A new Mommy and Me program begins in November @ UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium, 30 Ocean Science Circle, Skidaway Island.

The educational Mommy and Me programs will be every Tuesday from 8:30-9:15 AM through 2009 for children between the ages of 1 and 4. In January of 2010, the program will be provided on both Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

The first session is Tues. Nov. 3. Must be under 4 years old. Maximum of 15 participants. Cost: $6/child for non-member; $4/child for members. Adults get in free with a paid child. For information, call 912-598-2496, email fish@uga.edu or click here.

It’s great to see another activity in our area for the pre-preschool set. This particular program will include learning techniques that allow for the development of motor skills, understanding of different sizes, shapes, weights, and movements among a variety of marine animals native to Georgia waterways and the ability to identify the difference between fish, crabs, turtles, and invertebrates. The programs will include hands-on experiences with different animals, arts and crafts, a story time, and a game.

Upcoming dates include:
November 3, 10, &; 17, 2009 and December 1, 8,15,& 22, 2009
January 5, 12, 19, &26, 2010 & Thursday January 7, 14,21,& 28, 2010

Thanks to Karin Paquin for telling us about this!

The Classical Conversations group of Savannah will host open houses – by reservation only – during the next few weeks.

Learn how the Classical Conversations of Savannah community can help equip, encourage, and support parents in their homeschooling endeavors. Open houses start at 9 AM with a short explanation of the Classical Method of Education as well as a brief overview of Classical Conversations. At 9:15 AM, there will be an opening ceremony and dismiss for classes at 9:30 AM. During morning class time, learn and review information from English Grammar, Geography, History, Latin, Science and Math and an entire history timeline from a Biblical perspective. Enjoy watching the class presentations, hands-on science experiments, and Fine Arts sessions of the Foundations programs. Pack a lunch if you would like to eat lunch with the group.

Hear and observe the Essentials program from 1-3pm. This is when 3rd – 6th graders learn grammar, writing and play math games.

Reservations are required to ensure enough space is available. Meet on Tuesdays in Effingham county. The following dates are available for reservation: Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and Nov. 10. More dates will be available in 2010.

If you are interested, please contact Kristin Bigalke, Director of CC Savannah, at 912-655-8173 or rkadb004-education@yahoo.com.

Leave it to moms groups to put the fun in fundraisers.

The very active and popular Pooler MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group has two fun fundraisers coming up. By supporting Pooler MOPS, you help the group achieve their mission “Better MOMS make a better world.”

5-8 PM Thurs. Oct. 29. Chick-fil-A Restaurant Raid at the Chick-fil-A on Pooler Parkway. Pooler MOPS will get a percentage of the sales from everyone who fills out a form at the front door. Free face painting, balloons and COSTUME CONTEST (non-scary please).

10 AM-3 PM Sat. Nov. 7. MOPS Holiday Vendor Fair and Silent Auction. Shop for all of your holiday gifts early and support the Pooler MOPS group. Shop from your favorite at-home businesses and local artisans under one roof. A silent auction with lots of items including themed gift baskets and two weekend stays at a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Food concessions and activities for the children.

For more moms groups, visit our Moms Group category here.

Join mothers from around the world during a worldwide day of prayer for children and schools, 9 AM-1 PM
Nov. 14

Moms In Touch International is hosting the Arise! Cry Out! day of prayer at The Sycamore Church, 1914 E. 52nd St., Savannah.

Register now to partake in this worldwide event by clicking here. Contact Stacy Cerone, 912-228-4270, scerPM@comcast.net, for more information.

As mothers enter the school years, new challenges and issues arise,  but the need for community and hope remains. MOMSNext is a group for mothers with children in grades K-12.
 
On Mon., Oct 5, the first MOMSNext (Mothers or School-aged children) meeting will be at the Islands YMCA, 10-11:30 AM in the meeting room to the left after you go past the front desk. Moms are welcome to attend to share successes, concerns, resources, and grow in the parenting journey.

Childcare free to YMCA members, $5 for non-members. Please RSVP Childcare needs to 898-4344 or gbcon2@comcast.net.

Monthly meetings are the 1st Monday of each month 10-11:30 AM starting this October at the Islands YMCA. Contact Connie at 898-4344 / gbcon2@comcast.net or Jen at 210-0491 for more information and to register.

Are you a SouthernMamas fan on Facebook? If not, you’re missing out on helpful tips and comments from other SouthernMamas readers.

For example, recently an out-of-town reader asked for suggestions for a Savannah spot where she can host a baby shower for a friend. What follows is an interesting conversation about restaurants that are good for a baby showers and ones that aren’t.

Read that conversation and others by becoming a fan of SouthernMamas on Facebook. Click here to do so.

Here are a few of our readers’ suggested spots to host a baby shower:
45 Bistro inside of The Marshall House
Vics on the River
Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
Cha Bella.
Soho South Cafe

The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Festival will be held Saturday, October 3rd in Forsyth Park.

The fourth annual Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. Registration begins at 8 AM and costs $12 per person (which includes a t-shirt and a meal).

The walk kicks off at 10:30 AM, and the festival for the whole family is from 11 AM to 2 PM, offering rides, food, games, music and more.

For more information or if you would like to support families touched by down syndrome by registering to walk, please call John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or click here to register online.

We have some wonderful, active moms groups in the Savannah-Pooler area. Many start up their regular meetings in September. And almost all provide some type of childcare during meetings. For moms with children older than preschool, check out the new MomsNext group, also listed below!

To have your group included in this list, email the info to anne@southernmamas.com

New Moms Group in Guyton
A new moms group is beginning on Sept. 3 at 10 AM @ Liberty Christian Fellowship in Guyton.
The group will meet every Thursday morning with a fun educational field trip every 3rd Thursday of each month. For both mom and children. All moms and grandmothers are welcome.
For more info. contact Lisa Cobb at 912.728.6844.
No cost to be a part of this group.

“Fall into Fun with the MOMS Club!”
When: Tues. Sept. 15 @ 10 AM
Where: Rincon First United Methodist Church, 107 Savannah Ave, Rincon
Come learn about all the MOMS Club has to offer stay-at-home moms in the Effingham County area. Featuring a talk by a local Registered Dietician who will share tips on growing a healthy family. Door prizes and free child care available.
For more info, contact Jennifer @ jenn.welch@hotmail.com or 247-6655.

Pooler MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers): First meeting is Wed. Sept 9 from 9:30-11:30 AM.
The group meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at First Presbyterian Church of Pooler, 305 HWY 80 SE, Pooler.
For more info, click here.

Islands MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
Meets at: First Baptist Church of the Islands, 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, beginning Sept. 9.
9:15-11:30AM
All mothers of children ages 0-5 are welcome!
Call Laura at 898-0869 or Frankie at 897-6167 for more information.

MOMS Club of Savannah. The general membership meeting is Fri. Sept. 11 at Risen Savior church in Pooler. The group is not a church organization, but just uses the church meeting and playroom for monthly meetings. Contact: email rorydennette@aol.com.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) of Calvary in Savannah.
Meets Sept thru May on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.
The 1st Friday is at Calvary in Savannah (63rd and Waters) at 9:30 AM.
The 3rd Friday is a playdate at various places.
Contact: email klynnparker@Yahoo.com

The Cabrini Moms will resume meetings on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. The group meets at St Frances Cabrini Catholic Church on Middleground Rd in the parish hall. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Childcare is available at most meetings. Women of all faiths are welcome to join. Contact 912.220.5329.

MomsNext: A group for mothers of school-age kids. (A post-MOPS group)
As mothers enter the school years, new challenges and issues arise, but the need for community and hope remains. For this reason, moms are launching a ministry to mothers of school-age kids. Starting in October, monthly meetings will be held at the Islands YMCA, from 10:am-11:30pm. Please call 898-4344 or 210-0491 for more info and to register.
Where? Islands YMCA 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah
When? 1st Monday of each month. 10-11:30 AM Starting in October
For a registration fee of $23.95, MomsNext allows you membership with MOPS International. Membership includes the following:
The book Raising Great Kids, eMagazine (on line magazine), and weekly encouraging Mom-E-Mails.
Tips and ideas to raise great kids and local friendships with other moms.
Confidential scholarships are available upon request
Childcare is available to YMCA members at no cost. ($5 for non members.)
To register, contact:
Jen: 210-0491 Jennykay803@hotmail.com
Connie: 898-4344 Gbcon2@comcast.net

Savannah Area Attachment Parenting Group
Are you looking to meet other parents in Savannah and the surrounding area who believe in gentle discipline and natural parenting? Then please check out this group! Pregnant, new birth or adoptive parent, and extended attached parents are welcome.
Parents in this group practice any of the following: Gentle discipline including no crying-it-out or spanking; Night time parenting (co-sleeping or sleeping near your baby); Feeding with love and respect (breastfeeding or bottle if necessary); Using nurturing touch including baby wearing, baby massage, hugging, snuggling…
Other interests discussed and supported in the group include home learning, cloth diapering, elimination communication, selective vaccination, organic food consumption or vegetarianism, and living a natural lifestyle.
The group includes parents from all walks of life who all have one thing in common: Wanting the most gentle parenting style possible for the betterment of children and their futures.
For more info, click here.

A new infertility support group at Savannah Christian Church will have a Girls’ Night Out at 6:30 PM Thurs., Aug. 27. Meetings are held every month.

Kindermusik parent-and-me classes are a perfect way to spend time with your child and spark your little one’s  interest in music.

Fall classes are available for children ages 0-7.

To register online, visit the local Kindermusik Web site here. For more info, email music@instrumentalinks.com or call 912.728-KEYS (5397)

All classes are limited to a certain number of children. Many fill up quickly, so register today. Please email this post your friends, family, neighbors and Moms’ groups.

All classes begin the week after Labor Day, with Monday classes beginning September 14. Classes will run for 15 weeks and go through late January.

Classes will be offered Monday mornings in Savannah (Sandfly area), Tuesday mornings on Wilmington Island and Saturday mornings in Savannah (Southside). For those who have interest in Wednesday classes at the Landings, or Wednesday classes in Richmond Hill, please email email music@instrumentalinks.com asap. A certain number of interested families are needed in order to hold classes there.

Kindermusik will also be offering a preschool class (ages 3-5) 11:10am Mondays.

Here are some brief descriptions of the fall curricula:

Kindermusik Village (ages 0-20 months) “feathers” and “dosido”:

• Feathers — The musical poems of Woody Guthrie, bird songs, and the naturally occurring sounds in nature help babies develop an early appreciation and accelerated aptitude for language, movement, and music in this class.  Home Materials: CD with over 25 specially-selected recordings from class, Kindermusik chimeball, a colorful picture book of birds. Feathers, and a set of Art Banners for the nursery wall that strengthens vision and promotes early literacy.
• Do-Si-Do — Pick up your baby and dance. Dance the Charleston, the Tango, and the Cha-Cha and learn why dancing with your baby helps develop vital learning skills from head-to-toe. In this class, play a variety of baby appropriate instruments, a dance with fun props. Home Materials: CD with songs from class, an instrument Kindermusik eggshaker and scarf, a picture board book Do-Si-Do with lilting move-to-it rhyming text, and a set of Art Banners for the nursery wall that strengthens vision and promotes early literacy.

Kindermusik Our Time (ages 18 months to 3.5 years)

• Wiggles & Giggles — The more than 30 songs, 15 dances, and eight different instruments create these unique music activities, designed to reflect the importance of movement in the life of a toddler.  Home Materials: Double CD features 50 songs, sounds, and recordings of favorite activities from class; two story books:Watch Me! and Pete and P.J., to develop early literacy skills; Home Activity Book; and specially-made pair of zigzag blocks instrument to develop rhythm and hand-eye coordination-all conveniently stored in a Wiggles & Giggles carry bag.

Kindermusik Imagine That! (ages 3-5 years)

• See What I Saw — In this class, preschoolers use their real experience of playing in the park to create imaginative, storytelling scenarios with music?go on an imaginary trip to Grasshopper Park where they sail down the park slide and then recreate the sound of that experience with a loooong vocal glissando. Each week provides preschoolers one uninterrupted session of imaginative play that’s guided in a very specific, sequential way with a special sharing time with parents in the last 15 minutes of class. Home Materials: Two books: Can You Find Me? and The Ant Picnic Feast, Two Home CDs, See What I Saw Play Set, a Family Activity Book, a slide whistle instrument, a slide whistle and lumi sticks instruments, and a backpack.

 Kindermusik in Savannah is a sponsor SouthernMamas

Sending a child off to school can be scary. Sure moms joke about back-to-school being “the most wonderful time of the year” but that doesn’t mean it’s not also anxiety provoking.

Will the teacher like my child? Who will be the new classmates? Will they be good influences — or bad? Will my child struggle to make friends or deal with bullies or endure teasing? And most of all, will my child be safe?

What 175,000+ moms around the world have discovered is that back-to-school anxiety and fear can be replaced with peace and hope. And yes, even joy. Moms In Touch International impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by gathering mothers and other interested women to pray. Learn more how you can become involved by visiting www.momsintouch.org or contacting Stacy Cerone at 228-4270, scerPM@comcast.net.

Looking for a fabulous date night? How about a fun night out with the girls? Coming soon to Broughton Street in downtown Savannah is The Melting Pot! At The Melting Pot, fondue becomes a memorable four-course dining experience where you can truly dip into something different. Come discover The Melting Pot’s relaxed atmosphere, private tables, fine wines, attentive service and exceptional fondue dinners.

Start with a creamy cheese fondue. Then choose from four flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of entrées including filet mignon, lobster, blackened chicken, duck, shrimp, salmon and more. For dessert, enjoy mouthwatering chocolate fondue served with dipping items including fresh strawberries, cheesecake, marshmallows, pound cake and brownies.

To enter to win, sign up here for Club Fondue. Club Fondue members receive free chocolate fondue for two on your birthday and wedding anniversary. You will also receive monthly emails about The Melting Pot’s grand opening, ladies night out, wine tastings and other fun events.

You have to be a SouthernMamas subscriber to enter. Subscribing is free. Click here to do so.

You have until 9 pm this Thurs. July 30 to enter and then The Melting Pot will choose a name. SouthernMamas will announce the winner here Fri. July 31.

The Melting Pot will be opening soon in September. Come and enjoy a night of fondue!

The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) has created Savannah’s first Summer Camp for children with Down Syndrome.

The six day program will be held 9 AM-12:30 PM on July 27, 29, and 31 and August 3, 5 and 7.

Camps are funded in part by the money the organization raises through their annual Down Syndrome Buddy Walk each October-requiring participants to pay just $30 for the three day camp. Educational and recreational activities are scheduled for children ages 3 to 6. Speech, physical and occupational therapists are on board to assist the children in their continued growth and development, while having fun.

For more information or to register, contact John Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or click here.

For more local summer camps, click here.

The second annual Pink Tea is 2- 5 PM Sun. Aug. 9 @ Wilmington Island Club.

The event features food, drink and fun. You can mingle while visiting booths of various local businesses and organizations. There will also be crafts for kids and face painting etc. Moms are encouraged to bring young children.

Tickets go on sale this Wed. July 15. Click here for locations where you can purchase tickets.
Hale Tea will be serving their “special” teas again this year.

The tea benefits Savannah’s Young Survival Coalition, which serves as a point of contact for young women living with breast cancer. The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) works with survivors, caregivers and the medical,research, advocacy and legislative communities to increase the quality and quantity of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer ages 40 and younger.

If you would like to have your business be a sponsor for the Pink Tea, click here.

Help is coming for children with epilepsy.

Children’s Medical Services, St. Joseph’s/Candler, the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia, and UCB biopharma, are teaming up to provide a free educational workshop on epilepsy. The workshop will be 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Wed. July 15 @ Candler Hospital’s Marsh Auditorium (5353 Reynolds Street in Savannah). Refreshments will be provided.

The session will focus on various types of epileptic seizures, the appropriate first-aid for seizures, and the different treatment options available. The workshop will also address the impact that seizures can have on a child’s academic abilities and quality of life.

The goal is to help educate family members and friends of children with epilepsy along with daycare providers, school nurses, pediatric medical practice staff members, social workers, and teachers.

The workshop is free. Registration is encouraged. Call Children’s Medical Services at 1-866-647-0010.

Looking to meet other moms in your area?

Check out a new meetup group that is just forming in the Islands area.

The Wilmington Island Moms/East Savannah Meetup Group is primarily for moms and children 0-5 (siblings are welcome.) This group is based on building lasting friendships, supporting other moms, laughing, and sharing experiences. Click here for more info.

To find out about other moms-tots groups in our area, visit our Groups/Moms Groups category on SouthernMamas by clicking here.

You’ve done everything to lose that baby weight, but you still can’t fit into your skinny jeans.

A new Savannah group provides fitness you can do with your child in tote. Stroller Fitness meets @ 9 am Tues/Thurs @ Daffin Park playground @ the corner of Washington and Waters avenues.

The class will consist of walking, running, and strength training for moms in need of exercise. Kristen Pate, former Fleet Feet store manager and new mom, is going to be joining the workouts and helping out.

The first workout is tomorrow, 9 am Tues., Sept. 23. Cost: free for Sept 23 and then $10 a session.

Contact: Melissa Safrit Bowen at melissasafrit@aol.com

Bring: Stroller with child, weights(3-5lbs-can buy at Target), towel, 2 bottles of water and optional (sports drink & snack).

Thank you to Jordan Chase for telling us about this new group!

Soon your toddler may substitute ‘bye-bye’ with namaste.

Yoga instructor Cathy Baxter of Twisted Warrior Yoga will start a parent-and-toddler yoga class Tues. Oct. 7. The 45-minute class for ages 2-5 will be 10 am Tuesdays @ the Charles H. Morris Trustees Garden Center, 10 East Broad St. (downtown Savannah next to the Pirates House).

Children’s yoga mats are provided. Toddlers must be accompanied by an adult. No need to worry about donning hip yoga wear, just dress in any comfortable clothing.

I definitely want my son to be a little yoga warrior in this class when he’s old enough. All that peaceful, hand-clasping and deep-breathing has got to have a cleansing effect on toddler tantrums, right? Plus, it will be a kick to see him do downward-facing dog.

Cost is $10/ class or $29/ month. For more info, call 912.704.5111 or email Cathy@TwistedWarrior.com. Or visit the Web site here for toddler yoga info as well as adult yoga classes.

More than 11,100 U.S. women younger than 40 will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. More than 1,100 will die.

Not trying to depress you, but trying to illustrate the need for young women to take the risk of breast cancer seriously. Don’t ignore a lump or other irregularity in your breast because you think you are too young for breast cancer.

My column in today’s Accent section of the Savannah Morning News is about the journey of a Wilmington Island woman diagnosed at 37, when her daughters were 7 and 4. Read the column here. She went on to form a local support group through the Young Survival Coalition for other young women facing breast cancer.

Learn more about the support group, which meets once a month on a Sunday (to accommodate working women), by attending the Pink Tea “Celebration of Life” , Sun., Sept. 7, 2-4 pm @ the Wilmington Island Club, 501 Wilmington Island Road. Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance. Purchase tickets by clicking here or call Susan Richardson at 912.897.3933 or srisland@aol.com.

Ladies of all ages are encouraged to attend and there will even be activities for young girls if you would like to include your daughters.

Tickets can also be purchased at the following spots:

Wilmington Island Golf Shop: 501 Wilmington Island Road, 912.897.1615

Transformation Station, Nancy N and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, 912.819.8386

The Misty Marsh Shoppe, 7906 US 80 E, 912.898.9399

Merle Norman Studio, 216 Johnny Mercer Blvd # A, 912.897.5705

Colonial Quilts, 11710-A Largo Drive, 912.925.0055

Time to register for fall Kindermusik sessions, which start after Labor Day in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, The Landings and Rincon.

Attention work-outside-the-home SouthernMamas who have difficulty finding weekend mommy-and-me activities: Saturday Kindermusik sessions will be offered in Savannah, starting Sept. 20!

Kindermusik classes are available for children ages 0 to 7. Classes are divided by age including the “Zoom Buggy and Dream Pillow” class for ages 0-20 months; “Milk and Cookies” for ages 18 months to 3.5 years; “Hello Weather, Let’s Play Together” for ages 3 to 5; and Family Time classes for newborns to 7 year-olds and the whole family.

Kindermusik also has a baby sign language class, “Sign and Sing,” for hearing children ages 6 months to 36 months and their parents. You and your child will learn over 150 signs to help you communicate.

Browse the local Kindermusik Web site and register for the Fall’08 session. Be sure to tell them SouthernMamas sent you!

kuuru shoes – the shoes you would wear if you were in your child’s shoes – is giving away a pair to a SouthernMamas subscriber.

kuuru shoes are designed to support babies and toddlers in their early walking years. The styles combine modern designs, bold colors, and thoughtful details to provide comfort and functionality for developing feet. kuuru literally means “cool” in Japanese.

The giveaway winner will be able to chose her favorite pair from a wide variety of styles, such as mary janes, sandals, sneakers, loafers, and t-straps. Click here to see the shoes.

Here’s how to win. One of the most frequent requests we receive @ southernmamas.com is moms seeking playgroups or other ways to meet moms. To be eligible for the giveaway, make a comment on this post about the best way to meet other moms with kids of similar ages of yours – specific playgroups, Web sites, activities or just general tips etc. If you are among those LOOKING for a playgroup, then your comment can be about what you want in a playgroup (location, age range, interests etc) so perhaps SouthernMamas can play matchmaker.

Don’t forget to tell us at least your first name.

Just click on “comment” below this post to make yours by 9 pm Thurs. Aug. 7. We’ll pick a name at random from the comments and announce the winner here Friday.

You have to be a SouthernMamas subscriber to participate. Subscribing is free. Click here to do so.

Looking for a soccer league for the kids?

Fall registration is under way with Savannah Celtic, a league that started with over 250 kids its first year and jumped to more than 500 two seasons later.

Savannah Celtic strives to keep the cost of its programs as affordable as possible so that as many children as possible can enjoy soccer. Started by two men from the United Kingdom, the premise of the club is to promote soccer locally to everyone, no matter of age, gender, race, ability or social demographic.

For more info and to register online, click here

The league is also always seeking coaches who’d like to make a contribution to the community by supporting local children. Interested in coaching? Call 912.495.9996

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again.

If you haven’t taken your toddler to the 10:30 am Thursday story time @ Bull Street Library with librarian Sha Dishong, then your child (and you) are missing out on a beloved part of growing up (and raising children) in our area.

Story time @ Bull Street for 0-2 year-olds (there’s also story and craft time 10:30 am Wednesdays for 3-4 year-olds) unfolds inside a cottage playhouse that looks like it’s right out of a Golden Book.

Sha is a pro at getting and keeping kids’ attention, even toddlers, with energetic choruses of “Hurry Up, Hurry Up, Drive that Fire Truck,” “Little Red Wagon” and standards like “Wheels on the Bus.”

You can read all about Sha and her job as children’s librarian in this recent Savannah Morning News article (photo by John Carrington, SMN). The woman obviously has found her calling: helping children share her love for books. Congrats Sha and thank you!

To find out about other story times in our area, click here.