Thursday, August 18, 2016

Posted By on Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 1:40 PM

The Tibetan Buddhist monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery return to the
Jepson Center September 13-18 to create an exquisite sand mandala painting a s part of a
weeklong residency.

“We are incredibly honored to again have the Tibetan Monks of Drepung Loseling
Monastery visit here and share their uplifting and unique art and music,” said Lisa Grove,
Director and CEO of Telfair Museums Grove, “The community has truly embraced their
ancient art and ritual; so much so their tour is viewed as one of Savannah’s most popular
arts events.”

On Tuesday, September 13, the mandala sand painting begins with an opening
ceremony, during which the lamas consecrate the site through chanting, music and mantra
recitation, and draw the outline of the mandala. On the following days, they will lay down
the colored sands, this year creating the Akshobya Mandala, also known as the
“Unshakable Victor” for conflict resolution and peace.

Visitors may watch the monks at work during normal museum hours in the Jepson Center
Atrium Wednesday through Saturday. On Sunday, September 18, the mandala will be
destroyed as a metaphor for the impermanence of life. The sands are placed in an urn,
with half distributed to the audience at the closing ceremony. The remainder will be carried
to the Savannah River and dispersed to the ocean for planetary healing.

Full Schedule:

Tuesday, September 13, 5-7 p.m. Opening ceremony: the monks begin with a ceremony
and chants, after which they draw the mandala. Admission is free.

September 14-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mandala sand painting: visitors may watch the monks
create the mandala sand painting in the museum atrium during normal daytime museum
hours, other than lunchtime. Admission is free.

Thursday, September 15, 6 p.m. Lecture: “Meditation: A Tool for Conscious Living” by
the Tibetan Monks of Drepung Loseling. For the first time at the Jepson Center, the monks will present a lecture on meditation. Admission is free.

Saturday, September 17, 1-4 p.m. Free Family Day: Hands on activities include
community sand painting sessions at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. in which children may participate in
the creation of a sand painting using the tools of the monks. Admission is free.

Sunday, September 18, 2-3 p.m. Closing ceremony: Chants, destruction of the mandala
and procession to the river. In a moving closing event with polyphonic chants and music,
the monks ritually destroy the mandala. Afterward, sand is distributed to the audience. At 3
p.m. the public is invited to join the monks for a procession to the Savannah River to
release the mandala to the ocean to spread healing throughout the world. Admission for members is free, non-members $5. 

Monday, August 15, 2016

Posted By on Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 1:31 PM

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Robbery Unit asks the public’s help in the search for the suspects and vehicle involved in a recent home invasion on the 300 block of Brown Thrush Road.

The incident was reported on Monday, Aug. 8 at about 11:30 a.m. Metro responded to the scene after reports that at least two suspects forced their way into the house, holding residents at gunpoint, while stealing property. No injuries were reported.

Both suspects are described as black males with dark complexions. One suspect is tall and in his 20s or 30s. The second suspect may be a teenager.

"Both suspects are believed to be armed and dangerous," says Eunicia Baker of the SCMPD Public Affairs Office.

Detective believe the suspects fled the scene in a green 2003-2006 extended cab Chevy Silverado Z71, with a silver or grey stripe at the bottom and silver factory rims.

This investigation continues. Anyone with knowledge of this incident or the suspect’s identities should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.

Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

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Posted By on Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 11:34 AM

The Chatham County Sheriff's Office arrested and fired one of its deputies for inappropriate sexual contact with an inmate.

Corporal Samuel Richardson was investigated by the Internal Affairs Unit after inmate Amanda Walker reported the contact to another deputy. 

Richardson has been charged with violation of Georgia law by committing the felony offense of sexual assault by a person with supervisory or disciplinary authority.

He was an employee of seven years and had been promoted to Corporal on July 11. 

The case and all evidence will be turned over to the District Attorney's Office. 

click to enlarge Deputy arrested for inappropriate sexual contact with inmate
Amanda Walker
click to enlarge Deputy arrested for inappropriate sexual contact with inmate
Samuel Richardson

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Posted By on Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 10:14 AM

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Downtown Precinct investigators arrested one adult male suspected of vandalizing a church on the 500 block of West Bryan Street, on Sunday, Aug. 14.

At about 6:30 a.m., Metro and Savannah Fire responded to a fire alarm activation at the First Bryan Baptist Church. No flames were present. Metro officers did, however, observe evidence that the church was occupied. To further investigate, Metro officers announced their presence and entered the building, finding significant property damage. Metro officers also located an unidentified male tossing objects inside of the church and behaving erratically.

Police approached the subject, attempting to handcuff him. Before handcuffs were secured on suspect’s wrists, he became physically violent with officers. As a result, a Taser was utilized to subdue the subject, allowing officers to restrain him and aide EMS workers in safely placing the subject into an ambulance.

The suspect, whose identity remains undetermined, was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for treatment and evaluation. Investigators are working to determine whether use of drugs or alcohol by the suspect were factors in this crime.

This suspect faces charges of burglary, vandalism to a place of worship, felony obstruction of an officer and criminal damage to property.

This investigation continues. Anyone with knowledge of this incident or the suspect’s identity should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.

Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

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Sunday, August 14, 2016

Posted By on Sun, Aug 14, 2016 at 5:53 PM

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police ask the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in an armed robbery on the 100 block of Hall Street off Forsyth Park, that seriously injured 32-year-old Carol Bontekoe early on Aug. 14.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to aid in Ms. Bontekoe's recovery. 

At about 3:30 a.m. police responded to the scene after reports of an armed robbery. Bontekoe had extensive stab wounds. She was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center.

Reportedly, Bontekoe "was attempting to enter her residence when an unidentified male suspect, armed with a knife, approached and demanded her purse. She was stabbed before she could comply," police say.
"She fought the suspect off with her bicycle and entered her residence. The suspect ran east on Hall Street with the victim’s belongings."

A family spokesperson says:

"She was stabbed three times, the most serious time being in the eye. She has a fractured skull. The doctors are hopeful the surgery saved her eye," the spokesperson says.

"Carol runs bike tours for Savannah pedals and ended up in Savannah two years ago when she stopped through on a cross-country bike tour. She was planning to bike across South Africa next month. She also works at Dancing Dogs Yoga."

Investigators are working to identify the suspect, who stands roughly 5-9 to 6-0. The suspect wore dark clothing during the incident. Detectives ask persons with information on this case, particularly individuals who may have been near Hall Street, to come forward.

Anyone with knowledge of this incident should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124. Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

Posted By on Sun, Aug 14, 2016 at 9:31 AM

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police ask the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in an armed robbery on the 100 block of Hall Street off Forsyth Park, that seriously injured a 32-year-old victim on Aug. 14.

"At about 3:30 a.m., Metro responded to the scene after reports of an armed robbery. Responding officers located the victim, with visible stab wounds. She was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center for treatment," police say.

Reportedly, the victim "was attempting to enter her residence when an unidentified male suspect, armed with a knife, approached and demanded her purse. She was stabbed before she could comply," police say.

"She fought the suspect off with her bicycle and entered her residence. The suspect ran east on Hall Street with the victim’s belongings."

Investigators are working to identify the suspect, who stands roughly 5-9 to 6-0. The suspect wore dark clothing during the incident. Detectives ask persons with information on this case, particularly individuals who may have been near Hall Street, to come forward.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Posted By on Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 3:04 PM

click to enlarge Man sought for Lamarville homicide
Marque Williams
Detectives have obtained a murder warrant for Marque Williams, 27, who is wanted in connection to a shooting that claimed the life of Malik Jackson, 18.

Jackson was found shot in Lamarville Park, Aug. 1, just before 3 p.m.

"Investigators believe Williams has access to a black 2011 Toyota Camry with GA Tag #PWQ8340 and a 2000 Chevy Monte Carlo with GA Tag #PJX6505," police say.

"He is known to frequent the Tatemville and Lamarville areas. He may have also fled to the Atlanta area. Detectives also believe he may be traveling with his girlfriend, Jessica Frazier."

Williams is believed to be armed and dangerous, police say. "Anyone aware of his location should call 911 immediately and avoid approaching him."

Posted By on Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 11:24 AM

The Savannah-Chatham Aviation Unit successfully rescued four adults and one child from a sandbar in the Ogeechee River, Aug. 10.

At approximately 8 p.m., aviation units responded to stranded boaters on a sandbar near the King Ferry Boat Ramp. The vessel was occupied by two female adults, one of whom was elderly, two male adults and one child.

"A combination of the boat’s location and the darkness of the night posed severe danger to the occupants. Waiting for the tide could have proven fatal due to those conditions," says Darnisha Green of the SCMPD Public Affairs Office.

Two tactical flight officers and a pilot, knowing the dangers of these conditions, made a cautious decision to transport the women and the child by helicopter safely back to the Kings Perry Boat ramp. Citizens passing by offered assistance with a personally owned vessel and transported the two males to safety.

No injuries were reported during this incident.

Posted By on Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 11:23 AM

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a late night shooting on the 7300 block of White Bluff Road, that occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Metro responded to the scene where one adult male was found in a parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound.

"The victim was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries," says Eunicia Baker of the SCMPD Public Affairs Office.

The victim is not cooperating with the investigation. Detectives are working to determine his identity. The suspect’s identity as well as circumstances surrounding this shooting remain under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Posted By on Thu, Aug 11, 2016 at 2:21 PM

The Savannah Philharmonic announced today that Mitchell Krieger has been named executive director of the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, taking the
click to enlarge Savannah Philharmonic names new executive director
Mitchell Krieger
 reins from interim Executive Director and Board member Samir Nicocevic.

Krieger will join the Philharmonic on Aug. 15, from the Victoria Symphony in British Columbia, Canada.

“The Savannah Philharmonic is excited to secure an executive director as experienced and accomplished as Mitchell Krieger. His goals and direction align with our plan to build the Philharmonic and position the organization to serve Savannah for many years to come,” Board Chairman Austin Hill said.

The Philharmonic says, "Krieger’s accomplishments in Victoria, British Columbia, include taking the symphony to the next level by leading the creation of a strong strategic plan and mission statement development. He achieved surpluses in every year of his tenure, increasing development revenue and growing individual giving from $150,000 in 2009 to over $1 million in 2014-15."

“I’m honored the board of directors and administrators selected me to lead such a reputable and innovative organization,” Krieger said. “The Savannah Philharmonic has achieved so much in just a few years, and the large following and undeniable support these talented musicians enjoy is amazing. I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellent work they’re known over the next seasons.”

Krieger earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the California Institute of the Arts. 

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