Impressionism Free Family Weekend
Nov. 13 at 10AM–Nov. 15 2020 at 5PM
@ Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center in Savannah

Families can explore Telfair’s beloved collection of impressionist art in a new light at the Jepson Center in this weekend of free admission for Savannah and Chatham County residents. Family Activity Kits include scavenger hunts in the museum galleries along with at-home art making kits. Family Weekends are free of admission to the Jepson Center only for City of Savannah and Chatham County residents. Investment is provided by the City of Savannah.

Learn more here.

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Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

DRIVE UP Fall Festival 2020 @ Trinity Lutheran Church in Savannah

Sat. Oct. 24 2020

10AM-1PM (while supplies last)

Drive up for a free goodie bag filled with candy and goodies. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes

FREE & open to the public

Trinity Lutheran Church, 12391 Mercy Blvd. Savannah 31419

At-Home Kids’ Activity from Savannah Cultural Arts Center

Here’s a fun way your kids can use up a little extra black coffee for an abstract art activity.

What we love about this project is there are no wrong answers, no special tools needed, and it is fun for kids and adults!

Download the instructions from the Savannah Cultural Arts Center here, or watch the video on their Facebook page.

See the instructions online here. 

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Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Kindermusik Savannah with 88 Keys Piano

In-person Move & Groove class for ages 4-7

Beginning next Monday, Kindermusik’s “Move and Groove“ class for ages 4-7 is moving back to the studio.

Join Kindermusik Savannah at 4PM every Monday for a thrilling musical experience with your older children. First trial class is free. Text 912-432-5885 for more info,  or visit kindermusikwith88keys.com.

Visit 88keyspiano.com.

Kindermusik Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

For all educational institutions, teaching during a pandemic is challenging to say the least. Different strategies and methods are being used to deliver instruction, and there are challenges and successes.

The Savannah-Lowcountry community is invited to learn more about those during Georgia Tech Savannah’s next virtual Learners and Leaders session, which will focus on public education in a pandemic.

Register online here for this free event. 

The online program will be 8-9:30AM Thurs. Oct. 8 and is free to all participants, though registration is required.

Panelists include Dr. Lizanne DeStefano, executive director of CEISMC at Georgia Tech; Dr. M. Ann Levett, superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System; Dr. Yancy Ford, superintendent of Effingham County Schools; and Dr. Paul Brooksher, Superintendent of Bryan County Schools. Each panelist will speak about their experiences with holding classes on a variety of different platforms and the planning that went into each system’s approach for dealing with COVID-19. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit written questions that may be posed to the panelists by the program facilitator if time permits.

Find more info about Georgia Tech-Savannah’s Learners and Leaders program or register here for Public Education in a Pandemic session or call 912-966-7922.

Meet the SMF Jazz Academy’s 2020-21 Artist Instructors

If you have a child enrolled in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools who plays a musical instrument or is interested in learning to play a musical instrument, please check out the free Savannah Musical Festival’s virtual Jazz Academy.

Registration is open now for the Fall 2020 semester of SMF Jazz Academy. Enroll online here. 

Open to all students in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Open to all music levels.

This a flexible program that’s able to adapt to student’s needs and give them the skills to grow their creativity. It’s being offered virtually for fall 2020 and already serving students in jazz music education.

Here’s what’s included for each student FOR FREE:

Depending on musical level, students are provided the following:
1) 2 days a week (either Mon and Tues or Wed and Thurs) of Jazz Music Classes (online)
2) Private instrument lessons with one of SMF Jazz Academy Artist Instructors (pictured above)
3) If your student needs an instrument or practice materials, SMF Academy has some for them that they can rent for FREE.

My 6th-grade daughter is enrolled and has already had a few of the sessions. She had her first private lesson today and loved it. She’s been taking saxophone for a year now and is a beginner. I’ve never seen her so spirited about her instrument until after today’s lesson. SMF Jazz Academy has been a welcome bright spot in my daughter’s distance learning during this complicated season of virtual education.

SMF Jazz Academy is currently accepting beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Previous musical experience is not required.

Enroll online here. 

Questions? Contact Jessica Messere at jessica@savannahmusicfestival.org or 912.234.3378 x107.

Advanced Academics in Pooler, which provides education services for early learners and homeschoolers, offers a two-week trial or grace period for families who want to try the homeschool program but want to see what it’s all about first before committing.

Get to know Advanced Academics in Pooler before making the switch.

Call 912-348-2017 or enroll online here.

Homeschool: Advanced Academics provides learning experiences for your homeschool student in the core subjects of reading, writing, and math.  While on campus, students have a three-hour block with qualified teachers, leaving the rest of the school day for parent-led learning in science, social studies, and specials.  Learn more here.

Early Learners: Choose from AM (7:45-11:15) or PM (12:15-3:45) sessions that take place in Advanced Academics’ Early Learning Studio with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Learn more here.

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Advanced Academics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Cut & Paste FREE Family Weekend @ Telfair Square, Savannah, Sept. 18-20

This weekend (Sept. 18-20 2020) Telfair Museums presents a three-day weekend of free admission for Savannah and Chatham County families to enjoy the exhibition ‘Cut and Paste: Works of Paper’ and provide fun, informal learning experiences.

Free admission for Savannah & Chatham Co. residents is spread out over three days during standard operating hours to allow for social distancing. Face coverings are required for the duration of your visit.

From 10AM-5PM Friday through Sunday, all Savannah and Chatham County residents will receive free admission to the large contemporary art space on the southwest corner of Telfair Square. Face masks are required. For more on Telfair’s safety procedures, visit telfair.org/hours-admission. Proof of residency required. Find a list if acceptable forms of ID here. 

Telfair Square in front of the Jepson Center @ Telfair Museums
207 W. York St.
Savannah GA 31401
Learn more here. 

Visitors to the Free Family Weekend are invited to tour current exhibitions and explore art activities led by Telfair’s education team.

From 2-4PM Saturday and Sunday, Savannah artist Amiri Farris, who is featured in the Telfair exhibition Breakout!, will provide live, distanced demonstrations of his process for works on paper.

A limited number of free art kits also will be distributed during the three-day period.

Exhibitions currently on view include Cut and Paste: Works of Paper, a special exhibition of paper works by Georgia artists, and Collecting Impressionism: Telfair’s Modern Vision, a sweeping survey of some of the museum’s most important paintings, as well as several other offerings.

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Major photography exhibition set to open

Also on view at the Jepson Center starting Sept. 18 will be a new photo exhibition featuring some of the most prominent names in 20th-century American photography, including Gordon Parks, Helen Levitt, and Bruce Davidson. Youthful Adventures: Growing Up in Photography considers the experience and expression of youth from the 1940s to the present.

Among the featured images will be several by the celebrated American photographer Davidson, which Telfair acquired in 2018 as part of a group of 347 of his works.

Telfair also is offering a free virtual opening lecture for Youthful Adventures at 6PM Sept. 17. Those interested can register for the lecture at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_shFxHllMTPemwZAWg7lBwA.

Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

You’re invited to a free Open House with MOMS Club of Savannah  @ Hull Park Splash Pad in Savannah on Fri. Oct. 2 2020, 3:30PM.

Come along & meet some other moms in the area and find out what Savannah MOMS Club is all about!

Let the organizers know you’re coming via email at momsclubofsavannahga@gmail.com

If you would like more information or have questions, please email momsclubofsavannahga@gmail.com

Free Open House
Oct. 2 2020, 3:30PM
Hull Park Splash Pad

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About MOMS Club of Savannah

MOMS Club of Savannah is a group dedicated to the support of moms.

MOMS Club is not solely a group for playdates. The club is run by members and collectively members plan weekly activities, both in the morning and afternoons.

Learn more about the Savannah moms group here. 

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FIND MORE MOMS GROUPS HERE. 

FREE Family Weekends 2020 @ Telfair Museums, Savannah

September 2020

Cut and Paste Free Family Weekend
Sept. 18 at 10AM–Sept. 20 at 5PM
@ Jepson Center
Telfair presents a three-day weekend of free admission to the Jepson Center for Savannah and Chatham County families to enjoy the exhibition Cut and Paste: Works of Paper and provide fun, informal learning experiences. Free admission to the Jepson Center is spread out over three days during standard operating hours to allow for social distancing.

Learn more here.

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November 2020

Impressionism Free Family Weekend
Nov. 13 at 10AM–Nov. 15 at 5PM
@ Jepson Center
Families can explore Telfair’s beloved collection of impressionist art in a new light at the Jepson Center in this weekend of free admission for Savannah and Chatham County residents. Family Activity Kits include scavenger hunts in the museum galleries along with at-home art making kits. Family Weekends are free of admission to the Jepson Center only for City of Savannah and Chatham County residents. Investment is provided by the City of Savannah.

Learn more here.

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Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

At-Home Kids’ Activity from Savannah Cultural Arts Center: Build-A-Story

Introduction to Improv

Tina the dog traveled to space and discovered the secret biscuit recipe?
Fun and imaginative, this activity from the Savannah Cultural Arts Center can be played in-person or virtually over video call and is appropriate for all ages. Build-A-Story is a great was to develop imagination and storytelling skills.

Use the icons provided with this instruction sheet – or make your own!

Find the instructions online here. 

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Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Wondering what Soccer Shots Savannah is all about?

Check out their upcoming FREE Soccer Day in Forsyth Park, Sat. Sept. 12, 9-10:30AM.

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development for ages 2-8.

This is a great opportunity for children to try a Soccer Shots program for the first time and for parents to meet some Soccer Shots coaches.

They will run abbreviated 15 minute sessions and have more information about the Soccer Shots program available. Event will take place on the Whitaker Street side of the park, on the south end by the tennis courts and Farmer’s Market.

Please preregister for this free event so organizers know how many children to expect and can plan with their coaches.

Enroll at savannah.soccershots.com, just search “free” to see a complete list of all free events near you.

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Soccer Shots is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

There’s a new multi-use public trail to explore in Savannah.

A portion of Savannah’s Truman Linear Bike Path is now usable, although the entire park trail – including usable portions – is not complete so please use caution. 

A roughly three-mile section of the proposed six-mile public Truman Linear Park Trail is close to completion. The nearly complete section between Lake Mayer and East DeRenne Avenue parallels the Truman Parkway and Casey Canal, as detailed in the image above.

Part of the boardwalk that runs through a woodsy section of Magnolia Park neighborhood still has gaps that require bike riders to dismount but the majority of that three-mile Lake Mayer to East DeRenne Avenue section is usable. The section from the boardwalk to East DeRenne Avenue is not finished, but users can follow Woodland Drive to DeRenne until completed.

Here’s the route from Lake Mayer to East DeRenne Avenue: Trail travels from Lake Mayer north along Sallie Mood Drive to Eisenhower; cross over Eisenhower; turn right onto trail; trail travels along north side of Eisenhower; follow trail under Truman Parkway; follow trail left, traveling parallel to Truman Parkway; follow trail as it travels behind Hester & Zipperer parallel to Truman Parkway; trail travels past ball fields at the Scarborough Sports Complex (on your right); travel along Lovett Drive and follow the trail as it turns left onto Bacon Park Drive. Follow the trail along Bacon Park Drive. The trail then becomes a boardwalk through wooded area and (temporarily) spills out onto Woodland Drive. Turn left onto Woodland Drive to East DeRenne Avenue.

The proposed Truman Linear public path will eventually link Daffin Park on Victory Drive to Lake Mayer Park on Montgomery Cross Road.

The multi-use trail eventually will connect 18 neighborhoods and 13 schools. Learn more here. 

Savannah Music Festival is currently accepting applications for a new free youth SMF Jazz Academy Program that starts Sept. 14 2020.

Savannah Music Festival, a leading nonprofit performing arts organization, will officially launch SMF Jazz Academy as a free virtual music education program designed specifically for Savannah-Chatham County Public School students.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCCPSS recently transitioned to online learning for the start of 2020-2021 school year. Taking the district’s lead, SMF Jazz Academy will start online on Sept. 14 and continue exclusively online for the Fall 2020 semester.

The program is now open to any SCCPSS student in fifth grade through twelfth grade who does not have a jazz band offered at his or her school. SMF Jazz Academy is currently accepting beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Previous musical experience is not required.

SMF Jazz Academy has added several new staff members and, with the transition to online learning, will offer students special masterclasses and workshops led by talented artists from across the United States.

The online SMF Jazz Academy program includes free instrument rental, if needed, as well as weekly private lessons via video, composition and music technology classes, virtual practice rooms, online masterclasses with guest artists and much more. Thanks to founding sponsors Ron and Susan Whitaker, the program is free to all participating students. The Hodge Foundation, Junior Jazz Foundation and Widespread Panic’s Tunes for Tots provide support for free instrument rentals to participants.

Applications are currently being accepted for SMF Jazz Academy.

To apply, visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org/jazzacademy.

Registration closes Sept. 4, 2020. Limited space is available. After open spaces are filled, additional submissions will be added to our wait list. Families will be notified about their student’s enrollment by Sept. 4.

Questions? Contact Jessica Messere at jessica@savannahmusicfestival.org or 912.234.3378 x107.

Come to Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah this Sat. Aug. 22 2020 for some social distancing, pollinator counting, and other fun activities.

Free admission 9AM-1PM.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
2 Canebrake Road
Savannah, GA 31419

Learn more here. 

Archery class @ Skidaway Is. State Park, Savannah

Come learn the basics of archery and test your skills on Skidaway Is. State Park archery range in Savannah.

This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment will be provided but not shared. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Advance registration by phone at (912) 598-2300 is required as space will be limited to 4 participants, and social distancing will be required.

Please plan on arriving 10 minutes early to allow time to make your way to the program location.
9-9:30AM Sat. Aug. 29
10-10:30AM Sat. Aug. 29

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Scavenger Hunt @ Skidaway Island State Park

Snag the swag in this picture scavenger hunt throughout Skidaway Is. State Park. All you need is a way to take pictures and to be ready to explore our park.

Come to the office to get the list and complete your hunt between 9am and 4pm! When you’re finished, swing by the office and show us your pictures. Those who find 10 out of 16 will win prizes!

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for your group – stay cool!

9AM Sun. Aug. 16
9AM Sun. Aug. 30

Make Your Own Slime – RSVP Required
Port Royal Sound Foundation
310 Okatie Hwy.
Okatie, SC 29909
Saturdays in August 2020, 9-10AM

DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, YOU MUST CALL 843-645-7774 to TO REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM – LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE.
$5 per participant; age 5 & younger FREE
Learn how to make slime during Saturdays in August 2020, 9-10AM @ Port Royal Sound Foundation
Bring your own container to take your slime home. All ages are welcome – children must be accompanied by an adult.
COVID-19 Precautions:
– A cloth mask or other face covering is required while on our campus (ages 3+). All PRSF staff will also be wearing a mask.
– The number of participants will be limited in all programs in order to maintain social distancing, so please RSVP!
– All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn more here or call 843-645-7774.

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Exploring Insects, RSVP required
Port Royal Sound Foundation
310 Okatie Hwy.
Okatie, SC 29909
Tuesday Aug. 4 & 18 in August 2020, 10-11AM

DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, YOU MUST CALL 843-645-7774 TO REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM – LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE.
$5 per participant; age 5 & under FREE
Explore the life of insects by seeing what we can catch! All ages welcome – children must be accompanied by an adult. This is an outside activity so please bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
COVID-19 Precautions:
– A cloth mask or other face covering is required while on our campus (ages 3+). All PRSF staff will also be wearing a mask.
– The number of participants will be limited in all programs in order to maintain social distancing, so please RSVP!
– All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult

Learn more here or call 843-645-7774.

While Savannah Cultural Arts Center isn’t open, the staff there want to share some creative fun for kids to do at home.

Tape Resistant Art to make at home

A fun art activity for all ages to indulge their creative side. Tape Resist Art is a simple craft with endless possibilities.

Find instructions online here from the Savannah Cultural Arts Center. Watch their how-to video here, and make your own!

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Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

FREE Savannah Families Weekend
July 17–July 19 2020
Jepson Center in Savannah

Explore Juneteenth connections and current exhibitions at the Jepson Center with an extended period of free admission for City of Savannah residents during regular hours during this three-day period. In lieu of the museum’s Free Family Day, the museum will expand free admission to the Jepson Center over a three-day weekend to allow for smaller numbers and social distancing. Family Art Activity Packets with suggested activities for the museum visit and at-home art making are available for pickup in the Jepson Center lobby during this period.

Please note: This program applies to the Jepson Center only.

The museum may have limited capacity at peak hours due to social distancing measures. Presented thanks to investment provided by the City of Savannah.

Learn more here.

Jepson Center
207 W. York St.
Savannah, GA 31401

Savannah Families Free Weekend @ Telfair Museums Jepson Center
July 17–19 2020
Free and open to residents of Chatham County

Explore Juneteenth connections at the Jepson Center  in Savannah with an extended period of free admission for City of Savannah residents during regular hours during this three-day period. Art Activity Packets with family activities for the museum visit and at home art making are available for pickup in the Jepson Center lobby during this period.

Jepson Center
207 W. York St.
Savannah, GA 31401

I Pledge July tradition  is still happening for 2020 @ Leopold’s Ice Cream in downtown Savannah.

During The I Pledge for Ice Cream Project 2020 @ Leopold’s Ice Cream, any child (age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult) who can recite the Pledge of Allegiance gets a free child’s scoop in a cake cone, cup or sugar cone.

Come to Leopold’s @ 212 East Broughton St. on Mondays in July 2020 from 4-7PM for the I Pledge for Ice Cream. The 2020 dates are: July 6, 13, 20 & 27.

Find other participating stores nationwide by clicking here. Don’t see your favorite ice-cream store on this list? Nominate them by clicking here.

Leopold’s Ice Cream, 212 East Broughton St., www.leopoldsicecream.com, 912-234-4442

J.F. Gregory Park Playground Grand Re-Opening
Fri. June 26, 2020 @ 10:30AM

The City of Richmond Hill invites you to the grand re-opening of the playground in J.F. Gregory Park on Friday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m.

At the end of 2019, Mayor and Council approved upgrades to the playground area in J.F. Gregory Park and they have been completed.

The playground received several upgrades including new sunshades, benches and an updated swing set. Two new pieces of playground equipment have been installed, including an inclusive orbit for children with disabilities.

This project was funded by SPLOST VII revenue.

The Fox Theatre in Atlanta remains closed due to COVID-19, but the historic venue is opening its doors virtually to fans through a new digital Behind the Scenes series, set to debut by the end of June.

The biweekly series will explore areas of the not often seen by guests – from the Hospital Room and backstage to its Archives and Projector Room. Fans can look forward to a peek at some rarely seen parts of the 90-year old Atlanta landmark.

Find the free Fox Theatre Digital Behind the Scenes Series online here biweekly on Fridays.

Live Oak Public Libraries will open with limited services starting Monday, June 15, 2020.

Limited Opening
All library locations will be open to the public, with the exception of Forest City Library, Port City Library, Tybee Library, W.W. Law Library, and West Broad Library, all of which are undergoing renovations.

Library hours are:
– Monday, 10 AM – 7 PM
– Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM
– Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM

Express Services
At this time, available library services include:
Pick up / drop off materials: Customers may check out and return materials using self-checks and bookdrops. Front-door express pickup service is still available by appointment. Call your library location for assistance.
Public computers and internet: Customers may use a limited number of public computers for up to one hour per person per day. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Wireless internet is also available both inside and outside of library buildings.
Print, copy, fax: Services are available by request. Fees apply.

Safety as Priority
The safety of customers and staff is the highest priority. As the library increases access to the community, adjustments to library operations are necessary due to concerns for public health.
There will be a limited number of people allowed in buildings at a time.
Signage will remind customers about symptoms, social distancing, and proper hygiene.
Services will involve little or no person-to-person contact at this time. Plexiglass shields are installed at service desks.

Library visitors are asked to follow these guidelines, in order to protect themselves and others:
Wear a face covering.
Limit visits to 1 hour per person per day.
Maintain a minimum 6 feet in physical distancing.
Stay home if you are feeling sick or have symptoms of COVID-19.

Meeting room use, group gatherings, in-person programs, outreach services, and book donations are still suspended.

Library Accounts
While libraries are providing limited services, the library is offering greater flexibility with user accounts:
Overdue fees are waived and due dates are extended.
Library cards are renewed until September 30, 2020.
Digital-only accounts and new library cards are available.

Please be reminded that the quarantine of returned materials will result in a delay of items being removed from your account. You will not be fined for additional days that returned items are quarantined.

Virtual Programs
Live Oak Public Libraries provides virtual programs and services that all ages can enjoy at home. We invite you to visit our website and social media for the latest updates on activities this summer.
Summer Reading Program: Everyone can enjoy fun reading activities and prizes.
Grab & Go Meals: Free food service is at specific library locations in partnership with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia.
Take & Make Craft Projects: Available at participating libraries while supplies last.
Ready Resources: Assistance for jobseekers, small businesses, and lifelong learning.

Learn more on all of the above virtual programs here.