You and your kids are invited to the First Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Bilingual Speech Therapy and Language Center, Saturday, May 5, 2012.

Enjoy Spanish-themed activities and snacks from 12:00pm – 4:00pm; StoryTime 12:15pm, Music and Games 1:00pm & 2:45pm and a “Break the Pinata” 1:45pm. All Activities are Free and Open to the Public! 9100 White Bluff Road, Suite 202. For more information call (912) 335-8486 or click here.

Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center, 9100 White Bluff Road Suite 201, Savannah, 31406. On Facebook here. 912.335.8486, www.bilingualspeechtherapy.net/ Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

UPDATE: Winner is Suzanne Work Hokanson!! Congratulations Suzanne!

This week’s giveaway is going to make you nostalgic for your favorite childhood doll. Win a handmade Little Lady Belles doll stitched with love and attention right here in Savannah.

 Little Lady Belles are unique, handmade soft form dolls designed as a treasured toy, family heirloom & long-lasting keepsake for display. Each belle has a unique personality and story to tell. Some represent the grand styles and fashions of the past, while others the sweet city and country girls of today.

To enter to win, “like” the Little Lady Belles family on Facebook here, then on the Little Lady Belles Facebook wall, share the name of your favorite childhood doll or simply a memory of your doll or playing dolls (or another favorite toy for the non-doll playing moms) Be sure to say that SouthernMamas.com sent you! Deadline to enter to win: noon Sun. April 22. We’ll pick a winner at random & announce it here Mon. April 23.

Little Lady Belles  are handmade with high-quality vintage fabrics and buttons. Their bodies are all new, 100 percent cotton; their hair is wool felt, polyester fleece, or cotton chenille fabric. Clothing is made from pre-washed repurposed materials. The belles have embroidered facial details.

Due to the use of buttons and small pieces, the dolls are best suited for ages 3 and older The belles measure from 26 to 31 inches tall, with an arm span of 22 inches. Each belle comes with one accessory and a small portrait.

Customized handmade dolls also can be commissioned for birthdays and other special events. Prices for the belles featured on the Little Lady Belles Facebook page here range from $50 to $75. (Customized orders are priced based on design and materials.)

The belles design and fabrication were developed by Abigail Kokai and Scribble Art Studio owner Carrie Christian, both graduates of the Savannah College of Art and Design.

You can meet the dolls in person at the Springtime in Paris: Art & Fashion Show, a kids’ art & fashion show presented by Scribble Art Studio & Sara Jane’s Children’s Boutique. All proceeds of the show will help to start-up Scribble’s charitable program Scribble On Wheels, a program that works with local hospitals in an effort to bring art to every little artist. The goal of Scribble on Wheels is to work with pediatric patients in groups or one-on-one sessions, providing fun, interesting art projects that provide a nurturing and inspirational creative experience to every child,

Springtime in Paris is 5-8 PM Sat. April 28 @ Scribble Art Studio, 212 E. 37th St.  Details here.

For more information, custom orders, or to purchase a doll you “like” on the Little Lady Belles Facebook page, please e-mail Joyce McDonald at: JoyceAMcDonald@yahoo.com.

For more information on Scribble or Springtime in Paris, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You’re invited to the Red Shoes Run / Pop Tab Pandemonium 2012/Blood Alliance Blood Drive benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities. It’s a 5K Run/Walk & Pop Tab Collection Event at the Ronald McDonald House, Savannah, 9AM-Noon on Sat. April 14.

During the event, please stop by The Blood Alliance & donate blood! The blood drive will be 9 AM-Noon. The Blood Alliance will make a donation ot the Ronald McDonald House Charities for every unit of blood collected at the RMHC blood drive! The Blood Alliance is the sole provider of blood to Memorial University Medical Center, the only Level 1 trauma center and dedicated children’s hospital in SE Georgia.

Red Shoes Run & Pop Tab Pandemonium is a family friendly fundraiser that will feature free activities including fun with Ronald McDonald, a 1/4 mile kiddie run, live music, games, prizes and refreshments!
There is a wonderful bridge that participants will traverse twice for which this 5K is nicknamed the “mini-bridge run!” It’s perfect training for those aiming for the big one at the end of the year!

Strollers are welcome.

To Register: Red Shoes Run: Download registration form here or register online: www.active.com
key words red shoes run.

Interested in cashing in on your children’s gently used-items at the popular Little Lambs Spring Consignment sale March 23 & 24?

Deadline for requesting a Little Lambs seller number is Friday, March 16 by 5 PM!!

If you’re interested in becoming a seller/consigner or know someone who is, please request a number and packet now by emailing Katherine Durkin at littlelambsfpp@gmail.com .

In your email please include, NEW or Returning Seller, Name (First and Last) and email address!

Little Lambs Consignment Sale
First Presbyterian Preschool
520 Washington Ave., Savannah, 31405
9 AM-2 PM Fri. March 23
9 AM-Noon Sat. March 24.

Junior League of Savannah is now accepting Kids Who Care Scholarship Applications

KIDS WHO CARE is a program designed to salute high school seniors who have made a positive difference in the lives of others by volunteering. Five $1,000 college scholarships will be awarded to local seniors from the Low Country area in recognition of their outstanding volunteer service and outstanding community involvement. These scholarships are not based on academic or athletic ability.

The Junior League of Savannah would like you to help them identify these Kids Who Care by nominating high school seniors who have been active volunteers. Nominations may be made by anyone – principals, counselors, students, community groups and individuals, as well as self-nomination by the student.

Please visit the Junior League of Savannah website at www.jrleaguesav.org  (under Community Impact) for more information and to complete the application. Application Deadline: March 15, 2012.

For more information, please contact Lisa Pinyan via email at lpinyan@greenlinearch.com .

You’re invited to a March 3 fund raiser to support a proposed Tybee Island charter school, which now has an official name, the Tybee Island Maritime Academy.

The focus of the school’s curriculum will be the full scope of the local, from the ecology and biology of the Lowcountry to the jobs that are specific to it (e.g., ports jobs, boat maintenance, shrimping, etc.).

Please like the proposed charter school on Facebook here for the latest updates.

On Monday, February 13, impress your Valentine and help benefit the Savannah Children’s Choir!

The SCC will host a Spaghetti Supper from 4-7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 34th & Abercorn, to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Italy.

Dinner, only $7, includes pasta, choice of meat or vegetarian sauce, bread and salad. Drinks and home-made baked goods are available for additional sale, and you are welcome to take-out or dine in.

For more information, click here or call (912) 228-4758.

You’re invited to participate as a taster or baker in the Battle of the Bakers, 1-3 PM Sat. Feb 4 2012 at the Hoskins Center, 66th Street and Ranger St, on Memorial Health’s campus, Savannah.

The event benefits Ronald McDonald House, 4710 Waters Ave., Savannah Ga 31404

Baked goods – such as pastries, muffins, cakes, cookies, and more – will be judged in four categories: appearance; authenticity; taste; creativity.

No matter who “takes the cake” the real winner will be the Ronald McDonald House, because in addition to competing, contestants reach out to friends and family members to support their fundraising efforts. All proceeds benefit the House’s Share A Night fund.

Buy Tickets online here.

Participate as a Baker or Taster
Taster Tickets:
$65 Baker’s Box – Support RMHC’s Share a Night Campaign – Includes a large pastry box and champagne bar
$25 Taster Ticket – Includes a small pastry box and a glass of champagne
Baker Registration, Free.

Admission for Children
FREE for children 10 years old & younger
$10: children 11 years & older

All of the registration information can be found here Contact Alex Wysocki, alex@rmhccoastalempire.org, 912-350-7641

2012 Ronald McDonald House Charities Battle of the Bakers, The Hoskins Center at Memorial Health, 66th Street and Ranger St, Savannah, 31404

Savannah’s biggest children’s consignment event – High Cotton Kids – is set for February 23-25 2012 at 706 Mall Boulevard, Formerly Seeds of Faith Bookstore!

Come shop consignment at it’s finest. High Cotton Kids  is THE place to save a lot of money, make a lot of money and have a great time doing both! This spring’s upscale resale shopping event will include high end boutique children’s brand clothing sizes 0-12 and many other items. There will also be a variety of new merchandise from several local retailers. Get ready to rack up on all your favorite children’s brands at a fraction of the retail price! There is something for everybody’s taste and budget from adorable smocked frocks to funky threads to even high cotton play clothes your kids will love to throw on all spring and summer.

Do you want to shop early for the best selection? Come to the Shop for a Cause Presale on Thursday, February 23 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. High Cotton Kids is partnering with The Next Generation at Memorial Health Backus Children’s Hospital to help brighten the day of a child in the hospital.  HCK will be collecting gift cards to be used for birthday celebrations and/or end-of- chemotherapy parties. Please bring your gift cards to Target, Walmart or Toys-R-Us and shop one hour early, before the show opens to the public! Minimum amount of $5 is requested and more is greatly appreciated! Monetary Donations of $5 or more will also be accepted at the door as your entry pass. Join The Next Generation now and receive two Preview Party tickets!

Consignor registration is open now through Sunday, February 19th! Clean out and cash in, all consignors keep 65% of your sales! Bring your gently loved children’s items to our consignment marketplace and let HCK do the selling. High Cotton Kids also accepts high end maternity clothing, children’s furniture, art work, baby and nursery necessities (ie. bouncers, exercausers, etc.), strollers, toys, books, dvds and more. For a complete list of items HCK accepts and do not accept, click here

High Cotton Kids thanks it’s sponsors The Monogram Place & Robyn’s Nest , Pediatric Dentistry  and JPaige. Stay connected and get updates about the event by liking High Cotton Kids on Facebook here

High Cotton Kids Spring & Summer 2012 Show Hours
Thursday, February 23rd
5:00 – 6:00 pm Shop for a Cause Presale  benefiting The Next Generation. Check the details to shop early!
6:00 – 8:00 pm Open to the Public
*Military and Expecting/First Time Moms with Children under 12months of age may register for early entry during the presale by emailing HCK at info@highcottonkids.com .

Friday, February 24th 9:00 am – 3:00pm
Saturday, February 25th 9:00 am – 1:00pm (Select items will be 40% OFF)

High Cotton Kids, 706 Mall Boulevard (formerly Seeds of Faith Christian Bookstore), www.highcottonkids.com , email info@highcottonkids.com High Cotton Kids is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

An exciting Savannah Celtic soccer program for children with disabilities – including autism/aspergers – starts next week Jan. 10 2012.

TOPSoccer is an indoor soccer program that helps young players with disabilities develop, compete & achieve success according to their individual abilities.

TOPSoccer will be 7-8 PM Tuesday nights, indoors. The Winter 2012 Season will run Jan. 10-Feb. 14. Registration fee for U8 through U14 TOPSoccer is $85.

The goal of TOPSoccer – started by US Youth Soccer – is to take children from the sidelines to participating in the game!

Check the Savannah Celtic website here for more information.

If you have any questions, please email Savannah Celtic at celtic@savannahceltics.com. Savannah Celtic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited to the Magic Passion Love Art Show & Party @ Caraway Cafe (202 E Broughton @ Abercorn) 6-8 PM Thurs. Nov. 10

Art Contest Winners Announced at 7:30 PM!
MPL Art Raffle for Heads Up Guidance Savannah (H.U.G.S) $5

Tasty Treats provided by Caraway Cafe, Low Country Gourmet Foods & The Tea & Spice Exchange
Entertainment by Singer Jill Chang
Special Guest Artists: Isak Dove, Anna Singletary, Kim Swann & Eric Wooddell
MPL Manifesting Mobile – add to the growing art project before the Tour leaves in Jan to continue with the MPL Art Tour!!

More info here:

Attention non-profits that focus on women’s & children’s advocacy: The Junior League of Savannah is now taking applications for Done in a Day, Community Projects and Community Assistance Funds.

Done in a Day includes six to eight projects that the Junior League of Savannah undertakes each year in which Junior League volunteers assist local organizations or social service agencies through hands-on volunteer work and funding of up to $1500.00 per project. Typical projects include assistance with painting, gardening, special events or physical improvements. The projects are generally scheduled over a time span of a one-day period on a Saturday or Sunday.

Community Projects are organizations that partner with the Junior League of Savannah and receive funding and volunteers.

Community Assistance Funds are awarded once a year in the spring and represent an additional financial commitment to the community. Partnerships and funding are available to all local 501(c)3 organizations that are within the program focus area of Women and Children’s Advocacy.

Currently, the Junior League of Savannah focuses its efforts on women and children’s advocacy. The Junior League of Savannah believes that women and children deserve to be empowered through quality opportunities in order to thrive and to be contributing members of our community. These opportunities should develop the whole person socially, emotionally, physically, as well as academically.

To apply, visit the Junior League of Savannah’s website at www.jrleaguesav.org  or call 912-790-1002. The application deadline is December 1, 2011.

The 2nd Annual ‘Kid’s Kickin’ for Cancer’ charity games will be Tues. Nov. 1 at the Jennifer Ross Soccer Complex Field 4 on Sallie Mood Drive in Savannah. Proceeds from the event benefit the Mary Telfair Women’s Hospital Mammography Fund.

Game times are:
5:30pm – U16G SCFC Cobras V U15G YDP
7pm – SCFC Coaches (old crocks) V SCFC Mutiny (young bucks)

Please come out to watch, support and donate for the cause! All proceeds go to the Mary Telfair Institute. For more info, call Savannah Celtic at (912) 495-9996

We often get questions about the status of building a Savannah Children’s Museum. Work is under way on such a museum near the Georgia State Railroad Museum in downtown Savannah and organized by the Coastal Heritage Society. Here’s a snippet from the Coastal Heritage Society Web site:

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The Coastal Heritage Society is working towards creating Savannah’s first, and only children’s museum! This project is specifically targeted to educate children ages 0-10 in a non-school environment, to address the need for young children to learn about their community, and to support families and educators in developing fundamental skills.

What Will the Savannah Children’s Museum Be?

Building Size
SCM will have 38,000 sq. feet of interior space and a 15,000 square foot courtyard with 20,000 sq. feet of exhibits, located on a National Historic Landmark site.
Learning Standards
SCM is dedicated to the education of young children, covering 9 educational goals that incorporate a variety of learning strategies and Georgia Learning Standards.
Audience
SCM will serve 84,379 children, ages 0-10 locally within an hour’s drive and an undetermined tourism audience. We anticipate 50,000 – 75,000 visitors per year.
Use
SCM will be a resource serving parents, children, teachers, childcare centers, elementary schools and tourists seven days a week.
Perfect Location
SCM is located in a tourism based, educational, and recreational complex of 25 acres, which will contain 5 public venues and provide a locomotive-powered rail shuttle. All of these attractions can occupy a family for many, many hours of enjoyment.

How you can help

For further information on the Savannah Children’s Museum, or for volunteer opportunities with this project, contact Samantha Pogorelsky, Campaign Director at 912.651.2438 or spogorelsky@chsgeorgia.org .

Savannah Baby Co. has launched “Savannah’s Angels”. Give $5 directly to CURE Childhood Cancer and put your child’s photo up in their store! This week, Savannah Baby Co. will match your $5 donation.

Savannah’s Angels support CURE Childhood Cancer and is a way to show off your little angel in the Savannah Baby Co. store and help raise money for CURE Childhood Cancer at the same time. All money will go directly to CURE Childhood Cancer. The first 20 Contributors to Savannah’s Angels, starting tomorrow 10/26/11, will receive a FREE Skip * Hop Zoobie Lunch Box.

Help Savannah Baby Co. support CURE Childhood Cancer and come in to put your Child’s photo on their store wall! Also, come read “Sean’s Voice” and learn more about how you can be involved in CURE Childhood Cancer.

Savannah Baby Company, 5301 Paulsen in the Medical Arts neighborhood, Monday-Friday, 10-6. Saturday 10-4. 912-480-0212, www.savannahbabyco.com,  Savannah Baby Company is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Jacob G. Smith Elementary and TailsSpin Pet Supply Store are joining forces to hold the Second Annual Savannah PAWrade featuring pet costume parade and contest, on Lamara Street, adjacent to Habersham Village,11 AM-3 PM Sat. Oct. 29.

Events – which are open to the public – include Pet Costume parade and contest, Celebrity Judges, Music and Food, Children’s Carnival, Local Artists, Dog Wash, Pet Nail Trimming and TailsSpin’s signature Low-Cost Pet Microchipping and Vaccine Clinic.

The Savannah PAWrade and costume contest will boast a line of exciting prizes for first, second and third placed winners, from Blue Buffalo, Dublin Georgia’s Hitek Rations, and Natural Balance Pet Food Manufacturers, engraved Pet ID Tag and Gift Certificates from TailsSpin Pet Supply Store.

Fourteen of the Greater Savannah Pet Rescue Agencies are scheduled to participate. Savannah Kennel Club will join the festivities with Doggy Derby; Jamison Murphy, Savannah teenage folk singer sensation will be performing, and the Jacob G. Smith’s PTA will host many kid activities throughout the day.

For every pet adoption, TailsSpin Pet Supplies will assist new pet owners by giving them a free small bag of dog food, an engraved ID tag, and 10% off their purchase that day.

100% of the money raised from the event will be divided among Jacob G. Smith Elementary and the participating pet rescue agencies.

FOR MORE FUN KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR BY CLICKING HERE.

Come support local runners who are training for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon – set for November 5, 2011.

Check out their GARAGE SALE October 1st (Sat) 8 A.M. – noon at 6600 Abercorn St (Landmark Building Parking Lot) GREAT prices and AMAZING finds!

Have some items you want to donate? Email Victoria at vtenbroeck@gmail.com

The sale is to raise money for American Cancer Society. All Team DetermiNation runners running either the half or full Rock & Roll Savannah Marathon each has to raise $1,500.00 minimum.

Come support local runners who are training for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon – set for November 5, 2011.

Check out their GARAGE SALE October 1st (Sat) 8 A.M. – noon at 6600 Abercorn St (Landmark Building Parking Lot)

GREAT prices and AMAZING finds!

Have some items you want to donate? Email Victoria at vtenbroeck@gmail.com

The sale is to raise money for American Cancer Society. All Team DetermiNation runners running either the half or full Rock & Roll Savannah Marathon each has to raise $1,500.00 minimum.

Simply Children’s Dentistry supports the Annual Buddy Walk Festival in Forsyth Park

Simply Children’s Dentistry in Savannah is asking families to come join them in the 6th annual Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Festival.

This kid-friendly event will be hosted at Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia, on Saturday, October 1, 2011. Rides, food, games, and music for the whole family. Registration begins at 8:30 AM. The cost of registration is $12 per person. The walk starts at 10:30 AM. The festival  in the park lasts until 2 PM.

The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to bring together a wide range of concerned individuals to reach out to friends, family, and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down Syndrome and to raise funds for education, research, and advocacy programs.

Dr. Kamiti Harden believes in all children and because she is an advocate for children, Simply Children’s Dentistry will be attending and participating in this annual walk. You and your families are invited to participate.

Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
6th Annual Buddy Walk in Forsyth Park
Sat. Oct. 1, 2011
8 AM for registrations
Festival in Forsyth Park 11 AM- 2 PM

Simply Children’s Dentistry, 613 Stephenson Ave Suite 201, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-353-9993 www.simplychildrens.com. Simply Children’s Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

To find more fall festivals in the Savannah-Chatham County & Lowcountry area, visit the SouthernMamas.com 2011 Fall Fun Page here (Corn Mazes/Pumpkin Patches/Fall Festivals)

We know many of you have children who aren’t old enough yet for elementary school. But you probably already have your school of choice picked out.

Chances are you want to do what you can to help that school even before your little ones are enrolled. You can help by eating out. Many public schools partner with local restaurants which offer school nights and donate a portion of the proceeds from that night to the school.

We’d love to tell our readers about the various school nights at local restaurants. Email your school’s restaurant and school night to anne@southernmamas.com.

Meanwhile, you can support Charles Ellis Montessori Academy in Savannah by eating at Barberito’s  Southwestern Grille at 4525 Habersham Street (in Habersham Village) on the first Tuesday of every month. Barberito’s will donate 20% of ALL the sales from the evening – from 5 pm until close- to Ellis.

Barberito’s Eat out For Ellis Nights – 5 pm Until Close at 10 PM.
Sept 6; Oct 4; Nov 1; Dec 6; Jan 10 (exception to the 1st Tuesday rule); Feb 7; March 6; April 3; May 1; June 5

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates is pleased to announce that the Dancing Docs are back with their sponsorship of the 4th Annual Ballroom Extravaganza.

Proceeds benefit HUGS, which provides counseling and vocational training for disadvantaged youth & adults in the Savannah community. Dancing for HUGS this year will be Dr. Sandra Bohnstengel & Alonzo Boschulte. Local physicians & medical professionals will compete to raise money for their favorite good cause. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase votes for their favorite couple’s routine. Links to all participating charities can be found at www.southmagazine.com .

Funds earned for HUGS from this event will go directly to providing counseling and vocational training for disadvantaged youth and adults in the Savannah community.

The formal event will include dinner, live entertainment from the Rogues, a silent auction & the popular “Dancing with the Doc’s” competition. 60% of every ticket purchased will go directly to the charity chosen by the purchaser. Guests will walk the Red Carpet into the ballroom. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Male and Best Dressed Female.

Sat Sept. 17, 2011 6-11 PM at The Savannah Marriott, 100 General McIntosh Blvd.

$100 per person. Tables of 10 are available for $1,000. Must be 21 to attend. Your generous support is Tax Deductible.

Several Sponsorship levels are available. Contact Jeri Gale at 912-657-57540 or Garlana Mathews at 667-0441 about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets. Major Sponsors are: WJCL abc; South Magazine; Costner Law Group; Chatham Orthopaedic Associates, P.A

You want to do your part to help improve our local schools. But you don’t always have the childcare or time to take away from your own kids to do so. In2Books is a way to do volunteer outreach from your own home.

In2Books is an innovative eMentoring program that connects caring adults with students grades 3-5 to enhance their reading, thinking and writing skills by reading books and exchanging online letters about the books.

Savannah is the largest implementation of In2Books nationwide.

The program pairs volunteer pen pals with Savannah-Chatham public elementary school students. Over the course of the school year, the students and their pen pals read five books together, exchanging six letters (emails). The letters reinforce writing skills and foster a conversation that facilitates a greater understanding of each book.

In2Books is looking for approximately 260 more pen pals for the 2011-2012 school year in the Savannah-Chatham County public school system.

To sign up to be a pen pal, go to www.in2books.com. Select and/or write in Savannah for geography.