Connect Savannah I February 2024 by Connect Savannah

CONNECT SAVANNAH FEBRUARY | 2024

THE LEADERSHIP ISSUE LOCAL SAVANNAH LEADERS: FROM GIRL SCOUTS TO COACHES, CHEFS, MUSICIANS, AND ARTISTS

ALSO: • SAVANNAH BOOK FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR SEVENTEENTH YEAR • BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

february 26-27 full bios and info inside! connectsavannah.com

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 2 | FEBRUARY • 2023 CONNECT SAVANNAH | 2 | FEBRUARY • 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE DEAR CONNECT SAVANNAH READERS:

ADMINISTRATIVE ERICA BASKIN PUBLISHER

erica@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378 WENDY WICKHAM BUSINESS MANAGER

wendy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4373

CONTENT ERICA LANG EDITOR

elang@connectsavannah.com (912) 428-7648 TRAVIS JAUDON REPORTER

travisjaudon@connectsavannah.com MCKENNAH SINK

MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER

(912) 721-4354

For the third consecutive year, Connect Savannah has helped organize the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum (SEGA) to increase the opportunities for leadership growth in our communities. This year, the speakers include Bruce Feiler, Hugh “Trip” Tollison, Kimberly S. Greene, Leonte Benton, Bruce P. Mehlman, Stephanie Stuckey, Malcolm Mitchell, and Dr. Bruce McCabe. It’s an impressive line-up that should leave attendees ready to take on important challenges and lead Savannah towards a bright future. Inside, you will find the bios of each speaker that shed light on their contributions and their leadership. The forum prompted us to take a look at additional stories of leadership within our city and feature them in this month’s magazine. Heidi Fedak introduces you to Ella Shaffer, a Girl Scout who has been growing her leadership skills for several years. Our art story is a Q&A with Arts Southeast’s Emily Earl and Jon Witzky who Beth Logan says are helping make Savannah an arts destination. Frank Ricci takes a look at how three individuals–Ryan Graveface, Tim Walls, and

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jesse Blanco, Beth Logan, Nathan Dominitz, Heidi Fedak, Frank Ricci, Brett Bigelow, Chantel Britton

Kyle Brown–play a big role in leading Savannah’s music scene by organizing and promoting concerts in town. Our magazine also explores the life and legacy of Susie King Taylor who will soon be honored when her name replaces Calhoun Square on Feb. 10. We take a look at the opportunities that lie ahead at the Savannah Convention Center with Kelvin Moore becoming its new general manager. Jesse Blanco highlights Brandon Carter, executive chef and owner of Common Thread who has taken Savannah’s food scene to new heights. Nathan Dominitz shares the leadership story of Antwain Turner, a coach who continues to support youth at Bethesda Academy. We also share ways to celebrate Black History Month and preview the Savannah Book Festival, now in its seventeenth year. At Connect Savannah, we feel lucky to live in a city where leadership stories are too many to count and we’re thankful we get to share a few of them with you, our readers. We hope you enjoy our February leadership issue and feel inspired to help create a community we can all be proud to call home.

ERICA LANG, EDITOR

OUR VALUES Connect Savannah is an arts, entertainment and news magazine, focused on Savannah and the Coastal Empire life and experience.

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ON THE COVER

The Annual Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum kicks off at the Kehoe iron Works at Trustees’ Garden Feb. 26-27. See bios and more in our special section in this issue! CONNECT SAVANNAH | | FEBRUARY • 2024

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with John Leventhal Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 7:30 PM Lucas Theatre for the Arts Tickets start at $39

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 8 PM Lucas Theatre for the Arts Tickets start at $39

2024 LINEUP S N ADDITIO

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For an interactive guide of the lineup, scan the QR code to visit savannahmusicfestival.org and listen to audio and watch videos of all performers.

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CONNECT SAVANNAH |

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2024

VOTING IS NOW OPEN! FEBRUARY 6 - MARCH 6, 2024 CONNECT SAVANNAH |

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10 THINGS I HA TE ABOUT YOU

VALENTINE’S DAY SIT’N SPIN I FEBRUARY 14 I CLAYER & CO.

2024 SAVANNAH IRISH FESTIVAL FEB. 10

The Savannah Irish Festival Committee is excited to announce plans for the 2024 Savannah Irish Festival which will be held at Victory North, 2603 Whitaker St, Savannah, GA 31401, on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Following a 30-year Savannah tradition, The Savannah Irish Festival will kick off St. Patrick’s Season with vendors, musicians, storytellers, and Irish dancers. The 2024 featured musician is Chloë Agnew, who gained fame during her time with Celtic Woman, Agnew has gained fame in her own right as a singer-songwriter and hails from Dublin, Ireland. Savannahirishfest. com

ST. FRANCIS OF THE ISLANDS 2ND ANNUAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL FEB. 10

Join us Saturday February 10th from 10 am to 2 pm as we celebrate our Chocolate Festival! We have fudge, cookies, candies, cakes-all for sale just in time for Valentine’s Day! The St. Francis Episcopal Church of the Islands’ ECW women have been busy since October preparing for the second Valentines Chocolate Festival which will be held February 10th in our Parish Hall.

POP UP HANDS-ON COOKING CLASS FEB. 12

Join us for our Pop-Up Hands on Cooking Class! Unlock your culinary potential and elevate your techniques with our tailored cooking classes. Discover new flavors, sharpen your skills, and unleash your inner chef today! We cook in groups of two and sit down for dinner together. Don’t forget to bring your appetite and adult beverage!10% of our ticket sales will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities CONNECT SAVANNAH |

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of the Coastal Empire. chef@savannahculinaryretreat.com

VALENTINE’S DAY THEMED FLOWER WORKSHOP FEB. 13

Treat yourself or a loved one to a night of fun and flowers. At this flower arrangement workshop, you will learn how to make a beautiful Valentine’s Day inspired flower arrangement! The class is 90 minutes. All flowers, vases, and tools are provided, and you will take home what you make! There is plenty of parking available at Eastern Wharf, on the street or in the parking ramp. There is also public transportation to Eastern Wharf via the DOT trolley. info@sydnichole.com

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS MONTH To have your event considered for inclusion, please visit connectsavannah.com and enter your event in our online calendar. There, you can manage your entries, change and add dates, times, etc.

VALENTINE’S DAY SIT’N SPIN FEB. 14

Introductory Class on the pottery wheel! Come give it a spin and see how you like it. Great date for your Valentine and a chance to get your “Ghost” on! Class includes: All tools & supplies, Studio Glaze, Firing of all work made in class! No experience needed! clair@ clayerco.com

LAUGH YOUR HEART OUT FEB. 14

Join us for a Hilarious Night of Laughter and Love! Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone or flying solo, this event is for YOU! Come join us for a comedy show that’s sure to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart. 100% of ticket sales will go to support Housing Savannah Inc.! Housing Savannah educates, advocates, and fundraises for the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund, making a positive impact on our community.

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY FEB. 14

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, all’s fair in love and war in this sharp-witted teen-aimed romantic comedy based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. 10 Things I Hate About You launched the careers of Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, giving us our favorite teen feminist and the dreamiest rendition of a Frankie Valli song. Shakespeare adaptations don’t get much better than this. Dress in your best late ‘90s/Y2K looks and join us for this special screening of the cult classic that reminds us just how thin the line is between love and hate. Attendees can have a special message for their sweetheart play on the big screen before the show by emailing scadtheaters@scad.edu. Tickets are free for SCAD students. Tickets. scadboxoffice.com

SAVANNAH BOOK FESTIVAL FEB. 15-18 The Savannah Book Festival is a four-day celebration of writing, reading, and civil conversation. Over forty authors come to

Savannah to sign books and give presentations on their life as a writer in beautiful historic Downtown Savannah. Ticketed Headline Addresses take place Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, and Festival Saturday is a free, all-day event open to the public. Find out more at savannahbookfestival.org.

STARLAND FAIRE FEB. 18

Save the date for the Starland Faire hosted by Starland Yard, Two Tides Brewing, Superbloom, Starland Strange, and Siamese Dreams Vintage. Artisans’ market on De Soto Ave, entertainment, drinks, and food all available in Starland Yard throughout the day. Come dressed in 16th century best. Rewards await you! Info@twotidesbrewing.com

WATERCOLOR WEDNESDAYS FEB. 21

Every Wednesday is Watercolor day at Superbloom Savannah. Grab some paper & a brush, drink some wine, and make a work of art! No experience needed. 5-8pm, FREE.

GHOST/BUSTED EXCLUSIVE PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION FEB. 21-22

We are taking our Paranormal Investigations and Lock-Ins to the next level with this exclusive event! Featuring a Parapsychologist, Intuitive Medium, and the lead Sorrel-Weed House Paranormal Investigator, explore the hauntings of the mansion as well as the history and future of the ghost hunting field. Learn about the tools of the trade as well as how to properly test, confirm, and potentially debunk evidence of the afterlife. officialswh@gmail.com

THE SKIDAWAY ISLAND MARATHON FEB. 24

Run Saturday 24th, at 7am in either the half or full marathon. Enjoy beautiful scenery, a quiet and peaceful course hosted by a local race company. About 300 of our runners will

participate in the Marathon and 500 in the half. 200 more will run the 5k. Then enjoy an afternoon in the fabulous Savannah Area. You can tour downtown, hit the beach on Tybee Island or explore the rivers looking for dolphins or fishing. help@savannahraces.net

RAE & THE RAGDOLLS @ BARRELHOUSE SOUTH FEB. 24

Rae and the Ragdolls are an eclectic band of rock and rollers who make magic in the studio and on the stage. Writing and performing a blend of styles from folky psychedelia to room rattling rock, Rae and the Ragdolls have something for everyone to boogie down to.

ROOTSTOCK YOGA FEB. 26

Join us at 11am every last Monday of the month with Rootstock Community Foundation and Savannah Power Yoga for a FREE yoga class for all Food and Beverage Industry Professionals.Savannah Power Yoga will offer a 60 min vinyasa yoga class and we will provide the space for the practice. All you need is a mat! Rootstock Community Foundation is a local non-profit with a focus on Mental Health Awareness and Assistance for the F&B Hospitality Industry of Savannah and the Lowcountry. Servicebrewing.com

THE BROOK & THE BLUFF FEB. 27

The Brook & The Bluff is perfectly poised between the past and the present, at an unexpected crossroads where indie rock and folk-rock have found new frontiers and possibilities online. They are now, by far, one of the most successful young bands at folk-rock’s amorphous contemporary edge, fusing the craft of the past with the ideas and avenues of the present. Having previously toured with Mt Joy, Noah Kahan, Rainbow Kitten Surprise amongst others, this fall the band will embark on their most ambitious North American headline tour yet. @districtlivesavannah

PLAN YOUR FEBRUARY NOW: Visit ConnectSavannah.com to find our 24/7, comprehensive list of all the things to do in Savannah this month. From theater performances to live music shows, art exhibitions to food festivals, Connect Savannah has got you covered. So, check out the website now and start planning your perfect month in the Hostess City today! CONNECT SAVANNAH |

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Girl Scout Ella Shafer and Jami Brantley, assistant director of programs and partnerships for the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, during the dedication of the Salt Meadows Pavilion at Camp Low. Shaffer’s troop donated $2,000 for the pavilion.

MEET ELLA SHAFFER LONGTIME SAVANNAH GIRL SCOUT EARNS LEADERSHIP KUDOS By Heidi Fedak

For most of her life, 17-year-old Ella Shaffer has been surrounded by leaders who inspired, mentored and motivated her. Now, she’s joining their ranks. On May 8, Shaffer, a Savannah Arts Academy junior and long-time Girl Scout, will be one of two honorees recognized for exceptional leadership by the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia (GSHG) during their “Legacy of Leadership” breakfast, an annual event that raises funds to support Girl Scout programming, fostering growth and empowering girls. In a competitive field of candidates, Shaffer differentiated herself through a series of achievements both in scouting and beyond, inspiring others by the

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COMMUNITY example she has set since joining the Girl Scouts in kindergarten. “Ella stands as the epitome of the qualities we aspire to instill in our Girl Scouts,” said Chelsea Simpson, GSHG’s community engagement manager.

“She underscores the positive impact the Girl Scouts have on academic achievement, personal well-being, and the cultivation of a strong sense of self, positive values, challenge-seeking spirit, healthy relationships, and community problemsolving.” Shaffer’s leadership skills, style and philosophy have been years in the making, dating back to her earliest scouting days when she witnessed the generosity demonstrated by the more experienced Scouts, who served as role models for the younger girls. “We had a group of girls who were older than us and lead activities for us, like badges and things like that,” Shaffer explained. “And that is something I really, really, really enjoyed. Those are some of my favorite memories. I have done that for younger girls because I know how much that meant to me.” The lessons those engagements imparted remain with her still, prompting Shaffer to develop a leadership philosophy focused on acts of service. And it shows. Her resume is rife with honors, awards and activities that reflect her desire to be the kind of Scout others

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP On May 8, the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia will host the Legacy of Leadership breakfast. The event will feature Savannah Chatham County Public Schools Superintendent (and Girl Scout) Denise Watts as well as recognition of Girl Scout Ella Shaffer and a member of

will want to emulate.

“Leadership to me is not about being in charge of something,” Shaffer said. “It’s about being a good example for people to follow and helping people wherever they may need.” Shaffer has surely done all that and more. Like the mentors she cherished as a child, she leads Scouting activities for younger girls, from Mad Scientist experiments at Camp Low to Irish dancing at Camp Tanglewood. Her ambitious goals, both personal and professional, focus on making the world a better place. As a freshman, she committed to completing the Congressional Award Gold Medal by the end of her junior year. It’s no easy feat, considering just one of the requirements is 400 hours of community service, but she’s on track to achieve it. Shaffer already earned the Bronze Award by collaborating with her Girl Scout troop to build three buddy benches for the Heard Elementary School playground to encourage kindness and end bullying. She clinched the Silver Award by creating an observational bee box to help protect bees. For the Gold Award, Shaffer proposed establishing a youth triathlon in Savannah, while also creating a plan other communities could use to host their own event. “It’s a fun way to bring in exercise and show how important it is, so they get on the right path,” Shaffer said. “Pulling that together will take a lot of leadership, so I’m using many of the skills I’ve learned.”

the community for their exceptional leadership. The annual event helps raise funds to support programming for the Girl Scouts. In anticipation of the event, GSHG will showcase leaders in Savannah through a mentorship element with the Girl Scouts. Companies or individuals who are interested in contributing to the event can purchase tickets or CONNECT SAVANNAH |

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As if that weren’t enough, Shaffer, who is taking classes at both Savannah Arts and Georgia Southern University, was recently inducted into the National Honor Society, which should serve her well as she pursues a career in either physical therapy or orthopedic surgery. While the awards and recognition are nice, Shaffer knows firsthand the quieter benefits of being a Scout. Many of her activities have their genesis in scouting, including her volunteer work at the Pegasus Riding Academy. What began as a summer stint counseling special needs campers quickly blossomed into helping with barn chores before camp and has now become pitching in with horse care every Sunday. “Girl Scouts has given me a great deal of opportunities,” she said. But Shaffer and her troopmates haven’t just received opportunities; they’ve also created them. By design, most Girl Scout activities are girl-led, meaning the scouts themselves decide the trajectory of their troop experience. For Shaffer and her friends, that means plenty of outdoor adventures. Together, they have backpacked 30 miles, canoed 15 days, camped, blazed trails and earned their Remote Wilderness First Aid certification, an honor traditionally reserved for adults. “As a parent, I’m proud of my kid,” said mom Amy Shaffer, who also serves as troop leader. “I’m honored on her behalf. Ella has always been a gogetter.” For her part, Ella Shaffer isn’t done yet. “After graduation, my plan is to volunteer with the Girl Scouts,” she said. “I’ll stay involved, because I loved my time in Girl Scouts.”

explore sponsorship opportunities by reaching out to Chelsea Simpson, GSHG community engagement manager, at csimpson@gshg.org. Beginning Feb. 9, Girl Scout cookie booths will open. To find a booth and purchase cookies, visit: girlscouts.org

COMMUNITY

COACH, CHAPLAIN, & MORE: ANTWAIN TURNER ANSWERS CALLING TO HELP YOUTH AS BETHESDA ACADEMY’S ‘GO-TO-GUY”

Kyunnie Shuman/RDP Productions

- Nathan Dominitz

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Antwain Turner and Jadon - Kyunnie Shuman/RDP Productions

Antwain Turner’s tenure at Bethesda Academy could have ended nearly as soon as it began more than 21 years ago. A few months into his first role supervising boys residing on campus, the daily challenges capped by a messy confrontation had him on the brink of leaving. But out of that heated moment, he came to understand it wasn’t just a job, it was his calling. Not only did he stay, Turner, now 44, has served so many roles that he’s an institution at Bethesda in Savannah. The only issue is by what title to greet him. “I’m not driven by the titles. I’m driven by purpose,” Turner said of his concurrent responsibilities. “If you ask me, I’ll say just servant.” For 19 seasons, Turner has been the only head coach of the football program he created, including the Blazers winning a state championship in November in the South Carolina Independent School Association.

“That’s his baby. He’s birthed it. He’s raised it. He’s matured it,” said seven-year offensive and defensive line coach Chris Randall, noting the team rebounded from an 1-8 season after losing key players in 2021 to go 8-4 in 2022 and 13-0 last season. “It was as much as them believing in him coaching them through this as it was in them believing in each other.” Turner has served as athletic director and chaplain since 2007, middle school head basketball coach for seven seasons and counting, and sometimes has helped coach track and field. An ordained minister, this son of a minister teaches Bible class five days a week and conducts weekly chapel services. He even officiated the marriage ceremony for one of his former players. Turner’s door is open for heart-to-heart talks, dispensing life advice and being a good listener. And Turner has spot duty as bus driver for the athletic teams and student field trips.

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“We couldn’t run the place without Coach,” Bethesda Academy president Michael Hughes said. “He’s a go-to guy. I need to teach him to say no.

“ He’s such a great role model for our young men in that you can be strong and athletic and yet a dynamite gentleman and a Christian, Hughes added.” There’s no telling how many boys – as well as assistant coaches, faculty, staff, parents and others in the school community -- have been impacted by Turner’s leadership, guidance and support over the years at Bethesda Academy, a private all-boys day school with current enrollment of 91 for grades 6-12, including about 70 for the high school grades 9-12. “He’s a great man. He’s willing to help out in any situation. Whether you’re a longtime friend or he’s just

met you, he’s willing to help out,” said Bethesda Academy senior quarterback and linebacker Triston Randall, oldest son of Chris Randall. Turner’s wife of 18 years, Petrina Turner, said her husband is a spiritual man of character and integrity who is passionate about helping children, including in his roles as assistant pastor and youth pastor at Temple of Glory Community Church. They have three children, all boys: Jadon (age 14), Jordan (13) and Justin (10). “He’s always loved people, always had a heart for people,” she said. “Of course, he’s been at Bethesda for over 20 years, so he’s always had a heart for Bethesda and Bethesda boys, what is was then and what it is now.” What it was then, when Turner started in August 2002, was Bethesda

Home for Boys, which followed a timeline through transitions all the way back to the 1740 founding of an orphanage for boys with a mission to teach “a love of God, a love of learning and a strong work ethic,” Hughes said. Turner graduated from Savannah State University in 2002 with a degree in business administration and specializing in computer information systems. He played cornerback on the Tigers football team (1997-2001) and headed a campus project helping youth. He was back in the Atlanta area, his hometown of Decatur, when told of a job opening at Bethesda that had nothing directly to do with his degree. Turner got the job as a cottage teacher – like a house parent or dormitory resident assistant – for boys

living on campus. He was 22, not much older and sometimes smaller than the 10 boys ages 13-18 that he supervised in Robinson Cottage. The first year, he worked the 3-11 p.m. shift five days a week. Bethesda at the time took in boys, including some who were awarded to the state because of difficult, or worse, home lives. He treated them the way he wanted to be treated, started building relationships and establishing a level of trust. “That was my approach rather than coming in with a bullhorn,” he said. “They’ve had a lot of unfortunate things happen in their lives during that time. Then I came in. My job was to come in and affirm who they are, really help them become the young men they are today.”

2023• Antwain Turner with Dr. Jordan trophy - Kyunnie Shuman/RDP Productions CONNECT SAVANNAH | 14 | FEBRUARY 2024

It was a tough job.

“They don’t care what you know,” he said. “They want to know whether or not you care. Those kids really wanted to know, are you going to be in and out of my life like everybody else? It was a revolving door. They wanted to know are you here to stay.” He had thought about doing something else, including on a day, around the start of 2003, when he considered quitting. Though he thoroughly enjoyed working with youth, maybe the job, at $9.95 an hour, wasn’t worth it. The birthday boy at a party in the cottage refused to share his cake with another boy, with whom he had a dispute. Turner acknowledged the issue but said everyone will have cake. Instead, the boy threw the entire cake, unlit candles and all, on Turner. The cake and Turner’s outfit were ruined. Covered in cake with icing, he went outside in the night air to cool off. “It was a defining moment for me, I believe, in my career here,” Turner said. “I questioned. ‘OK, Lord, what are we doing? Why am I here?’ “I’m walking around at night because I needed to clear my mind at that time, as you would imagine, before I do something that I’ll regret. The Lord said, ‘That’s why I called you. I called you to be the light.’ It hit me like a ton of bricks. I came in. Everybody thought I was going to knock the kid out. I just told the kid I understand. It changed my perspective holistically about where I was with Bethesda.” “Antwain has always been the calm,” Petrina Turner said. “He knows how to handle himself in stressful situations. He’s always been really good at that.” The boy apologized to Turner later that night. He had expected Turner to respond in anger. Instead, the adult role model showed him another way. Bethesda has transformed over the decades to whatever kids needed it to be, Turner said. Since the COVID pandemic, it no longer has student

Bethesda Blazers Facebook - Kyunnie Shuman/RDP Productions

boarders. (Turner and his family show their commitment 24/7 by living in a home on campus.) Bethesda is purpose driven, Turner said, preparing boys for their futures, whether the next stage is college, military service, or the labor force. Regardless of Turner’s titles – or whether the Blazers are competing for titles as the football program endures peaks and valleys amid fluctuations in roster size, recently around 32 -- his mission is the same.

“Our coaching model is pretty easy: it’s coaching from the inside out. That’s my philosophy,” Turner said. “This is what I tell parents as well as our younger coaches: If we can teach kids how to be a better person, we can

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teach them to be a better player. It goes hand in hand.” “We do that from a model we call AUDIT: Accountability, Unity, Discipline, Integrity, Toughness. That’s how we center our program built on the five pillars of success.” Triston Randall said while Turner cares about success in sports, he cares more about the individuals. He loves when an alumnus visits and is doing well in life. Asked for some of his favorite of Turner’s words of wisdom, Randall paused in thought. “He said, it doesn’t matter what’s happening right now. When it’s all said and done, what will you be known for?” Randall said. “He kept saying that all through my football journey. I guess that stuck with me.”

Februar y

15-18, 2024

FREE FESTIVAL SATURDAY Feb. 17 FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC • OVER 30 AUTHORS • 6 VENUES Telfair & Chippewa Squares

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR HEADLINER EVENTS scadboxofﬁce.com

To learn more, visit savannahbookfestival.org

Chairperson's Circle

• The Philip E. & Nancy B. Beekman Foundation • Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation • Gerald D. & Helen M. Stephens Foundation • Dave & Nancy Cintron

• Robert Faircloth • Betsy Lancaster • Kristin & Mickey Ott

SAVANNAH’S BEST AND LONGEST HAPPY HOUR

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 2PM6PM HALF PRICED APPS, $3 WELLS, $4 GEORGIA & DOMESTIC DRAFTS, $5 JAMESON & FIREBALL

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SAVANNAH BOOK FESTIVAL FEB. 15-18 SAVANNAH BOOK FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR SEVENTEENTH YEAR The Savannah Book Festival (SBF) returns this month for its 17th year of celebrating the written word. With a mission to promote reading, writing and civil conversation, the SBF has attracted an array of nationallyacclaimed authors to Savannah since its inception in 2008. Each year, more than 9,000 people attend the festival. This year, the festival is scheduled for Feb. 15-18 and Festival Saturday, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Feb. 17. About 30 author presentations are held at seven venues throughout the day. The venues are located downtown in the areas surrounding Telfair, Chippewa and Wright Squares. Authors coming from a wide-ranging group of genres will give 30-minute presentations on their creative process, their characters and their careers in general. Each session is concluded with an author Q&A and a book signing. The Savannah Book Festival’s headlining authors include Ruth Ware, Jeannette Walls and David Grann who will speak at ticketed events on Thursday, Feb. 15, Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday Feb. 18, respectively.

LOCAL READ:

SAVANNAH AUTHOR HARRISON SCOTT KEY Headliners will give addresses at The Trustees Theater and each will give a 45-minute presentation on their process and life as a writer, followed by a Q&A and a book signing. For the first time this year, the SBF will present two panel discussions on Saturday afternoon with several authors from two genres–thrilling and historical fiction. Award-winning author and NPR book-critic, Denny S. Bryce will moderate the thrilling fiction panel and Jonathan Rabb, professor of writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design, will moderate the historical fiction panel. Local authors Harrison Scott Key, Keith Miller, Dayton Duncan and April Tucholke will be presenting on Festival Saturday as will Michael L. Thurmond,

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a former Savannah resident for many years. A few notable events that fans won’t want to miss on Saturday include the celebration of the 30th anniversary of a modern classic based in Savannah, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Author John Berendt is speaking at the Savannah Theater at 9am. Tim O’Brien, author of The Things They Carried, is presenting his work of fiction, America Fantastic and TJ Klune, author of In the Lives of Puppets, wraps the theater trio at 11:40a.m. Tickets, schedules, author profiles and more can be found online at www. SavannahBookFestival.org. Follow SBF on social media and reach them with questions at 912-598-4040 or info@ savannahbookfestival.org. Another great way to track the festival and to get prepared for the President’s Day weekend Savannah Book Festival is by downloading the mobile app for the 2024 Savannah Book Festival in Apple and Google stores. - Travis Jaudon

Photo provided by Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee

ELEVATION THROUGH EDUCATION

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CULTURE

REMEMBERING AND REVERING THE LIFE OF SUSIE KING TAYLOR By Chantel Britton REPORTER

Trailblazing teacher, dedicated nurse and Civil War veteran, Susie King Taylor is a remarkable figure in both local and national history. Born into slavery in Liberty County in 1848, Taylor relocated to Savannah at the age of seven to live with her grandmother. It was here that Taylor began a secret education at the behest of her grandmother, who arranged for her to attend two clandestine schools taught by free African American women. Taylor excelled academically to the point that she exceeded her teachers. One year after the Civil War began, she moved back to Liberty County to be with her mother and rumors about Yankees bringing freedom circulated among the enslaved community. Once Union forces launched their attack on Confederate-held Fort Pulaski, some slaves took the chaos brought on by the fighting as an opportunity to escape. Taylor’s uncle led her to a federal gunboat, and she became free at 14 years old. The ship’s commander was astonished by her literacy skills and arranged for her to teach at a children’s school on St. Simon’s Island. In this position, Taylor taught as many as 40 children each day and even more adults at night, becoming the first known African American to teach at a freedmen’s school in Georgia. Later, Taylor relocated to Beaufort, S.C., where one of the first African American regiments, the 1st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment, was stood up in the fall of 1862. Taylor served as the regimental laundress along with nurse and educator, teaching the regiment of former slaves how to read and write. She married Sgt. Edward King of the unit in 1862, and they continued to serve until

the regiment was mustered out of service in 1866. The couple relocated to Savannah after the war where she opened a private school and taught freedmen’s children. Sadly, her husband died shortly after and the opening of a public school shuttered her private school. Taylor found work as a domestic servant for some time thereafter. In 1872, she relocated to Boston where she married Russell Taylor. There she engaged in active work with the Woman’s Relief Corps, which was a national organization for female veterans of the Civil War. In 1902, she published her memoir “Reminiscences of My Life in Camp,” becoming the first Black woman to write such a memoir on her Civil War experiences, before passing a decade later.

Taylor spent her life as a champion of literacy among the African American community. Her exemplary legacy and local ties are more than worthy of recognition here in the Hostess City. For these reasons, Taylor is being honored as the first woman and person of color to have one of Savannah’s historic squares bear her name. For nearly four years Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee has led the campaign to rename Calhoun Square in honor of Taylor. Savannah will soon rededicate the square as Taylor Square, which sits at the intersection of Abercorn and East Wayne Streets. The square was formerly named for John C. Calhoun, a past U.S. vice president from South Carolina who was a staunch supporter of slavery. The Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee is a grassroots organization that works to change local policies for the betterment of the community and all of its inhabitants. Renaming Calhoun Square has been one of the

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most important tasks on the center’s agenda over the last few years. “Calhoun is pro-slavery, and we’re taxpayers, so we wanted to have his name off of a public square. There’s a state law that says you cannot remove Confederate names. That is the law. What we do as a grassroots organization is organize local citizens to go to the local government and change the policy. And so, that’s what happened here in this situation,” said Patt Gunn, the center’s co-founder. The effort started after she learned that Calhoun and Whitefield Squares were unmarked burial grounds for poor whites and enslaved people, respectively, through her work in Savannah’s guided tour scene. Upon confirming this discovery with official city reports, Gunn submitted an application to the city to rename the square. Initially, the organization sought for Calhoun Square to be renamed Sankofa Square, but neighborhood residents preferred for the square to be named after a person like other squares. “I knew right away that it should be Susie King Taylor. I knew her history. My co-director Rosalyn Rouse knows so much about Susie King Taylor, and she co-educated me about [her]. . . She did so many things in terms of educating and the bravery of running those schools. She was the one,” said Gunn. The process to change the name was lengthy and not without difficulty, but the center’s coalition amassed about 40 dedicated members who were committed to the cause. “[Our] volunteers were from all over Chatham County and from all walks of life. We had workers. We had retirees. We had educators. We had students from Susie King Taylor community school and other young people, artists. It was a very diverse group, all hues, and we decided

we’re going to form a coalition, and that’s what we did,” she said. The coalition examined city information to uncover the process for renaming a square. “We looked at the city’s information and found that there are squares and there are parks. And when we looked at the actual renaming of the square, we found a category that we felt we qualified for. It said you only have to get 51 percent of the neighbors to support it. It has to be an organization, and we checked off everything that was on the list, and the city said yes,” Gunn said. “We were able to get 51 percent of the neighbors to support this three times, but each time we got it, someone would sell their house and then we’d be back to square one. So that’s when policy comes in. It’s like, you’ve hit a wall and now what do we do? You’ve got to change the policy.” The coalition was able to gain the support of the city manager, who helped them find a path forward. In November, the city council voted to remove Calhoun’s name and make the renaming a competitive process that received more than 300 entries. From that pool, 14 finalists were identified, with the council ultimately selecting Taylor as the new namesake for the square. The renaming marks the first time in 140 years that a square has undergone a name change.

“The last time a square’s name was changed was in 1883, July

the 18th, to be exact. . . when St. James Square was changed to Telfair Place, which became Telfair Square,” said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson during a city council meeting on Aug. 25 of last year. “Public property naming is an extremely important process that reflects on the values and ideals of our community. It was clear to us that the square formerly named Calhoun Square did not deserve to remain named Calhoun Square. So we removed the name . . . What he stood for was not what Savannah stands for, and [he has] no real connection to our community whatsoever.”

“From 12–2 p.m., we’ll have all kinds of festivities like music. We’re going to have the Gullah Geechee Shouters from Darien, the Susie King Taylor Community Choir. We’ll have educational groups. Massie Heritage Center is also participating. So just a lot of events where people can come and enjoy in celebration of [Taylor],” said Gunn. The city will also observe a reflection period for one hour that day at 6 p.m. at the square. Gunn sees the renaming of the square not as an erasure of a difficult history but a fuller explanation of that history.

“It’s one thing to make history. It’s something else to make sense. And in this case, we’re making both. . . In recognizing Susie King Taylor, we’re also recognizing all of those other names and all of those other people of all colors, and all hues, and of all genders who [had] hoped that this day would come,” said Johnson.

“I think that you have to tell the whole story. One of the things the mayor has done is to make sure that there is signage, which he has already gotten pre-approved by the monument and sites committee, that tells the original history. This used to be Calhoun Square, and they’re going to tell the history of who he was and then give the date when it was renamed. . . That will be in the square,” she said. “Our marker will have Taylor Square on it. Our goal long-term, once we get this unveiling done, is to create a memorial so we can have a beautiful memorial or statue in that square of Susie King Taylor, with no erasure. We want the entire story.”

Taylor Square will be officially dedicated on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. during a special unveiling event. The city will host an hour-long formal presentation in collaboration with the Center for Jubilee.

Gunn added that the square renaming could not have been possible without the valiant efforts of the coalition members and volunteers who gave generously of their time and energy in support of this pursuit.

After hearing various citizens make their case for their nominations, the council made the historic decision to rename the square after Taylor.

“The heroes and ‘sheroes’ who I want to commend who gave us the strength to do this are the neighbors who lived around the squares. They were the ones who got the 51 percent signatures. They were the ones who walked the neighborhood in the evening hours. Some of them were elders asking the neighbors to sign so that we could have a square that doesn’t offend people. They were the ones who lost friendships. They took the risk. And they were the ones who walked those areas when it was not safe for me and other African Americans to knock on those doors,” Gunn said. “I just want to commend them for their bravery in helping us to get this done. If it were not for them, it may have been a longer process. I call them my 21st century abolitionists. They’re just awesome.” To learn more about the Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee or how to get involved, visit centerforjubilee.com/. Calhoun Square soon to be Taylor Square Photo by Erica Lang CONNECT SAVANNAH | 20 | FEBRUARY • 2024

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CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN SAVANNAH TELFAIR MUSEUMS’ JEPSON CENTER

SAVANNAH BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL Returning for its 35th year, the Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) brings performances, exhibits and activities to the community throughout the entire month of February. Presented by Savannah State University and sponsored annually by the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Resources, this year’s festival theme is “Legacy & Innovation: Framing the Future of Our Culture.” The Grand Festival Day is scheduled for Feb. 17 at the Savannah Civic Center where the community is invited to partake in family-oriented activities concluding with a concert. For a full schedule of events, visit: https:// savannahblackheritagefestival.org/

SAVANNAH AFRICAN ART MUSEUM The Savannah African Art Museum will be unveiling their new rotating gallery exhibit on Thursday, Feb. 1, that will run through January 2025. The exhibit, titled “The Language of Fabrics: Weaving traditions Across Africa,” was curated by fashion and textile design specialist, Moraa Nyaribo to tell the story of different textiles used across Africa and how they were viewed in different parts of the continent. The museum will also be hosting an opening reception to meet the curator at 5:30p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2. The Savannah African Art Museum will also be partnering with Bull Street Library’s Kaye Kole Genealogy & Local History Room to facilitate a “Tracing Your Roots” workshop on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11a.m. The workshop will include a brief talk about the importance of knowing your roots, a guide through what resources are available at the library, as well as tips on how to get started, navigate, and organize your research. This event is a part of the 2024 Savannah Black Heritage Festival.

“Frank Stewart’s Nexus: An American Photographer’s Journey, 1960s to the Present” is the first museum retrospective of noted photographer Frank Stewart’s (b. 1949) allusive art, a photographic autobiography of his life on the road. The exhibition, on display from Feb. 9 to May 12, will present an overview of Stewart’s sixty-year long career. Since the 1960s, Stewart has captured spontaneous and sensitive portrayals of Black culture in many forms, including art, food, dance, and music—especially jazz.

SCAD TOURS: VITALIZING BLACK HISTORY IN SAVANNAH’S COMMUNITIES On Sunday, Feb. 11th, Super Museum Sunday, all are invited to travel across time on a bus tour of Savannah that illuminates SCAD’s commitment to preserving local Black history and the university’s enduring fellowship with community leaders. From significant civil rights sites to major contemporary restoration initiatives, each stop on the tour centers visionary voices from Savannah’s African American past, present, and future. Tours begin at the SCAD Museum of Art at 10a.m. and 2p.m. and are free and open to the public. To reserve a spot, visit www.eventbrite. com.

BAM! CELEBRATING BLACK ARTISTS IN MUSIC On Friday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) will present BAM! Celebrating Black Artists in Music at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts. After two consecutive years of sold-out shows, BAM! 2024 expands its celebration of Black History Month and Black musical artists with GRAMMY®, Emmy®, and Tony Award® nominated stars directly from Broadway, TV, and Film. They will share the stage with the stars of tomorrow, including SCAD’s premier vocal ensemble, The Bee Sharps, SCAD students and alumni. American Idol winner and SCAD alum Candice Glover will also perform. For more information about the event and tickets, visit: https:// tickets.scadboxoffice.com. - Connect Staff

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Savannah Convention Center Exterior expansion plans

By Brett Bigelow COMMUNITY

THE EXPANDED CENTER AIMS TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN ATTRACTING VISITORS TO THE CITY AND BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY THROUGH CONVENTIONS AND EVENTS. In recent years, Savannah has been beaming amidst a massive economic boom. The Hyundai Plant announcement and Gulfstream’s expansion are just two examples of the billions of dollars that are currently being invested in the Greater Savannah area. In addition to these impressive and promising economic expansions, the Savannah Convention Center is on track to contribute to Savannah’s growth in the new year.

The expanded center aims to play a vital role in attracting visitors to the city and boosting the local economy through conventions and

events. Connect Savannah recently had the opportunity to speak with Kelvin Moore, the center’s new General Manager. Moore comes to Savannah with over 30 years of industry experience and most recently held the position of regional vice president of ASM Global, a venue and event management company previously named SMG. He shared his thoughts on the positive impact he believes this development will have on the Savannah community. Convention centers have the potential to play a crucial role in providing a space for individuals, companies, and industries to come together, learn, network, and grow. Moore believes that the new expansion will not only benefit the convention industry but also have a significant impact on the local community.

“The convention center plays a role in setting the stage and providing the stage from which a city can sell itself to various industries. Convention

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centers often play a vital role in showcasing what a city has to offer,” Moore said. One of the most significant advantages of the convention center is its potential for positive economic impact. With every visitor that comes to the city, there is an influx of spending in hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. Moore believes this economic boost provides a significant advantage to the community, as these expenses are not borne by the local citizens. “Bringing in out-of-town visitors who spend money in the city ultimately benefits the local economy,” he said. The expansion represents $490 million in economic impact and supports 28,000 tourism and hospitality jobs in coastal Georgia, according to the Savannah Convention Center’s 2023 Annual Report. In 2023, the Savannah Convention Center contributed $1.4 billion in economic impact to Georgia through tourism and hospitality in less than 10 years, according to the report.

The expansion project is a source of excitement for Moore, who believes that the additional space and facilities will take the Savannah Convention Center to a new level of competition. The expansion will also add a 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 40,000 square foot ballroom, 15 meeting rooms and over 900 parking spaces, as outlined in the same annual report. These additions should allow the center to compete with some of the largest cities in the nation.

He acknowledged that the future of the convention industry relies on their engagement and preferences, saying, “The younger demographic seeks experiences that align with their work-life balance, including engaging with colleagues, handson learning, and different ways of experiencing a convention.” Convention centers must adapt and provide value propositions that align with the younger generation’s priorities, such as social responsibility and connections with the host city.

However, Moore believes that it’s not just the physical structure that will make a difference. In recent years, there has been a shift in the preferences of convention attendees, with Millennials and Gen Z becoming the future of the industry, Moore said, who believes it is crucial to cultivate an experience that resonates with younger demographics.

Moore believes that by creating an experience that appeals to this demographic, the Savannah Convention Center will attract a new generation of convention-goers.

“They want different experiences and engagements. The facilities that recognize and meet those needs will be the ones that excel,” he said.

Savannah Convention Center Exterior expansion plans

The expansion will also bring the ability to host larger meetings and increase the overall number of meetings held at the center. This could further contribute to the convention center’s economic impact and support the local economy. The expansion of the Savannah Convention Center not only brings exciting new facilities for conventions and events but also

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serves as a catalyst for further development in the area. One of the key developments alongside the expansion project is the construction of a new 400-plus-room hotel near the convention center. The addition of a new hotel on Hutchinson Island will not only enhance the overall experience for convention attendees but could also bring significant economic benefits to the community. With an increase in the number of hotel rooms available, Savannah has the potential to attract larger conventions and events, resulting in increased tourism and revenue for local businesses. Furthermore, the hotel alone will also create job opportunities and could go a long way in solidifying Savannah’s reputation as a premier destination for conventions and conferences. It will also provide visitors with a unique and picturesque experience, being situated on an island with breathtaking views of the river and the historic cityscape. The convention center’s expansion also coincided with projects to make the current building match

Savannah Convention Center Ballroom expansion plans

Savannah Convention Center East Lobby expansion plans

the expansion.They replaced the 22-year-old roof, repainted the inside of the building, and installed a new outdoor event space on the riverfront, according to the Savannah Convention Center 2023 Annual Report. When it comes to selling Savannah as a destination, Moore highlighted the unique aspects that make it stand out. He mentioned the city’s competitive package, including its rich history, vibrant food scene, arts, and culture. Moore particularly emphasized the city’s location by the river and the port system, stating, “It’s the total package, the combination of unique factors that cannot be replicated by other cities.” Moore, who will soon be relocating from Chicago to Savannah, has experienced firsthand the charm and beauty of the city during recent trips. He was particularly impressed by the historic squares and the stories behind them. He believes that these unique aspects will captivate convention attendees and make them want to return to explore the city further. Moore encourages the citizens of Savannah to take pride in their city and the development of the new convention center, which he believes will be on par with the best in the world. The upcoming opening of the new expansion at the Savannah Convention Center is set to bring numerous benefits to the Savannah community. The economic impact, and the ability to cater to the preferences of younger attendees are just a few of the positive outcomes expected. With its unique charm and rich history, Savannah is poised to become a top convention destination, matching its already prodigious reputation for leisure travel. “Once the convention center is up and running, the people of Savannah should feel incredibly proud of their convention center,” Moore said.

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ARTS

SOUTHEAST’S

DYNAMIC DUO: EMILY EARL & JON WITZKY By Beth Logan ART COLUMNIST

In an issue dedicated to leadership, it was easy for me to think of two young people at the forefront of making Savannah both an arts destination and a vibrant place in which to live and work as an artist. Both fully dedicated to the nonprofit Arts Southeast, photographer Emily Earl serves as executive director, and her partner, painter and educator Jon Witzky, serves as program director. Along with fellow SCAD graduates Jennifer Moss and A.J. Perez, Emily Earl founded Sulfur Studios in 2014. Seven years later, the decision was made to reorganize as the 501c3 nonprofit Arts Southeast, with the name Sulfur Studios retained for the flagship programs housed at 2301 Bull Street. Emily, I know you are a stellar

photographer who, amongst other accomplishments, has had a solo show at Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center. Can you share some background and explain why you started Sulfur Studios. “I am the daughter of artists who met as participants of the Ossabaw Island Project of the 1970’s. I was born in Savannah in 1985, attended Savannah Arts Academy, and graduated with a BFA in Photography from SCAD in 2007. When Jennifer, A.J., and I started the studio back in 2014 we saw a need in Savannah‘s artistic community for a home base for local artists. From the beginning, we wanted to be able to provide very affordable studio space, exhibition space, and a place for artists

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and art appreciators to come together, a place where creative collaborations could happen and artists could take risks, a place for the public to interact with art and to learn about art directly from the artists. And we wanted to bolster Savannah’s reputation as an art destination. It’s incredible to look back to when we started ten years ago and see how that vision has come to fruition.” Jon, can you share a little about your background and how/why you stepped up to get involved with ARTS Southeast? “I’m originally from Columbus, Ohio, where I spent a lot of time in bands and selling records before receiving my BFA in painting from OSU. I moved to Southern Illinois for

CULTURE my MFA and then began teaching. In 2018, I came to Savannah to teach at Armstrong, immediately got a studio at Sulfur, and very quickly made it my home. I knew there was something special happening - something that I cared about - and I wanted to be part of it. Once the pandemic hit, my situation changed at Georgia Southern and Sulfur had to close for a bit - luckily, we have a very generous landlord who gave us a major break during that time! Emily and I began very seriously discussing the idea of becoming a nonprofit. We also knew that Jennifer Moss was soon to be teaching full-time, so it just made sense for me to take on some new roles and provide direction and perspective as we became ARTS Southeast.” Emily, what are you most proud of so far? “I’m really gratified to make it to ten years with this wild idea we had and to see how much it’s grown, matured, and been able to pivot to welcome in new ideas, programs, and people to make things happen. I’m really proud of IMPACT Magazine as I feel that is another instance where we saw a need for Savannah to have a dedicated arts and culture publication and then we were able to create one it’s such a great way to highlight all of the amazing talent we have here and then bring in artists from other cities and introduce their work to our local readers, and it’s a great tool for really putting Savannah on the map as an arts and culture destination. And I’m super proud of the ON::View Residency and how we’ve grown it from just a space in our lobby for local artists, to an international program (the only program of its kind in Savannah!) where we bring artists from all around the world to live here.” And you, Jon? “Same! There are a lot of things we are working on at every moment, planning exhibitions, hosting artist talks and educational outreach, working with visiting artists in the ON::View Artist Residency program, creating and editing IMPACT Magazine, facilitating the Green Truck

Leia Genis courtesy of Andrew Hetherington

Drive Thru Art Box, and working on new ways to engage with artists and art lovers. I am proud to be part of a community that recognizes the importance of art patronage and generously supports ARTS Southeast’s role in our arts ecosystem.” Emily, what are you most looking forward to accomplishing in 2024? “I’m really excited about our newest program, the Incubator Artist Initiative. In line with our mission to provide affordable studio space to local artists [there are 26 below market-rate artist studios housed at 2301 Bull Street] we’ve launched this program to give a local emerging artist a free studio space for one year! The call for proposals is out now with a deadline of February 10th. We’re so excited to give an emerging local artist this opportunity to have a space in our community, to provide mentorship, professional practice, and guidance as they make their work this year as well as exhibition opportunities and memberships to Savannah’s arts institutions like SCAD Museum of Art and Telfair Museums. It’s an incredible opportunity that has the potential to really be a life-changing experience for a young up-and-coming artist,

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so we are thrilled to launch this program!” Jon, what show(s), or residency are you most excited about in 2024? “Our exhibition season is going to be an exciting one! Currently we’re showing our annual ON::View Revuecelebrating all the ON::View Residency artists we hosted last year – both local and from around the globe. It’s always rewarding to look back at the work they created while they were with us. In March, I am really looking forward to Gabe Torres’ show, Wilton Street Rhythm. Gabe is a fiber artist and painter who we have worked with over the years (she was an ON::View Resident artist in 2022). Her new show is a series of large loom paintings inspired by the work of Miles Davis that will open on March 1st, First Friday, and include our first street fair of 2024 and some other surprises. And in May, we have Atlanta-based fiber artist Leia Genis. Leia’s work can be seen in the latest issue of IMPACT Magazine, and she was recently part of a fantastic group show at the Johnson Lowe Gallery in Atlanta. We’ve been following her for years and she is really starting to blow up now - we are stoked to have her in the main gallery this year.”

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Streetfair - Image provided by Emily Earl and Jon Witzky

Emily, how do you see Arts Southeast fitting into the larger art scene in Savannah? What partnerships or growth opportunities do you see? “ARTS Southeast is unique in that we have a lot of artists making their work all in one building right alongside exhibitions, visiting artists from around the world, and our guests. I think having so much builtin daily activity really creates an engine for the arts community and is a great setting for conversations and connections to be made which often lead to collaborations and partnerships. I think that’s my favorite part of what we get to do and what can happen so naturally - connecting people together. We’ve been enjoying working with local art spaces like Laney Contemporary, Location Gallery, and Cleo the Gallery and have been thrilled with the support we’ve received from organizations like Telfair Museums, SCAD MOA, Gulfstream, Georgia Council for the Arts, the NEA, South Arts, and the City through their ACE Grant, and we’re looking forward to expanding these partnerships in the coming years.

I’m also excited about our growth as more of a regional organization, with resources and opportunities for artists in other Southeastern cities like Atlanta, Charleston, Jacksonville and beyond.” Jon, what is your vision for the non-profit? “In the next several years Arts Southeast will continue to grow as our board works to extend our footprint beyond the Starland District with new galleries and spaces for experimentation, as well as with the expansion of our ON::View Artist in Residence program (which has begun with the inauguration of the Incubator Artist Initiative).

the board of ARTS Southeast. Visit the studios, artist-in-residence, galleries, and Sulfur Shop at Arts Southeast, 2301 Bull Street, Thursday through Sunday. Subscribe to their weekly newsletter, become a supporter, or find out more about the many programs at www. artssoutheast.org, and follow on Instagram @sulfurstudios.

ARTS Southeast and our flagship program Sulfur Studios will continue to provide space for artists to gather, exhibit, and work alongside the community. I believe that the programming and groundwork that we’ve been laying for the past several years has created an extremely firm foundation for us to continue to grow and share the benefits that a rich cultural experience brings to our community.” Note to readers: Beth Logan chairs ON::View Artist Residency Jon Field CONNECT SAVANNAH | 30 | FEBRUARY • 2024

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FOOD & DRINK

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CHEF BRANDON CARTER: LEADING SAVANNAH’S FOOD SCENE ONE RESTAURANT AT A TIME Chef Brandon Carter (Image from commonthreadsavannah.com)

There won’t be any parades, there won’t be any holidays, there won’t be any plaques put up somewhere in Savannah marking the occasion, but it will be a big deal nonetheless. Summer 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of what I’ve been calling our culinary renaissance for quite a while.

Carter, executive chef, and owner of quite possibly Savannah’s best restaurant, Common Thread. In the three years they’ve been on the scene at Abercorn and 37th, they’ve carved out a solid niche for locals and visitors looking for that quintessential modern-Southern dining experience. Brandon and his entire staff are passionate, focused, and consistent. They’ve been rewarded for that execution. In 2022, Bon Appetit named them among the 50 Best New Restaurants in America. Well deserved.

Some of our best-and most popular-restaurants opened in the Summer of 2014. Most are not only still open but thriving. It was the beginning of the modern food scene around here. I don’t think anyone could dispute that.

It would have been easy to sit on that and call it a day. After all, operating one restaurant is not for the faint of heart. But Brandon had a vision some years ago—a vision he says he largely kept to himself but shared occasionally with others.

In that time, we’ve seen all kinds of people and personalities enter the race in search of a lane that they could be successful in. Some great talents have come and gone. Some have decided to stay and make Savannah their home with plans to help our food scene not only grow but thrive from the inside out.

The Carters’ blossoming empire of restaurants is currently at three. There’s Wildflower Cafe at the Jepson Museum and the relatively new Strange Bird casual concept in Savannah’s Victorian District. If you include FARM Bluffton, the concept that started it all for the Carters in this region, then it is four. Oh yeah, and then there’s a food truck, which stays very busy.

EAT IT AND LIKE IT By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com

One of those talents is Brandon

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“We’ve got a few more things in the works over the next few years,” Brandon tells me.” It’s hard to be surprised. But if there is anything Brandon is adamant about sharing regarding his journey and expansion of their footprint in the area, it’s the fact that he’d be dead in the water without the staff he and his wife Jessica have surrounded themselves with. Even before the conversation we had for this column, Brandon has always been about putting his people out in front of him, almost demanding that they get the attention and respect they deserve for allowing the visions to not only become reality but reach the levels they have. We’ve mentioned the reputation Common Thread has earned, but really it’s the others as well, including FARM back in Bluffton, which remains one of that city’s best eateries. They are all fantastic and consistent restaurants, which is incredibly hard to pull off in a city this size. Ask anyone who has tried.

When he’s in one of his kitchens, his intense facial expressions might get him a tryout as a linebacker with the Georgia Bulldogs. I’ve seen it more than once. The first time I met him, I was intimidated, there is no question. But I’ve since come to understand the focus that is required to execute at the levels Brandon and his staff(s) do. I’ve also come to understand exactly how they can oversee a staff that has reached 90 employees and still be as sharp on the edges as they are, really across the board. “Without the Opies and Daves and Shanas and Libbys…” he begins but trails off, knowing that for as much as he’d like to name all 90 employees, we didn’t have time for that. “They make it happen every single day.” He offers that there is a humility that everyone that works with him carries daily as a foundation for that success. “It’s easy to start believing that you are more successful than you are,” he says. But that doesn’t happen in his kitchens or his dining rooms. After the quality of the food, of course, one of the most popular sentiments about Common Thread is that there is no arrogance permeating through the dining room. As focused as Brandon can be, that attitude starts at the top. This is where you get to see who Brandon Carter really is. “I care about how people are doing,” he says, when asked about his ability to not only attract great talent but keep it here in Savannah.

“ We have a mantra, it’s people, product, profit.” Yes, he’s the boss and everyone knows that, but he makes it more than clear to anyone they bring into their kitchens that they want to tap into their creativity and execution. Brandon’s kitchens aren’t about hiring people to do things exactly as he wants it done. These kitchens are about letting creatives be creative, with some guidelines, of course.

“I am as hands on as I can be,” he says. “I love collaboration, but I let them (his kitchens) operate.” “The more buy in, the easier the lift.” He cites as an example, their Strange Bird concept which started as the food truck we mentioned earlier. They offered burgers, chicken, tacos, burritos and other fairly simple bites. But Brandon is quick to point out that the discussion about making the truck concept into a brick-and-mortar location came fairly early. Development was delayed by that whole ‘2020 thing’ but Strange Bird Savannah is the result of the input and dedication of Daniel Aranza and Felipe Vera. If you pull it up on the Strange Bird website, Daniel and Felipe are the Strange Bird Team—a two man show. We all know the support staff behind it, of course, but it is a classic example of empowering your staff. I don’t know how soon Felipe came on board, but I recall seeing him in the kitchen at FARM almost at the beginning, back in 2016. Speaking of FARM, if you look at their staff list now, 12 of 15 top positions are filled by women. It doesn’t take hours of research to know that it wasn’t all that long ago you’d struggle to find that type of empowerment in this particular industry. Heck, depending on who you ask, you will find out that it is still a problem ‘out there.’ It’s clearly not a problem here. “That’s where the magic happens. The ladies and guys on our team,” Brandon says. There’s been plenty of that magic over the last eight years since FARM opened in Bluffton, and there is a lot more in store. The bites at Common Thread, Wildflower Cafe and Strange Bird prove that every single day. The leadership is in place and there is little to no doubt they will make it happen. To be continued…

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Food & Drink images from Common Thread Savannah Facebook

MUSIC & CLUBS

True Body performing at Lodge of Sorrows credit courtesy of Graveface Records

THE THREE LOUD MEN BY: FRANK RICCI The independent music scene can be one of society’s most practical examples of egalitarianism. Often, people in the crowd are later seen on stage performing or are involved in the promotion. Intimate rooms and lower stages bring a physical connection between the artist and the audience you cannot get when musicians play in gigantic sports arenas. Few people are in it for the money. But these shows that build community and offer avenues of creative expression don’t just happen by themselves. Someone must take the lead. Savannah is fortunate to have a thriving local music scene. Fueled by the youthful energy of rotating SCAD students and working veteran musicians, we’ve been treated to a post-pandemic explosion of new and revived artists who seem to

have made the most of lockdown. Still, a city can have a thousand active bands, but who would even know if no one steps up to organize, promote, and operate a concert? Whether the concept of hierarchies makes you uncomfortable or not, it is a necessity. Savannah is a relatively small city, but our music community is deep enough to keep three local promoters busy doing their thing. Ryan Graveface of the Graveface Records and Curiosities empire, Tim Walls of AURA Fest and Coastal Rock Productions, and Kyle Brown of Dog Days Presents have each forged their own path toward the common goal of bringing underground and independent music concerts to Savannah on a regular basis. None of them set out to be leaders, but their efforts and motivation to make things happen cannot be denied.

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Graveface has been at it the longest. The eponymous record store and oddities market is a Starland District institution with a history that began in another arena of promoting bands. Graveface explains:

“Graveface started as a recording label in 2000, putting out CD-Rs of friends’ bands and my own stuff. Then in 2002 I pivoted to real releases, LPs, things that weren’t just me... That was in Chicago. Then I moved to Savannah and wanted to go record shopping. I looked on Google and there was not a single record store. I had a huge record collection, so I hatched the idea of just finding a spot and opening it as a pop-up to give Savannah something it didn’t

have other than an occasional record fair. So that’s how the store came about.” The store’s second most-known wares, the oddities and collectibles, have their own story.

“Since I am not a big fan of The Beatles or classic rock, instead of adorning the walls with posters of bands I couldn’t care less about, I thought taxidermy and human skulls and other things I’d been collecting seemed like a more natural choice... That’s where the records and curiosities come from, and it afforded me the opportunity to sell other things I’d been sitting on because I’m a hoarder. So that’s how it all came about since we opened 13 years ago. Many record shops have opened since that seem to follow our lead in aesthetic and vibe, so I guess that means people are paying attention.” Unlike the store’s organic birth story, adding live show promotion to the Graveface brand was a more purposeful, noble pursuit. “In 2014, I built a pretty big stage in the back of the store because there weren’t any all-ages shows other than house shows at the time. We started doing three to four shows a week, mostly touring bands with a local opener. It became a thing until I got sued by a neighbor who is now long gone, who lived directly above the stage. I tried to work around his work schedule. I was willing to do shows at noon to be over by five if that was when he got home from work, but that wasn’t good enough. It was similar to what happened to Hang Fire. So we had to get rid of that stage in about 2017.”

Barcelona’s Prison Affair playing Dog Days Fest 2023 credit Mel Mercer

Keeping busy with the downtown museum he was opening occupied Graveface until the in-store venue alternative, The Lodge of Sorrows, was found. It’s a multi-function space akin to Andy Warhol’s Factory, where plenty of Graveface Records work can be done, including a recording studio, office space, and plans to press vinyl. The Lodge also has an excellent sound system for live performances. Many local acts have played the space, including Graveface’s bands Dreamend and The Marshmallow Ghosts. Touring bands have been carefully selected and include bands that are both obscure and highly regarded, like queer punks The HIRS Collective, Tampa OG death metal act Massacre, and San Jose experimental rock band Xiu Xiu. Graveface explains how he selects the bands hosted at The Lodge. “It’s basically a replacement for doing shows in the store, and I just book bands that I love. I listen to every kind of music, so it just has to be something I love. We are about two-and-a-half years into The Lodge now, and you’d be shocked at the amount of stuff I turn down that would easily pay the bills. It’s just like running the record label. Back in the day, when I was still touring with Black Moth Super Rainbow, I was getting large, well-known bands approaching me. (CONTINUED NEXT PAGE)

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Kyle Brown (right) with Dog Days illustrator Drew Murray.

A record I turned down won a Grammy; it would’ve made me literally millions of dollars, but if it’s not something I’m in love with, I’m not going to do it. The record store is different. I try to stock everything anyone asks for. I’m glad we did that for retail, but it’s different than the label or Lodge of Sorrows.” That discerning sense of purpose, intended to lead or not, is shared by Graveface’s peers. In the early 2000s, a pre-AURA Fest teenage Tim Walls began booking hardcore punk and metal shows at Velvet Elvis and Teasers, partly to help his band get gigs. After a few years, life took him to Atlanta for college and presented family obligations upon returning to Savannah. He kept an eye on the live music scene and when responsibilities subsided enough in 2017, he started booking shows again in earnest. But there were obstacles. This was when Graveface ended instore shows, The Dollhouse and Hang Fire had closed, and house shows just weren’t happening. Nevertheless, Walls persisted. He found places and momentum was building, but he was thinking bigger. Booking regular

Ryan Graveface head shot

Tim Walls head shot

shows became less preferable to an all-underground rock all-day (AURA) event. The result was the hardcore and metal AURA Fest, held at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum from 201719. Dozens of bands and the expected festival trappings of food trucks, vendors and activities were included. Results were good, leading to AURA’s Underground Weekend in February 2020 at The Jinx, featuring headliners Torche from Miami and Jacksonville’s Inter Arma.

high-profile patrons. From popular local bars, eateries, and tattoo parlors to global brands like Coca-Cola (the Savannah Bottling Co.) and Pabst Blue Ribbon, Walls is realistic about the need for partners to grow his business.

Almost immediately after, the pandemic shut everything down, including The Jinx for good. Walls used the time to plan bigger things for the next AURA Fest, and the 2022 version was a sold-out success. Despite this, leadership directly isn’t something Walls is comfortable discussing. When asked, he defers to his longevity and community as the motivators. “I’ve been doing it so long, it’s a lot of hard work, a passion project as well as a business. I always like to try to improve what I’m doing. When I grew up, it’s a small market here, so there are periods when it isn’t great. You don’t want to have to drive two or four hours every time to see a band. All-ages shows are a must, too, so maybe that’s why I started.” Another way Walls stands out is his ability to get a wide array of sponsors to help underwrite the shows and the festival. You don’t see many small-market promotions with such CONNECT SAVANNAH | 36 | FEBRUARY • 2024

“The scope and scale of doing festivals is primarily why. When I restarted booking in 2014 and 2015, I did small club shows before bringing back the big festival. For a big festival, it’s sort of a necessity to have partnerships because of how expensive it is. Even before that I was working on sponsorships, it’s just a smart business move and it’s great to have the support. It comes down to fostering and building relationships, though. Not just the sponsorships, but with the venues, the bands, and the people coming to the shows.” As time-consuming as the AURA Festival alone can be — the 2024 lineup is about to be released — Walls still considers his promotion somewhere between a full-time living and a hobby. Given that, it’s a remarkable volume of output. The owner of the newest promotion of the three, Kyle Brown of Dog Days Presents, can relate. He’s also booked an outsized number of shows in a short time for a smaller, newer promotion, including tours for bands outside of Savannah. Before moving to Savannah, Brown was in New York trying to book shows and make things happen.

“I moved there with half of my Charleston band to create a new band and be in New York and see what that was all about. It was incredibly fun. We booked shows, I booked some tours, I made a lot of contacts and got to know that scene, which is super helpful now. But I missed Charleston and being a bigger fish in a smaller pond. I knew people in Savannah, the Triathalon and Wet Socks guys, and I kept visiting, so I gave it a shot. I charmed Wes Daniels (El Rocko owner) enough to give me a job just as a bartender. We began talking about music, and our friendship is based on music. Like me, he has an insatiable love for music and music history.” The initial concept for El Rocko was a higher-end cocktail bar. As Brown’s role at the bar increased, he began booking shows, helping to direct El Rocko into its current identity known more as a top spot in town for independent music and less for barrel-aged cocktails. Around this time, he also became a member of local favorites Rev. Bro Diddly and the Hips and Chipper Bones. “Then I started Dog Days. Six

months after the pandemic, I had a band, and it was getting safe to play out, so I started booking shows again. This time I had to brand it, try it out, I had the contacts and in a couple of years it felt like Dog Days gave some new life to the scene.” He also noticed the impact the earliest shows had when people began to re-emerge from lockdown. “The first couple of shows shook everyone. It was fun and a hungry audience, a community that cares, and it gave people the confidence to give it a go.

Music and being in a band became cool again. You had to pull teeth to get people to see bands before the pandemic. Now it’s become an ecosystem of bookers, people, and movers and shakers, and it feels like people take it more seriously because they must pay attention.” Timing helped, but a lot of legwork allowed Dog Days to put on dozens of shows in its first two years. Like

hierarchies, that’s a necessity, too. All three promoters share it, along with a passion for the art form and the need to be moved by it. Brown echoes the ideas of Graveface and Walls. “I want to make sure I’m excited about what I’m promoting, but it has to work from a business perspective. Some bands work better at some venues. I can’t be totally selfish and just want to put on a show for me, but I definitely have to be into it.” Ultimately, unintentional leadership is what’s at play here. With varying levels of intent, none overbearing or arrogant, Savannah’s three loudest music promoters have led the way from different directions in pursuit of the same goals. Avenues for artistic expression, gathering the community that supports it, options for underage people of good taste, and building businesses are formal ways to describe them. The short version is these guys throw a helluva party. In a town that offers so many options for a good time, Graveface, Walls, and Brown stand out proudly and loudly.

Bury Your Dead at AURA Fest 2023. Credit Matthew Zagorski

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A S PE CI A L PRE VIE W SE CT ION

• 2024 •

February 26-27, 2024 historic kehoe iron works at trustees’ garden savannah, georgia CONNECT SAVANNAH | 38 | FEBRUARY • 2024

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA LEADERSHIP FORUM RETURNS FOR A THIRD SUCCESSFUL YEAR The Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum (SEGA) is a two-day event that brings together more than 400 leaders representing neighborhoods, non-profits, civic groups, government, businesses and up-and-comers. It returns this year on Feb. 26 and 27, 2024 at the Kehoe Ironworks Building at Trustees’ Garden in Savannah. Organized by Connect Savannah with support from Morris Multimedia, Georgia Southern University, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and Georgia Power, the forum is focused on the collective potential to be greater through committing to new ideas, supporting growth of our emerging and established leaders, and by being purposeful in building collaboration from all segments of a diverse community. Charles Hill Morris, co-founder of the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum, says the 2024 event is important for Savannah and the surrounding areas because the city is in an era of rapid

change. Leadership, regardless of one’s career field, is what determines the direction of that change. “This community has a great opportunity ahead of it,” Morris said. “We can really achieve some great things by striving for excellence but also by developing relationships across all these different sectors. Building the relationships and hearing from some impressive people is part of what the forum is about.” New this year are five different tour options which offer an experience unlike any other. They are off-campus, taking groups of attendees into the Savannah community for the first time in the forum’s history. “These are hands-on experiences,” Morris said. “People will get the opportunity to have their eyes opened to a wider set of local issues. They will get to see things that maybe they wouldn’t otherwise.”

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Tours are scheduled for Monday afternoon, Feb.26, and each is intended to give attendees a deeper dive into a topic of community interest while also providing opportunities for networking. These multi-stop tours are focused on a specific subject area and attendees choose which tour to go on. Tour options include: economic development and the I-16 corridor, affordable housing and homelessness, ports and logistics, higher education and arts and culture. “It’s really a complete look into these ‘five buckets’ of society,” Morris said of the options. The economic development tour includes a behind-the-scenes look inside the new Hyundai Metaplant and the logistics tour stops through the Georgia Ports Authority. A complete description of each tour can be found below. For more information, tickets speaker bios, visit https://southeastleadershipforum.com.

PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 SOUTHEAST GEORGIA LEADERSHIP FORUM PHOTOS BY CONNECT SAVANNAH STAFF

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2024 southeast georgia leadership forum speaker profiles

Bruce Feiler is one of America’s most thoughtful voices on contemporary life. He is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including LIFE IS IN THE TRANSITIONS, THE SECRETS OF HAPPY FAMILIES, and COUNCIL OF DADS. His three TED Talks have been viewed more than four million times, and he teaches the TED Course “How to Master Life Transitions.” His latest book, THE SEARCH: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World (May 2023), is a bold new roadmap for finding meaning and purpose at work, based on insights drawn from hundreds of life stories.

tour specifics Economic Development and the I-16 Corridor The coastal region of Georgia is the home to the largest economic project in the state’s history. The new Hyundai Metaplant, Savannah Manufacturing Center and associated businesses will transform southeast Georgia and the Savannah area. This multi-stop tour will highlight the benefits and opportunities our area can expect from the anticipated growth while showcasing the enormous impact of new and existing industries.

Bruce Feiler Author, Speaker, TV Host

Employing a firsthand approach to his work, Bruce is known for living the experiences he writes about. His work combines timeless wisdom with timely knowledge to allow people to live with more meaning, passion, and joy. LIFE IS IN THE TRANSITIONS describes his journey across America, collecting hundreds of life stories, exploring how we can navigate life transitions with great purpose and skill. For two decades, Bruce has explored the intersection of families, relationships, and well-being. THE SECRETS OF HAPPY FAMILIES collects best practices from the country’s most creative minds. It was featured on World News, GMA, and TODAY and excerpted in the Wall Street Journal and Parade. COUNCIL OF DADS describes how faced with one of life’s greatest challenge, he asked six friends to support his daughters. The book was profiled in PEOPLE, USA Today, and Time, and became a CNN documentary and NBC drama. Since 2001, Bruce has been one of the country’s preeminent thinkers, writers, and speakers about religion. WALKING THE BIBLE describes his perilous, 10,000-mile journey retracing the Five Books of Moses through the desert. The book was hailed as an “instant classic” by the Washington Post, spent a year and a half on the New York Times bestseller list, and has been translated into fifteen languages. ABRAHAM recounts his personal search for the shared ancestor of the monotheistic religions. “Exquisitely written,” wrote the Boston Globe. WHERE GOD WAS BORN describes his trek visiting biblical sites throughout Israel, Iraq, and Iran. “Bruce Feiler is a real-life Indiana Jones,” wrote the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. All were bestsellers. Bruce is the host of two primetime series on PBS: WALKING THE BIBLE (“Beguiling,” Wall Street Journal) and SACRED JOURNEYS WITH BRUCE FEILER, in which he retraces pilgrimages in France, India, Japan, Israel, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. (“Feiler is the perfect guide,” Newsday). A longtime columnist for the New York Times, Bruce Feiler writes the popular newsletter THE NONLINEAR LIFE about navigating life’s ups and downs. He has contributed to The New Yorker, Parade, and Gourmet, where he won three James Beard Awards. He has been the subject of Jay Leno joke and a JEOPARDY! question, and his face appears on a postage stamp in the Grenadines. A native of Savannah, Georgia, Bruce lives in Brooklyn with wife, Linda Rottenberg, and their identical twin daughters. For more: brucefeiler.com.

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Affordable Housing and Homelessness Housing is a crisis across the country. So, what are we doing to help our neighbors to meet their housing needs? This multi-stop tour will look at our local housing challenges and will highlight services working with individuals and families to overcome homelessness and to establish safe, stable housing.

Ports and Logistics The Port of Savannah is home to the second busiest container port on the US East Coast. With its rapid growth, the Georgia Ports is a vital economic engine to our state and nation, with an ecosystem of logistics companies and suppliers calling our area home. This multi-stop tour will take you to the port and highlight how the supply chain operates in our local economy.

Higher Education The growth of opportunities in manufacturing, the ports, tourism, and healthcare require a strong, educated, and prepared workforce to meet our area’s current and future needs. Our local public institutions of higher learning are collaborating to help our community rise to the challenge. This multi-stop tour will highlight the ways these institutions are providing opportunities for our developing economy and our area’s residents.

Arts and Culture Having strong, diverse, and vibrant local art museums are critical to understanding our history and culture. Our community is the home to the oldest museum in the south and to the best art and design university in the United States. On this tour you will enhance your knowledge and depth of our area’s arts offerings and our shared history

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2024 southeast georgia leadership forum speaker profiles

Hugh “Trip” Tollison is the President and CEO of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, which includes business attraction, business retention and expansion, World Trade Center Savannah and the Savannah Regional Film Commission.

With three decades experience in public policy, business and the law, Bruce helps leaders & organizations understand, anticipate and navigate political risk.

Trip Tollison

He also serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for President & CEO, Savannah Economic Development Authority the Savannah HarborInterstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (Savannah JDA) which includes Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham and Effingham counties. The Savannah JDA was instrumental in landing Hyundai Motor Group in 2022. He received his degree from the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, he served as an aide in Washington and Georgia for the United States Senate, United States House of Representatives and a governmental affairs consulting firm. Trip is the Chair of the Georgia Economic Developers Association. He also serves on the board of directors for the Savanah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Savannah Convention Center Authority and the Savannah Music Festival. He is a past President of the Rotary Club of Savannah and former chairman of the Second Harvest Food Bank. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, Leadership Georgia and is a former Trustee of Leadership Georgia. Trip and his wife, Tracey, have two children.

Mehlman is a highly sought-after keynote speaker on policy and political trends, regularly headlining Founder, Mehlman Consulting business conferences, Board meetings and strategic planning sessions. His quarterly infographic analyses are consistently picked-up by national media and eagerly consumed by tens of thousands of readers around the world. Television networks and shows including Showtime’s The Circus, CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business and Hearst often ask Bruce to appear to discuss trends and their implications.

Bruce Mehlman

Bruce previously served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy under President George W. Bush. He also worked as a senior leadership aide in the House of Representatives, general counsel to a national political party committee and policy counsel to a leading high-tech company. Bruce is widely-regarded as an expert in running coalitions, quarterbacking issue campaigns and managing C-suite associations, bringing innovative approaches and determined execution to achieve impactful outcomes. An Adjunct Professor and Board Member of The Washington Campus, Bruce frequently lectures MBA candidates on “effective business-government relations.” He was a 2021 fellow at the Harvard University Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. Bruce serves on the advisory boards of start-up companies including FiscalNote, iLearningEngines and Virtru, in addition to serving on the Boards of The Center for Democracy & Technology, The Washington Campus and the State Science & Technology Institute. Bruce earned a BA degree from Princeton University and a JD from the University of Virginia Law School where he served on the Virginia Law Review.

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2024 southeast georgia leadership forum speaker profiles

Dr. Bruce McCabe is a global futurist and international keynote speaker who presents on the future of medicine, computing, artificial intelligence, energy, genomics – wherever the game-changers happen to be. He travels constantly and works across all industry sectors.

Malcolm Mitchell is a native of Valdosta, Georgia. As a high school senior, he was an Under Armour All-American and went on to finish in the top tenall time receivers during his playing career at the University of Georgia (UGA).

Dr. Bruce mccabe futurist, speaker

Bruce has explored emerging technologies and how innovation happens for 30 years. He began his career at IBM in 1988 and went on to hold senior roles at IBM, WordPerfect, Novell and Gartner. In 2002 he founded S2 Intelligence, a think tank to support organizational innovation through grounded research. He served as an independent adviser to a long list of multinationals, state and federal governments, universities and science labs. When not speaking he writes novels about the near future.

malcolm mitchell

While a student athlete, Malcolm was recognized Author and poet as the National Captain of the Allstate Good Works Team for his frequent visits to elementary schools to read to students and talk about literacy, the first student ever at UGA to win this Honor. He also received the National Haier Achievement Award for his success beyond athletics. Additionally, Malcolm was the recipient of the Atlanta Sports Council Community Service Award, the Georgia Chapter of the National College Football Hall of Fame Jack Turner Award, and the UGA Student Athlete of the Year Award. He graduated in December 2015 from the University of Georgia with a degree in Communications.

PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 SOUTHEAST GEORGIA LEADERSHIP FORUM PHOTOS BY CONNECT SAVANNAH STAFF

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GEORGIA SOUTHERN IS

SOARING

Georgia Southern University is actively shaping our state’s future. We harness the energy of our thriving location with the Savannah Ports, cutting-edge logistics, military bases, the coastline and the Hyundai Metaplant. With a resounding impact of over $1 billion on the local economy, our range of degree programs, from engineering to logistics, entrepreneurship to education, enables students to not just find their place in the world, but to actively shape it. Georgia Southern is a catalyst for innovation. Students work with renowned faculty, engage in groundbreaking research and connect with industry leaders, igniting a brighter future for Georgia, one changemaker at a time. Find out more at GeorgiaSouthern.edu

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2024 southeast georgia leadership forum speaker profiles

Stephanie Stuckey is Chair of Stuckey’s, known as a highway oasis serving up pecan log rolls, rubber alligators, and snow globes to generations of Americans. Founded in 1937 by her grandfather, W.S. Stuckey, Sr. in Eastman, Georgia, Stuckey’s grew into over 350 stores nationwide by its peak in the 1970’s.

stephanie stuckey CEO, Stuckey’s

The company was sold and sadly declined for decades under a series of outside corporate owners. Fortunately, Stuckey’s returned to family hands in 2019 when Stephanie acquired the then-failing brand. In 2020 she joined forces with her business partner, R.G. Lamar, Jr., a pecan farmer from Middle Georgia, and brought on a third co-owner, marketing professional, Ted Wright, a year later. Stuckey’s acquired a pecan shelling and candy plant in Wrens, GA in January of 2021. Since then, sales of Stuckey’s pecan snacks and sweets have grown from $2 to 14 million. Retail outlets selling Stuckey’s products – including TA, Wawa, and Food Lion – have increased from several hundred to several thousand. Stuckey’s also operates a distribution center, a fundraising business, a corporate gift program, and an online store. Stephanie received both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia. She worked as a trial lawyer, was elected to seven terms as a state representative, served as Director of Sustainability for Atlanta, and taught at the University of Georgia School of Law. Stephanie’s achievements include being named one of the Most Admired CEOs of 2022 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, 100 Most Influential Georgians by Georgia Trend Magazine and a graduate of Leadership Atlanta. She serves on the corporate board for Bealls, a Florida-based retailer with more than 550 stores.

Leonte, a native Atlantan, has over 17 years of experience in the commercial real estate arena, with emphasis on office, industrial and site selection. Since his time with TDS&Co, Leonte worked on over $1 billion in transactions with Fortune 500 companies.

Leonte Benton

He leads overall PRESIDENT, T. DALLAS SMITH & COMPANY strategy & growth for the organization and serves as client liaison, business development specialist and leads many of the company community affairs initiatives. Leonte was the catalyst for T. Dallas Smith & Company and has been with the firm since its inception. As a mentee of T. Dallas Smith, Leonte became proficient in the areas of site feasibility, contract negotiations, financial analysis, business development and client relations. He has an exceptional understanding of various commercial real estate assets, including office, warehouse, land and retail. Many of his clients note his insights in their markets of interest as outstanding and of great value when making critical short- and long-term real estate decisions. He has successfully represented boutique companies and corporate giants. His commercial real estate transactions portfolio includes prominent entities like AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, FedEx, General Services Administration, JPMorgan Chase, and Microsoft. Leonte is highly active in the communities we serve. He serves on the Fulton County Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, Georgia Department of Education Board and Youth Enhancement Services.

The Stuckey’s story has been featured recently in the New York Times, the TODAY Show, The Washington Post, and a tweet by Martha Stewart. When she’s not running Stuckey’s, Stephanie enjoys road tripping across America, pulling over at every boiled peanut stand and Worlds Largest Ball of Twine.

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IN BUSINESS FOR OVER 50 YEARS Morris Multimedia Inc.; parent company of Morris Newspaper Company, Morris Network, Morris Technology, and Local Media Outdoor; is among the largest privately held media companies in the United States. Founded in 1970 in Savannah, GA by Charles H. Morris, Sr., the company today owns and operates newspapers, magazines, network television stations, and other media and technology related ventures.

(912) 233-1281 I MORRISMULTIMEDIA.COM I 27 ABERCORN STREET SAVANNAH, GA 31401 CONNECT SAVANNAH | 50 | FEBRUARY • 2024

2024 southeast georgia leadership forum speaker profiles

Kim Greene was named chairman, president and chief executive officer of Georgia Power in 2023. She leads Georgia Power in serving its 2.7 million customers across the state. The company is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s leading energy providers. Greene is a strong voice in the energy sector, especially on issues related to safety, emerging technologies, innovation and STEM-related education. She is a respected thought leader and advocate for the future of energy – from national energy policy to the overall customer experience.

OUR MISSION

Kimberly Greene Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | Georgia Power

Prior to her current position, Greene served for five years as chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company Gas. In this role, she ensured the delivery of clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to more than 4.3 million utility customers in Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee and Virginia, and to over 600,000 retail gas customers served by SouthStar Energy Services in 10 states. In addition, she oversaw the nonutility businesses that deliver value through energy-related products and services, wholesale gas services and gas midstream operations, including gas pipeline investments and storage and fuels. From 2014 to 2018, Greene served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Southern Company, where she was responsible for systemwide operations including generation, transmission, engineering & construction services, commercial operations and fuels, system planning, environmental affairs, and research & development. Additionally, she was responsible for Southern Power, which owns and operates more than 12,000 MW of generating capacity in 15 states, and Southern Wholesale Energy, which markets the retail operating companies’ surplus generating capacity to the wholesale market. Most recently, the Atlanta Business Chronicle named Greene as one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs. In 2022, she was awarded EEI’s inaugural Thomas F. Farrell, II Safety Leadership and Innovation Award by her industry peers for her significant contributions to improving safety in the utility industry. She is a member of the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame, a recipient of the University of Tennessee’s Distinguished Alumna Award and the University of Tennessee’s Nathan W. Dougherty Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed by the College of Engineering. She was also named POWER-GEN’s 2015 Woman of the Year. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Greene earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering science and mechanics from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s degree in business administration from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Greene also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

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Our mission is to enlighten, delight and challenge leaders to think differently and boldly with a bias towards action and to build a bench of leaders for generations to come. We want to raise the opportunities for leadership growth by leveraging the amazing assets our communities possess. It is about taking our communities to the next level. The Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum is a two-day event that brings together more than 400 leaders representing neighborhoods, non-profits, civic groups, government, businesses and the up and comers. Organized by Morris Multimedia, with the generous support of Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Ports Authority, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, and Georgia Power, the forum is taking place at Trustees’ Garden in Savannah, Georgia. To help our community succeed in an ever-changing and fast paced society, the forum is focused on discovering our collective potential to be greater by committing to new ideas, supporting the growth of our emerging and established leaders, and by being purposeful in building collaboration from all segments of our diverse community. Discover strategic solutions from a diverse group of world-class presenters who are all innovative experts in their respective fields. Working together we can make our communities stronger and better. Leadership is a skill that needs nurturing and knowledge is power. The 2023 Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum will feed your mind with thought-provoking content, leadership skills, collaborative connections, and the personal and professional growth intelligence you need to be a successful leader.

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2024 leadership award recipients Catherine Grant | Emerging Leader Award Catherine Grant is CEO of ExperCARE, a company she co-founded in 2009. An honors graduate of The Medical University of South Carolina, with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Grant has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She loves to teach and has served as PA faculty as well as a business mentor and leader. In 2018, Grant was recognized by the American Academy of Physician Assistants as a Distinguished Fellow for her leadership, distinction in healthcare management, community service, and contributions made to the profession. In 2019, Grant was named one of Savannah Magazine’s New Guard: “the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, artists and all-around changemakers who make the city better through prowess — and the utmost professionalism”. In 2020, Grant was selected as South Magazine’s Face of Entrepreneurship, for her success as “an innovator and trailblazer in healthcare” as well as one of United Way of the Coastal Empire’s “Women Who Rule” for being a local leader and difference-maker in the community. Under Grant’s leadership, ExperCARE has grown from one clinic to multiple locations across the Greater Savannah area, opening its 7th location next to Kroger in Rincon. Since opening doors in 2009, ExperCARE has won numerous awards, including Business of the Year, Best Urgent Care, Best Walk-In Clinic, Best Customer Service, Top Places to Work, and Best Occupational Doctor. To this day, ExperCARE continues to be voted Best of the Best in each of the communities it serves. Remaining connected to her community roots is a huge priority for Grant. She serves on the Downtown Development Authority for the City of Richmond Hill, raised a record breaking $62,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association’s, Georgia Chapter in 2015, spear-headed the first annual Warriors for William 5k and Fall Fest in 2013, raising over $60,000 for childhood cancer, and chaired the 2017 Bryan County Campaign for United Way of the Coastal Empire, breaking the all-time fundraising record for Bryan County at the time. Grant is grateful to continue to be involved with many local non-profits and inspires her team to give-back through a various collaborative initiatives throughout the year. Grant is a devoted wife and mother of three girls who not only loves business and medicine, but has demonstrated success in strategic vision, teambuilding and executing the extraordinary customer experience in multi-site healthcare. She is committed to creating solutions, challenging the status-quo and leaving things better than she found them. When she’s not innovating, motivating and leading in the business arena she might be found ballroom dancing, diving with great whites, or adventuring with her family.

PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 SOUTHEAST GEORGIA LEADERSHIP FORUM PHOTOS BY CONNECT SAVANNAH STAFF

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edna jackson | Legacy Leadership Award Edna Branch Jackson was elected Mayor of Savannah in December 2011 and currently serves in the Georgia House of Representatives for District 165. She served three terms as city of Savannah Alderman at Large Post 1 from 2000 to 2011. Subsequent to her election, the members of City Council elected her to serve as Mayor Pro Tem from 2004 to 2011, making her the first female and first African American female to hold that position on the Council. Jackson began her career as a public servant at an early age. She joined the NAACP Youth Council in Savannah at the age of 9. While a student at Alfred Ely Beach High School, she began her journey with the Civil Rights movement in Savannah under the leadership of the late W.W. Law and the late Judge Eugene H. Gadsden. She was among the students who participated in the “Sit Ins” at downtown Savannah businesses, the “Wade-Ins” at Tybee Beach, and the “Kneel-Ins” at various Savannah churches during the Civil Rights movement in Savannah in the early 60’s. After graduating from Beach High in 1962, she entered Savannah State College (now university), but the fight for the civil rights for her people took precedence over her education for a few years. During this period, she was employed by the NAACP National Youth Task Force and as a result spent time in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia demonstrating and carrying out voter registration drives. In addition, she was instrumental in organizing NAACP Youth Councils and college chapters throughout the south. At age 18, Mrs. Jackson took an integrated group of students from Tampa, Florida to the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King made his famous “I Have a Dream speech.” Mrs. Jackson also participated in the March to Selma in 1965. Having returned to Savannah State, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 1968. In 1972, she earned her Master of Education in Political Science from Savannah State/Armstong State Colleges and did additional studies in Counseling at Georgia Southern University. Mrs. Jackson has served in many capacities over the years as a member and officer for organizations on the national, state, and local level including the National League of Cities, Georgia Municipal Association, NAACP, Savannah State University National Alumni Association, Chatham County Democratic Party, Chatham County Hospital Authority, Economic Opportunity Authority, Second Harvest Food Bank, Step Up Savannah, and many others. She is also a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta and a communicant of St. Phillip AME Church. Jackson is the daughter of the late Mrs. Georgia Dilliard of Tampa Florida and the mother of one son, Kevin LaMar Jackson, also of Savannah.

robert jepson | Legacy Leadership Award Robert S. Jepson, Jr. is Chairman of Jepson Associates, Inc., a private investment firm located in Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Jepson and his wife. Alice Andrews Jepson, ear active philanthropists and direct the main focus of their giving ot the field of higher education. Among their most notable contributions is the University of Richmond School of Leadership Studies in Richmond, Virginia, founded in 1992. In addition, Mr. Jepson has now established the Jepson Oxford Scholars Foundation, which seeks to send qualified graduate students to the University of Oxford in England to study for a master’s degree in the field of their choice. Mr. Jepson earned two degrees from the University of Richmond: a B.S.B.A. in 1964 and an M.S. in Commerce in 1975, and he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science Degree in 1987. He has also been awarded honorary degrees by ten other American institutions of higher learning. Over the past thirty-five years, much of the Jepson philanthropy has been focused in Savannah, including The Jepson Center for the Arts at The Telfair Museums, the Savannah College for Art and Design, and the Georgia Historical Society, where they were the principal benefactors of the Jepson House Fducation Center. Their support also made possible the renovation and expansion of the Georgia Historical Society Research Center. Robert Jepson served on the Georgia Ports Authority Board from 2008 to 1016 and served as its chairman fourth term of 2014-2016. He si a Trustee of the Endowment Trust of the Georgia Historical Society and Chairman Emeritus of the Georgia Historical Society Board of Curators. From 2001 to 2006, he founded and served as Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the Savannah College of Art and Design.

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PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 SOUTHEAST GEORGIA LEADERSHIP FORUM PHOTOS BY CONNECT SAVANNAH STAFF

Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum — We’re proud to support you Southeast Georgia Southeast Georgia Leadership Leadership Forum Forum — — We’re We’re Together we to can help our communities thrive - dedicating our resources to address the issues that proud support you proud to support you

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PARTING SHOT

Photo from georgiahistory.com

SUPER MUSEUM SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 12:00 P.M. TO 4:00 P.M., AT SITES ACROSS GEORGIA Explore history, arts, and culture in communities throughout Georgia as over 100 museums and historic sites across the state open to the public for free during this popular annual event organized as part of the annual Georgia History Festival. georgiahistory.com

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE "WELCOME TO 24 "--THE YEAR WITH THINGS IN COMMON by Matt Jones

SR. STRESS ANALYSIS ENGINEER Sr. Stress Analysis Engineer (Savannah, GA). Perfrm stress and strctrl anlysis in supp of dispstions for all engg defcts, intrnl discrpncs, and arcrft non-cnfrmng conditins to ensure strctrl intgrty and to ID root cause. Rsponsbilities incl detailed static strngth, fatigue, dmge tolrnce, and fin elmnt anlysis. Mstr’s in Mech Engg, Aerospce Engg, or rel fld. 3 yrs of aircrft engg exp prfrming stress or strctrl anlysis, incl some solid exp in: static stress anlysis on mtallic and cmpsite airfrme strctrs; fatigue and dmge tolrnce anlysis on mtallic and cmpsite airfrme strctrs; MRB stress anlysis – prdction supp; systm stress anlysis; Discrte Srce Dmge Anlysis; wrtng and reviwng anlysis/cert rprts; testing airframe strctrs; Finite Elmnt Mdling (FEM) and Anlysis (FEA) of airfrme strctrs; MSC Patran/MSC Nastran; Altair HyperMesh/MSC Nastran; Siemens 3D SimCenter/Nx Nastran; NASGROW/AFGROW; CATIA V5; MS Excel w/ usge of bsic VBA. Able to undrstnd and appl cert reqs. Hybrid Schdl prmited in GA. MUST follow these application instructions to be considered: Send CV & cvr ltr to samantha@ precisionpersonnel.com or Samantha Pasco, Precision Personnel, Inc., 600 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 33755 w/in 30 days & ref Job #S2023-221.

1. Roast battle hosts, for short 4. Bumble profile maintainers? 8. Flight seat option 13. “___ y Plata” (Montana motto) 14. Actress Mitra of “The Practice” 16. National prefix 17. Lead character of “24” 19. Feeling regret 20. Early Peruvian 21. Nursery rhyme pie fillers (“four and twenty”, they say) 23. Connect with 25. Barely achieve 26. Rowboat implement 27. George Burns title role 29. Impersonated 30. Spot for a soak 33. Big name in circuses 36. Loads 37. Ratio that’s often 24 for film cameras 42. Like some salad dressings 43. Stracciatella, e.g. 44. 7’7” former NBAer Manute 45. “___ the Walrus” (1967 Beatles tune) 48. Uno plus uno 49. Talk trash about 52. Removes names from pictures, on some social media platforms 54. To the letter 56. Units where 24 = 100% 60. Poodle plaguer

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61. Remain patient 62. The NBA sets it at 24 64. Penny-pincher 65. Vietnamese capital 66. Burns downvote? 67. Planetarium display 68. ___ baby (one who’s famous via family connections) 69. Pre-album drops

DOWN

1. Mint-garnished cocktail 2. They surround brains 3. Goal-oriented item? 4. Royal sphere 5. Obsessive whale hunter of fiction 6. Biffed it 7. Creep around 8. “He’s right. Ain’t no rule that says a dog can’t play basketball” movie 9. Arctic First Nations resident 10. Make Kool-Aid 11. Give for a bit 12. Rowing machine units 15. Took a curved path 18. “WandaVision” actress Dennings 22. Pond fish 24. Fairy tale meanie 28. Come-___ (enticements) 30. Was the odd one out 31. “___ de Replay” (Rihanna’s first single) 32. Joining word 34. Actress Adams 35. Sister of Chris and Stewie

36. Division for “Hamlet” or “Hamilton” 37. Keyless car key 38. Duran Duran hit of 1982 39. Former Viacom chairman Sumner 40. ___-pitch softball 41. Reduce 45. Comic book artists 46. ___ standstill 47. Swampland 50. Polar covering 51. They may never have been higher 52. Part that the ointment Bag Balm was designed for 53. Depeche Mode lead singer David 55. Short-lived gridiron org. revived in 2020 56. Legs, in film noir monologues 57. “In memoriam” piece 58. Simpson who got into crosswords around 2008 59. Word before “Hammer time!” 63. A.F.L. merger partner

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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