DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™: LEADER OF THE TRACK TOUR 2011 MOVES FULL STEAM AHEAD INTO CORDELE, GA.
Thomas the Tank Engine™ To Visit SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Families can take a 25-min. ride on Thomas the Tank Engine
October 22, 23, 29 & 30, 2011
Thomas the Tank Engine™ is pulling into southwest Georgia for the Day Out With Thomas™: Leader of the Track Tour. This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families an opportunity to ride a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. Children will ride along with their favorite hero on his latest adventure as he pulls SAM Shortline Excursion Train down the track. The tour, now in its 16th year, stops in more than 45 U.S. cities and is expected to welcome more than one million passengers in 2011. It is presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by MEGA Brands.
Includes:

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™: LEADER OF THE TRACK TOUR 2011 MOVES FULL STEAM AHEAD INTO CORDELE, GA.
Thomas the Tank Engine™ To Visit SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Families can take a 25-min. ride on Thomas the Tank Engine
October 22, 23, 29 & 30, 2011
Thomas the Tank Engine™ is pulling into southwest Georgia for the Day Out With Thomas™: Leader of the Track Tour. This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families an opportunity to ride a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. Children will ride along with their favorite hero on his latest adventure as he pulls SAM Shortline Excursion Train down the track. The tour, now in its 16th year, stops in more than 45 U.S. cities and is expected to welcome more than one million passengers in 2011. It is presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by MEGA Brands.
Includes:

• 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine
• Opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of The Railway
• Activities for the whole family, including arts and crafts, storytelling, videos, live music, face painting and more.
• Commemorative activities, merchandise and giveaways focusing on steam engines and diesel engines, all to celebrate the 2011 Thomas & Friends DVD movie “Day of the Diesels” (September 2011, Lionsgate)
TIMES:
10:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.
COST:
$18 plus tax.
Ages 2 and younger free.
INFORMATION & TICKETS:
SamShortline.com
Toll-Free 1-866-468-7630

Weekend Train Rides Are Back On Track!

MOMS Next: For moms with children K-12

The Islands MOMSnext group offers community, mothering support and hope to mothers of school-aged children, from Kindergarten through High School.
The group welcomes and accepts every mom who hopes to be inspired to reach her full mothering potential and influence within her family and her world. MOMSnext believes that better moms make a better world.
Islands MOMSnext Meeting Information:
Where – Islands YMCA; 66 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah
When – Every First and Third Monday of each month (excluding holidays), beginning Monday September 19, 2011.
Time – 10 – 11:30 a.m.
(Childcare provided upon request)
For more information or to register for a meeting, call (912) 898-4344 or email kymmccarty@hotmail.com
MOMSnext is a ministry of MOPS International (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), a non-profit, non-denominational support organization for mothers.

Army Band Performance at Forsyth Park Park Bandshell
7:30-8:30PM
A military salute to our ocean and coasts.
Free Admission.

Part of Savannah Ocean Exchange. For more Savannah Ocean Exchange family activities, click here

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
Dec 6; Jan 10 (exception to the 1st Tuesday rule); Feb 7; March 6; April 3; May 1; June 5

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
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

Comedian Vic Henley will star in the second annual Laughs for Lemonade: An Evening of Comedy to Fight Ovarian Cancer on Sept. 29.
Laughs for Lemonade will be held Thursday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. at the Lucas Theatre. Tickets are $25 General Admission, $35 Reserved Seating and $50 VIP, which includes Reserved Seating and admittance into the “Meet and Greet” after-party. For tickets, visit www.lucastheatre.com  or call (912) 525-5050. The box office is located at 216 E. Broughton St. The Lucas Theatre is located at 32 Abercorn St.
Laughs for Lemonade is the main fundraiser for Mom’s Lemonade Fund, which supports local women and their families struggling with ovarian cancer in the Savannah area. The fund’s mission is to provide medications, testing, wigs, as well as comfort care items for the patients and their families.
Co-author of a national bestselling book with fellow comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Henley has appeared on HBO, CBS, NBC, FOX, MTV, BRAVO, CMT and just about every other standup comedy show on television. He was a VH-1 VJ and has his own Comedy Central Presents half hour special as well as performances on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Whether it’s HBO’s US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, or the granddaddy of them all – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, Henley has drawn rave reviews and packed houses. His success at Edinburgh led to a slew of BBC TV appearances on stand up and talk shows, some where he was the first American to perform. Henley has also performed on over 500 college campuses receiving 8 “Comedian of the Year” nominations.
Karen Morgan, whose appearances include Nick at Nite and Sirius, will open the evening. Born and raised in Athens, Georgia, Karen Morgan’s Southern accent is an anomaly in Maine, where she now lives. After years as a successful trial lawyer, Karen become a full-time comedian in 2005 after being chosen as a finalist on Nick at Nite’s First Search for the Funniest Mom in America. She has worked nonstop ever since in theatres and clubs around the country.
Morgan can be heard on Sirius XM Radio’s Blue Collar Comedy, Raw Dog and Laugh Break as well as every week on the Coast Morning Show.
About Mom’s Lemonade Fund:
Mom’s Lemonade Fund supports local women and their families struggling with ovarian cancer in the Savannah area. The foundation’s purpose is to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, assist with emotional and medical needs and to provide comfort care items for patients, their family members, and caregivers battling the disease.
Mom’s Lemonade Fund was created in August 2009 by the families of Mary Anne Feist Mahfet and Ellen McAlpin Hogan to honor their memory by proactively helping women and their families struggling with ovarian cancer.
Find Mom’s Lemonade Fund on Facebook.

Come share in the Halloween excitement at Georgia State Railroad Museum for the annual Tricks, Treats, and Trains event!

This year’s event will be on October 27th from 10am-noon.

Tricks, Treats, and Trains has been a family favorite for years. You and your family will have the opportunity to participate in crazy crafts, spooky story time, a themed train ride, and trick-or-treating around our historic site.

All ages of children are welcome to this non-scary event

Pre-registration is encouraged for Tricks, Treats, and Trains to be sure enough supplies are prepared for your enjoyment. Pre-payment is not necessary, however, as you may pre-register and pay when you arrive.

Click here for more information and to register!

FOR MORE LOCAL KID-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Georgia State Railroad Museum, 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, 31401. For driving directions click here, email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org

What better way to teach our children to share than to lead by example? The Mommy Exchange: a Freecycling Event is an opportunity to get rid of the children’s items you no longer need and pick up a few you could use.

Donate gently used children’s clothing, toys and gear in the spirit of freecycling – reducing and reusing. It’s easier on your wallet and the environment.

Wed. Sept. 7 · 10:30am – 1:00pm at Bouncing Angels Indoor Inflatable Kid’s Gym, 2123 E. Victory Drive, Savannah

DONATE ITEMS TO RECEIVE AN EARLY BIRD PASS.
(Doors open at 10 AM for pass holders.)
Any items left at the end of the Exchange will be donated to charity.

Bouncing Angels is offering 50% off admission and $10.00 large pizzas. They will also be a drop-off location for boxed and bagged donations.

For more details email themommyexchange@gmail.com  or visit the Mommy Exchange Facebook page here.

Fashion’s Night Out Savannah turns to Kids Night Out brought to you by sara jane children’s boutique. Sara jane children’s boutique will be located on 320 West Broughton Street for the night. sara jane children’s boutique will be participating in the fashion show and will have a pop up shop complete with monogramming by dee dee’s tees well as Backyard Baby’s designer Winslett Watson, who will be taking custom orders. Sara Jane Children’s Boutique will also be showcasing cupcakes and have princess makeovers from 40 Volume Salon for your little divas. Don’t forget to stop by Sara Jane’s Alex’s lemonade stand and pick up some lemonade before you head out and make a donation for childhood cancer!
Keep in touch by visiting:
www.fashionsnightout.com
www.fashionsnightoutsavannah.com
www.facebook.com/fashionsnightoutsavannah

The YMCA Heart of Savannah 5K/1 Mile Walk and FREE Kiddie Run. In addition to the race, there will be Zumba in the Park, health screenings, FREE inflatables for the kids and so much more. All proceeds benefit the Priceless Gifts Campaign.

The race and activities kicks off at 8 am and the activities wrap up around 11 am.

To register for the race, click here.

The Sandbox is Getting “Fired Up” for the holidays with a pottery program at 9:30 AM Labor Day Mon. Sept 5.

This fun program is guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing as participants can personalize and decorate their own ceramic plate or mug. Make a “take home memory” of your vacation or create a perfect, heart-warming keepsake or gift.

Plates and mugs are $15 and the fee covers all supplies and your admission fee to the Sandbox so participants can stay and play. Advance registration recommended. Pottery will be fired and available for pick up the following Wednesday.

For reservations or more information, please contact The Sandbox at 843.842.7645. Log on to www.thesandbox.org for information on other upcoming events and activities.

Designed especially for pre-schoolers and their adult companions, Toddler 3rd Thursday allows toddlers to explore
artwork from Telfair exhibits and complete a tour related art project.

▪10—11:30AM the third Thursday of each month

▪AGES 3-5 & PARENT OR GUARDIAN

▪ Registration and adult supervision required.

Admission is $5 per child. Accompanying adults are free with a museum membership; $15 for non-members.

Summer 2013 monthly themes include:

June 20: Finding stories in portraits, what can we tell about people from pictures?

July 18: Arts as a means of travel and finding connections

August 15: Exploring middle eastern art and artists

FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE.

To register, click here.

Registration required. Call 912.790.8823 or email bradleyk@telfair.org to register or for more info. All classes & times subject to change. More info here.

Interested in more local children’s art classes? Visit the SouthernMamas.com Children’s Art Classes page by clicking here

The Leukemia Cup “Run for Jane,” is a 5K Run/Walk and Kids Run held in conjunction with the 2011 St. Joseph’s/Candler Leukemia Cup Regatta Weekend of Events. It is named in honor of Dr Jane Philbrick, who is well
described by Mr Paul Hinchey as being a, “very well known educator here in Savannah and a strong
community supporter. She was a remarkable person, a consummate professional and had a heart of gold.”

Opportunities to receive a $100 Fleet Feet Gift Card and more great prizes are available to those participants who choose to individually fundraise for the “Run for Jane”. The Leukemia Cup is a community coming together through a series of sporting events to help fight leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers and includes; a 5k Run/Walk, golf, junior fishing, in-shore fishing, tennis, sailing and the Spirit of the Sea black-tie dinner & auction. In 1997, The Leukemia Cup began as a Sailing Regatta and has since emerged as a premier series of sporting events benefitting the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

 “Run for Jane” will be held at the historic Fort Pulaski. It is a beautiful trail run in and out of the woods around the Fort and by the river. The Event would not be complete without our National Anthem and the cannons firing by the soldiers in their historic regalia.

When: “Run for Jane” is Labor Day Weekend, Saturday September 3, 2011. The Packet pick up will be available at Fleet Feet Friday September 2, 2011. Registration will be available online at www.active.com . Dates for the 2011 Leukemia Cup Regatta Weekend of Events are September 19, 23-25.

Why: To save lives.

The St. Joseph’s/Candler Leukemia Cup Regatta will generously benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. We support the relentless pursuit of the mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

The money raised at the event will go towards critical research to increase the survival rates of the 912,938 Americans who are now living with leukemia, Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma.

How: Registration is available online at www.active.com  for the 5k Event.

For more information please visit www.leukemiacup.org/ga

Based on the Telfair Museums exhibitions and collections, each monthly Family Art Lab begins with discussion & discovery in the gallery & culminates with a take home art project in the education studio.

▪ 10:30AM—12PM First Saturday of the month

▪ AGES 5-9 & PARENTS OR GUARDIANS

▪ ADMISSION IS FREE, BUT PLEASE ARRIVE PRIOR TO 10:30AM AS SPACE IS LIMITED.

Fall Monthly Themes include:

SEPT. 3: WILD WATERCOLORS

Oct. 1: SUPER MESSY PAINTING & SHAPED SURFACES

NOV. 12: SATURDAY POTTERY & POEMS

DEC. 3: THE COLLAGE FAMILY

Registration required. Call 912.790.8823 or email bradleyk@telfair.org to register or for more info. All classes & times subject to change. More info here.

Interested in more local children’s art classes? Visit the SouthernMamas.com Children’s Art Classes page by clicking here

Smart Women’s Expo & Luncheon. Guest speaker is Giuliana Rancic with E! News and Fashion Police.http://www.sjchs.org/smartwomenexpoluncheon

10:00 a.m. – Expo
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
12:30 p.m. – Speaker Giuliana Rancic

Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table of ten. For more information, contact St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundations at 912-819-8683 or buy your tickets online.

This year marks the ninth Smart Women Luncheon & Expo, an annual fundraiser for St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Mary Telfair Women’s Hospital, which includes the Telfair Pavilion that provides mammography, the Telfair BirthPlace, the Children’s Place and all Women’s Services at St. Joseph’s/Candler.

The Latin American Services Organization (LASO) announces the 6th annual Fiesta Latina, a festival that will feature Latin American culture with more than a dozen free live performances.

Performances will showcase a variety of Latino cultures through folkloric song and dance, as well as music ranging from salsa to reggaeton. The festival will be an event for the whole family, featuring a talent show, live art demonstrations, cultural and informational booths, as well as face painting and kid-friendly events. There will also be vendors selling food from cultures as diverse as Mexico, Puerto Rico and Brazil.

Free & open to the public.

For more info, visit www.savannahga.gov/arts . On facebook: LASO of Savannah. Call (912) 238-2032.

Live Performances Include: Orquesta con Clase * Iraida Valdivia * Grupo Kachimbo * Fusion Latina * Diego Val * Perico Orgullo Panameño * Miss Lucia * Tradición Latina * El Gordo Magico * Son Del Coqui *

Children’s art exhibit, sea critters, art classes & music—celebrate our oceans. Exhibit is Free/Fee for Classes

The creativity of Savannah’s children honoring our Ocean is on display in the historic Tybee Post Theater &  includes ocean creatures and underwater scenery. Exhibit & Watch Tanks
Open 4pm – 8pm Sept. 23; 9 AM-6 PM Sept. 24; 10 AM-4 PM Sept. 25.

Children’s Art Class (1 hour, $10) at 9:30am & 11am Sat. Sept. 24. Savannah’s Children’s Choir Performance & Member’s Reception at 5PM (soft drinks only) Sat. Sept. 24.

Part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange.

For more kid-friendly activities that are part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange month-long celebration in September 2011, visit the SouthernMamas.com Savannah Ocean Exchange Family Activities page here.

Interested in more local children’s art classes? Visit the SouthernMamas.com Children’s Art Classes page by clicking here

Children (younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult) are invited to build their own pond yacht models and race them in a regatta. Reservations & Fees: 912-232-1511 www.shipsofthesea.org

Part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange. For more kid-friendly activities that are part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange month-long celebration in September 2011, visit the SouthernMamas.com Savannah Ocean Exchange Family Activities page here.

Bring the family out to Lazaretto Creek to learn about shrimpers, have fun on the water, & grab a meal at one of the great dockside restaurants. Free Admission, meal not included.

Part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange.

For more kid-friendly activities that are part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange month-long celebration in September 2011, visit the SouthernMamas.com Savannah Ocean Exchange Family Activities page here.

Children’s Films 10AM, 1PM & 3PM

Short films from the archives of National Geographic that are especially oriented for children, screened in three,two‐hour sessions. Free Admission.

Part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange month-long celebration in September 2011.

For more kid-friendly activities that are part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange month-long celebration in September 2011, visit the SouthernMamas.com Savannah Ocean Exchange Family Activities page here.

Join the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health to clean up unwanted trash on Tybee Island’s beautiful beach.
Free Admission. Part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange.

For more kid-friendly activities that are part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange month-long celebration in September 2011, visit the SouthernMamas.com Savannah Ocean Exchange Family Activities page here.

10 AM Sat. Sept. 17.
Savannah Yacht Club on Wilmington Island to Thunderbolt. Join the Savannah Ocean Exchange to Sailabrate the Sea with the Savannah Ocean
Exchange’s first annual public Parade of Boats! Free Admission.

For more kid-friendly activities that are part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange month-long celebration in September 2011, visit the SouthernMamas.com Savannah Ocean Exchange Family Activities page here.