTON, GA – NOVEMBER 23, 2021 – The Center for Education Integrating Science Mathematics and Computing (CEISMC) at Georgia Tech-Savannah campus extended its reach to rural Georgia in Evans County to help implement STEAM and STEM curriculum.

Together, Claxton Middle School and CEISMC successfully applied for a Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) grant. This grant facilitated training for teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches in project-based learning (PBL) through Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping Integrated To Unlock Potential (AMP-IT-UP) modules, as well as purchasing the tools and equipment needed for these projects.

“The purpose of the Rural Education Innovation STEM/STEAM Grant is to assist districts and schools with professional learning in collaboration with regional and local community partners to create and develop STEM/STEAM programs/activities that help students make connections between the content standards, their passions and curiosities, and strategic partnership experiences within the local or regional community,” said Allyson Morgan, STEM/STEAM Program Specialist at GaDOE. “We were more than happy to provide funding for Evans County as they were extremely eager to implement the curriculum along with the guidance from Georgia Tech’s CEISMC department. We believe that the access to STEM/STEAM learning opportunities will help students in Evans County become critical thinkers and productive members of society, and we are delighted with the results of this program.”

During this training, CEISMC took the staff through an introduction to project-based learning and how to incorporate it into their courses, regardless of subject matter. The trainers demonstrated in-depth walkthroughs of select AMP-IT-UP modules, which are designed to promote workforce development and to identify and cultivate the next generation of creative STEM innovators. In addition to learning how to implement the selected modules, they provided additional examples of PBL content and how to create it for 6-8th grade. As a result of the professional learning, teachers created units that immersed students in hands-on learning and exposure to STEM/STEAM curricula.

To assist teachers through design and implementation of their PBL content, CEISMC provided additional support throughout the Sept. 2020 – Sept. 2021 school year.

“Evans County really wanted to incorporate CEISMC’s AMP-IT-UP modules in our teachings to allow our students to take an existing real world problem using standards, math, and science skills to develop a solution which better exposes them to project-based learning with hands-on curriculum. We were so thankful to be able to get this grant and work with Georgia Tech. The level of expertise they brought was next level and unprecedented. When we originally wrote the grant, we thought we would just get the modules and integrate them, but the Program Director was there with us every step of the way. When a teacher didn’t know how to use a tool, the Program Director would demonstrate proper use and also give teachers ideas on how to incorporate it in their teachings,” said Samantha Keyfauver, Instructional Technology Coordinator and Science Instructional in Evans County. “The networking and additional resources that CEISMC provided was an unforeseen benefit as they put us in contact with a lot of experts to provide us with extra support. I would highly recommend the partnership and the collaborative relationship to other school districts. Georgia Tech has been instrumental in helping us move forward with our goal of implementing PBL.”

The activities that CEISMC planned guided teachers through an integration of academic areas in the PBL unit created. For example, 7th grade teachers received professional learning from CEISMC to create a PBL unit focused on solving problems faced by Claxton’s local agriculture community, using the transfer of genetic information through reproduction. Each teacher connected to the PBL by providing learning experiences that emphasized skills from their subject matter and the task at hand.

“Georgia Tech Savannah and CEISMC Savannah welcomes the opportunity to extend our programs into rural counties in Georgia and provide teachers with training on how to incorporate existing project-based learning content & help them create their own with community partners to implement with the students. Not only does this expose the students to real-world problems and solutions, but it allows them to see what career opportunities there are within their own community, which we believe is really powerful. Our goal is always to enhance education but allowing for enrichment of a community through learning has an even greater impact. We hope to continue this partnership with Evans County and look forward to extending our reach even further,” said Timothy Cone, CEISMC Program Director at the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus.

For more information about CEISMIC’s programs, please visit: www.ceismc.gatech.edu/savannah/studentprograms.

For more information on the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus, visit https://pe.gatech.edu/savannah.

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH SAVANNAH:

Georgia Tech-Savannah provides educational experiences for learners of all ages. Our multitude of learning platforms are tailored to meet the needs of a diverse population, from working professionals pursuing career development and those seeking specific certifications to children eager to explore and discover. Georgia Tech-Savannah’s professional education, training and military programs encourages participants to challenge themselves and meet goals by sharpening existing skills and picking up valuable new ones. We’re proud to bring cutting-edge technology, applied research capabilities and innovation to the Coastal Empire, where our campus also serves as a home for various Georgia Tech affiliates, institutes, and centers. To learn more, visit us at pe.gatech.edu/savannah. 

DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY EVENING TOURS BY CANDLELIGHT NEXT MONTH

DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY EVENING TOURS BY CANDLELIGHT NEXT MONTH

SAVANNAH, GA. – NOV. 23, 2021 – The Davenport House Museum (DHM), a property of Historic Savannah Foundation, announces its Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight event celebrating the coming of the New Year as it would have been observed 200 years ago. Patrons may arrive at the historic house, located at 324 E. State St., any time between 6-8 p.m. for the fifty-minute tour from Sunday, December 26 through Thursday, Dec. 30. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

This family friendly event will feature costumed docents telling the story of early 19th century holiday festivities. Part of the experience will include a short, dramatic presentation on the discovery of Clement Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Another highlight will be experiencing the house by candlelight.

“Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight allows guests a chance to glimpse at a time long ago when the world was so different,” said Davenport House Museum Director Jamie Credle. “Our volunteers and staff look forward to sharing the house with visitors and locals alike at a time of year that is festive and celebratory. It is a delightful way to begin ringing in the new year!”

Admission for Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight costs $12 for adults in advance and $15 at the door. Children ages 6-17 are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. DHM asks that patrons call about scheduling a time to visit or indicate on their online purchase the time they hope to enter the house. To purchase tickets, please visit www.davenporthousemuseum.org, contact info@davenporthousemuseum.org, call 912-236-8097, or visit the Davenport House Museum Shop.

The tour requires that guests be able to walk up and down stairs and maneuver in dimly lit rooms. Guests will be asked to be mindful of current safety guidelines during the tour and should anticipate wearing masks inside the building.

The mission of the Davenport House Museum is to preserve and interpret the American Federal-style house and the artifacts within, built by Master Builder Isaiah Davenport for his household, with an emphasis on the years 1820-27. The Davenport House seeks to educate, enrich, and inspire our visitors and the community, as well as recognize the historical role of the house in the founding of the Historic Savannah Foundation. Situated on Columbia Square at the corner of State and Habersham streets in historic downtown Savannah, it is one of the oldest brick structures in the city and sees approximately 40,000 visitors annually through its guided tours and education programs. For more information or to reserve tickets, please call 912-236-8097.

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For media inquiries, please contact Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, or Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651. 

SPIRIT OF PEACE HOSTING ‘RING AND SING’ TO HELP LOCAL FAMILIES THROUGH THE SALVATION ARMY

SPIRIT OF PEACE HOSTING ‘RING AND SING’ TO HELP LOCAL FAMILIES THROUGH THE SALVATION ARMY

RICHMOND HILL, GA – November 23, 2021 – Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church is hosting a holiday-themed fundraising event, “Ring and Sing,” to raise funds for The Salvation Army of Savannah’s (TSA) annual Red Kettle Campaign on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in front of Kroger in Richmond Hill, 53 Exchange St. The church choir and volunteers will sing Christmas carols, ring the bell for the iconic red kettle, and provide free hot chocolate for donors and shoppers.

The Salvation Army of Savannah had to start its annual holiday fundraising campaign early for the second consecutive year to help ensure local families are cared for this Christmas and beyond. The Red Kettle Campaign provides the best way for the local community to assist in The Salvation Army’s mission of
“Doing the Most Good” throughout the Coastal Empire. Without the support of the community and helpers like Spirit of Peace, The Salvation Army could not provide food, lodging, financial assistance, or gifts to people in need in this region. That is why Spirit of Peace, aligned with TSA’s mission to spread the love of God, is involving its congregants and the local community to assist the nonprofit with their goal of to bringing hope to struggling families this Christmas.

“Our congregation is very passionate about supporting local families and nonprofits; and being a church that aims to spread the joy of Christ all year round – especially at Christmas time – supporting The Salvation Army of Savannah could not be more exciting for us,” said Pastor Devin Strong. “The organization’s mission is very close to our hearts, and we are aiming to help them ‘Do The Most Good’ in any way we can. We encourage the local community to stop by the front of Kroger that afternoon for some holiday fun to enjoy some hot chocolate and carols performed by our choir – it’s all for a great cause!

Through Bryan County Family Connections, Spirit of Peace is further supporting local efforts to help families in need by hosting an angel tree fulfill the Christmas wishes of disadvantaged Bryan County children. All benefitting families are vetted by Family Connections, and parents or guardians provide the agency with a list for each child that includes special wants, likes toys, games or clothing. Donors across Bryan County then have the opportunity to “adopt” each of these “Angels” by visiting one of the many Angel Trees and selecting an ornament with a specific gift written on it. Donors then turn in their purchased gifts back at the location of the tree where they chose their ornament. Packages are then distributed to parents in time for Christmas.

For more information about this event or Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org or call Fellowship Director Anne-Marie Callahan at 912-344-8458.

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, Allie Robinson at allie@lesleyfrancispr.com at 912-547-3100 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).