Sign up by May 21 for Make a Joyful Noise early childhood music summer classes and SouthernMamas.com readers can waive the $15 registration fee! Click here to download the summer schedule and registration form. Located on the campus of Savannah Country Day School, 824 Stillwood Drive, 31419. More info here.  Questions? Contact Vicki Mills at 920-6542 or MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net

Many of you SouthernMamas.com readers are busy PTA moms and room mothers.

If you haven’t already, check out VolunteerSpot.com which offers FREE eBooks to help with fundraising and service activities. Ebooks include: Kid-Friendly Fundraising Ideas; Room Mom Survival Guide & School Party Ideas; and, just in time for end-of-year, The Greatest Gifts for Teachers.

Below is a guest post by Jane Madison, an early childhood education expert and pre-K teacher at Saint Peter the Apostle School on Wilmington Island.

As the school year comes to an end, parents often want ideas for activities during the summer to help their child maintain the skills learned in school. It is also important for parents to know the abilities young children need to be successful in school, and what to work toward.
The goals and activities discussed here are geared toward children finishing a pre-kindergarten program, but all of the activities are useful and fun and can be adapted for younger or older children. Remember, children learn naturally through play.
Children entering kindergarten are expected to identify some letters of the alphabet by name. They should be able to recognize all of the letters in their first name, and also be able to tell you how to spell it. Many children can write their name, but have no idea what the letters are called. Some children can spell their name, but don’t recognize it in print. We want them to be able to do both. To help your child learn how to spell his name, make up a song to the tune of BINGO or Wheels on the Bus, substituting the letters of your child’s name. Then point to the written letters as you sing it.
The pre-kindergarten student at this time of year should be able to hear beginning sounds of words and identify words that start with the same sound, such as ball and bike. (Alliteration)
They should also be able to hear rhyming sounds, and tell you two or three words that rhyme together. Nonsense words DO count in this activity.
In Math, students should be able to count objects to 12 or more, recognize numerals to 10 or more, name shapes and make simple patterns.
Also it is important to help your child to work independently. He should be able to put together a puzzle without talking to you, set a place setting at the table without getting distracted, draw a picture, or write his name without constantly looking to you for approval. A child this age should be able to follow a two step direction without loosing focus. An example of this is, “Go get your bathing suit and come to my room.”

Below is a list of games and activities you can do with your child to help him continue to maintain the skills he has learned in school this year. Only play these games for 10 or 15 minutes each day. If your child wants to play longer you may do so, but you want your child to love learning and have fun while doing it!
Please, please, please read and discuss books with your child everyday, limit TV, DVD’s, and video games and play cards or board games in which people interact with each other, not a screen.

Rhyming and Alliteration
(These games can be played to pass the time when you are someplace you have to wait, or when you’re in the car.)
• Name something that rhymes with_____. , chair, desk, sign, whatever you see
• Tell me a word that starts with the same sound as ____.
• I see two things that start with “b”. Make the b sound, bat and ball
• Name people in the family who have names that start with the same sound
• I’m thinking of something that swims that starts with the “f” sound( make sound) and rhymes with wish, (fish)

 To read the rest of this post in its entirety, click here.

Georgia Walk Now for Autism at the International Plaza at Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta

In just five years, the Georgia Walk Now for Autism Speaks has raised more than $3.8 million for autism awareness, advocacy, and research and family services. The 2011 event, will be a family-friendly event that will include a walk, activities for children, and a resource fair for parents, refreshments and entertainment.

Details and directions here: http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=447313

Savannah Celtic FC Soccer TRYOUTS
Youth Development Program [ages U8 through U12] — May 31, June 2, and June 3
Youth Development Program – Select [ages U13 through U19] — June 7, June 9, and June 10
These tryouts are for any player current or new that wishes to join the SCFC Youth Development Program for the Fall 2011 season. There is no better soccer academy in the Savannah and Greater Savannah area especially when considering Savannah Celtic’s affordable training fees. The YDP Director and coaching staff will be in attendance to assess players who will take part in a group warm up and small sided games. For more info: http://savannahceltic.com

Savannah Celtic FC Soccer TRYOUTS
Youth Development Program [ages U8 through U12] — May 31, June 2, and June 3
Youth Development Program – Select [ages U13 through U19] — June 7, June 9, and June 10
These tryouts are for any player current or new that wishes to join the SCFC Youth Development Program for the Fall 2011 season. There is no better soccer academy in the Savannah and Greater Savannah area especially when considering Savannah Celtic’s affordable training fees. The YDP Director and coaching staff will be in attendance to assess players who will take part in a group warm up and small sided games. For more info: http://savannahceltic.com

Savannah Celtic FC Soccer TRYOUTS
Youth Development Program [ages U8 through U12] — May 31, June 2, and June 3
Youth Development Program – Select [ages U13 through U19] — June 7, June 9, and June 10
These tryouts are for any player current or new that wishes to join the SCFC Youth Development Program for the Fall 2011 season. There is no better soccer academy in the Savannah and Greater Savannah area especially when considering Savannah Celtic’s affordable training fees. The YDP Director and coaching staff will be in attendance to assess players who will take part in a group warm up and small sided games. For more info: http://savannahceltic.com

Savannah Celtic FC Soccer TRYOUTS
Youth Development Program [ages U8 through U12] — May 31, June 2, and June 3
Youth Development Program – Select [ages U13 through U19] — June 7, June 9, and June 10
These tryouts are for any player current or new that wishes to join the SCFC Youth Development Program for the Fall 2011 season. There is no better soccer academy in the Savannah and Greater Savannah area especially when considering Savannah Celtic’s affordable training fees. The YDP Director and coaching staff will be in attendance to assess players who will take part in a group warm up and small sided games. For more info: http://savannahceltic.com

Bring your family, chairs, and baskets and enjoy a nice evening on the park. Movie begins at sunset and popcorn and drinks will be available to purchase.
Movie Night @ Forsyth Park-The Karate Kid
7:30 p.m. – until
www.templeofglorysav.org
Phone: 912.233.8213 ext. 21 or 27

Check out SouthernMamas.com new Sell Your Stuff page, where local moms can sell your gently-used items (maternity clothes, strollers, baby stuff etc) for FREE. Right now you can find some real steals on oodles of maternity clothes. Click here.

Think of the page as FREE Classifieds for Moms in the Savannah, Pooler, Bluffton, Hilton Head Is. area.  The link to the Sell Your Stuff page is at the top of the SouthernMamas.com main page, in the top right corner next to the Summer Camps 2011 link.  

Hand-me-downs: If the demand is there, this could also be a page where moms can post info about children’s gently-used hand-me-downs that they want to either give away, trade or sell.

To sell your gently-used items here for free, email the info to anne@southernmamas.com and please include a photo, descripiton of the items for sale, cost and your contact info.

We’ll test out this page and see what the response is. If it’s a hit, we’ll definitely keep it. So start selling your stuff now! Click here.

Bring 2 Cans to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, S.C., Get into the Zoo for the Price of 1 during Toucan Tuesdays
Beginning Tues. June 7, two can visit Riverbanks for the price of one with a donation of two cans of non-perishable food to Harvest Hope Food Bank to help hungry families.
On a Toucan Tuesday. Riverbanks will also offer $2 ICEEs and 2-for-1 specials in the Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop.
Toucan Tuesdays will run for 13 consecutive Tuesdays throughout the summer, ending on August 30. The promotion applies to general admission rates only (purchase one admission and get the second for equal or lesser value free; Explorer wristbands and memberships are not included). Donation bins will be located at both the Zoo and Garden entrances. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org .

The 16th Annual Savannah Asian Festival brings an entire continent of unique cultures, cuisines, performances and fun to the Savannah Civic Center. The City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Asian-American volunteers work together to present this one-day celebration of Asian countries and cultures.

Festival attendees can enjoy free live stage performances including the thunderous Matsuriza Taiko Drummers, from Orlando, Fla.; the amazing SinoElite acrobats, from Orlando, Fla., featuring talents from the People’s Republic of China, and the dazzling musical talents of Shufang Chen, a prominent Gu-Zheng musician representing Taiwan. In addition, there will be an array of other live musical, martial arts and dance performances on stage from performing groups representing Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Polynesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

The festival will offer samplings of exotic cuisines from across the continent. Several local restaurants, will be presenting a selection of regional favorites from Polynesia, China, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, India and Thailand.

Browse the Cultural Marketplace to learn more about each country and discover the traditional arts, crafts, fashions and treasures unique to each nation. From calligraphy sets to paper, original paintings, hand-beaded clothing, exotic accessories and henna body painting, an entire continent’s worth of treasures that can be found in the marketplace. Also enjoy a workshop on Asian & Middle Eastern Tea.

Children can be entertained in the children’s activity area, where they can learn more about Asian cultures through hands-on activities. They can have fun experimenting with origami, Diwali treasure boxes, Asian flag making and other cultural crafts.

The Savannah Asian Festival is free courtesy of the City of Savannah. There is a charge for food and purchases from the Cultural Marketplace.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
(times are approximate)
11:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony and Parade of Flags
11:30 a.m. Lee’s TaeKwando Martial Arts Demonstrations (Korea)
11:55 a.m. Shufang Chen, Gu-Zheng Musician (Taiwan)
12:20 p.m. Matsuriza Taiko Drummers (Japan)
12:45 p.m. Sanggar Lestari Indonesian Performing Group
1:10 p.m. SinoElite Acrobats (China)
1:45 p.m. Sampaguita Dance Troupe (Philippines)
2:10 p.m. Children of Polynesia
2:35 p.m. Hac Long Duong Lion Dancers (Vietnam)
3:00 p.m. Thailand Dance Group
3:25 p.m. Matsuriza Taiko Drummers (Japan)
4:00 p.m. SinoElite Acrobats (China)

Make a Joyful Noise that will be music to your ears.

“We’re definitely registering for summer, so what do you have for us?” “She really loves this class!” “He sings all the time!” “To those parents concerned about driving 40 minutes each way for a 40 minute class… it’s so worth it! I’ve made the drive for 2 years already, and she’s turning 4 next month!” “We really love this class, and you, Ms. Vicki!” “I am so impressed with how much he can play on the keyboard in only a couple of weeks!” “Have you been working with her individually during choir? (No, why do you ask?) She’s singing so much better!”

Those are just a few parents’ comments from the 2010-2011 musical year with Make a Joyful Noise music studio!

Join Ms. Vicki of Make a Joyful Noise as the classes:
• explore Nature’s Music for 2’s & 3’s.
• bring the whole family for music making during All Together Now for babies – 5 year olds.
• sing and make music “at and about” the Seashore with 4 – 6 year olds.
• start learning and playing songs at the keyboard the very first class during Intro to the Keyboard.
• lift their voices in song during the Sounds of Praise Choir Camp for rising 1st – 9th graders (divided by age).

Sign up by May 21, and SouthernMamas.com readers can waive the $15 registration fee! Click here to download the summer schedule and registration form.

Ms. Vicki proudly uses the MusicGarten curriculum for her early childhood & keyboard instruction. Having taught music and directed choirs (school, church, and community) for over 20 years, her love and appreciation for music and teaching only increases each year. Musical opportunities abound for your family, so come be a part of a joyful, musical time during these important and critical developmental years of early childhood. For aspiring pianists, develop life-long musical and social skills in a group setting that will enhance so many areas of your child’s, and your family’s, life! Of course, what better way to spread joy to others than to sing for them. Make a Joyful Noise… it’s music to our ears.

Located on the campus of Savannah Country Day School! 824 Stillwood Drive, 31419. More info here.  Questions? Contact Vicki Mills at 920-6542 or MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net  Make A Joyful Noise is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

FREE ZOO ADMISSION: 2011 Teddy Bear Affair Special Offer at Jacksonville Zoo & Garden
Sat. May 21, 2011
Join Nemours’ Children’s Clinic at the Zoo between 10 AM and 4 PM for the annual Teddy Bear Affair. Children age 12 and under who bring their teddy bears or other stuffed animal on that day will receive free admission to the Zoo. “Injured” teddy bears will receive special treatment by Nemours’ skilled staff along with Build-A-Bear, who will be assisting with the teddy bear check-ups. There will be animal encounters, prize drawings, and visits from Jazoo, the Zoo mascot and his mascot friends. More info here.

DISCOUNT ADMISSION: Memorial Day Special Offer at Jacksonville Zoo & Garden
May 28–30 2011
Get $2 off the already discounted military adult, senior, and child General Admission tickets when active or retired military ID is shown on May 28, 29, or 30 2011 Not valid with any additional discount or offer including Zoo Value Ticket. More info here.

FREE ADMISSION: Toucan Tuesdays: Bring 2 Cans, Get into the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, S.C. for the Price of 1
Begins Tues. June 7. Two can visit Riverbanks on Tuesdays in Summer 2011 for the price of one with a donation of two cans of non-perishable food to Harvest Hope.
Riverbanks visitors generated more than 5,000 pounds of food during last year’s Toucan Tuesdays drive, and those donations fed approximately 3,400 people. On Toucan Tuesdays, Riverbanks will also offer $2 ICEEs and 2-for-1 specials in the Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop
Toucan Tuesdays will run for 13 consecutive Tuesdays throughout the summer, ending on August 30. The promotion applies to general admission rates only (purchase one admission and get the second for equal or lesser value free; Explorer wristbands and memberships are not included). Donation bins will be located at both the Zoo and Garden entrances. More information here.

FREE PASSES TO ZOO ATLANTA

Live Oak Public Libraries cardholders can obtain Zoo Atlanta Family Passes at any of the 18 library branches in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. The pass is valid for two adults and up to two children. Just check out a Zoo Atlanta DVD and return it to receive a Zoo Atlanta Family Pass. One Zoo Atlanta Family Pass is available for checkout for one week at each participating library branch. The pass is not valid for fee-based events or programs and may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Standard general admission will apply to families with additional children; children must be accompanied by an adult. The partnership between Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Public Library Service allows adults with valid library cards access to the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass at any participating public library branch throughout the state of Georgia. For more info on Live Oak Public Libraries or to find a branch near you, click here.

THANK THE TROOPS: Use your imagination and create your very own “thank you” card to be sent to our U.S. deployed soldiers.

For reservations or more information, please contact The Sandbox at 843.842.7645. Log on to www.thesandbox.org  for information on other upcoming events and activities.

Create a unique take-home memory, cherished keepsake, or heart-warming gift by personalizing your very own ceramic plate.

For reservations or more information, please contact The Sandbox at 843.842.7645. Log on to www.thesandbox.org  for information on other upcoming events and activities.

Create a unique take-home memory, cherished keepsake, by personalizing your very own ceramic plate. 

For reservations or more information, please contact The Sandbox at 843.842.7645. Log on to www.thesandbox.org  for information on other upcoming events and activities.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Coastal Empire will host the 4th Annual Ride for Ronald Motorcycle Poker Run presented by Dr. Brad Durham. Registration will open at 9:00 a.m. with the last bike out at 11:00 a.m. and the last bike in at 2:00 p.m.
The scenic route will take participants through the Coastal Empire, as they make stops to pick up cards to add to their poker hands. Cash prizes include $500 to the Best Poker Hand, $250 to the Runner Up and $100 to the Worst Hand. Registration for the event is $20 and includes a poker hand, one door prize ticket and lunch courtesy of Driftaway Café. Additional riders are $10. Additional poker hands are available for $5.00.
To register online and/or begin an online fundraising webpage to help raise funds for RMHC visit www.firstgiving.com/rmhccoastal  and follow the steps. Walk up registrations are welcome.
You do not have to ride a motorcycle to be a part of this event! An after-party and awards ceremony will be held at the Ronald McDonald House from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and the public is welcome. Live music, tours of the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, door prizes and more are part of the festivities that will include special guest Ronald McDonald.
To date, the Ride for Ronald has raised more than $43,000 for children and families served by RMHC programs including the Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room®, and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile thanks to participants and event sponsors.
For more information or to register, contact Mindy at 912-350-7641 or mindy@rmhccoastalempire.org .

Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic School Open House for prospective students and parents Sunday, May 15 from 10-11a.m. and May 16 – 19 from 9-11 a.m.
Saint Peter the Apostle School has openings available for the new three-year-old preschool program through the eighth grade.
Located on Wilmington Island, Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic School has been providing students with a strong, faith-based education for over 50 years. Saint Peter the Apostle School provides preschool through eighth grade students an education that nurtures a sense of community, a respect for learning, and an opportunity for personal growth.
The school offers a rigorous academic program that includes: Small class sizes, SMART Board technology in every classroom, a state-of-the-art computer lab, fine art enrichments, and an extensive athletic program. Saint Peter the Apostle School is part of the Savannah Dioceses and has received accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC).
For more information, visit www.saintpetertheapostle.com  or call the admissions office at 912-897-5224.

It’s spring and you are so ready for your home to be professionally cleaned.

Hubbard’s Maid Service in Savannah and the Lowcountry is your go-to company for a spotless cleaning job done by responsible crews you can trust.

Not only does Hubbard’s offer a quality service, the company also gives back to the community. Hubbard’s Maid Service cleans homes for free for women that are undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Hubbard’s Maid Service has joined Cleaning for A Reason, a nationwide non-profit foundation. 

The Foundation Call Center screens and qualifies requests before passing them onto a residential cleaning business to service. The Foundation matches patients with qualified cleaning businesses who have pledged to provide 4 free cleanings for women while they are undergoing treatment for cancer. The Foundation recruits licensed, insured, and bonded cleaning companies such as Hubbard’s who provide background checks on their employees to provide these in demand services.

Hubbard’s then pledges to donate funds to the foundation and do all the cleanings 100% free for the women. There are currently 850 cleaning companies participating in the United States and Canada. Hubbard’s is available to take on more Cleaning for A Reason patients. Call Hubbard’s Maid Service directly at 912-961-9131 for more information or click here.

Call 912.961.9131 for a free house cleaning quote. Be sure to tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you!.

Serving Savannah & the Lowcountry since 2004, Hubbard’s Maid Service has been keeping thousands of houses and offices spotless. You can be assured that Hubbard’s licensed, bonded, and insured team has one goal: your complete satisfaction! No office, house, store, or construction site is too small or large for Hubbard’s cleaning crews.

Hubbard’s Maid Service, 912.961.9131, www.hubbardsmaidservice.com  Hubbard’s Maid Service is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Tues. May 10 – Fri. May 13
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Stop by The Sandbox and help decorate the outside of the museum building! The Sandbox will be turned into a work of art for everyone to see.

Make unique works of art with plants from The Sandbox’s garden. Supplies included with admission. (843) 842-7645 or www.thesandbox.org .

UPDATE: Jennifer Pinkerman Williams is the winner!  Congratulations Jennifer!

Mother’s Day isn’t over.

Here at SouthernMamas.com we believe in celebrating Mother’s Day for the entire Month of May.

Glow Medical Spa & Beauty Boutique  in Savannah is helping to celebrate our Moms Month with an incredible month-long giveaway for a lucky SouthernMamas subscriber: The Spa Sampler. The giveaway includes two of Glow’s most popular treatments:  a mini-facial and a thirty minute massage. It ends with a Mommy make-up make-over and make-up lesson. Two hours. Value is $150.

To enter to win, join the Glow MedSpa group on Facebook by clicking here. The answer this question on the Glow MedSpa Wall: “As a mother, the most difficult thing to do in regards to my own health/beauty is (fill in the blank?)”

We’ll pick a name at random at the end of the month and announce the winner here in June!

Glow is located in Governours Square at 415 Eisenhower Drive between Waters Avenue and Hodgson Memorial Drive. Visit Glow’s MedSpa Services page to see the services offered and read all about the cutting-edge cosmetic medical procedures that have made Glow the leading Medical Spa in Savannah- famous for offering the newest and latest beauty services. Glow offers a variety of services including eye lash extensions, microdermabrasion, massage, chemical peels, Botox, Juvederm, laser leg vein treatments, laser facial treatments and more. 912.303.9611

Pack the Park. Oatland will receive a portoin of the proceeds for ticket sales .
At the game, visit some of Oatland’s most popular animals.
To benefit Oatland, purchase tickets at Oatland Island before the game. Come show your support for the Center!
More info here.