Gregg Russell FREE Summer Concerts under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, 8-9:30 p.m. Familiar songs, games, interviews, sing-a-longs and family-friendly entertainment. Complimentary. (843) 842-1979 or www.seapines.com .

Fort Pulaski Kicks Off Summer Season:

For directions:  http://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm  

The Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of Fort Pulaski’s annual extension of hours for the summer season. The fort’s cannon crew will perform cannon firings on Saturday, while dressed as Civil War soldiers. These demonstrations feature a historically correct firing drill that is virtually copied from the Civil War artillery manuals.

Extended hours for Fort Pulaski will begin on Saturday, May 28th. Summer hours are as follows:
Visitor Center 8:45 AM – 6:45 PM
Fort 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
The park gates will close at 7:00 PM.

The Memorial Day weekend schedule will be:

Saturday, May 28, 2011
10:00 am Guided Fort Tour
11:00 Cannon firing demonstration
12:00 pm Musket firing demonstration
1:00 Cannon firing demonstration
1:30 Guided Fort Tour
2:30 Musket firing demonstration
3:00 Cannon firing demonstration
4:00 Guided Fort Tour
5:00 Musket firing demonstration

Sunday, May 29, 2011
10:00 am Guided Fort Tour
11:30 Musket firing demonstration
12:00 pm Guided Fort Tour
1:30 Musket firing demonstration
2:00 Guided Fort Tour
3:30 Musket firing demonstration
4:00 Guided Fort Tour
5:00 Musket firing demonstration

Memorial Day – Monday, May 30, 2011
10:00 am Guided Fort Tour
11:30 Musket firing demonstration
12:00 pm Guided Fort Tour
1:30 Musket firing demonstration
2:00 Guided Fort Tour
3:00 National Moment of Remembrance
3:15 Musket firing demonstration
4:00 Guided Fort Tour
5:00 Musket firing demonstration

The Armed Forces Festival will return to Savannah’s historic riverfront Friday through Sunday, May 27, 28 and 29. This event is celebrates the armed forces. Features quality hand-made arts and crafts for sale by featured local and regional artisans, DJ music, live entertainment and more.

The U. S. Coast Guard will perform live rescue demonstrations Friday at 12:30, the 530th Air National Guard Band from Dobbins Air Reserve Base will perform on Friday and the 116th Army Guard Band from Oglethorpe Armory, Ellenwood, Georgia will perform on Saturday. Both bands will play from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Make a Joyful Noise, a local children’s choir, will perform patriotic songs on Saturday from 12:30 until 1pm.

Bull’s Eye B.B.Q.® onsite sampling exhibit, concessions available at two stations plus there will be funnel cakes, Italian ices, and frosty cold beverages

Proceeds from the event benefit the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.

Charles Ellis Montessori Academy presents the musical “The Story of Language,” a living timeline based on the Montessori great lesson of the same name that describes the history of written and spoken word. The musical features many lively songs and skits all written by the students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Charles Ellis.

Showtimes are 10:30 am and 7 pm Fri. May 27.  Tickets will be for sale starting May 17 in the Media Center at Charles Ellis ($3 for the morning show, $5 for the evening show). For more information, contact production manager, Trent Kissinger, at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy (912) 201-5470 or trent.kissinger@sccpss.com .

Free admission in conjunction with the opening of the “Ebb and Flow” exhibit in partnership with the Eastside Documentation Project. Free
http://telfair.org/museum-events/calendar/

The event benefits Hope for Savannah which is a non profit organization that helps families with life altering medical diagnosis. Come out and support small business and raise money for this great cause. There will be ton off giveaways, coupons, raffle items, and you can stop and shop at the booth of many local vendors. There will be a fashion show at noon. They will also have a few guest speakers. You will be able to purchase items from the fashion show at the event. For more information email laura@haileymaes.com  also visit their facebook page at Pooler Small Business Expo.

A “Bounce Into Summer” kick-off party at Island Playground, Bluffton to benefit the Family Promise of Beaufort County.
Event includes:·
A raffle to benefit the Family Promise of Beaufort County with a chance to win fabulous prizes
Tux the Clown making balloon animals and other clown fun
FREE design your own ice cream sundaes
One of a kind ice cream bowl painting with Patti from Pottery in Paradise
Fun games led by the Island Playground Staff
Special event night only discounts from Island Playground
Admission: $10 per child (all ages)
*FPC cards and memberships not valid*

Shannon Tanner, Fireworks, Cappy the Clown All Part of 2011 HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour

HarbourFest offers entertainment seven nights a week; including music, face painting, bouncy houses, balloon animals, sand art, and many more kid-friendly activities. Enjoy hand-made original arts and crafts from local vendors who specialize in jewelry, accessories, pet items, outdoor decorations and much more.

Long-time HarbourFest entertainer and family favorite, Shannon Tanner, will perform two shows at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning Memorial Day, May 30, and running through Labor Day, Sept 5. Arts and crafts booths, vendors and children’s activities will be available each night as well. This year, Cappy the Clown joins the show bringing her brand of clown entertainment and magic that is sure to delight all ages. Cappy will be at Shelter Cove 6-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday.

Additionally, Tuesday night fireworks will light up the sky over the harbour at dusk on, June 14, 21 and 28; July 12, 19 and 26; Aug. 2 and 9; and Monday, July 4 (extended holiday show).

From 5:30 to 9:30 each evening, enjoy nightly entertainment at San Miguel’s and Scott’s Fish Market, two of the many water-front restaurants located within Shelter Cove Harbour

All HarbourFest events are free and open to the public. Events are weather permitting and subject to change. For more information, call 843-686-9098 or visit www.palmettodunes.com .

For more free or discounted children’s summer 2011 activities in the Savannah/Hilton Head Is. area, click here.

Is your child struggling with making friends? Social Skills for Individuals and Groups are available at The Mindspring Center in Pooler. Now forming groups for summer and fall sessions.

Social Skills Therapy teaches skills that will promote positive interactions with others, decrease anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

Summer and Fall Group Registration
Ages: Preschool – Adult

Summer Groups:
Preschool and upper elementary & middle school
Dates: Tues. May 31 – Tues. July 14
Day: Every Tuesday and Thursday (7 weeks = 14 sessions)
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 (preschool) and 5:45 – 6:45 pm (elementary/middle)

Fall Groups:
Preschool, early elementary, older elementary, middle school, high school, and adult.
Dates: Begin week of Aug. 13
Day: Depends on group – Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday
(14 weeks = 14 sessions)
Time: Pending

How to Join?

Contact The Mindspring Center to schedule your child’s assessment: call 912-748-6463 or email jennifer@mindspringcenter.com .
Insurance reimbursement may be available. The office can check your benefits.

Save 50%

Schedule your child’s assessment on or before June 9 and recieve 50% off of the cost of an assessment. Regular rate: $70. An individualized assessment is required for participation in any social skills group therapy. Offer Expires: June 9, 2011

(3rd Thursday of every month)
June 16 theme: Pattern and Quilts
Toddler Third Thursdays are great for parents, grandparents, and caregivers with pre-schoolers. Designed especially for children ages 3-5 and their adult companions, the program provides a developmentally appropriate gallery experience followed by a visit to the studios, where the children are introduced to an arts activity related to the tour. A different tour and project will be offered each month. Time to explore in ArtZeum is included.
Registration and adult supervision REQUIRED. Call 790-8823 to register. Enrollment is $5 per child. Adult admission is FREE for museum-members and $15 for non-members. http://telfair.org/learn/family-programs/

Sign up by May 21 for Make a Joyful Noise early childhood music summer classes and SouthernMamas.com readers can waive the $15 registration fee! Click here to download the summer schedule and registration form. Located on the campus of Savannah Country Day School, 824 Stillwood Drive, 31419. More info here.  Questions? Contact Vicki Mills at 920-6542 or MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net

Savannah Celtic FC Soccer TRYOUTS
Youth Development Program [ages U8 through U12] — May 31, June 2, and June 3
Youth Development Program – Select [ages U13 through U19] — June 7, June 9, and June 10
These tryouts are for any player current or new that wishes to join the SCFC Youth Development Program for the Fall 2011 season. There is no better soccer academy in the Savannah and Greater Savannah area especially when considering Savannah Celtic’s affordable training fees. The YDP Director and coaching staff will be in attendance to assess players who will take part in a group warm up and small sided games. For more info: http://savannahceltic.com

Savannah Celtic FC Soccer TRYOUTS
Youth Development Program [ages U8 through U12] — May 31, June 2, and June 3
Youth Development Program – Select [ages U13 through U19] — June 7, June 9, and June 10
These tryouts are for any player current or new that wishes to join the SCFC Youth Development Program for the Fall 2011 season. There is no better soccer academy in the Savannah and Greater Savannah area especially when considering Savannah Celtic’s affordable training fees. The YDP Director and coaching staff will be in attendance to assess players who will take part in a group warm up and small sided games. For more info: http://savannahceltic.com

Savannah Celtic FC Soccer TRYOUTS
Youth Development Program [ages U8 through U12] — May 31, June 2, and June 3
Youth Development Program – Select [ages U13 through U19] — June 7, June 9, and June 10
These tryouts are for any player current or new that wishes to join the SCFC Youth Development Program for the Fall 2011 season. There is no better soccer academy in the Savannah and Greater Savannah area especially when considering Savannah Celtic’s affordable training fees. The YDP Director and coaching staff will be in attendance to assess players who will take part in a group warm up and small sided games. For more info: http://savannahceltic.com

Savannah Celtic FC Soccer TRYOUTS
Youth Development Program [ages U8 through U12] — May 31, June 2, and June 3
Youth Development Program – Select [ages U13 through U19] — June 7, June 9, and June 10
These tryouts are for any player current or new that wishes to join the SCFC Youth Development Program for the Fall 2011 season. There is no better soccer academy in the Savannah and Greater Savannah area especially when considering Savannah Celtic’s affordable training fees. The YDP Director and coaching staff will be in attendance to assess players who will take part in a group warm up and small sided games. For more info: http://savannahceltic.com

Bring your family, chairs, and baskets and enjoy a nice evening on the park. Movie begins at sunset and popcorn and drinks will be available to purchase.
Movie Night @ Forsyth Park-The Karate Kid
7:30 p.m. – until
www.templeofglorysav.org
Phone: 912.233.8213 ext. 21 or 27

The 16th Annual Savannah Asian Festival brings an entire continent of unique cultures, cuisines, performances and fun to the Savannah Civic Center. The City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Asian-American volunteers work together to present this one-day celebration of Asian countries and cultures.

Festival attendees can enjoy free live stage performances including the thunderous Matsuriza Taiko Drummers, from Orlando, Fla.; the amazing SinoElite acrobats, from Orlando, Fla., featuring talents from the People’s Republic of China, and the dazzling musical talents of Shufang Chen, a prominent Gu-Zheng musician representing Taiwan. In addition, there will be an array of other live musical, martial arts and dance performances on stage from performing groups representing Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Polynesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

The festival will offer samplings of exotic cuisines from across the continent. Several local restaurants, will be presenting a selection of regional favorites from Polynesia, China, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, India and Thailand.

Browse the Cultural Marketplace to learn more about each country and discover the traditional arts, crafts, fashions and treasures unique to each nation. From calligraphy sets to paper, original paintings, hand-beaded clothing, exotic accessories and henna body painting, an entire continent’s worth of treasures that can be found in the marketplace. Also enjoy a workshop on Asian & Middle Eastern Tea.

Children can be entertained in the children’s activity area, where they can learn more about Asian cultures through hands-on activities. They can have fun experimenting with origami, Diwali treasure boxes, Asian flag making and other cultural crafts.

The Savannah Asian Festival is free courtesy of the City of Savannah. There is a charge for food and purchases from the Cultural Marketplace.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
(times are approximate)
11:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony and Parade of Flags
11:30 a.m. Lee’s TaeKwando Martial Arts Demonstrations (Korea)
11:55 a.m. Shufang Chen, Gu-Zheng Musician (Taiwan)
12:20 p.m. Matsuriza Taiko Drummers (Japan)
12:45 p.m. Sanggar Lestari Indonesian Performing Group
1:10 p.m. SinoElite Acrobats (China)
1:45 p.m. Sampaguita Dance Troupe (Philippines)
2:10 p.m. Children of Polynesia
2:35 p.m. Hac Long Duong Lion Dancers (Vietnam)
3:00 p.m. Thailand Dance Group
3:25 p.m. Matsuriza Taiko Drummers (Japan)
4:00 p.m. SinoElite Acrobats (China)

THANK THE TROOPS: Use your imagination and create your very own “thank you” card to be sent to our U.S. deployed soldiers.

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.

Create a unique take-home memory, cherished keepsake, or heart-warming gift by personalizing your very own ceramic plate.

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.

Create a unique take-home memory, cherished keepsake, by personalizing your very own ceramic plate. 

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.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Coastal Empire will host the 4th Annual Ride for Ronald Motorcycle Poker Run presented by Dr. Brad Durham. Registration will open at 9:00 a.m. with the last bike out at 11:00 a.m. and the last bike in at 2:00 p.m.
The scenic route will take participants through the Coastal Empire, as they make stops to pick up cards to add to their poker hands. Cash prizes include $500 to the Best Poker Hand, $250 to the Runner Up and $100 to the Worst Hand. Registration for the event is $20 and includes a poker hand, one door prize ticket and lunch courtesy of Driftaway Café. Additional riders are $10. Additional poker hands are available for $5.00.
To register online and/or begin an online fundraising webpage to help raise funds for RMHC visit www.firstgiving.com/rmhccoastal  and follow the steps. Walk up registrations are welcome.
You do not have to ride a motorcycle to be a part of this event! An after-party and awards ceremony will be held at the Ronald McDonald House from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and the public is welcome. Live music, tours of the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, door prizes and more are part of the festivities that will include special guest Ronald McDonald.
To date, the Ride for Ronald has raised more than $43,000 for children and families served by RMHC programs including the Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room®, and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile thanks to participants and event sponsors.
For more information or to register, contact Mindy at 912-350-7641 or mindy@rmhccoastalempire.org .

Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic School Open House for prospective students and parents Sunday, May 15 from 10-11a.m. and May 16 – 19 from 9-11 a.m.
Saint Peter the Apostle School has openings available for the new three-year-old preschool program through the eighth grade.
Located on Wilmington Island, Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic School has been providing students with a strong, faith-based education for over 50 years. Saint Peter the Apostle School provides preschool through eighth grade students an education that nurtures a sense of community, a respect for learning, and an opportunity for personal growth.
The school offers a rigorous academic program that includes: Small class sizes, SMART Board technology in every classroom, a state-of-the-art computer lab, fine art enrichments, and an extensive athletic program. Saint Peter the Apostle School is part of the Savannah Dioceses and has received accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC).
For more information, visit www.saintpetertheapostle.com  or call the admissions office at 912-897-5224.

Tues. May 10 – Fri. May 13
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Stop by The Sandbox and help decorate the outside of the museum building! The Sandbox will be turned into a work of art for everyone to see.