Institute receives grant from conservation program
STATESBORO — The James H. Oliver Jr. Institute for Coastal Plain Science at Georgia Southern University has received a grant worth more than $300,000 from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program.
Institute director Daniel Gleason and two collaborators were awarded $315,381 for three years for their project titled “Investigating how coral recruitment and juvenile survivorship varies along the Florida Reef Tract.”
The project is a collaboration among Rob Ruzicka, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Nicole Fogarty, NOVA Southeastern University; and Gleason.
The objective of the research being conducted by Gleason, Ruzicka and Fogarty is to determine how coral growth varies across years, regions and habitat types in Florida.
In addition to the scientific information gained through this research, the funding will support the master’s theses of at least two Georgia Southern graduate students.
St. Joseph’s/Candler agrees to blood management program
St. Joseph’s/Candler has entered a multi-year partnership with San Diego.-based Accumen Inc. to create a comprehensive patient blood management program.
According to a news release, Accumen’s program can lead to reductions of inappropriate and avoidable blood use by as much as 40 percent to 60 percent.
Peter Schenk, the hospital’s vice president for ancillary services, praised the strength of Accumen’s team, their flexibility in approach and their commitment to partnering on outcomes.
Accumen, which was established in 2011, says its system is a patient-centered model that addresses blood product utilization, transfusion safety and proactive strategies designed to avoid unnecessary transfusions that place patients at risk.
Pet bakery to open first of three stores March 10
Woof Gang Bakery is opening three new stores in Savannah within the next three months. The locations will be the company’s first corporate-owned stores.
The first Woof Gang Bakery Savannah store will open March 10, in the historic downtown City Market. The store, at 202 W. Saint Julian St., will feature treats, chews and pet accessories.
“Savannah is such a dynamic place, and we are excited to be a part of the community and culture of this vibrant and hospitable city.” said Paul Allen, CEO of Woof Gang Bakery. “We are dedicated to the community and look forward to working with pet rescue groups and other neighborhood organizations.”
A second and third store will open in April at 236 Drayton St. and in May at 5525 Abercorn St.
Woof Gang Bakery, with headquarters in Orlando, first opened in 2007 and now has more than 60 franchises and five corporate locations across the United States.
Apprentice program recruits for job training
Step Up Savannah’s Chatham Apprentice Program is recruiting now for the next “E3: Educate, Empower, Employ” job training program, scheduled to start April 27 and run through May 21. The program is open to men and women interested in enhancing their basic employment skills.
The training is free to adults 18 and older through a partnership among Chatham County, Step Up Savannah Inc. and other organizations within the community. Those without a high school diploma or GED are encouraged to apply but the program is open to anyone who is unemployed or underemployed.
Successful graduates of the Chatham Apprentice Program receive assistance with their job search and one-on-one coaching.
The application process is competitive and space is limited. Please call no later than April 17 for the next class.
This class will be at the St. Mary’s Community Center at 812 West 36th Street.
To apply or learn more about CAP, call Talisha Crooks, program coordinator, at (912) 656-4079. Step Up Savannah is supported in part by the City of Savannah.
Tybee wine festival scheduled for April
The Friends of the Tybee Theater have announced the seventh Annual Tybee Wine Festival will be April 22-26 and will feature a celebration of wine and coastal cuisine.
Proceeds will benefit the restoration of the historic Tybee Post Theater, a performing arts and movie venue set to open this spring.
“The Tybee Island Wine Festival has evolved into one of Tybee’s signature events,” said Melissa Turner, executive director of Tybee Post Theater.
The festival will kick off on Earth Day, April 22, with an “earth-to-table” dinner prepared by celebrity chefs at the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel Reception Hall. During the festival, attendees can also buy tickets to an intimate, five-course wine dinner at Tybee Island Social Club.
For ticket and sponsorship information, visit www.TybeeWineFestival.com, call 912-663-1099 or email Melissa Turner at info@tybeeposttheater.org.