Learn & Grow at the Y the Fall

Kick start fall at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia – Georgia Pre-K:
The Habersham YMCA has a very limited number of Georgia Pre-Kindergarten spots for the upcoming year. Their Pre-K program will begin on Aug. 17 2020, in-person at the Y. To apply, contact the Habersham YMCA at 912.354.6223.

Summer Day Camp Extended:
As the first day of the new year has been deferred, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia has extended their Summer Day Camp programs through the start of the new school year. Spaces are limited, register online today here.

Introducing – E-Camp:
As we all look toward a very different fall and start to the new school year – the Y will launch YMCA E-Camp. This day camp program will provide E-campers with a safe, designated time and place to complete virtual coursework on their individual devices followed by an active, engaging afternoon summer day camp program. To learn more or register, visit here.

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While Savannah Cultural Arts Center isn’t open, the staff there want to share some creative fun for kids to do at home.

Tape Resistant Art to make at home

A fun art activity for all ages to indulge their creative side. Tape Resist Art is a simple craft with endless possibilities.

Find instructions online here from the Savannah Cultural Arts Center. Watch their how-to video here, and make your own!

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SouthCoast Health pediatrician Dr. K. Blain Crosland

SouthCoast Health pediatrician Dr. K. Blain Crosland shared suggestions to think through before you participate in those classic summer family activities to prevent contracting or spreading coronavirus on WTOC-TV’s Morning Break.

“We do think that it’s less likely to spread in an outdoor environment,” said Dr. Crosland. “There’s a couple reasons for that. First, you can just get more distanced outside. Secondly, you’re not recirculating air like indoors with A/C.”

Along with wearing masks and practicing social distancing when possible, watch Dr. Crosland’s appearance here to learn more about keeping safe during this COVID-19 summer.

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Instill a love of music in your children from the ground up!

Expose your babies to a loving and joyful musical environment through movement and brain building activities.

Treat your toddler to a parent/child together activity that they’ll look forward to all week. Engage your preschooler in a music and movement class where they will learn about all the instruments, how music is written and put together, and how to produce musical sounds.

Next, watch your child blossom in private music lessons via Skype or in person. The Kindermusik Savannah team is here to help your child thrive and succeed at every age and stage.

Contact Kindermusik Savannah about their free trials for each level: text MUSIC to 912-432-5885 or visit kindermusikwith88keys.com today.

Kindermusik…music now, skills for life.

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Savannah Dance Co. 

Savannah’s newest dance school is now enrolling dancers ages 2-18. Mommy and Me, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, and Acro Dance are available. For recreational and competitive students.

Learn about classes offered & register for classes online here. 

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The Sandbox Children’s Museum, both locations, are open with reduced occupancy, online ticketing and reservations, and increased cleaning procedures!

For your health and safety, all guests age 3 years and older wear masks.

The Sandbox Children’s Museum is also holding their summer camps with small groups in a private setting. Are you interested in a private playdate with close friends? Call the museum for more information. Bluffton 843-705-6235, Hilton Head 843-842-7645

The Sandbox
18A Pope Ave.
Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29928

The Sandbox at Tanger 2
1414 Fording Island Rd, Suite E-180
Bluffton, SC 29910

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Savannah-Chatham School Board members approved modifications in July to the academic calendar for the 2020-21 School Year due to COVID-19.

The calendar modifications include a delay in the start of the school year. The approved calendar modification allow teachers to return August 3, 2020 and students to begin instruction virtually on August 19, 2020.

The twelve intervening staff days would be dedicated to preparing all educators to deliver effective online instruction and face to face instruction as well as address other matters related to social emotional learning, hygiene protocols, student/family support services, accountability procedures, and revised Title IX regulations. The modified calendar:
• Offers 170 days of instruction
• Provides 12 days of pre-planning and training before the first day of instruction
• Begins the school year on Wednesday, August 19, 2020
• Begins the school year in a virtual “E-Learning” Districtwide model
• Adds two staff planning days for teachers at the end of the school year
• Includes the strategic use of Districtwide “E-Learning Days” on the November 3, 2020 Election Day, at the start of Second Semester, and after St. Patrick’s Day

See the modified 2020-21 SY calendar here & above.

FREE Savannah Families Weekend
July 17–July 19 2020
Jepson Center in Savannah

Explore Juneteenth connections and current exhibitions at the Jepson Center with an extended period of free admission for City of Savannah residents during regular hours during this three-day period. In lieu of the museum’s Free Family Day, the museum will expand free admission to the Jepson Center over a three-day weekend to allow for smaller numbers and social distancing. Family Art Activity Packets with suggested activities for the museum visit and at-home art making are available for pickup in the Jepson Center lobby during this period.

Please note: This program applies to the Jepson Center only.

The museum may have limited capacity at peak hours due to social distancing measures. Presented thanks to investment provided by the City of Savannah.

Learn more here.

Jepson Center
207 W. York St.
Savannah, GA 31401

SouthCoast Health Family Physician Dr. Rebecca Sellers

SouthCoast Health family physician Dr. Rebecca Sellers addressed the importance of NOT postponing medical appointments during the current COVID-19 pandemic with WSAV. She explained waiting too long to get checked out can worsen certain chronic conditions.

Watch Dr. Sellers’ appearance here to learn about the importance of check-ups with your physician. As a reminder, SouthCoast Health has COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of patients, physicians, and staff. SouthCoast Health also offers virtual visits as an option for certain health care needs that do not require an in-person visit.

Learn more here. 

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Four Steps to a Solid Apology

Demonstrating to children how to apologize provides them with a social skill that will last a lifetime.

Therapists @ Low Country Counseling in Savannah show how this can be done by teaching children how to identify the feelings of guilt and regret. These feelings can be used in a positive way.

Read Low Country Counseling’s four steps to a solid apology here. 

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If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for Individuals, Moms, Couples, Families, and Teens. Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You are not alone.

Hope starts here.

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Come make a splash with Kindermusik Savannah with 88 Keys Piano this month! It’s not too late to join in the musical fun – “Beach Days” now going on for ages 0-7.

Classes meet virtually on Mondays and Saturdays at 11am, and in-studio on Tuesdays at 10AM.

First trial is FREE – text “FREECLASS” to 912-432-5885.

Classes for babies (ages 0-2) and older children (ages 4-7) also offered weekly – visit kindermusikwith88keys.com for class times. Kindermusik…a good beginning never ends.

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Savannah-Chatham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ann Levett will make a recommendation to the Board of Education at their Thurs. July 16, 2020 meeting that the Academic Calendar for the 2020-21 school year be modified due to impacts created by COVID-19.

While the approved calendar for the upcoming school year originally called for a start date of Aug. 5, 2020, after reviewing public health data and hearing feedback from staff, parents and task force members, the Superintendent is advocating for a delayed start to the 2020-21 school year and other changes to the calendar.

Above is the recommended modified calendar that will be discussed at the July 16 Board of Education meeting.

With more than 37,000 students, the Savannah-Chatham County public school system is one of Georgia’s largest outside metro Atlanta.

Some Georgia school districts, such as Gwinnett and Richmond counties, are letting parents choose between in-person and online classes. Others are biding for more time. Bibb County schools have delayed the start of classes until after the Labor Day holiday Sept. 7 while officials weigh options, The Associated Press reported.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended resuming in-person classes for K-12 students as long as it can be done safely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is rolling out guidance. Draft CDC documents obtained by The Associated Press say: “Decisions about how to open and run schools safely should be made based on local needs and conditions.”

Learn more here. 

YMCA Fall Sports Registration Now Open!

YMCA of Coastal Georgia missed their athletes this spring, but they’re ready for a fun AND safe fall season! Registration is now open for fall youth sports at all YMCA locations – join on the field for a season full of skill development and character building.

Visit www.ymcaofcoastalga.org/youthsports to learn more.

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Registration for the Savannah United upcoming 2020 Fall Recreational soccer program is OPEN!

The registration is listed online as “2020 Fall Recreational Soccer” for ALL divisions (Micro and Rec) and TEAM registration. Register online here.

2020 Fall Recreational Season Schedule:
Practices may Begin: Monday, August 24th
Game 1: Saturday, September 12th
Game 2: Saturday, September 19th
Game 3: Saturday, September 26th
Game 4: Saturday, October 3rd
Game 5: Saturday, October 10th
Game 6: Saturday, October 17th
Game 7: Saturday, October 24th
Game 8: Saturday, October 31st
Makeup Day: Saturday, November 7th

If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact Savannah United Program Director, Paul Smith, p.smith@savannahunited.com or Recreational Administrator, Vanessa Asterman, v.asterman@savannahunited.com.

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Savannah Families Free Weekend @ Telfair Museums Jepson Center
July 17–19 2020
Free and open to residents of Chatham County

Explore Juneteenth connections at the Jepson Center  in Savannah with an extended period of free admission for City of Savannah residents during regular hours during this three-day period. Art Activity Packets with family activities for the museum visit and at home art making are available for pickup in the Jepson Center lobby during this period.

Jepson Center
207 W. York St.
Savannah, GA 31401

Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah will now be open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, beginning Thurs. July 9 2020. Guided tours, blacksmithing and limited turntable demo/switching demos will resume.

For the safety of all staff and guests, the museum will be observing:
*Social distancing protocols
*Implementing enhanced sanitizing procedures.
*Changes to the exhibit flow and daily programming for guest safety.
*All persons entering the museum must wear a face covering or mask, per the emergency order issued June 30, 2020 by the Mayor of the City of Savannah. Any person who is unable to safely wear a face covering due to age, an underlying health condition or is unable to remove the face covering without assistance of others is exempt from this order. For more information about Savannah’s Face Covering order, please visit www.savannahga.gov.

Capacity will be limited to 30 guests at a time every half an hour, first come, first served, so please call ahead to check availability. Visitors can purchase tickets in advance online here or on-site at Georgia State Railroad Museum.

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AAA is teaming up with Safe Kids to give free bike helmets to children in Savannah this Sat. July 11 2020, 10AM-Noon.

The public can pick up a free helmet for children 14-years-old or younger at AAA Savannah Branch 712 Mall Blvd. this Sat. July 11, 10AM-noon.

Participants must register in advance HERE.

When arriving at the drive-thru pickup, people must stay in their cars and children must be present.

Is your child ready for school? Don’t know where to start? Let Savannah Educational Consultants help you!

Savannah Educational Consultants can provide academic achievement tests and determine current levels of performance in reading (decoding and comprehension), written language (spelling, grammar, and writing mechanics) and math (calculation and applied problems).

Contact Savannah Educational Consultants to discuss your concerns and set up an individualized plan to ensure that your child is ready to go!

Savannah Educational Consultants
130 Tibet Ave.
Suite 103
Savannah, GA 31406

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Swim with Theresa provides private swimming lessons for kids in Savannah.

Call (912) 665-0216 or email treely28@gmail.com

Learn more here. 

Kindermusik Savannah with 88 Keys Piano offers private lessons on multiple instruments for beginners ages 6+.

First 15 minute trial with your teacher is free! Choose Skype or in-person at the Kindermusik studio.

Text “Lessons”to 912-432-5885 for more info. kindermusikwith88keys.com

Kindermusik Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

SouthCoast Health Nurse Practitioner Dawn Mace

SouthCoast Health experts offer advice here on what we can expect after COVID-19.

“That’s so much up in the air still when it comes to the coronavirus,” SouthCoast Health Nurse Practitioner Dawn Mace stated. “Everyone wants to know when things will go back to normal, if they ever will. The best answer, unfortunately, is we don’t know. But we’re all working hard to uncover how our world will look in the years to come.”

Changes you can expect to stick around include hygienic changes; remote jobs and chores; virtual medical visits/telemedicine.

Learn more here. 

Questions about the coronavirus pandemic? The experts at SouthCoast Health are here to help. Click here to schedule an appointment or call 912-691-3600.

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I Pledge July tradition  is still happening for 2020 @ Leopold’s Ice Cream in downtown Savannah.

During The I Pledge for Ice Cream Project 2020 @ Leopold’s Ice Cream, any child (age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult) who can recite the Pledge of Allegiance gets a free child’s scoop in a cake cone, cup or sugar cone.

Come to Leopold’s @ 212 East Broughton St. on Mondays in July 2020 from 4-7PM for the I Pledge for Ice Cream. The 2020 dates are: July 6, 13, 20 & 27.

Find other participating stores nationwide by clicking here. Don’t see your favorite ice-cream store on this list? Nominate them by clicking here.

Leopold’s Ice Cream, 212 East Broughton St., www.leopoldsicecream.com, 912-234-4442

On Fourth of July 2020, Old Fort Jackson in Savannah will host many Revolutionary War themed activities for a “A Family Fourth” event.

There will be a range of family-friendly activities throughout the entire weekend, July 3 through July 5.

Old Fort Jackson’s 4th of July programming will focus on Savannah’s Revolutionary War history, featuring cannon firing programs, musket firing demonstrations, and readings of historic documents. Come and celebrate America’s birthday at Georgia’s oldest brick fort.

All “A Family Fourth” activities are included in the price of Old Fort Jackson museum admission and are free for Coastal Heritage Society members.

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What If Someone I Love Has An Addiction?

Codependency is a term that therapists use to describe the parallel progression for those who love someone experiencing addiction.

Therapists at Low Country Counseling in Savannah offer tips on what do if someone you love has addiction. Learn more here. 

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If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for Individuals, Moms, Couples, Families, and Teens. Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You are not alone.

Hope starts here.

Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser