Buggy maker Maclaren USA is recalling about 1 million strollers sold in the United States over the past decade after receiving a dozen reports of children’s fingers being amputated when caught in the stroller’s hinges.

Maclaren announced a voluntary recall with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission this week. The recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers sold in the United States starting in 1999.

Maclaren is offering consumers a free hinge-cover kit that corrects the defect in the stroller. Models affected include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.

If you have one of these strollers, click here or call toll-free between 9 AM- 5 PM, 877-688-2326. Both the site and phone lines have been inundated with requests; keep trying if you can’t get an immediate response.

Add this to your busy to-do list this weekend: the 15th Annual Telfair Art Fair and Open Art @ the Telfair Square, 121 Barnard St. in downtown Savannah.

The FREE fair is 10 AM-5 PM Sat. Nov. 14. it includes the Children’s Art Fair in the Square—themed Reinvent! Recreate! Reuse!—which will feature a variety of art stations with creative activities for kids incorporating natural, found, or recycled items.

Activities include ornament-making with shells and recycled jar lids; building pinecone bird feeders; pet rock and leaf rubbing projects; creating crazy hair grass heads; and jewelry-making with shells and beads. Additional features include an appearance by Silly Dilly the Clown and a moon bouncer, as well as snack and drink booths.

The Telfair Art Fair is held under a large, lighted tent adjacent to historic Telfair Square, this annual event showcases a variety of original art for sale.

Savannah baby and child photographer Nicole Williams loves children.

Which is why her popular photography business - Memories for Keepsake Photography - is sponsoring a family in need. Nicole, who in addition to being a talented photographer is also a mother of seven, believes the joy of Christmas should be experienced by EVERY child. And the spirit of Christmas should be in every adult who has children of their own.

Memories for Keepsake will sponsor a family by purchasing items on the children’s lists, stockings, perhaps a Christmas dinner etc.

From Nov. 7 - Dec. 4, 10 percent of all proceeds on portraits, growing plans and giftcards will be put into a special fund for a family in need, or a family who has been hit by the recession.

Memories for Keepsake is taking nominations from now through December 4. The family will be notified by Dec. 6, so they will have time to collect Christmas lists from their children.

To allow all families the opportunity to contribute to this family AND to purchase quality portraiture for themselves, family and friends, Memories for Keepsake is offering 30 percent off of ALL giftcard purchases made from now through November 21 to be redeemed Jan. 1-May 30 2010.

What a fabulous gift to give someone for the holidays AND help another family. So, if you purchase a $100 gift certificate from now through Nov. 21, you’ll pay $70 for $100 worth of portraiture and you’ll be donating $10 to the family Memories for Keepsake sponsors.

To book a session or nominate a family to sponsor, contact Nicole Williams 912.596.0832 or email info@memoriesforkeepsake.com. Click here to see more examples of Nicole’s extraordinary work.

Lunch always tastes better eaten outside.

Especially when it comes in my Nolita Stripe Tasty Lunch Tote - proof that good things do come in small packages. I love my Tasty Lunch Tote from BUILT NY, which also sells other reusable bags and unique kids’s lunchboxes. (BUILT’s Munchler’s Kids’ Lunchboxes are adorable.

The Tasty Tote keeps soup warm and carrot sticks cool. Even better, BUILT’s products are made of neoprene (no vinyl or PVC used), are machine washable, affordable, fun and stylish. The totes are so roomy and have such sturdy zip closures, I can stuff my son’s water bottle inside, with a few juice boxes and both our lunches with no trouble closing it.

This week, a SouthernMamas reader will win the Tasty Lunch tote in the color of her choice.

Check out the rules below to enter to win:

Best bet this week:

1. Turkey-doodle-doo Storytime on Veteran’s Day @ Roundhouse Railroad Museum , 601 West Harris St.
10-11 AM Wed. Nov. 11
Cost: $4 plus adult admission
Storytime in the Baggage Car at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum with a craft as well.
Email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org or call 651.6823.

Savannah-area children and family activities

2. Mommy and Me Yoga classes at Savannah Yoga Center, 1321 Bull St.
10-11 AM Mondays: Mom & Me Yoga (crawlers/toddlers) with Betsy. Suitable for experienced beginners to advanced students. For Mommys & Babys 9 - 14 months old.
11:30 AM-12:30 PM Mondays: Mom & Infant Yoga (pre-crawlers) with Betsy. Suitable for experienced beginners to advanced students. For Mommys & Infants 6wks to 8-9 months old; pre-crawling.
912.232.2994
Fees:
Walk-in - $14
8 class cards:$92
12 class cards: $132
20 class cards: $200
Class cards are nontransferable. good for 3 months (extensions granted for emergencies only) $200
Monthly Unlimited Pass with auto draft $85
Monthly Unlimited Pass with out auto draft $100
Walk-In DISCOUNTS: Active Duty Military/dependents regular yoga classes (with ID); Seniors 55+ regular yoga classes; full-time student (with ID); School teachers with ID; firefighters, police Officers $11.

3. Veterans Day Family Program at Old Fort Jackson, 1 Fort Jackson Rd.
Educational family programs, 10 AM-4 PM Wed. Nov. 11 at the National Historic landmark
Free for active military and retirees. Admission for military dependents is discounted at $5.50 per person.
Guests will learn about the daily lives of soldiers during the American revolution, War of 1812, and the Civil War through family friendly, hands on and interactive demonstrations. Cannon firings will honor the veterans of the past at 10am, 2pm, and 4pm. Try on uniforms from the War of 1812 and the Civil War to know what it feels like to stand in the shoes of soldiers from the past.
The public is invited.
Call (912) 232-3945 or click here.

4. Storytimes have started @ the new Southwest Chatham library branch behind Target at the Savannah Mall. The library’s storytime room has tiered seating and built‐in puppet theater. Don’t forget: libraries are closed Wed. Nov. 11!

• Acorns Storytime for ages 0-2
  Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM
  This storytime offers stories, songs, and fingerplays especially for ages 0 to 2.
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5
  Thursdays @ 10:30 AM
  This thematic storytime offers stories and movement activities for sharpening fine and large motor skills especially for ages 3 to 5.
  For more storytimes at other Live Oak library branches, click here. 

5.  A new Mommy and Me program @ UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium, 30 Ocean Science Circle, Skidaway Island.
8:30-9:15 AM Tuesdays.
Must be under 4 years old. Maximum of 15 participants.
Hands-on experiences with different animals, arts and crafts, a story time, and a game. 
Cost: $6/child for non-member; $4/child for members. Adults get in free with a paid child.
912-598-2496, email fish@uga.edu or click here.
For more details, click here.

6. Toddler Tuesday @ Oatland Wildlife Center
This week’s theme: Bald Eagle. Learn about the symbol of the United States.
10:30-11:15 AM Tuesdays
Crafts, songs, animal visitors.
FREE with regular Oatland Island Admission.
912.395.1212

7. 2009 Savannah Children’s Book Festival.
The festival - one of the best local kids’ events - is set for 10 AM-4 PM Sat., Nov. 14 at Forsyth Park in Savannah.
Storytelling with children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country.
Laura Numeroff, award-winning author of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and “If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” is among the many talented guests in this year’s lineup
Also includes dozens of Low Country authors, arts and crafts, food vendors, a variety of entertainment, costumed characters, and much more. The Savannah Children’s Book Festival is presented by Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah.
Rain location for the event is the Savannah Civic Center.
For more information, call 912-652-3689 or click here.
Other guests at the festival include:
David Biedrzycki, “Ace Lacewing”
Bruce Degen, “The Magic School Bus”
Dr. Jean Feldman, “A Survival Guide for Preschool Teachers”
Patrick Jones, “Chasing Taillights”
Doc Neal, “What’s in a Doctor’s Bag?”
Kyle Puttkammer, “Galaxy Man”
Charles R. Smith Jr., “Dance with Me”
Mike Thaler, “Teacher from the Black Lagoon”
John and Danita Thomas, “The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions”
Michael P. White, “The Library Dragon”
Mrs. Rosa, host of “PBS Kids”

8. Savannah Children’s Choir’s Winter Concert, “How Can I Keep From Singing?”
3 PM Sun., Nov. 15 @ First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave.
Tickets, available at the door, are $10 for adults, and $5 for students.
The choir, under the artistic direction of Roger Moss, is joined this year by associate conductor Timothy Hall along with accompanist Anne Beetem Acker.
The choir is Savannah’s only non-profit community choir for children in 2nd-8th grades. Members must maintain a “B” average in each school subject to remain in good standing, and free tutoring is provided by community volunteers to any child requesting help. Learn more here.
(912) 412-2833.

Bluffton/Hilton Head Is. area children and family activities

9. Hilton Head Oyster Festival
noon-5 PM Sat. Nov. 14 - Sun. Nov. 15. @ the Shelter Cove Community Park.
Featuring a variety of oysters and shrimp, an assortment of beers from Budweiser and a collection of wines from Rollers Total Beverage, live music.
The KIDS’ ZONE includes moon bounces, carnival games, prizes, UFO laser tag. Football fans can catch both the NFL and college games over the weekend at the park. Holiday Craft Show and silent auction featuring items such as rounds of golf, art from local artisans, and gift certificates from local restaurants up for bid.
Tickets are $5.
For more information, click here, or call the Island Recreation Center at 843.681.7273 or email info@islandrecccenter.org.

Island Child - a sponsor of SouthernMamas - wonderful selection of Corolle and Madame Alexander dolls and accessories in time for the holidays.

Check out the collection of dolls and accessories at the Island Child Web site here. You can order online or at the Island Child store in the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Is. 1.888.705.5437 or 843.686.5437.

Island Child - owned by children’s clothing gurus Steve and Senny Powell, who have seven adopted children and have fostered seven children - has been dressing Lowcountry tykes for 25 years

Send Island Child a favorite photo of your Island Child and he or she could become ISLAND CHILD’S NEXT TOP MODEL.

Kelig Neal!

Congratulations. Kelig wins a free Kindermusik semester of classes for her baby.

Kindermusik  has three new parent-and-me music classes starting this month at three locations - Mondays in the Sandfly area, Tuesdays on Wilmington Island and Saturdays on the Southside. The classes run November through January 2010.  

To register for Kindermusik, visit the Coastal Empire Savannah Kindermusik Web site and click on the Kindermusik for Ages 0-7 button. Or call 912.728.KEYS (5397)

Click here more information.

Check out Kindermusik’s sister site 88 Keys, for piano tuning, piano service, sales/rentals, even piano moving. The family-owned business also buys, sells and RENTS pianos. You can rent a spinet piano for $1 per day. That’s right  -$30 a month for a piano. For more info, click here or call 912.728.KEYS.

Attention Savannah and Hilton Head Is. moms groups!  Here’s a fun idea for an event: have a Tippy Toes Pottery party.

Tippy Toes is an amazing concept developed by local mompreneur Amanda Reed, who uses your child’s footprints, hand prints and finger prints to create a whimsical painting on pottery.

Think large lobster serving platter, which the claws of the lobster are a child’s footprints or a magical garden with flowers made of a child’s handprints. The artwork includes the child’s name and year.

I was thrilled to attend a Tippy Toes open house today, where Amanda made prints of my two children’s hands and feet to create creative and sentimental presents for the grandparents!

Check out some of the gifts Tippy Toes can create for you here.

Tippy Toes Pottery travels around to events. Hosting a tippy toes event is a great way to get your friends together to make precious memories.

Hostesses receive 10 percent of all event sales toward the purchase of their pottery. Find out more here.

Become a fan of Tippy Toes Pottery on Facebook here.

Heated discussions about childhood vaccines are seen on national news channels and are being talked about more openly among parents.

To help sort through the confusion of safety, rights and choices, the following topics will be discussed during an upcoming vaccine seminar hosted by the Savannah Autism Support Group Meeting at the pediatrician office of Dr. Ramon Ramos, 313 Eisenhower Dr.:

• Vaccine laws, recommendations and exemptions
• Mercury/ thermarosal and other additives in vaccines
• Questions to ask your physician or pediatrician: informed consent
• Predisposition to vaccine reactions
• Strategies to increase immune function if you choose not to vaccinate

The meeting will be 6:30-8 PM Tues. Nov. 10. Attendees will go home with a packet of information of guidance and support materials to help you make an informed decision for your child. The presenter is chiropractor Steve Ranicki of Pooler.

For more info, call 912-748-1506 or email Jennifer@ranickichiropractic.com. RSVP requested: Jessica at SavannahGAandAutism@yahoo.com or call: 667-9060.

“Joy to the World” will be one of the tunes playing in your head after enjoying Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

It’s just one of the Motown hits featured in the ocean adventure of the clownfish Nemo, playing this weekend at Savannah Civic Center . Remaining shows are:
Sat. Nov 7 @ 11 AM
Sat. Nov 7 @ 3 PM
Sat. Nov 7 @ 7 PM
Sun. Nov 8 @ 2 PM

The show is well-worth braving all those trinket and cotton-candy concession stands, with beg-your-parents-for $15 Nemo hats. But kids quickly lose interest in the goodies once the fish on skates hit the ice.

The production includes all your child’s favorite characters, ever-forgetful Dory, Bruce the shark, the overprotective Marlin, “super-dude” turtle Crush and Nigel the pelican.

Beware, though, there are a few, small fireworks in the first half of the roughly 90-minute show, which temporarily upset a few kids near my family. We saw the show courtesy of Feld Entertainment, the Disney on Ice promoters which provided the recent ticket giveaways on SouthernMamas.

Tickets are available @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469.