December 7, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. An INSTANT Christmas play starring you and your family!

Come and join the cast of Bethlehem Bound from rehearsals to cast party all in one evening! Free, fun, and a great way to start off your Christmas season! First Christian Church 711 E. Victory Drive in Savannah. Call 912-236-8271 to register.

Email pastor.heath.fcc@gmail.com  for additional questions.

First Christian Preschool, 711 E. Victory Drive, Savannah, 31405, email: fccsav@bellsouth.net, 912 234-3149,  http://firstchristiansavannah.com/FirstChristianChurchPreschool.dsp First Christian Preschool is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Attention Homeschool Parents! Snapology of Richmond Hill/Savannah has  just opened registration for their next session of Snapology classes for homeschoolers.

Lego® Engineering for Homeschoolers in POOLER – 5 week session of classes!

Come build super-cool models with Lego® Technic bricks that use gears, axles and pulleys to build simple machines! Work in teams under guided instruction to build a different simple machine model each week.

Some models the class will build include catapults, windmills, cranes and conveyor belts plus more!

This class is designed for children of all ages and abilities. Older elementary age or middle school children will build together and will be given extensions to build.

Please note that this 5 week class will break for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Cost: $65 per student. November 21-Jan 9 10:30-11:30 at Tom Tripplet Park Community Center conveniently located between Savannah and Pooler off of Highway 80.

Register online at http://savannah.snapology.com/Calendar.html .

Have Snapology bring the party to you! Snapology’s dedicated party facilitator will bring the Lego® party to you.

More Snapology birthday info here.

Stay connected to Snapology of Savannah by liking them on Facebook here.

Snapology of Savannah, Richmond Hill, “Where Learning is a Snap” 770-883-3024, email Savannah@Snapology.com , http://www.snapology.com/savannahhome.php, Snapology is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Come find out all that St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island has to offer your child.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

OPEN HOUSE for Prospective Families

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

St. Andrew’s School

Pre-K 3 through Grade 12

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

One of our favorite local kids’ events, the annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival happens Saturday Nov. 16, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Forsyth Park in Savannah.

The festival is presented by Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah. The ninth annual festival celebrates the joy of reading, the power of the written word and the magic of storytelling with children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country. The festival will also include more than 60 Coastal Authors, arts and crafts, an International Tent, a variety of food and entertainment, a Book Walk and graphic novel/comics area.

This year’s featured authors and illustrators are:
Robin Bridges
Marc Brown
Peter Brown
Nick Bruel
Nina Crews
John R. Erickson
Denise Fleming
Tad Hills
Brian Lies
Jim McMullen
Rachel Renee Russell
Don Tate

Download the lexile level information for the books by the above featured authors and illustrators.

Rain location for the event is the Savannah Civic Center. For more information, call 912-652-3689. For updates, visit the library’s Facebook page by clicking here.

Shannon Christopher Photography is offering several mini sessions with 100% of your fee going to relief for the families and victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Sessions would be on Nov 17th between 2-3 in Forsyth and 4-5:20 on North Tybee, will last 20 minutes and clients will receive a minimum of 6 edited image files for $75. Simply make a $75 donation to any of the several organizations listed here and send a copy of your donation receipt to Shannon with your time slot request.

Only seven slots, so please email Shannon directly to reserve at shannon@shannonchristopher.com

Shannon Christopher Photography, www.shannonchristopher.com, Shannon Christopher Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

2013 Sailing With Santa Cruise

Children will have the chance to sail with Santa on Savannah Riverboat Cruises’ 2pm Sightseeing Cruises Nov. 29 & Nov. 30, Dec. 7 & 8 and take pictures on board. Children sail free with the donation of a new unwrapped toy and an accompanied paying adult. All toys will be donated to the Next Generation, a charity that benefits The Children’s Hospital at Memorial. Reserve your tickets by clicking here.

Santa will make four special appearances this year before returning back to the North Pole where he and his elves will be preparing for Christmas Day!

Prices: Adult: $21.95- Child: $12.95

Take your Christmas photo on board with Santa! Kids sail FREE with the donation of an unwrapped toy!! *prices do no include 3% port fee and 7% sales tax This year’s toy donations will benefit: The Next Generation for the Children’s Hospital at Memorial

DATES: Friday, November 29th, Saturday, November 30th, Saturday, December 7th & Sunday, December 8th

Boards at 1:30pm; Sails from 2:00pm-3:00pm

MORE INFO HERE.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises, 9 E River St Savannah, 31401-1295; www.savannahriverboat.com/ tel. (912) 232-6404 Savannah Riverboat Cruises is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

THE JOURNEY

Experience life the night Christmas began
Wednesday – Sunday, Dec. 4-8 and 11-15 2013
Savannah Christian Church
55 Al Henderson Blvd., Savannah, GA 31419

Tickets – $5 each with $20 family maximum – available online here .
Discounts available for groups and for military, fire fighters, police and first-responders. More information here.

The Journey, which draws tens of thousands from across the Southeast, is all-new this December. Step back centuries in time to experience life the night Jesus was born. See prophecies foretold. Enter the gates of ancient Bethlehem. Follow the shepherds to find a baby lying in a manger. Let the wonder of the season come to life in that star-lit stable.

Hundreds of costumed volunteers bring to life this outdoor production that Savannah Christian Church has hosted since 1998. In 2013 The Journey is all-new, completely re-imagined. Volunteers are building a new walled town of Bethlehem. Streets will be lined with a bakery, cloth and jewelry shops, vegetable and spice stands, an inn, tannery and blacksmith shops. Live animals – camels at the tent of the Wise Men, lions at Herod’s place, and sheep, goats, geese and more outside of Bethlehem – will further enliven the experience.

Savannah Christian Church is rebuilding this year to create an even more authentic experience – as if you stepped back in time to an ancient Middle Eastern town. They’re also making room for even more visitors.

Savannah Christian Church, 55 Al Henderson Blvd., Savannah, GA 31419, www.savannahchristian.com On Facebook here    Savannah Christian’s The Journey is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

The holiday season is about tradition and there’s no better way to kick-off the holiday spirit than by joining Clara as she goes from a fabulous holiday party set in 1940’s Savannah to a dream unlike any other. If this isn’t a tradition for you and your family, come make it one!”

The perennial, holiday favorite will be presented at the Lucas Theatre for the Performing Arts, 32 Abercorn St, Savannah, 31401 on Saturday, November 30th at 2:00 (general admission matinée) and 8:00 pm (reserved seating). Presented by Savannah Ballet Theatre.

For tickets, call 912-525-5050 or purchase online at www.savannahboxoffice.com .

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

You’re invited to a Book Signing “Confessions of a Teacher Recruiter” by Tracy Brisson @ Barnett’s Educational Supplies in Savannah .

Saturday, November 16, 3-5pm

Meet teacher recruitment expert Tracy Brisson and author of Confessions of a Teacher Recruiter: How to Create an Extraordinary Resume and Hook Your Dream Job at Barnett’s exclusive author-signing event!

Barnett Educational Supplies is celebrating its 68th year of business. They proudly serve schools, teachers, parents, homeschoolers, churches as well as restaurants and clubs. Their wide variety of merchandise ranges from carnival prizes to complete classroom supplies. If you don’t see what you need, call them!

Please like Barnett on Facebook here to stay updated on their sales & products.

Store hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM-7 PM; Sat: 10 AM-5 PM; Sun: 1- 5 PM.

Barnett Educational Supplies, 38 W De Renne Ave., Savannah, 31405-6742, tel: 912-356-1878, email barneduc@bellsouth.net www.barnetteducationalsupplies.com , Barnett Educational Supplies is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You’re invited to Island MOPS Silent Auction and Dessert Social Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Pooler on Hwy 80, 1115  Highway 80 East, Pooler, Georgia 31322

It is free to come and eat desserts and socialize and bid on some really cool items. There will be restaurant gift cards, spa & salon gift certificates, horseback riding lessons, photography sessions, various gifts and crafts up for auction. Childcare is provided for a donation.

This is a great way for you to get some good deals on Christmas gifts! Bidding starts at 7 PM and it will end at 8:30pm. Childcare is provided for a donation, just please RSVP here and leave a comment so that they’ll know how many childcare workers are needed.

So come for free desserts and coffee and enjoy a night out with your spouse or girlfriends while you shop for a good cause

For more details, click here.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises would like to say THANK YOU to all of our Veterans with these special offers!!

Savannah Riverboat Cruises, 9 E River St Savannah, 31401-1295; www.savannahriverboat.com/ tel. (912) 232-6404 Savannah Riverboat Cruises is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Your kids are invited to Veterans Day Cheer Camp on Monday Nov. 11 2013 9am-2pm (aftercare is available until 5pm) @ Savannah Sharks Cheerleading & Tumbling .

Ages 5-12. Cost $20 ($25/ family). Email Savsharks@gmail.com to register.

Savannah Sharks Cheerleading & Tumbling, 2123 East Victory Drive, Savannah, 31404, email savsharks@gmail.com, http://savsharkscheer.com On Facebook here. Savannah Sharks is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Start a new holiday tradition.

Habitat for Humanity in Savannah’s founders had a simple idea – everyone on the planet should have a safe, decent place to live. Each day Habitat for Humanity works tirelessly to make that happen. But sometimes, they have a little fun doing it.

Join Habitat for Humanity on Dec. 8th or 9th for a gingerbread workshop, where the young or the young at heart get to build home sweet home.

Habitat for Humanity will provide all the supplies and a whole lot of expert guidance from local chef Meggan Hartley. You make a donation and help our neighbors. And did we mention that it’s fun?

where: JCPenney Court at Oglethorpe Mall

when: Sunday, Dec. 8 or Monday, Dec. 9, 11 am – 2 pm

cost: $20 per participant. Reduced rates for groups of 6 or larger.

Preregistering? Contact Michelle Hunter @ hunter@habitatsavannah.org. Or walk-up. They’ll manage to find some space.

SEE PHOTOS FROM LAST YEAR: 2012 HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS WORKSHOP

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

FREE Storybook Art with Scribble Art Studio

Southwest Chatham Library, 925-8305 Thursday, Nov. 7, 4:30 p.m.

Professional artists from Scribble Art Studio will lead this hands-on art program. The session will feature the book, “Duck & Goose, Goose Needs a Hug” by Tad Hills, one of the children’s book authors coming to the Savannah Children’s Book Festival, 11/16, in Forsyth Park.

Southwest Chatham Library, 14097 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419 (behind Target at Savannah Mall)

UPDATE: Winner is Jennifer Hodges! Congratulations Jennifer! Please email us at anne@southernmamas.com to claim your loot!

This week a lucky SouthernMamas.com reader will win a $50 Visa gift card courtesy of Integrity Auto Repair in Savannah, mechanics in Savannah you can trust.

To enter to win:

1. “Like” Integrity Auto Repair on Facebook.

2. Visit Integrity Auto Repair’s web site by clicking here. Then comment on their giveaway post by answering the question “What was your first car?” Deadline to enter is 10 PM Mon. Nov. 11. We’ll pick a winner & announce it here and on our SouthernMamas.com Facebook page.

Auto Repair Deals for SouthernMamas.com readers

Mention you read about Integrity Auto Repair on SouthernMamas.com & receive a premium oil change with a free tire rotation for only $24.95. (tax not included). Plus, SouthernMamas.com readers will receive 5% off your total bill for regular services.

Integrity Auto Repair services all major makes and models of vehicles. They are locally-owned and master certified in the industry.

Even better, Integrity Auto Repair offers a lifetime warranty on brakepads and a 2 year, 24,000 miles warranty (versus the standard 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty) on all other parts because they only use the highest quality parts, not junk parts.

These trustworthy mechanics fix brakes, retool engines and help with other mechanical aches and pains.

Don’t want to miss work sitting around in the auto repair waiting room? No worries. Integrity Auto Repair offers a shuttle service for local customers. Call to make an appointment. 912.777.7030.

“Like” Integrity Auto Repair on Facebook by clicking here to stay updated on their deals & specials.

Integrity Auto Repair – it’s all in the name.

Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 6 PM
Sat: 9 AM- 2 PM

Integrity Auto Repair, 4406 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA 31404, 912.777.7030, www.integrityonwaters.com On Facebook here.

Free fee weekend Nov. 9-11 2013 @ Fort Pulaski National Monument

To commemorate Veterans Day, the National Park Service will waive all entrance fees throughout Veterans Day weekend. Savannah’s national park – Fort Pulaski National Monument – will be fee free from Saturday, November 9 to Monday, November 11, 2013.

Fort Pulaski National Monument will honor our nation’s veterans with a full schedule of special activities in the historic fort. The 48th New York Infantry Regiment will recreate many aspects of daily life at a major Civil War-era post. A variety of programs will be offered throughout the weekend allowing visitors to learn about military inspections, mail calls, bayonet drills, barracks life, and infantry drills. A special military salute to veterans will be offered at 4:00 PM on Saturday, November 9.

The 48th New York Infantry was stationed at Fort Pulaski from June 1862 through June 1863. During their year-long stay, the unit remained vigilant, always prepared for a Confederate counter attack, an attack that never materialized. Their stay was documented in a series of early photographs that are displayed in exhibits throughout the park.

“The everyday life of the Civil War soldier has always been fascinating to the American public,” commented Superintendent Melissa Memory. “This weekend, we’ll bring that subject to life as a salute to the veterans of all conflicts who have served our country.”

The schedule for the weekend of Veterans Day is as follows:

Saturday, November 9, 2013
10:00            Company Drill
11:00            Cannon Demonstration
12:00            Guided Fort Tour
1:00              Special Program – The 48th New York Volunteers at Fort Pulaski
1:30              Quartermaster and Mail Call
2:00              Cannon Demonstration
3:00              Bayonet Drill & Musket Demonstration
4:00              Salute to Veteran’s Day

Sunday, November 10, 2013
9:00              Barracks Cleaning
10:00            Barracks Inspection
11:00            Guided Fort Tour
12:00            Baseball Game
1:00              Special Program – The 48th New York Volunteers at Fort Pulaski.
2:00              March out of Fort
3:00              Guided Fort Tour

Monday, November 11, 2013
10:30            Guided Fort Tour
12:00            Musket Demonstration
1:00              Ranger’s Choice (Subject of program varies)
2:00              Musket Demonstration
3:30              Guided Fort Tour

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. Learn more at www.nps.gov/fopu and visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS and Twitter www.twitter.com/FortPulaskiNPS.

Call the park at (912) 786-5787 for details or visit the park’s official website at nps.gov/fopu.

More information on free entrance days in the National Parks can be found at www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm  .

JUNIOR PARK RANGERS

When you take kids to tour national parks, you never know how much they are getting out of the visit. Especially for those of us moms who aren’t exactly history experts.

Which is why you need to pick up the Junior Ranger booklets at the visitor centers of national parks you visit. The Junior Ranger program kids engage more during the visits.

Junior Ranger booklets have activities about the national parks for ages 5-12. Junior ranger books are free to any visitor and usually are available at the visitors’ centers. Often, similar programs with more advanced activities are also available for older kids. Just ask at the site’s visitor center.

While doing the activities, children enjoy earning a badge and a certificate.

Various national parks that have Junior Ranger programs include:
*Fort Pulaski National Monument, on U.S. 80 en route to Tybee Island. Info on the Fort Pulaski Junior Program here.
*Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie national monuments, Charleston, S.C. Info on these forts Junior Ranger program here.
*Cumberland Island National Seashore, Ga. More info here.

RANICKI CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER PRESENTS “STOMACH PROBLEMS: HOW TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE YOUR SYMPTOMS” on November 13, 6:30PM.

Seating is limited to 25 attendees and cost is $10 per person. At this event Dr. Stephen Ranicki will provide you with information that will assist you as you make big changes to help revolutionize your health. Call 912.376.1506 to reserve your seat.

For more information, click here.

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Come out to Skidaway Island State Park to enjoy FREE kids’ nature activities most Wednesdays-Sundays during November .  To see the complete list of FREE kids’ nature activities @ Skidaway Is. State Park during November 2013, click here.

This months highlights include:

* Toddler Time at 10 AM on Thursdays : Stories, games, and learning designed for 2-4 year olds. This upcoming week’s theme is birds . See upcoming themes here..

* SMORES & STORIES AROUND THE CAMPFIRE: 6 PM FRI. Nov. 8 Campfire:  Meet and greet fellow park visitors for Smores and stories around the campfire. Meet at Amphitheatre across from Picnic Shelter 4.

* Owl Programs at 2 PM Wed. Nov. 6 & 6 PM Sat. Nov. 23.

To see the complete list of FREE kids’ nature activities @ Skidaway Is. State Park during November 2013, click here.

FOR MORE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR BY CLICKING HERE

Telfair Museums in Savannah has some big FREE kids events happening this month including:

The 19th Annual Telfair Art Fair will be held November 16 and 17 in the heart of historic downtown Savannah.
A popular family-friendly aspect of the annual Telfair Art Fair is the FREE Children’s Art fair, a free event taking place Saturday, November 16 from 10 am to 5 pm in the square at 207 W. York St.
FREE Children’s Art Fair
Saturday, November 16
Enjoy art activities for children in the square and in the studio 10 am – 5pm.
Bring your children to create, design, learn and have fun! Activities are centered around Telfair Museums’ featured exhibition, Spanish Sojourns. Different activities will be available during the day including Travel Sketch Books, Flamenco Dance Instruction, Flamenco Flower Design, Robert Henri Replication Station, and Spanish
Mosaic Tiles. *Free and open to the public sponsored by Blick Art Materials.
.
FREE WEEK @ THE JEPSON CENTER
NOV. 18-24 / JEPSON CENTER
Experience great activities and exhibitions including Spanish Sojourns: Robert Henri and the Spirit of Spain and Warhol/JFK: November 22, 1963.
*Free and open to the public

FREE FAMILY DAY
SATURDAY, NOV. 23, 1-4 PM
3 PM DANCE PERFORMANCE JEPSON CENTER
Activities include bilingual audio-tours, hands-on activities and a 3 pm dance performance by Aire Flamenco. Join us to paint portraits, create flowers, fans and castanets and experience Spanish story time and gallery activities.
*Programs are free and open to the public sponsored
by the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs. Additional funding provided by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Georgia Power Foundation, Inc., and the AGL Resources Foundation.

More info here.

Telfair Museum’s Jepson Center, 207 W York St, Savannah GA 31401 More info here. Telfair Museums are a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Register for a favorite holiday tradition: the Savannah Santa Train 2013.

When
Saturday December 14, 2013 from 9 AM to 5 PM

Where
Georgia State Railroad Museum
655 Louisville Road
Savannah, GA 31401

Join the Coastal Heritage Society in Savannah for Savannah’s only Polar Express themed holiday event! Guests enjoy a special train ride, holiday themed crafts and activities, a visit with Santa and hot chocolate and hot cocoa ice cream from Leopold’s Ice Cream!

Saturday, December 14th from 9am-5pm

Pre-registration and pre-payment are REQUIRED for this event.

Train rides will begin at 9am and run every thirty minutes with the last ride boarding at 5pm. There will not be a train ride at 12:30p. There will be a special Storytime reading of The Polar Express at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm on the stage.

There will be fun holiday crafts and activities in the Blacksmith Shop all day (transformed into Santa’s Workshop) as well as an opportunity for little guests to visit with Santa himself!

The WhistleStop Cafe (located across Louisville Road) will be offering Children’s Holiday Lunch Specials at only $4.99 including Rudolph’s Grilled Cheese and Santa’s Favorite PB & J!

Get more information by clicking here.
Register now by clicking here.

Once registered, guests will receive a follow up email closer to the day of the event with more details so you can plan your day accordingly.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

The Savannah Mall’s latest addition, the 15,000 square-foot Safari Playhouse and Mini Golf, will open to the community Nov 15 – just in time for cool weather.

The playhouse offers 13,000 square feet of wilderness themed soft play area, an 18-hole miniature golf course, full arcade and snack bar.

For more information about the Savannah Mall, please visit savannahmall.com or call 912-927-7467.

The Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn Street, www.savannahmall.com , 912-927-7467. The Savannah Mall is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Join The Melting Pot of Savannah for Femme Fatale de Fondue Ladies’ Night Out this Wed. & Thurs. (Nov. 6 & 7).

You can enter for a chance to win a custom pair of chocolate-inspired diamond earrings, fondue for a year or a $50 Melting Pot gift card. The Melting Pot will hold a local drawing for a beautiful pendant from Zeghani by Simon.

Diamonds, chocolate and fondue………….what else could a girl ask for?

Stay connected with The Melting Pot of Savannah on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

The Melting Pot, 232 E. Broughton St. Savannah, Ga 31401 tel: 912-349-5676 for reservations, www.meltingpot.com/savannah The Melting Pot of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Just in time for the holidays, Nonstop Fitness in Savannah is offering BOGO 50% off their loyalty card. (Reg. 10 passes for $50). Nonstop Fitness is located on 8511 Ferguson Ave., Savannah,  31406.

This is THE gym for real people! Nonstop Fitness Savannah offers more than just an average gym experience.  Personal training and supplements available with your 24 hour membership & tanning.

Nonstop Fitness, 8511 Ferguson Ave., Savannah,  31406,  www.nonstopfitnesssav.com, 912.349.4902, email thenonstopfitness@gmail.com On Facebook here.