April 2016 - Gnatty Savannah

Mixer: 100 Black Men and Urban Savannah

The 100 Black Men of Savannah held a joint mixer with Urban Savannah this week, and I attended the event. It was held at The Florence which has a lovely rooftop that’s great for socializing on a spring evening.

Urban Savannah’s mission to cultivate and support black-owned businesses in the city. I met John Voner, the president of Urban Savannah last fall at GeekEnd.

The 100 Black Men of Savannah’s mission is the mentor kids, provide education support and help high school kids envision the possibility of a graduating from college. Harold Oglesby (pictured above) spoke about the need for more male mentors. BTW, tonight (April 9th) is the night of the 20th annual gala which will be at the Marriott Riverfront.

I brought my camera and took some photos of some of the attendees. There were professionals who worked for the city, attorneys, business owners and more. Everyone was super friendly. I plan to get more involved in the community this year.

What It Do, Nephew? Savannah News

This blog is a local food and culture blog. Though I may report some news, it is not nearly as good as Orange Street News. I read about the local blog and newspaper run by nine-year-old Hilde Kate Lysiak yesterday, and she has inspired me to step up my blogging.

Anyway here’s a quick round-up of local Savannah news.

There’s a new restaurant in Starland. The Vault opened a week ago to an enthusiastic and hungry audience. Bill Dawers went and he wrote his first impression.

PJ’s Thai on Abercorn has closed. I was looking at the sign when a man who’s working there told me that a new pizza place will open in the same corner spot. I hope it is not a chain restaurant.

Is the number 14 CAT bus ever going to go down Broughton Street again? Also, why would anyone park illegally in front of the bus for noontime mass at St. John The Baptist cathedral. This past Monday, a bus was pretty much stuck because of cars parked on Abercorn in front of the church. I had to get out and walk.

I overheard some business people (they were wearing ties) walking along River Street and someone said “35 to 40 on Broughton St” was talking about square rent prices for retail. If that’s the case, that would explain the recent openings of Tommy Bahamas, Club Monaco and Michael Kors.

BTW, I am an aunt again. I have a beautiful nephew that was born last week. He’s a happy spring baby.