Wednesday, December 18, 2019
This Thursday, the final City Council meeting of the outgoing DeLoach administration will feature some controversial last-minute items.
Chief among them is a costly "Vision 2033" strategic master plan which has critics fuming that the future of the City is being given over to the same good-ole-boy network that has called most of the shots for years.
Under the proposal a new nonprofit would be created to help formulate the plan, intended to go into effect around the time of the tricentennial of Savannah's founding in 1733.
Heading the new nonprofit would be Steve Green, a local property developer and manager who has long been a key member of both the local Savannah Economic Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce, and active in various local political campaigns.
In addition to at least a million dollars in City taxpayer funds, the nonprofit would raise money from high-profile entities such as Georgia Power, Georgia Ports Authority, Gulfstream, Colonial Oil, and Comcast — all of whom are also promised advisory input on the City master plan.
Other members of the local establishment which will have seats on the nonprofit board include the sitting Mayor, the sitting City Manager, the Chair of SEDA, another member appointed by SEDA, the Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chair of the Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Citizen input is limited to an advisory board, which would include representatives of neighborhood associations appointed by the City, "representatives of governmental, educational and health care institutions including Chatham County, the MPC, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, Savannah State, Georgia Southern, SCAD, St. Josephs/Candler, and Memorial Health," and representatives of community organizations such as the United Way, NAACP, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and civic clubs.
The total cost of formulating Vision 2033 is slated at about $2.5 million. In addition to the $1 million pledged by the City, SEDA is expected to pay $250,000. The rest presumably would be raised from the corporate partners cited above.
Another controversial item on the list is a proposed 32-year extension of the portion of the hotel/motel tax that funds the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island. (formerly called the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center).
The Convention Center is primarily a state-run and funded project, governed by the quasi-autonomous Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority. But a portion of the City's six percent hotel/motel tax goes to it and the Civic Center, to help defray operating expenses.
The current 20-year agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2026. If approved, the extended 32-year term would expire on December 31, 2052.
The Convention Center is currently slated for a massive expansion which will essentially double its capacity and footprint.
Another contentious item has since been pulled from the agenda for now. The historic but unmaintained historic Powder Magazine would have been involved in a selling of City surplus property to a developer for affordable housing.
While the original proposal included a clause to preserve the Powder Magazine as part of a park, the item was pulled from the agenda when at least one City Alderman said they had been unaware of the proposal and that it needed more scrutiny.
The property in question is off Ogeechee Road in the Chatham Parkway area.
In much less divisive business, City Council is expected to approve the official Festival days for the 2020 St. Patrick's Day Festival.
While the St. Patrick's Day Parade itself will happen on Tuesday, March 17, the official City celebration is set for the prior weekend of March 13-15.
Chief among them is a costly "Vision 2033" strategic master plan which has critics fuming that the future of the City is being given over to the same good-ole-boy network that has called most of the shots for years.
Under the proposal a new nonprofit would be created to help formulate the plan, intended to go into effect around the time of the tricentennial of Savannah's founding in 1733.
Heading the new nonprofit would be Steve Green, a local property developer and manager who has long been a key member of both the local Savannah Economic Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce, and active in various local political campaigns.
In addition to at least a million dollars in City taxpayer funds, the nonprofit would raise money from high-profile entities such as Georgia Power, Georgia Ports Authority, Gulfstream, Colonial Oil, and Comcast — all of whom are also promised advisory input on the City master plan.
Other members of the local establishment which will have seats on the nonprofit board include the sitting Mayor, the sitting City Manager, the Chair of SEDA, another member appointed by SEDA, the Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chair of the Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Citizen input is limited to an advisory board, which would include representatives of neighborhood associations appointed by the City, "representatives of governmental, educational and health care institutions including Chatham County, the MPC, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, Savannah State, Georgia Southern, SCAD, St. Josephs/Candler, and Memorial Health," and representatives of community organizations such as the United Way, NAACP, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and civic clubs.
The total cost of formulating Vision 2033 is slated at about $2.5 million. In addition to the $1 million pledged by the City, SEDA is expected to pay $250,000. The rest presumably would be raised from the corporate partners cited above.
Another controversial item on the list is a proposed 32-year extension of the portion of the hotel/motel tax that funds the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island. (formerly called the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center).
The Convention Center is primarily a state-run and funded project, governed by the quasi-autonomous Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority. But a portion of the City's six percent hotel/motel tax goes to it and the Civic Center, to help defray operating expenses.
The current 20-year agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2026. If approved, the extended 32-year term would expire on December 31, 2052.
The Convention Center is currently slated for a massive expansion which will essentially double its capacity and footprint.
Another contentious item has since been pulled from the agenda for now. The historic but unmaintained historic Powder Magazine would have been involved in a selling of City surplus property to a developer for affordable housing.
While the original proposal included a clause to preserve the Powder Magazine as part of a park, the item was pulled from the agenda when at least one City Alderman said they had been unaware of the proposal and that it needed more scrutiny.
The property in question is off Ogeechee Road in the Chatham Parkway area.
In much less divisive business, City Council is expected to approve the official Festival days for the 2020 St. Patrick's Day Festival.
While the St. Patrick's Day Parade itself will happen on Tuesday, March 17, the official City celebration is set for the prior weekend of March 13-15.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
The City of Savannah and the Historic Carver Village Neighborhood Association will meet to discuss the establishment of a conservation district and property tax exemptions.
The meeting will be Monday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Carver Village Center, 905 Collat Ave.
"Representatives from the Metropolitan Planning Commission’s Historic Preservation Department will begin the meeting by discussing the establishment of a conservation district to prevent the demolition of historic structures and recombination of land within the neighborhood," a City spokesperson says.
"The National Park Service recently added the neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places, and establishing a conservation district complements that designation."
Representatives from the Chatham County Board of Assessor’s Office will discuss homestead exemptions available to owner-occupied properties within the neighborhood during the second portion of the meeting.
The meeting will be Monday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Carver Village Center, 905 Collat Ave.
"Representatives from the Metropolitan Planning Commission’s Historic Preservation Department will begin the meeting by discussing the establishment of a conservation district to prevent the demolition of historic structures and recombination of land within the neighborhood," a City spokesperson says.
"The National Park Service recently added the neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places, and establishing a conservation district complements that designation."
Representatives from the Chatham County Board of Assessor’s Office will discuss homestead exemptions available to owner-occupied properties within the neighborhood during the second portion of the meeting.
Georgia Southern University’s latest Economic Monitor, which analyzes Q3 2019 data and identifies trends affecting the regional economy, reports that the Savannah metro economy "expanded during the third quarter of 2019, reversing a modest dip in the second quarter."
“Growth in electricity sales and port activity boosted regional economic activity, offsetting some softness in retail sales and tourism,” says Michael Toma, Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway professor of economics. “Slowing growth through mid-2020 is expected, but the cautionary signal sent by the decline in the forecasting index should be monitored for potential intensification in upcoming quarters.”
The Savannah metro economy expanded 0.8% during the quarter. "The index was primarily supported by strengthening port activity and strong sales of electricity to regional commercial, industrial and residential users... While both retail sales and hotel and motel room rentals slipped, as compared to the second quarter, both indicators remain above year-ago levels," the Monitor says.
"While the trade and tariff spat has disrupted Georgia’s trade with China and contributed to recent volatility in port activity, shipping through Georgia Port Authority’s facilities registered strong growth of nearly 9% when compared to the previous quarter. Port activity stands roughly 7% higher than year-ago data," the report says,.
Total employment in Savannah’s three-county metro area was 185,700, a gain of 200 jobs from the previous quarter. Employment is 1% higher than a year ago.
"Employment in business and professional services continues to erode, shedding another 700 jobs and falling below 20,000 workers for the first time since mid-2016. Overall, the sector has lost 2,700 jobs during the past six quarters," warns the Monitor.
"If this trend continues, it is likely to reduce total employment in the region, as increasing shrinkage in this sector becomes more and more difficult to offset with growth in other sectors."
Hourly wages in the private sector "held steady at $22.65 and appears to have reestablished stability after declining through much of 2018. The length of the workweek shortened slightly to 33.1 hours," the report says.
Tourism indicators "were mixed again during the third quarter. After adjusting for seasonality, boardings at the airport increased 1.9%, while the number of visitors on organized tours modestly improved after a weak second quarter. However, alcohol sales taxes declined 5%, hotel and motel tax receipts fell 2%, and automobile rental taxes dipped slightly," the Monitor reports.
Total employment in leisure and hospitality returned to 27,400, the largest among the region’s major economic sectors, the report says.
In the labor market, the number of initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) surged 30% from 405 from 540 in the third quarter. "In better news, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.2%, roughly the same as its year-ago level," the report says.
The Economic Monitor is available by email and at the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research’s website. To subscribe, send a subscribe message to [email protected]
“Growth in electricity sales and port activity boosted regional economic activity, offsetting some softness in retail sales and tourism,” says Michael Toma, Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway professor of economics. “Slowing growth through mid-2020 is expected, but the cautionary signal sent by the decline in the forecasting index should be monitored for potential intensification in upcoming quarters.”
The Savannah metro economy expanded 0.8% during the quarter. "The index was primarily supported by strengthening port activity and strong sales of electricity to regional commercial, industrial and residential users... While both retail sales and hotel and motel room rentals slipped, as compared to the second quarter, both indicators remain above year-ago levels," the Monitor says.
"While the trade and tariff spat has disrupted Georgia’s trade with China and contributed to recent volatility in port activity, shipping through Georgia Port Authority’s facilities registered strong growth of nearly 9% when compared to the previous quarter. Port activity stands roughly 7% higher than year-ago data," the report says,.
Total employment in Savannah’s three-county metro area was 185,700, a gain of 200 jobs from the previous quarter. Employment is 1% higher than a year ago.
"Employment in business and professional services continues to erode, shedding another 700 jobs and falling below 20,000 workers for the first time since mid-2016. Overall, the sector has lost 2,700 jobs during the past six quarters," warns the Monitor.
"If this trend continues, it is likely to reduce total employment in the region, as increasing shrinkage in this sector becomes more and more difficult to offset with growth in other sectors."
Hourly wages in the private sector "held steady at $22.65 and appears to have reestablished stability after declining through much of 2018. The length of the workweek shortened slightly to 33.1 hours," the report says.
Tourism indicators "were mixed again during the third quarter. After adjusting for seasonality, boardings at the airport increased 1.9%, while the number of visitors on organized tours modestly improved after a weak second quarter. However, alcohol sales taxes declined 5%, hotel and motel tax receipts fell 2%, and automobile rental taxes dipped slightly," the Monitor reports.
Total employment in leisure and hospitality returned to 27,400, the largest among the region’s major economic sectors, the report says.
In the labor market, the number of initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) surged 30% from 405 from 540 in the third quarter. "In better news, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.2%, roughly the same as its year-ago level," the report says.
The Economic Monitor is available by email and at the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research’s website. To subscribe, send a subscribe message to [email protected]
Thursday, December 5, 2019
In a 7-2 vote today in one of the last acts of the DeLoach administration, Savannah City Council voted to relocate the iconic Waving Girl statue from one end of River Street to the other — despite a previous unanimous vote against the move by the Historic Sites and Monuments Commission.
Its new home is set for the immediate area of the new Plant Riverside, a project of developer Richard Kessler.
The statue currently stands in Morrell Park on the east end of River Street. It was moved 95 feet from its original location overlooking the river for the 1996 Olympics, which held some sailing events in the Savannah area.
The Olympic Flame was lit in the space the Waving Girl was originally located, and the cauldron in which it was lit still stands.
Speaking in favor of the statue's move, Kessler admitted "yes, I have interests in the West end." But he said that's not only reason he wants the Waving Girl moved to his development.
"Most citizens of Savannah never see the Waving Girl" where she is now, he said. "For the citizens of Savannah, she needs to be moved."
He said tourists will find the move more accessible — "there will be far more people" at the new location.
Concerned citizen Rachael Shaner responded that "When a millionaire stands up here and says he represents the citizens of Savannah, let's remember about 50 percent of the City lives below the poverty line."
Shaner said moving the Waving Girl will set the precedent of letting millionaires move beloved public monuments "on a whim" when it benefits them.
Two incoming City Council members, who won't have a vote until January, spoke against the move.
Alderwoman-elect Alicia Blakely, who also serves on the Historic Sites and Monuments Commission, said "I'm asking that you look out for the people who work on the east end and allow that monument to stay there... We always talk about small businesses and how we want to promote small businesses. If you move that monument you're affecting about 25-30 businesses."
Alderwoman-elect Linda Wilder-Bryan recalled visiting the Waving Girl as a child.
"Part of the attraction of the Waving Girl was the story behind it... if we keep saying this is a historic city, we need to preserve the historic nuances... we must be reasonable and logical... make this vote about the people, and not about money," she said.
Mayor-elect Van Johnson said the public at large hasn't had the opportunity to weigh in on Waving Girl move.
"We're being asked to make a decision of, shall we say, monumental importance," he said. "We're hearing an appeal on a decision that's already been made by the Historic Sites and Monuments Commission."
Johnson and Alderwoman Estella Shabazz were the only two votes against the relocation.
The Savannah Propeller Club has been pushing for some kind of relocation of the Waving Girl for years, saying that its original purpose — to greet ships coming in on the Savannah River — had been hampered by the move for the Olympics.
Another reason given for the move is that a small group of trees lessen its visibility from the river itself.
A second relocation is set to be considered: Moving the current Olympic torch cauldron to the location where the Waving Girl is now, after the Waving Girl is relocated.
Richard Kessler was a major financial contributor to several of the outgoing members of Council who subsequently voted in favor of the relocation, including Mayor Eddie DeLoach, Alderwoman Carol Bell, Alderman John Hall, Alderman Bill Durrence, and Alderman Tony Thomas.
Its new home is set for the immediate area of the new Plant Riverside, a project of developer Richard Kessler.
The statue currently stands in Morrell Park on the east end of River Street. It was moved 95 feet from its original location overlooking the river for the 1996 Olympics, which held some sailing events in the Savannah area.
The Olympic Flame was lit in the space the Waving Girl was originally located, and the cauldron in which it was lit still stands.
Speaking in favor of the statue's move, Kessler admitted "yes, I have interests in the West end." But he said that's not only reason he wants the Waving Girl moved to his development.
"Most citizens of Savannah never see the Waving Girl" where she is now, he said. "For the citizens of Savannah, she needs to be moved."
He said tourists will find the move more accessible — "there will be far more people" at the new location.
Concerned citizen Rachael Shaner responded that "When a millionaire stands up here and says he represents the citizens of Savannah, let's remember about 50 percent of the City lives below the poverty line."
Shaner said moving the Waving Girl will set the precedent of letting millionaires move beloved public monuments "on a whim" when it benefits them.
Two incoming City Council members, who won't have a vote until January, spoke against the move.
Alderwoman-elect Alicia Blakely, who also serves on the Historic Sites and Monuments Commission, said "I'm asking that you look out for the people who work on the east end and allow that monument to stay there... We always talk about small businesses and how we want to promote small businesses. If you move that monument you're affecting about 25-30 businesses."
Alderwoman-elect Linda Wilder-Bryan recalled visiting the Waving Girl as a child.
"Part of the attraction of the Waving Girl was the story behind it... if we keep saying this is a historic city, we need to preserve the historic nuances... we must be reasonable and logical... make this vote about the people, and not about money," she said.
Mayor-elect Van Johnson said the public at large hasn't had the opportunity to weigh in on Waving Girl move.
"We're being asked to make a decision of, shall we say, monumental importance," he said. "We're hearing an appeal on a decision that's already been made by the Historic Sites and Monuments Commission."
Johnson and Alderwoman Estella Shabazz were the only two votes against the relocation.
The Savannah Propeller Club has been pushing for some kind of relocation of the Waving Girl for years, saying that its original purpose — to greet ships coming in on the Savannah River — had been hampered by the move for the Olympics.
Another reason given for the move is that a small group of trees lessen its visibility from the river itself.
A second relocation is set to be considered: Moving the current Olympic torch cauldron to the location where the Waving Girl is now, after the Waving Girl is relocated.
Richard Kessler was a major financial contributor to several of the outgoing members of Council who subsequently voted in favor of the relocation, including Mayor Eddie DeLoach, Alderwoman Carol Bell, Alderman John Hall, Alderman Bill Durrence, and Alderman Tony Thomas.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
The City of Savannah Parking Services announced today they are collecting canned food for America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and will excuse parking citations in exchange for a donation.
Parking Services will excuse a maximum of five citations for overtime on a meter or in a time zone. A donation of five cans will excuse one citation.
An unlimited number of other citations, including street sweeping, fire hydrant or expired tag citations, will be excused. A donation of five cans will dismiss one penalty, but any late fees incurred must still be paid.
Red light citations will not be excused, and customers must have their license plate number with them.
Requested donations include peanut butter; canned meat and protein like tuna, chicken, salmon, ham, or ravioli; beef stew and soups; and canned vegetables like beans, peas, carrots and corn. Ramen noodles and expired items will not be accepted.
The food items will be accepted at the Bryan Street Garage, 100 E. Bryan St., from Dec. 9 through Dec. 13 from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Parking Services will excuse a maximum of five citations for overtime on a meter or in a time zone. A donation of five cans will excuse one citation.
An unlimited number of other citations, including street sweeping, fire hydrant or expired tag citations, will be excused. A donation of five cans will dismiss one penalty, but any late fees incurred must still be paid.
Red light citations will not be excused, and customers must have their license plate number with them.
Requested donations include peanut butter; canned meat and protein like tuna, chicken, salmon, ham, or ravioli; beef stew and soups; and canned vegetables like beans, peas, carrots and corn. Ramen noodles and expired items will not be accepted.
The food items will be accepted at the Bryan Street Garage, 100 E. Bryan St., from Dec. 9 through Dec. 13 from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
After saying earlier in the day to "mark my words" that the mayoral race would be within 100 votes, incumbent Mayor Eddie DeLoach was defeated by a much larger margin by Van Johnson, who will take office in January as the next mayor of Savannah.
In the end, the margin of victory for Johnson in today's runoff election was nearly the same as in the general election last month, where Johnson heavily outperformed DeLoach, but failed to break the 50 percent needed to avoid a runoff.
He prevailed in the runoff with 14,884 votes — about 60 percent of the total — as opposed to only 9,291 for DeLoach.
DeLoach's campaign had made a number of missteps the last week of the campaign, including a controversial Facebook post by his son which many observers found to be race-baiting, and several heavily negative mailers.
Johnson's campaign, on the other hand, was helped by a late visit from high-profile Democrat Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost in the race for Georgia governor.
In the other runoff, controversial 20-year Sixth District Alderman Tony Thomas was defeated by challenger Kurtis Purtee, 2,529 votes to 2,218, after a race marked by an escalation of personal attacks by Thomas.
The runoffs complete a near 100 percent overhaul of Savannah City Council, as only a single incumbent, Fifth District Alderwoman Estella Shabazz (who ran unopposed), will remain in the same seat from the last four years. (Johnson had represented the First District for 16 years on Council.)
In the end, the margin of victory for Johnson in today's runoff election was nearly the same as in the general election last month, where Johnson heavily outperformed DeLoach, but failed to break the 50 percent needed to avoid a runoff.
He prevailed in the runoff with 14,884 votes — about 60 percent of the total — as opposed to only 9,291 for DeLoach.
DeLoach's campaign had made a number of missteps the last week of the campaign, including a controversial Facebook post by his son which many observers found to be race-baiting, and several heavily negative mailers.
Johnson's campaign, on the other hand, was helped by a late visit from high-profile Democrat Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost in the race for Georgia governor.
In the other runoff, controversial 20-year Sixth District Alderman Tony Thomas was defeated by challenger Kurtis Purtee, 2,529 votes to 2,218, after a race marked by an escalation of personal attacks by Thomas.
The runoffs complete a near 100 percent overhaul of Savannah City Council, as only a single incumbent, Fifth District Alderwoman Estella Shabazz (who ran unopposed), will remain in the same seat from the last four years. (Johnson had represented the First District for 16 years on Council.)
Monday, November 25, 2019
In 1978, a couple of idealistic 24-year-olds — Janie and Peter Brodhead — bucked the odds and opened Brighter Day Natural Foods in a then-uncertain neighborhood of Savannah – all before “natural” became mainstream.
Forty-one years later the Brodheads are passing Brighter Day on to Kristin Russell and Brad Baugh.
Russell owns The Sentient Bean, Brighter Day’s next-door neighbor. For 18 years Russell’s motto at The Sentient Bean has been, “building community.” Like the Brodheads, Russell has supported nonprofit efforts.
Russell is a food activist and a believer in local farms. Ten years ago she co- founded the Forsyth Farmers Market, today one of most successful markets in the Southeast. Russell sits on the board of Georgia Organics, a nonprofit designed to connect organic farmers with Georgian families.
“While it's scary taking on this legacy, it’s such a good fit that we felt it was worth the risk,” said Baugh about buying Brighter Day. “We shop there all the time. We believe in the store’s core values. We knew Janie and Peter were thinking of making a change. We didn’t want to see it go.”
Russell says they have no immediate plans to change the staff or the general direction of the health food store. “We're especially passionate about opportunities to reduce the environmental footprint, support local farmers, and of course serving great, healthy food.”
Janie bristles at the word “retiring,” preferring to say, “We are re-firing.”
While the business changes hands Dec. 31, the Brodheads plan on working at the store until the end of February. Then, said Janie, “We look forward to returning as customers.”
Forty-one years later the Brodheads are passing Brighter Day on to Kristin Russell and Brad Baugh.
Russell owns The Sentient Bean, Brighter Day’s next-door neighbor. For 18 years Russell’s motto at The Sentient Bean has been, “building community.” Like the Brodheads, Russell has supported nonprofit efforts.
Russell is a food activist and a believer in local farms. Ten years ago she co- founded the Forsyth Farmers Market, today one of most successful markets in the Southeast. Russell sits on the board of Georgia Organics, a nonprofit designed to connect organic farmers with Georgian families.
“While it's scary taking on this legacy, it’s such a good fit that we felt it was worth the risk,” said Baugh about buying Brighter Day. “We shop there all the time. We believe in the store’s core values. We knew Janie and Peter were thinking of making a change. We didn’t want to see it go.”
Russell says they have no immediate plans to change the staff or the general direction of the health food store. “We're especially passionate about opportunities to reduce the environmental footprint, support local farmers, and of course serving great, healthy food.”
Janie bristles at the word “retiring,” preferring to say, “We are re-firing.”
While the business changes hands Dec. 31, the Brodheads plan on working at the store until the end of February. Then, said Janie, “We look forward to returning as customers.”
Friday, November 22, 2019
Telfair Museums announces two curatorial appointments, promoting two current staff members to new roles.
Effective November 25, Erin Dunn will be promoted to the position of Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. Effective January 1, Jessica Mumford Estes will assume the title of Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the museum.
Erin Dunn has been a member of Telfair’s staff since 2014, most recently holding the title of Assistant Curator. During her tenure at the institution, she has curated more than 20 exhibitions and played a vital role in Telfair’s #art912 initiative, which raises the visibility of artists living and working in Savannah through exhibition opportunities and public programs.
Her upcoming projects at Telfair include Youthful Adventures: Growing Up in Photography (2020) and a retrospective of photographer Bruce Davidson (2021).
Jessica Mumford Estes has been on staff at Telfair since 2005, most recently holding the title of Collections Manager/Registrar. Highlights of her tenure include managing the expanded exhibition calendar and collections that accompanied the opening of Telfair’s Jepson Center in 2006, directing the conversion of Telfair’s collections management software, and revising art storage at Telfair’s three sites.
As Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Estes will be the member of the museum’s senior management team responsible for directing the scheduling and
production of all museum exhibitions; the maintenance and storage of museum collections; and the packing, movement, and documentation of artwork in support of the museum’s diverse programming.
Effective November 25, Erin Dunn will be promoted to the position of Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. Effective January 1, Jessica Mumford Estes will assume the title of Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the museum.
Erin Dunn has been a member of Telfair’s staff since 2014, most recently holding the title of Assistant Curator. During her tenure at the institution, she has curated more than 20 exhibitions and played a vital role in Telfair’s #art912 initiative, which raises the visibility of artists living and working in Savannah through exhibition opportunities and public programs.
Her upcoming projects at Telfair include Youthful Adventures: Growing Up in Photography (2020) and a retrospective of photographer Bruce Davidson (2021).
Jessica Mumford Estes has been on staff at Telfair since 2005, most recently holding the title of Collections Manager/Registrar. Highlights of her tenure include managing the expanded exhibition calendar and collections that accompanied the opening of Telfair’s Jepson Center in 2006, directing the conversion of Telfair’s collections management software, and revising art storage at Telfair’s three sites.
As Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Estes will be the member of the museum’s senior management team responsible for directing the scheduling and
production of all museum exhibitions; the maintenance and storage of museum collections; and the packing, movement, and documentation of artwork in support of the museum’s diverse programming.
Tags: Telfair Museums , #art912
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Savannah Police’s Criminal Investigations Unit detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a 45-year-old male on the Southside this morning.
"Around 2 a.m., officers were called to a residence on Fairmont Avenue in response to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located Leopoldo Corona suffering from life-threatening injuries, which he succumbed to. Detectives are continuing to investigate this homicide," police report.
Anyone with information is asked to contact our tip line at (912) 525-3124. Information can also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
"Around 2 a.m., officers were called to a residence on Fairmont Avenue in response to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located Leopoldo Corona suffering from life-threatening injuries, which he succumbed to. Detectives are continuing to investigate this homicide," police report.
Anyone with information is asked to contact our tip line at (912) 525-3124. Information can also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Bike Walk Savannah has received a $31,869.28 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).
"The grant will help finance BWS’s education programs, safety campaigns, work with local governments to improve infrastructure, printing of the popular Bike SAV bike map and guide, pedestrian safety materials, and other programs aimed at making Savannah and Chatham County safer for people who ride bikes and walk for transportation and recreation," the organization says.
“The loss of one life on our roads is one too many, and the fact that almost all fatal traffic crashes can be prevented is one reason why we are awarding this grant,” said GOHS Director Allen Poole. “The target of zero traffic deaths in our nation is achievable, and we will continue to help develop and implement educational messages, enforcement campaigns, and other safety initiatives aimed at bringing us one step closer to our goal.”
“Many people in Savannah and Chatham County depend on biking and walking for daily transportation,” said Caila Brown, executive director of Bike Walk Savannah. “And many more make the choice to add biking and walking to their mobility options, whether for transportation or recreation. We are grateful for the support of GOHS as it allows us to continue and expand the programs we’ve been offering, with the goal of improving safety for all people on the streets of Chatham County, no matter their mode of transportation.”
The grant year for this award is Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020.
"The grant will help finance BWS’s education programs, safety campaigns, work with local governments to improve infrastructure, printing of the popular Bike SAV bike map and guide, pedestrian safety materials, and other programs aimed at making Savannah and Chatham County safer for people who ride bikes and walk for transportation and recreation," the organization says.
“The loss of one life on our roads is one too many, and the fact that almost all fatal traffic crashes can be prevented is one reason why we are awarding this grant,” said GOHS Director Allen Poole. “The target of zero traffic deaths in our nation is achievable, and we will continue to help develop and implement educational messages, enforcement campaigns, and other safety initiatives aimed at bringing us one step closer to our goal.”
“Many people in Savannah and Chatham County depend on biking and walking for daily transportation,” said Caila Brown, executive director of Bike Walk Savannah. “And many more make the choice to add biking and walking to their mobility options, whether for transportation or recreation. We are grateful for the support of GOHS as it allows us to continue and expand the programs we’ve been offering, with the goal of improving safety for all people on the streets of Chatham County, no matter their mode of transportation.”
The grant year for this award is Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020.
