Help bail me out of jail!

Are any of you readers familar with the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) “Lock-Up?”  If not, let me explain.

I have been found guilty of having a BIG HEART by the MDA Summer Campers!  Now, the Muscular Dystrophy Association is locking me up on August 25th and I need your help!

Help get me out of jail by donating towards my bail!  A tax-deductible donation will help MDA continue research into the causes of, and cures for 43 neuromuscular diseases.  It will also MDA provide wheelchairs, clinic visits and summer camp for people in the local area.

To donate, you can either make out a check (and earmark it with my name) to the Muscular Dystrophy Association and mail it to:

MDA

29 Leinbach Drive

Charleston, SC 29407

Or, visit my my website and donate online today!  Thanks so much for your help!  Many are depending on your kindness.

Susan Mangiero
Property Manager, Walden at Chatham Center

This history of fireworks for July 4th…and where to watch in Savannah

Do you know about the history of fireworks in this country and why we celebrate them on July 4th every year?  Here is some info I found at Everything4thofJuly.com…

When settlers started coming to the New World, the Western hemisphere, they used the fireworks to impress or frighten away the Natives. They also used the fireworks to celebrate special occasions.

Fireworks lit up the sky in 1777 on the very first July Fourth. Even though in the midst of war, only a year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the bright fireworks gave a sign of awe, hope and patriotism to the young United States of America.

Pretty interesting stuff, huh?  If you’re planning on watching fireworks this Independence Day, you have several options in the Savannah area.  Here are a few…

Tybee Island (July 3)

Fireworks on the beach on the south end of Tybee Island. Visit the Tybee Island website for more info.

Fantastic Fourth Celebration on the River (July 3-4)

Historic River Street in Savannah will be home to one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southeast!  The fireworks show begins at approximately 9:30 p.m. on the 4th.  Check out Savannah River Street’s website for more details.

Fort Stewart (July 4)

Activities include kiddie rides and concessions. They will also have local musical entertainment beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

“Les Liasons Dangereuses” at Indigo Arts Center

A manipulative, conniving aristocrat enlists the aid of a former lover to help get revenge against an unsuspecting damsel.  This is the stuff that really good, juicy dramas are made out of!  It’s also a brief description of a French novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, that has been adapated for stage.

The story is so good, it has already been made into several successful films, including 1988’s Dangerous Liaisons starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer; and 1999’s Cruel Intentions, starring Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon.

Sound interesting?  Come check out a stage version here in Savannah at the Indigo Arts Center (703D Louisville Rd.).  They will be performing it for 3 nights only from June 24-26 at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are only $10 (cash or check).

While tickets will be sold at the door, reservations are recommended due to limited seating.  You can email requests to threemusesproductions@gmail.com.

Fiesta Latina in downtown Savannah

Are you ready to salsa in the streets of Savannah?  Next Saturday, June 26, marks the 5th Annual Fiesta Latina.  The popular event will be held in Rousakis Plaza on historic River Street from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.

If you’re new to the area and unfamiliar with the event, the Fiesta Latina is a great melting pot consisting of many of the 20 different countries that make up Latin America.  As expected, there will be lots of music and traditional food offerings, as well as arts, crafts and children’s activities.  It’s a great way to take in a little bit of latino culture right here in Savannah without having to hop on an airplane and use up vacation days.  The event is free and open to the public.

For more information visit www.savannahga.gov or call (912) 238-2032.  Hasta la vista!

Congrats to all of the rising SCAD graduates!

Anyone getting ready to graduate from SCAD this month?  Walden at Chatham Center would like to congratulate all of Savannah’s latest crop of young new professionals.  The much-anticipated SCAD New Alumni Festival recently announced its 2010 concert lineup. The May 28 concert in Forsyth Park, honoring the new alumni and their achievements at SCAD, will feature an eclectic blend of gritty, bluesy indie music. Crash Kings will kick off the show at 6 p.m. Next up, at 7:30 p.m., will be New Orleans-based Galactic. At 9 p.m., the alternative hip-hop band from Philadelphia, G. Love & Special Sauce, will close the night. DJ Omar will keep the crowd lively between performances.

If you’re in town, stop by, listen to some great music and have a good time.

Check out “Babies”

Summer time is all about the movies, right?  So throughout the season, I’m going to try to feature, on our blog, movie trailers that I think may look interesting.  First up is a new film called Babies that’s was released May 7.  Anyone heard of it or been to see it yet?  Here is a brief synopsis from Yahoo.com…

The first year is one of the most formative and exciting periods of a child’s life. This eye-opening documentary simultaneously follows four infants from different parts of the world and their progression from first breath to first steps. The viewer plays peekaboo with the film’s adorable cast including: Ponijao of Namibia, Bayarjargal of Mongolia, Mari of Tokyo, and Hattie of San Francisco. The film is visually stunning, as it paints a picture of the purity of humanity in its earliest stages of the journey. Best of all, the movie reminds us that although we may appear very different on the surface, our fundamental needs and the desire to be loved are all the same.

What’s interesting about this film is that it is mostly dialogue free.  That let’s the story reveal itself through the cinematography.  Even if you don’t have a baby of your own, it shouldn’t be hard to appreciate the humanityof the film.  I know it’s currently playing at Sea Turtle Cinemas in Bluffton, SC (about 25 mins away) but it may be coming to a theatre that’s closer.  Check it out and tell me what you think. 

Take your dog to Forsyth Park this weekend…

When was the last time you and your pooch spent some quality time together?  How about heading out this weekend to Forsyth Park for the Humane Society’s 10th annual Doggie Carnival.  The carnival will feature the K-9 International Frisbee Disc Dogs in addition to doggie derby races, pet/owner look-alike contests, a pooch smooch, best dog trick contest and other events and games.  The best part is that it’s free!  There will also be food vendors and raffles to participate in.

“It is a great avenue to socialize a young puppy. There are so many dogs of all kinds to see, and it is nice being able to talk with fellow dog owners.” (Savannah Now)

Last year, somewhere near 3,000 people attended at another great turnout is expected this year.  So grab your pup (and leash) and have some fun this weekend.

What: Humane Society’s 10th annual Doggie Carnival
When: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Forsyth Park, near the historic fountain
Admission: Free, raffle tickets for purchase
Information: Call 912-354-9515 or go to humanesocietysav.org.

The Savannah Urban Arts Festival kicks-off April 18

Are you into urban-themed art and the culture of hip-hop?  The Savannah Urban Arts Festival kicks-off this weekend, running from Sunday, April 18 through Saturday, April 25.

The festival is described as a series of live performances, forums, workshops and film screenings presented as a celebration of the diverse styles of art, music, writing and self-expression that have developed in urban culture.  Its goal is to foster dialogue between area youth, citizens, and civic leaders about ways to utilize these art forms to create positive change in communities.

I’ve personally never had the chance to attend before, but it sounds like something worth checking out.  Some of the most influential art and expression in our society are founded in the urban and hip-hop culture.

Looking at the schedule of events, I see that they’re planning a screening of the legendary hip-hop documentary Style Wars.  This is a must see for any true hip-hop head.  Style Wars was produced in 1983 by Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant and gives a first-hand view into the graffiti subculture that is a pillar of hip-hop.  It documents the stages of New York City hip-hop, and shows that its members were a racially and ethnically diverse group of creative young artists.  Check it out if you can on Monday, April 19 at 7 p.m. (Indigo Arts Center, 703D Lousiville Road).  Let me know what you think.

In-Season Produce: Markets near Walden at Chatham Center

Do you shop for your fresh food and produce locally? If not, you may want to give it some serious consideration. Although today’s global market allows us to buy foods grown almost anywhere in the world at any given time, this option is not the most sustainable.

Buying in-season fruits and vegetables that are locally grown helps to eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods across the country – and in some cases – the world. Not only does your food dollar go directly to the farmers, but you’re able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, better tasting, unprocessed produce. According to the National Resources Defense Council, in-season foods for the state of Georgia (and surrouning areas) include:

Blueberries Cabbage Carrots Greens Snap Beans Strawberries Vidalia Onions Yellow Squash Zucchini Asparagus (Tennessee) Bananas (Florida) Broccoli (Florida, North Carolina) Cantaloupe (Florida) Cauliflower (Florida) Celery (Florida) Chinese Cabbage (Florida) Collards (Tennessee) Cucumber (Florida) Eggplant (Florida) Endive (Florida) Escarole (Florida) Gourds (Tennessee) Grapefruit (Florida) Herbs (Tennessee) Honey (Tennessee) Honeydew Melon (Florida) Indian Corn (Tennessee) Kumquat (Florida)

Leafy greens (North Carolina) Limes (Florida) Mamey Sapote (Florida) Mixed Greens (South Carolina) Mushrooms (Florida, Tennessee) Okra (Florida) Onions (Florida) Oranges (Florida) Papaya (Florida) Peanuts (North Carolina) Pecans* (Alabama) Peppers (Florida) Potatoes (Florida) Radishes (Florida) Scallions (South Carolina) Squash* (Alabama, Florida) Sweet Corn (Florida) Sweet Potatoes * (Alabama, North Carolina) Tangelos (Florida) Tangerines (Florida) Tomatoes (Florida) Watermelon (Florida)

Here is a short list of markets that sell fresh locally grown foods near the Walden at Chatham Center area. If you can suggest any other markets, leave a comment and let the community know!

Markets near Walden at Chatham Center

Shave Your head. Cure Cancer.

Ever wonder what your head would look like bald?  Want to find out and help a great cause at the same time?  I just found out about a very cool fundraiser going on tomorrow (Saturday, March 27) from 1p – 4p at Savannah Mall in the Center Court.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation will be shaving the heads of volunteers who have received pledges to participate in the event.  All of the proceeds go towards childhood cancer research.  How cool is that?

According to their website, the St. Baldricks Foundation funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization besides the U.S. Governement.

While it may be a little late to get pledges, this seems like a great event to stop by and support.  You can even make donations on the spot or on the St. Baldrick’s Foundation website.

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