Islands MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is ready for another great year.

The group’s first meeting of the year will be Wed. Sept. 12 2012 from 9:15-11:30 AM at First Baptist Church of the Islands.

For more information about how to join MOPS, please check out their website by clicking here.
Each meeting provides an inviting environment where women can come—just as they are—to build friendships, be encouraged, and gain practical parenting strategies all while their children are lovingly cared for in our MOPPETS program, where they experience love and encouragement in a preschool-like setting. The children will enjoy stories, music, crafts and free play.
A typical meeting includes sharing a breakfast together, listening to a speaker, participating in table-led discussions, crafts, and more. Sometimes all you need is a friend, and Islands MOPS is a place where true friendships are formed. We are all in this together and no one can understand as another mother can.

To find a moms group in your area, click here.

Stroller Strides® of Savannah is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. Classes include power walking and intervals of strength training.

Classes are designed for all moms with any level of exercise. Certified instructors will guide you through exercises that will strengthen your bodies and give you the energy you need for the awesome gift of motherhood.

Classes are 8 AM Tuesdays & Thursdays at Lake Mayer. The first class is free and Stroller Strides of Savannah will offer a special discount if you mention you heard about Stroller Strides of Savannah on SouthernMamas.com!

How can I sign up ?

Register for your free class by clicking here and see all the different class packages offered, by clicking on the “More Info” button in one of the class boxes on the left. You can sign up for any class package when you show up for class, with your instructor.

What if my baby is fussy?

Stroller Strides of Savannah welcomes babies from 6 weeks to any age. Babies are Stroller Strides’ priority, so don’t worry if yours is fussy!

What should I bring to class?

* Water
* A towel, blanket or yoga mat for ab exercises and stretching
* A hat and/or sunscreen
* Anything you may think your baby needs ( snacks, bottles, sippy cups, toys, potty training toilet)
* A stroller ( any stroller will do as long as it does not tip over)

What should I wear to class ?
Wear something comfortable that you can move ( power walk,jog, stretch) easily in. Please make sure that you have comfortable tennis shoes on.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to class so you don’t get left behind.

On Facebook

Stay connected with Stroller Strides Savannah and learn about new classes & updates by liking them on Facebook here.

Stroller Strides of Savannah, contact Natalia Lucero at (910) 987-5943, email natalialucero@strollerstrides.net , http://classes.strollerstrides.net/savannah/location/index.aspx  Stroller Strides of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Savannah Christian East Campus MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) invites all Moms to come enjoy the friendships of other Moms.

All mothers of children from birth to kindergarten are invited to join us the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month September through May. Childcare is provided with crafts, games and snacks while moms enjoy the meeting. The first meeting is Sept. 6th from 9:30 to 11:45 AM at Savannah Christian East Campus. Please email the group at mopsscceast@gmail.com  for more information.

RINCON MOPS:

The Rincon MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group will have their annual sign-up on Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 10 AM to noon at the Rincon Park in front of the library.  MOPS offers fellowship and encouragement to mothers of children ages birth through kindergarten.  Annual membership dues are $23.95.  Bring your kids with you; snacks will be provided.  For more info. call Esther at 826-0455.

For more info on local moms groups, click here.

The Art Bash Studio in Savannah is where busy moms go for a relaxing, unforgettable evening of fun, friends, music and art! It is not an art class…it is a painting pARTy!

Join us for an art bash where one of our local artists will guide you from start to finish in creating a featured painting. We provide everything you need, including a little “liquid encouragement”.

A few sips of sangria, a few strokes of paint and in about 2 hours you will leave with you own “masterpiece”! Come alone, bring friends or arrange a private party.

The Art Bash Studio is a unique MOMS NIGHT OUT! Go to ARTBASHSTUDIO.COM for details and please visit our FACEBOOK page here.  Unserious art, serious fun!

The Art Bash Studio, 1526 Bull and 32nd streets, Savannah, 31401, (912) 484-3438 Email
fun@artbashstudio.com , www.artbashstudio.com The Art Bash Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Are you a full-time or part-time at home MOM? Do you want to meet other MOMS like you? Are you looking for kid-friendly activities?

Here’s a great way to meet other moms.

Join Pooler MOPS, which is currently accepting registrations for the 2012-2013 year! The group meets twice a month September through May from 9:30-11:30am at First Presbyterian Church of Pooler. Interested mothers can email poolermops@gmail.com.  Check out Pooler MOPS on Facebook here.

For more local moms groups, visit our Connect with Moms page here.

If you’re looking for a way to meet other local moms, check out the MOMS Club of Savannah!

The club – one of 2000 chapters of the MOMS Club across the U.S. – serves all of Chatham & Bryan County, including Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, and the Islands. So wherever you may go, you should always be able to find the support and friendship you are seeking from other MOMS just like you!

The Savannah chapter was formed on April 26, 2005 by three moms who were just looking for an excuse to get out of the house! They have since grown to over 50 wonderful MOMS.

They meet 3-4 times a week around Savannah including park days, pool days, library story times, playgroups, craft hour, stroller club, and monthly MOMS Nights Out. Their hope is that you and your children will feel welcome and at home in the MOMS Club of Savannah!!

To receive more information about joining the MOMS Club of Savannah, please include your contact information in your inquiry and email momsclubofsavannahga@hotmail.com .

Savannah Black Heritage Festival Grand Festival Day, Saturday, February 11, 2012
a family fun day of top entertainment, Grand Festival Day is one of the highlighted events. It will be held in the Savannah Civic Center’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena from morning into the evening. In addition to the variety of activities for youth and performances by nationally famous recording artists, food and retail vendors will also be on hand with a wide variety of food, goods and services.

Get ready for another great year at Islands MOPS.
The group’s first meeting of the year will be held Sept. 14 2011 from 9:15-11:30am at First Baptist Church of the Islands.
For more information about how to join Islands MOPS, please check out their website at https://sites.google.com/site/islandsmops/  .
Each meeting provides an inviting environment where women can come—just as they are—to build friendships, be encouraged, and gain practical parenting strategies all while their children are lovingly cared for in our MOPPETS program, where they experience love and encouragement in a preschool-like setting. The children will enjoy stories, music, crafts, and free play.
A typical meeting includes sharing a breakfast together, listening to a speaker, participating in table-led discussions, crafts, and more.
Sometimes all you need is a friend, and Islands MOPS is a place where true friendships are formed. We are all in this together and no one can understand as another mother can.

All mothers of children ages 0 – Kindergarten are invited and welcome to join  MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).

FOR INFO ON A MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) PROGRAM NEAR YOU OR OTHER MOMS GROUPS, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM CONNECT WITH MOMS PAGE HERE.

Get connected with MOPS!
Mothers of Preschoolers is a group of moms who are pregnant or who have a child newborn throughkindergarten. MOPS meets to encourage and support one another and share the joys and challenges of motherhood. During meetings, children are cared for in the MOPPETS program while moms play games, do crafts, have discussion groups, listen to speakers, and eat. The group also has monthly playdates, Moms’ Night out, and other events.

Rincon MOPS meets at First Baptist Church in Rincon on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 9-11:30 am in the Memorial Chapel. Meeting Dates for 2011-2012 are: September 13, October 11, November 8, December 13, January 10, February 14, March 13, April 10, and May 8. For more information, please contact Esther at (912)-826-0455.

All mothers of children ages 0 – Kindergarten are invited and welcome to join  MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).

FOR INFO ON A MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) PROGRAM NEAR YOU OR OTHER MOMS GROUPS, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM CONNECT WITH MOMS PAGE HERE.

Back to School means Back to MOPS! Pooler MOPS invites all mothers with young children (expecting-6 years old) to come to their Open House on Wednesday, August 24 from 9:30-11:30am.

Pooler MOPS meets at the First Presbyterian Church of Pooler, 305 HWY 80 SE, Pooler GA (near Omelette House). More information can be found at www.poolermops.blogspot.com  or by emailing poolermops@gmail.com . Make sure to “like” Pooler MOPS on Facebook here.

Looking for a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in your area? Check out the SouthernMamas.com “Connect with Moms” page here , which lists local MOPS groups and other moms groups. Most moms group resume meetings again when school starts. To have your moms group added to the list or to updated meeting details, please email the info to anne@southernmamas.com.

Looking for a fun, creative Moms’ Night Out?

The Art Buzz Studio provides the canvas, brushes, paint, apron and a little inspiration in the form of a specialty featured Sangria. Come alone or bring your friends to an open party and get ready to be inspired by a local artist who will guide you step-by-step through a featured painting. At the end of the evening you will leave with your very own one of a kind masterpiece. A sip, a stroke, another sip…..you get the idea. Your inner artist is just waiting to be uncorked. There is no commitment, you can attend once or as often as you like. Be warned the 2-3 hour painting parties are addictive!

Open parties are held Wednesday through Saturday, mostly in the evenings, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Go to www.artbuzzstudio.com  and view the calendar for the open parties. Choose the party you would like to attend, either by the date or a particular featured painting.

Seats at open parties are based upon availability. Book your place at an open painting party today and paint along with a group and make some new friends. You can make your reservation and pay online in a few easy steps.

The studio is also a great venue for private events such as bachelorette parties, GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT, office parties, TEAM BUILDING, sorority functions, DATE NIGHTS and other special events or celebrations! If you want the studio to yourself, simply book a private party. You may then choose a painting from their super selection. The Art Buzz Studio is spacious and bright. Visit the Art Buzz website or call for details regarding private parties at 912.484.3438.

The Art Buzz Studio, 1526 Bull Street, Savannah GA 31401, 912.484.3438 or email fun@artbuzzstudio.com, www.artbuzzstudio.com  The Art Buzz Studio is  a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

Make A Joyful Noise starts a new semester of early childhood music education classes! SouthernMamas readers who register (postmark) before Jan. 22 can waive the $15 registration fee. Classes are open to the public. The Make A Joyful Noise studio is on the campus of Savannah Country Day School.

Family Music: Babies – 3 year olds: Starting Mon. Jan. 31, from 10:15 – 10:55: Sing, dance, move and play! Develop your own musical sensibilities right alongside your child! ($185 includes CD and 15 sessions. Only 4 openings remain!)

At the Keyboard: Current 1st and 2nd graders: Starting Tues. Feb. 8, from 5:30 – 6:40. ($365 includes 2 CDs, student workbook and 15 sessions.) This unique approach develops the skills needed to begin a successful musical journey toward piano playing and musicianship. The group setting allows for musical interactions with peers for music games and activities, and the aural approach has children playing folk tunes within the first couple lessons. Parents join for the last 10 minutes of every session!

Saturday classes include:
All Together Now: Mixed Ages Babies – 5 year olds:: Saturdays starting Feb. 12: 9:45 – 10:25 ($170 for 12 sessions, includes materials)

At the Keyboard: 7 – 9 year olds: Saturdays starting Feb. 12: 10:30 – 11:40. ($315 includes 2 CDs, student workbook and 12 sessions.) This unique approach develops the skills needed to begin a successful musical journey toward piano playing and musicianship. The group setting allows for musical interactions with peers for music games and activities, and the aural approach has children playing folk tunes within the first couple lessons. Parents join for the last 10 minutes of every session!

Contact Vicki Mills at 920-6542 or MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net for a registration form or more information. SouthernMamas readers who register (postmark) before Jan. 22 can waive the $15 registration fee! The Make A Joyful Noise Music Studio is located on the campus of Savannah Country Day School.

Make A Joyful Noise is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

The new school year has begun and Moms In Touch International (MITI) groups are already meeting to pray for our children and schools.

Whether your child is 3, 13, 23…, this is an awesome chance to lift them up in prayer with other women and see how God moves. For more info on this non-denominational, Christian opportunity contact: Stacy Cerone at scerPM@comcast.net, 912-228-4270, or visit www.momsintouch.org.

For more info on Savannah-area and Lowcountry moms groups, click here.

The Islands MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group meetings will start again soon.

All mothers of children ages 0 – Kindergarten are invited and welcome to join us at Islands MOPS! At Islands MOPS you will enjoy a time of encouragement, friendship, great food, and fun while your children are cared for in our MOPPETS program.

Islands MOPS meets at First Baptist Church of the Islands, 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah, GA 31410. Contact Connie at 349-2959/connie_rt@hotmail.com or Christine at 898-1364/lipianc@att.net for more information.

Islands MOPS meetings are from 9:15-11:30 AM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from Sept-May. Meetings dates for this year will be:
Sep. 8 & 22
Oct. 13 & 27
Nov. 10
Dec. 8
Jan. 12 & 26
Feb. 9 & 23
Mar. 16 & 30
Apr. 13
May 11

For more info on local moms groups, click here.

Sad that your children are starting “real” school and are longer  preschoolers?

MOMSnext (Mothers of School-Aged Children) is currently registering new moms and will meet the 1st Monday of each month, 10am-11:30 at the Islands YMCA starting Oct. 4, 2010.

MOMSNext is a group for mothers with children in grades K-12. The group focuses topics that are relevant to mothering a child entering elementary school all the way through high school, as well connecting women in our community who are in the same season of life.(Childcare available upon request.)

For more info, call (912) 441-5036 or (912) 210-0491 or email gbcon2@comcast.net

For more local Moms Groups, click here.

Homeschool extracurricular activities/classes

Homeschool gymnastics and tumbling classes at Summit Gymnastics. Summit can tailor classes to fit your schedule. Summit Gymnastics, 74 W. Montgomery Crossroads Savannah, (912) 921-1034, email: summitgymnastics@yahoo.com, www.summitgymnasticssav.com

Homeschool music at Crossroad Music. Musical instruction on three levels (beginner, intermediate & advanced). Opportunities for students to perform, as well as leadership opportunities for older students who assist the directors and teachers.
Crossroad Music: music lessons, music studio, music store. www.crossroadmusiconline.com, 106 E. US Hwy 80, Bloomingdale, (conveniently located near Pooler, West Chatham and Southbridge) 912.330.0985, kris@crossroadmusiconline.com

Homeschool associations and support groups

The Classical Conversations group of Savannah helps equip, encourage, and support parents in their homeschooling endeavors. Contact Kristin Bigalke, Director of CC Savannah, at 912-655-8173 or rkadb004-education@yahoo.com.

Savannah Unlimited Homeschooling Network, SUHN, an all-inclusive homeschool group supporting Savannah and surrounding area. Provides educational and social opportunities through co-op classes, clubs, field trips, social get-togethers, weekly park days, etc. Open to anyone who homeschools or unschools and those who would like to learn more about “teaching at home”. www.SavannahUnlimitedHomeschoolNetwork.com

Family Education for Christ is a Christian homeschool support group serving Savannah and surrounding areas. http://www.fefconline.com/

Effingham Christian Homeschool Organization, (912) 728-3813, E-mail: dero5@juno.com

Fort Stewart Homeschool Group can be contacted through the SLO (School Liaison Officer) by clicking here.

For more homeschool info, click here.

The Zoe Foundation will host “1 on 1” – their summer fundraiser, 10 AM-1 PM Thurs. July 1 in Savannah’s Johnson Square, one block south of city hall.

The public is invited to help grieving families who suffer the loss of an infant by donating $1 on July 1 to The Zoe Foundation.

This family-oriented event will feature entertainment by Equinox Jazz, along with food, face-painting, balloon artists, a spacewalk, and much more. Each attraction and food or beverage item will be available for a suggested donation of one dollar each – “1 on 1”!

All proceeds will allow The Zoe Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, to continue offering financial and emotional support to families who have endured the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, chromosomal disorders, SIDS, accidents or other causes.

The Zoe Foundation believes that even the smallest life is precious and deserves a proper memorial. Everyone who has experenced a similar loss or knows someone who has is invited to come on July 1 and get connected with The Zoe Foundation.

For more info, contact Kayla Johnson at 912-508-1858 or email kayla@zoe-foundation.org.

Attention Lowcountry parents of children with special needs.

Interested in having your child partake in a kids’ yoga therapy class specifically for children with special needs? If so, Jaime Patillo of Little Lights Yoga would love to hear from you. Jaime is looking into teaching such a class, but wants to find out first how much interest exists before starting one.

Email Jaime at Jaime@littlelightsyoga.com . To find out more about Jaime’s work, read Jaime’s blog by clicking here.

Katie, Lucy and Ella Marchese

With broader prenatal genetic testing, the number of children with Down syndrome could radically decrease. Earlier this month, I had the chance to talk to local parents who hope that doesn’t happen.

Molly and Joe Marchese of Springfield are parents of three beloved and beautiful daughters (pictured here), including a 4-year-old with Down syndrome, Ella, who has enriched their lives in countless ways. The Marcheses are among those families who have become Down syndrome advocates in the face of broader prenatal testing to prevent the genetic condition.

The Marcheses are the focus of my newspaper column today. Read it by clicking here.

The Marcheses, along with other members of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, are working to help parents dealing with a definitive prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis and invite prospective parents of babies with Down syndrome to monthly support group meetings.

Contact the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society by clicking here or email jmarchese@LDSSGA.org

Enjoy a short stack for a tall cause.

You’re invited to a pancake breakfast benefiting Island MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers).

The Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser is a community all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with sausage, juice and coffee for only $5! Proceeds benefit Islands MOPS. The breakfast will be 8:30-10:30 AM Sat., Feb. 27 @ Applebee’s on Whitemarsh Island
4705 US Hwy 80 E.

For more information, contact Laura at 898-0869 or Connie at 898-4344

Island MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers)  will host their annual Spa Day on Jan. 27 from 9:15 – 11:30 AM.

If this is your 1st time coming to Islands MOPS, it’s free. Otherwise, the cost is $5 per meeting. Scholarships are available and confidential. 

The Savannah moms group meets at 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd. on Wilmington Island every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month (Sept. thru mid-May). For additional info, please call Laura at 898.0869.

Putting together a fun-filled fest for a troupe of toddlers with high expectations can feel like a tall order for any mom.

Let the team at Angela Beasley’s Puppet People take care of the entertainment. The beloved professionals perform puppet shows, Disney-like face painting or glitter tattoos, and “Mom & Me” puppet making workshops and hat making at the Puppet People Party Place or at any local venue of your choosing.

Parties at the Puppet People Party Place usually involve two hours of organized fun on a fantasy-filled puppet factory. Off-site shows are 30 minutes. Favorite theme parties include Prince/Princess or Mad Hatter Tea Party.

The 1,000-square foot Party Place is complete with a sound system so you can plug in your iPod or bring your own CDs. The party can be extended the backyard, canopied with pecan trees and Spanish moss. You just select a party theme and puppet show from Puppet People’s family-friendly parties section.

An on-site party includes a party host to tend to every need; an interactive studio; music, games and bouncing balls; puppet-making – each guest leaves with their own puppet; tableware.

Anyone who’s seen Puppet People at Savannah events knows these playful puppets deliver! Not surprisingly, Puppet People was named the 2009 Family Choice Award for Best Children’s Birthday Party by Coastal Family Magazine.

Sometimes it pays to go with the professionals.

The Puppet People Party Place is at 3119 Furber Ave. Book your party by calling 912.355.3366 or email puppets@puppetpeople.com. Click here for more info.