You’re invited to take part in new Zumba classes being offered at Hull Park at noon on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays in November.  The classes are open to the public and all ages.  Donations are welcome.

Hull Park is at 504 E. 54th St., near E. 55th Street and Atlantic Avenue, Savannah, 31405.

The public is invited to a free fall festival Thursday, November 17th from 5:30 – 7:00 pm hosted by the Virginia Heard Elementary PTA. Admission is FREE and the event is open to the public. The school is located at 414 Lee Boulevard, Savannah, GA.

Children will enjoy fun-filled activities and crafts at this season inspired festival. There will be concession items for sale, sack races, face painting, tug of rope, bean bag toss, Fall-themed Family portraits ($10), and much more!! Tickets for activities are 25¢ each. Come join us for an evening of fun, food, games and GIVEAWAYS!

Free Family Movie Night on Tybee Island

7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25. St. Michael Parish Center (former upper school gym).

Free! Popcorn provided. Bring lawn chairs and drinks. Double Feature: “The Very First Noel” – The wise men’s quest to find the newborn king. Short animation – and “Rio,” an adventure comedy rated G. Open to the public.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will offer free admission to all military personnel on Friday, November 11.
In order to receive free admission, military personnel will be asked to show their military ID card at either the Zoo or Garden entrance.
In addition to the free admission, adult family members who accompany military personnel on Veteran’s Day are eligible to receive Riverbanks’ military discount. The discounted military rate is $10.75 for anyone over 12 years old.
Riverbanks also provides free admission throughout the year to Fort Jackson Basic Combat Training graduates who visit the Zoo in uniform on the day of their graduation.
For nearly 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. It is the mission of Riverbanks to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks Zoo is located at

500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC29210
. The Botanical Garden entrance is at
1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC29169
. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Admission to both the Zoo and Garden is $11.75 for adults, $9.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo.

Bacon Park Christian Day School is having Open House November 15^th through the 17^th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The school is located in Cokesbury Methodist Church at 5411 Skidaway Road
(corner of Skidaway and DeRenne Avenue).
For more information, call (912) 484-9880 or visit the school’s website at www.baconparkchristiandayschool.com.  ARETE and APOGEE Scholarships Accepted.

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah presents Sock Monkey Portaits, 6-8 PM Sat. Nov. 19 at Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St. Proceeds benefit Live Oak Children’s Therapy.

Come to Angela Beasley’s Puppet People last Second Saturday Show of the 2011 year!

This is a public show, so grab your family and friends, and come see The Three Pigs of Huge Proportions and The Tinny Tiny Wolf!!!

Saturday, November 12, 10:00am-11:00 am

$10 for Kids – FREE for Adults
**Includes Mommy and Me Puppet Making**

912.355.3366 or email puppets@puppetpeople.com

Babes-n-Buggies Stroller Fitness Boot Camp begins the week of Nov. 7.

Monday & Wednesday starting Nov. 7
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Forsyth Park
(across from Brighter Day Natural Foods Market
1-5 Classes = $15 Per
5-10 Classes = $12 Per
10+ Classes = $10 Per

Instructor: Katy Schubert
IFTA Certified Personal Trainer & proud Mother of Two
RSVP: 912-660-4507 / info@trainme247.com

Savannah Stopover is pleased to announce Savannah’s participation in a unique event that will take place on 11/11/11. Benefiting the Girls Rock Camp Alliance, “50 Shows in 50 states” is a celebration of a decade of girls rocking out, collaborating and discovering their personal power through rock ‘n’ roll.

On Friday, November 11th, 50 states will plug in to their amplifiers and host shows featuring local bands to raise funds for support of female rock camps worldwide. Representing the entire state of Georgia, Savannah’s show will be held at LiveWire Music Hall, with proceeds going to the Girls Rock Camp Alliance. Participating bands include local rock stars, General Oglethorpe & the Panhandlers, Lovely Locks, and Lonesome Swagger. There will be a prize raffle with donations from Foxy Loxy Print Gallery & Café, Savannah Stopover, Tier Luxury Cakes, Civvies New & Used Clothing, and Primary Art Supply.

The Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls began ten years ago in Portland, Oregon with a mission to build girls’ self-esteem through music creation and performance. After five years of astounding growth and interest, the Girls Rock Camp Alliance formed to support rock camps around the globe. By providing workshops and technical training, rock camps create leadership opportunities, cultivate a supportive community of peers and mentors, and encourage social change and the development of life skills.

Local event organizer Anna Chandler, of General Oglethorpe, who taught at the Charleston, SC camp last summer states: “In a week at rock camp, girls form bands, write a song together, and perform at a showcase. It’s amazing what girls who have never touched an instrument before can achieve when they believe in themselves! My time at camp was a powerful experience with a lot of girls coming out of their shells, gaining confidence, and forging strong friendships.”

Tickets ($8 in advance, $10 at the door) are available through livewiremusichall.com Doors at 8PM, bands at 9PM. 21+.

For more information on camp and the work of the GRCA, visit girlsrockcamp.org.

Fort Pulaski National Monument to commemorate Veterans Day, the National Park Service will waive all entrance fees throughout Veterans Day weekend. Savannah’s national park will be fee free from Friday, November 11 to Sunday, November 13. Fort Pulaski National Monument will honor our nation’s veterans with a full schedule of special activities in the historic fort. The 48th New York Infantry Regiment will recreate many aspects of daily life at a major Civil War-era post. A variety of programs will be offered throughout the weekend allowing visitors to learn about military inspections, mail calls, bayonet drills, barracks life, and infantry drills. A special military salute to veterans will be offered at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 12. An entrance fee of $5 per person is normally charged but not this weekend; ages 15 and under are free. Call the park at (912) 786-5787 for details, or visit the park’s official website at nps.gov/fopu.

You’re invited to Tea for Tutus.

The Savannah Danse Theatre’s annual mother/daughter tea is here! Join the Savannah Danse Theatre for cream tea with Clara and all of your favorite characters from the Nutcracker.

The popular annual event will be at Bryson Hall on beautiful Chippewa Square from 2-4pm on Sun. Nov. 13.

If you would like more information or to purchase tickets call Christy Linton 912.661.2288.

Join Scribble Art Studio at the 2011  Savannah Children’s Book Festival in Forsyth Park. Scribble has new things in store to show you including a Draw Your Fairytale Book and a cute, fun craft for kids.

The 2011 Savannah Children’s Book Festival is set for Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Forsyth Park in Savannah. The festival is presented by Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah. The eighth annual festival celebrates the joy of reading, the power of the written word and the magic of storytelling with children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country. The festival will also include more than 60 Coastal Authors, arts and crafts, an International Tent, a variety of food and entertainment, a Book Walk and graphic novel/comics area.

Major sponsors are the Live Oak Public Libraries Foundation and Gulfstream Aerospace.

Rain location for the event is the Savannah Civic Center. For more information, call 912-652-3689. For updates, refresh this page or visit the library’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/liveoakpubliclibraries

Columbia City Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
Saturday, Nov 26 5:30p
Savannah Civic Center, Savannah
Location:Savannah Civic Center-Johnny Mercer Theatre

To purchase tickes, call 912.651.6556 or log onto www.Savannahcivic.com

The students and faculty at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy are proud to present the musical “God With No Hands”. “God With No Hands” is a living timeline based on the Montessori great lesson of the same name that describes creation of the universe and the formation of the planet Earth. The musical features many lively songs and skits all written by the students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Charles Ellis. 7 PM Fri. Nov. 4. Tickets $5 available in
advance or at the door 912-201-5470

Please vote YES for the Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) on Nov. 8, 2011. More info here.

Below is an Oct. 23 editorial from the Savannah Morning News about why we all need to vote for ESPLOST.

“ALL CHATHAM County voters will decide on Nov. 8 whether to extend the current sales tax to support continued improvement in public schools.

We strongly encourage a “yes” vote. The biggest reasons are obvious: This is one tax where elected officials have kept their promises; they have the results to show for it.

Voters approved the Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax in 2006 and it went into effect in 2007. Of the $360 million in projected revenues, about $265 million was either spent or earmarked on new or replacement schools and school upgrades. Another $67 million went to pay off existing bond debt, with the remaining revenue budgeted for academic technology improvements.

What specifically did this extra penny buy?

There are new elementary and middle schools at Godley Station in the county’s westside. The other side of the county has a new islands high school.

Five schools are being replaced: Beach High, Oglethorpe Academy, Butler Elementary, Gadsden Elementary and Pulaski Elementary.

Classroom additions are either active or on the way for May Howard Elementary, Heard, Isle of Hope, Largo-Tibet, Windsor Elementary and Windsor High, with modifications at Hesse, Low, Mercer and White Bluff.

Voters were smart to approve this tax five years ago. But it will expire at the end of this year, unless the public decides to keep it for another five years or until it generates $330 million, whichever comes first.

We hope they do. Continuing ESPLOST means three things:

• Better facilities. This helps the learning process for about 35,000 students.

• Additional revenue to pay off the school system’s debt. This helps keep the pressure off the school board to raise property taxes.

• More jobs. This will help many local residents who work in the construction industry.

Here are more reasons to vote “yes.” About 40 percent of the sales tax is paid by people who live outside Chatham County. Everyone who shops and stays in the county, including commuters and Savannah’s numerous visitors, contribute. This shifts some of the financial burden for schools from the backs of property owners to others.

This is a good time to build projects. School officials can count on very competitive bids, which means lower costs. At the same time, local tradesmen want jobs. Putting them to work on school is a win-win situation.

Good public schools are vital. Continuing the tax will help the school board and Superintendent Thomas Lockamy with the successful Passport to Excellence program. Voting “yes” for “penny power” and ESPLOST on Nov. 8 will help keep the improvements on track.

(The above was an Oct. 23 editorial from the Savannah Morning News)

More info here.

Pooler MOPS is holding its 3rd Annual Dessert and Silent Auction this coming Friday, November 4th, 6:30-8 PM. Bidding will end promptly at 7:45 PM.

All funds raised will go directly to Pooler MOPS to support their MOPPETS program and other MOPS activities. This is Pooler MOPS primary fundraising event of the year and the auction is open to the public.

Pooler MOPS will have delicious desserts and doorprizes, in addition to over 40 items/services donated for the auction! Chick-Fil-A, West Chatham YMCA, The Railroad Roundhouse Museum, Midnight Star Pottery, Savannah Celtic Soccer, All-American Gymnastics, GiGi’s Cupcakes, Awakening Yoga Studio, Inspire Creativity Workshops, Art Buzz Studio, Two Women and a Warehouse, Savannah Soap Co. and many more!

Coastal Empire Fair Oct. 25-Nov. 4 2012
You can purchase tickets ONLINE here .

In addition to rides, entertainment includes:

The Brian Staples Animal shows  – different shows rotate and feature different animals (monkeys, reptiles, white tiger, rain forest etc) – and Rosaire’s Racing Pigs as well as all the other kids activities at the Coastal Empire Fair. . Through Nov. 4. Shows are free and included with your admission ticket.

Free Parking

Details here.

The Sandbox-An Interactive Children’s Museum is celebrating Halloween on Monday, October 31st, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Bring your ghosts and goblins dressed in their costumes to play! The Sandbox is providing Halloween themed crafts, programs, and activities all day long. Decorate a special Halloween cookie and participate in a holiday scavenger hunt. Guess how many candy corns in the jar. There will be a bag of treats for each child. Admission is $6 per person.
The Sandbox is located at 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church. For more information: 843.842.7645 or crinehart@thesandbox.org. www.thesandbox.org

The Nutcracker in Savannah presented by The Savannah Danse Theatre
November 26, 2011
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
www.SavannahDance.com
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as Clara’s dream turns larger than life with Savannah as the backdrop of this holiday tradition. Join the Savannah Danse Theatre as we bring the magic of this holiday classic alive in 1945 Savannah! Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as a young girl’s dream turns larger than life with a special nutcracker, a vengeful river rat, dancing snowflakes and sumptuous ice cream from Leopold’s – all choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s exquisite musical score.

Savannah Danse Theatre brings a stellar ballet production to Savannah residents and their children. Each year the Danse Theatre presents something just a little bit unique to the Nutcracker with no two years exactly alike, adding many local and regional references to the ballet, and featuring local celebrities. The pageantry of the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without this enchanted ballet!

Tickets are $12 for the afternoon show and $35, $28, $21, $15 with a $5 military discount for the evening show, and are available by calling 912-525-5050 or online here: http://tickets.scadboxoffice.com/. Matinee includes a Meet & Greet with characters following the show.

Family ZUMBA!
DATE: October 29th through December 17th
(no class on 11/26 or 12/10)
TIME: Saturdays 9:15 to 10:00am
LOCATION: Heart & Lung Building, Suite 120
COST: FREE to Wellness Center family memberships and Center for WellBeing Members or $30 for non-members

There will be a 6-week Family Zumba® class offered starting on Saturday, October 29th
from 9:15 to 10:00am. Designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-12), Family Zumba®
classes are rockin’, high-energy fitness-parties packed with specially choreographed,
family-friendly routines! Parents love Zumba because of the effects it has on kids,
increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing
coordination. Family Zumba® rounds out family fitness goals by giving parents a great
reason to head to the gym – for themselves, for their kids, for a totally fun family
experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information please call the Wellness Center 819-8800

Holiday Festival of Lights
11/06/2012 – 12/31/2012
James Island County Park
871 Riverland DR James Island County Park Charleston, SC 29412
843.795.4386
holidayfestivaloflights.com

The holiday season is coming! This year, bring the family together to celebrate a Lowcountry tradition at Charleston’s most beloved nighttime event – the Holiday Festival of Lights! With over two million shimmering lights, this three-mile driving tour delivers more light displays year after year, with more than 700 shining displays this season. Beginning November 9, 2012 and continuing through December 31, 2012, gather family and friends to capture the magic of the holiday season at James Island County Park. Plus, experience the expanded Fun Run and Walk, now held on two nights! Get a sneak peak of the festival at the fun run, on Nov. 7 and 8.

Remember, the Holiday Festival of Lights is much more than just a driving tour! Park the car and experience exciting attractions custom-designed for holiday cheer. There are many celebrated attractions to see and do, including:

· Marshmallow Roasts
· Festival Train Rides
· Lakeside Lights Interactive Activity
· Enchanted Forest Walking Trail
· Gingerbread Houses
· 50-Ton Sand Sculpture
· Giant Greeting Cards
· Carousel Rides
· Gift Shops
· Portable Climbing Wall
· Photos with Santa
· Santa’s Sweet Shoppe

Stroll through Santa’s Village and see the meticulously-crafted sculpture constructed with 50-tons of sand. View sugary hand-crafted structures from the annual gingerbread house competition. Shop at the two festival gift shops for goodies from local artisans, official 14-kt gold on brass collector series ornaments, toys, personalized gifts, angelic decorations, and multitudes of stocking stuffers.

Spoil your sweet tooth or make it a meal at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, Frosty’s Treats, or Blitzen’s Burgers. Make s’mores at the marshmallow roasting pits, take a photo with Santa (select dates only – see website for details) and then hop aboard the train for an up-close look at the light displays. Plus, you’ll enjoy family entertainment on select nights, including live bands, kids’ activities, outdoor movies, and much more. Wander over to Winter Wonderland where a traditional 18-animal carousel ride whirls you around. Don’t miss the giant 4-by-8 foot holiday card designs created by local school students as part of the yearly holiday art competition!

Winter Carnival at the Holiday Festival of Lights

Mon., Dec. 31, 5:30 – 11 p.m.
James Island County Park
The perfect place for families to celebrate the New Year, the Winter Carnival features children’s amusement rides, an old-fashioned carousel, portable climbing wall, inflatables, and much more. Purchase a $10 wristband for unlimited rides on attractions (festival train not included). At 9 pm, ring in 2013 with a bang with the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show! Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited. Visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com for details.

Experience Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition as OneMain Financial presents the 25th annual Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

The Zoo’s silver anniversary celebration of Lights will kick off this Saturday, November 17 and will include old favorites as well as some new options for making family memories. In addition to the more than one million twinkling lights and hundreds of animated images that adorn the park every year, guests this year will have an opportunity to experience a 15-foot, life-size snow globe as well as have the chance to name a penguin!

The ornate event will also once again feature the Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, a 20-foot Christmas tree moving to the rhythm of popular seasonal tunes. Songs from the tree resonate throughout the Zoo’s Palmetto Plaza, where you’ll find the cozy Jingle Bell Bonfire—a popular spot for roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa on cold winter evenings.

As part of the festivities, guests can also visit with Santa Claus in Santa’s Village on the nights leading up to Christmas Eve; and don’t forget, Riverbanks is the only place in town where it snows every night.

When: November 17 – December 30; Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

6:00pm-9:00pm

Where: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

500 Wildlife Parkway

Columbia, SC 29210

Admission: Guests who purchase tickets in advance will receive a $2 discounted rate of $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.riverbanks.org or at any Zoo ticket window.

Note: All Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit when they show their membership card and picture ID at the gate; guest passes are not accepted. Parking for the event will be on the Zoo side only.

About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: For nearly 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $11.75 for adults, $9.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org  or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo .

Chick-Fil-A Savannah Mall is in the Halloween mood! The first 30 ghosts and goblins (or kids) who come in on Thursday, October 27 between 5-8 PM will be provided a free pumpkin to paint.

Come enjoy family night with pumpkin painting fun and great Chick-Fil-A food. Boo!

Chick-Fil-A Savannah Mall, 912-920-3550