Savannah National Wildlife Refuge to host FREE kids’ photography class, Aug. 24, 2013.

Calling all children! Are you looking to take better photos with your camera? Why not consider attending a photography class at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge? The class will be held August 24, 2013 from 8:30am to 10am. It is intended to help young photographers ages 16 and younger learn more about photography using the natural environment of the refuge.

The class is free; however, reservations are required due to limited seating. For reservations or more information contact Whitney Herndon at Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex 843-784-2468.

Participants will also have the opportunity to get started on entering the wildlife refuge photo contest!

Event Information:
• August 24, 2013 at
@ The Savannah NWR Visitor Center
694 Beech Hill Ln, Hardeeville, SC 29927
• From 8:30 a.m.—10 a.m.
• FREE Preregistration required.
• Limited to 25 participants

For more information or to register, please call the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (843)784-2468

City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs is now registering students for Session IV classes and workshops.

Day and evening sessions are offered for children, teens, and adults in all skill levels. Sessions began September 9 and run through October 18 and are held at the Department of Cultural Affairs studios located at 9 W. Henry Street.

Three-week and six week classes are available, as well as weekend workshops. Visual arts class mediums include ceramics, glass, metalsmithing and painting and drawing. New this session are Intro to Lapidary Stone Cutting Workshop, Mixed Media in a Series Workshop, Children’s Artwork 2D/3D, Beginning Lapidary, and Ceramics Surface Design Sampler.

Class fees include instruction, use of studio space, use of equipment and all materials and tools required. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Credit cards are accepted. More info & registration forms are available by calling (912) 651-6783.

Session 4 – September 9 – October 18, 2013  Download the Registration Form.
See Class Descriptions page for more information about classes.

Youth & Adult Workshops
Cartooning Workshop $10, Ages 6+, Sat., Sept. 14, 10am-12pm
Intro to Lapidary Stone Cutting Workshop $50, Ages 17+, Sat., Sept. 14, 10am-2pm
Mixed Media in a Series Workshop $100, Ages 17+, September 24 & 26, 10am-2pm

Youth Visual Art Classes
Teen Clay $90, Ages 10-16, Wed., Sept. 11 – Oct. 16, 3:30-5:00pm
Children’s Artworks 2D/3D $75, Ages 6-10, Thurs., Sept. 12 – Oct. 17, 4:00-5:00pm

FOR MORE AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN THE SAVANNAH AREA, CLICK HERE.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Pooler Open House

MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers) connects moms all over the world to a community of women, in their own neighborhoods, who meet together to laugh, cry and embrace the journey of motherhood. MOPS groups are rallying women to be more honest, to feel more equipped and to find our identity by journeying alongside one another. We are moms, and we believe that better moms make a better world. Moms who are pregnant or have children through kindergarten are invited every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month to come eat, play and socialize. On-site childcare is provided.

Open House at Pooler First Presbyterian
Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 Time: 9:30-11:30am

For more information: Visit: www.facebook.com/PoolerMOPS  or email: PoolerMOPS@gmail.com

FOR MORE LOCAL MOPS BRANCHES & OTHER MOMS’ GROUPS, CLICK HERE.

You’re invited to bring the kids to enjoy a great band, Puppet People entertainment at the Savannah Regional CLC Annual Labor Day Picnic on Sunday, Sept 1, 2013, noon to 4 PM @ J.F Gregory Park, Richmond Hill GA

Come and celebrate America’s working heroes. Free and open to the public. Food, fun and live entertainment. Activities for kids include the water slide and “Candy in The Haystack” along with a show by Angela Beasley’s Puppet People and Face painting.

Food is reasonably priced. There will also be a dessert bakeoff and 1st place wins $75, 2nd place wins $50 and 3rd place wins $25.

Schedule of events

12:30-1:30 Puppet people will  stroll with their giant puppets, at 2 Puppet People will perform an interactive puppet show, and from 1-3 Free face painting for those who come to this exciting event.

To be a sponsor or if you have any questions please contact Brett Hulme at bhulme@bellsouth.net More info here.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People, “Making Magical Memories That Last A Lifetime!,  http://puppetpeople.com/, 3119 Furber Ave., Savannah, 31404 Office: 912.355.3366, Cell: 912.508.2266 email angela@puppetpeople.com Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Looking for a preschool near Wilmington Island? Come to the Open House @ Whitemarsh Day School – which offers a hands on approach to early learning – on August 29th from 5-6pm.

If you are interested in joining the school family at Whitemarsh Day School, the preschool is enrolling new students now. The school has a few openings for their new half day preschool in the fall.  Their school year starts Tuesday, September 3 2013.

For more information on Whitemarsh Day School, check out their home page by clicking here or send an email.

Whitemarsh Day School is a preschool for ages 2-5 during the school year and 2-6 during Summer Camps. The new Whitemarsh preschool is located at 104 Penrose Dr. Savannah GA 31410

For information regarding the school please contact Miranda Maher at 912-659-8185

About Whitemarsh Day School
Whitemarsh Day School fosters a child’s sense of curiosity and imagination and provides a stimulating, safe, and fun environment for all our children. You’ll feel confident your child is being taken care of when you can’t be with him or her. Here are some of the fun activities and educational lessons your child will enjoy at our school:
Story time and sing-a-longs
Activities that teach through play and exploring the world around us
center choice time both inside and outdoors
Nutritious snacks
Letter recognition and writing
Circle time for sharing
Independent playtime
Pre-reading and beginning math
Work on large and small motor skill development
One-on-one time with teacher on a daily basis for progress assessment

Whitemarsh Day School, 104 Penrose Dr., Savannah, 31410, tel: 912-659-8185, http://whitemarshdayschool.weebly.com/index.html. Whitemarsh Day School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Hoping your child falls in love with a musical instrument this year?

For information on musical lessons, check with Beth Bevars, ensemble manager for Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra. She can email you a list of local musical instrument teachers, their specialties, locations, contact info, lesson tips etc. Email Beth at savaayo@yahoo.com .

Beth offers lots of great tips about getting your child started with a musical instrument in my Q&A column with her here.

One tip Beth suggests is exposing your child to live music.

Savannah has many opportunities for kids to attend live music concerts including:

* FREE CONCERTs Armstrong Atlantic State University has several Music Department Concerts each semester featuring the band, chorus, jazz band, and percussion ensemble. There are also many student recitals. More info is available here.

* Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra More information and tickets prices visit http://www.hhso.org

* Savannah Friends of Music newsletters are available at: http://savannahfriendsofmusic.com

More info on Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra here.

FOR MORE AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN THE SAVANNAH AREA, CLICK HERE.

Savannah’s biggest children’s consignment event – High Cotton Kids – is set for September 26-28, 2013!

Come shop consignment at its 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 fall’s upscale resale shopping event will have thousands of 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 fall and winter.

Consignor registration will open soon! Clean out and cash in, consignors can receive 60-70% of their sales! High Cotton Kids also accepts high-end maternity clothing, children’s furniture, artwork, baby and nursery necessities (e.g. bouncers, exercausers, etc.), strollers, toys, books, DVDs and more. For a complete list of items we accept and do not accept click here.

High Cotton Kids Consignment Event is sponsored by: The Ballet School, Coach Val’s Tumblegym, Christine Hall Photography and The Monogram Place.

Stay connected and get updates about the event by liking High Cotton Kids on Facebook here.

High Cotton Kids Fall and Winter 2013 Show Hours 706 Mall Boulevard (formerly Seeds of Faith Bookstore), Savannah

Thursday, September 26

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

Friday, September 27

9:00 am – 3:00 PM Open to the Public

Saturday, September 28

9:00 am – 1:00pm Open to the Public (Select items will be 40% OFF)

High Cotton Kids Consignment Fall 2013 upscale consignment sale, Sept. 26-28 2013 in Savannah, www.highcottonkids.com,  High Cotton Kids is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Check out our new after-school activities tab by clicking here.

You’ll find so many intriguing kids’ activities that you’ll wish there were more weekdays including:

Snapology’s popular Inventor’s Club Robotic Class @ Lake Mayer for boys and girls ages 8-12. Snapology offers educational classes, camps and birthday parties with LEGO® bricks for Boys and Girls ages 3-13 in the greater Savannah area. Details here.

Pottery Classes @ Savannah’s Clay Spot begin in September. Details here.

Fall 2013 soccer toddler, beginner & youth leagues with Savannah United (formerly Savannah Celtic). Details here.

Art Classes @ Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler. Details here.

And more, more, more here.

2013 Fall Classes @ Savannah Children’s Theatre

Click here for Registration Form

CREATIVE DRAMATICS $400 per session
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm

CD1 2nd thru 5th Grades Aug 27-Nov17
Show weekend Nov 15-17
TINY THUMBELINA
CD2 6th thru 8th Grade Aug 20-Nov 10
Show weekends Nov 8-10
PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Teen Theatre 9th thru 12th Grade August 27-Nov 17
To Be Announced Show weekends Nov 15-17

JUNIOR COMPANY $500
Audition August 21 at 6:00 pm
8th thru 12th Grade
Monday & Wednesday 7:00-9:00 pm
GODSPELL
Show weekends Dec 6-8 & 13-15

CREATIVE ADVENTURES $250 per session
Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 pm
August 28-November 13

DANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE
$375/class per session
2nd grade and 7 years old thru 12th grade
Session 1 COOL YULE
Sep 2-Dec 20
Shows Thursday & Friday, Dec 19 & 20
Jazz/Tap Ballet

2013-14 Dance Classes

Savannah Children’s Theatre offers ballet, ballet/contemporary (for intermediate and advanced levels, jazz and tap. Classes meet once a week and the first semester will begin the week of September 2. The Winter Dance Show, Cool Yule, will be December 19 & 20.

More info here.

The Savannah Children’s Theatre, 2160 East Victory Drive, in the Crossroads Shopping Center.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SAVANNAH CHILDREN’S THEATRE, CLICK HERE.

The Savannah Children’s 2013-2014 Main Stage Musicals will be DISNEY’S TARZAN and SHREK THE MUSICAL!

Thanks to the Kroger Community Rewards Program, every time you shop at Kroger, you can earn money for Park Place Outreach, Youth Emergency Shelter in Savannah.

All you need to do is link your Kroger Plus Card to Park Place Outreach and Kroger will donate money to Park Place Outreach every quarter.

Follow these simple steps and start your support today: 1. Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com; 2. Sign into your online Kroger account (or create an account if you don’t have one). You can set-up an account using your Plus Card number or Alternate ID; 3. Once logged into your account, click Kroger Community Reward and search for Park Place Outreach using it’s organizational # (102801); and 4. Select “Park Place Outreach”, hit Save and your card is registered. Registering your Plus Card to support Park Place Outreach does not affect your fuel points or grocery discounts in any way.

Visit Park Place Outreach’s website at http://parkplaceyes.org/

Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter received a $750 grant on July 15 from the York Children’s Foundation through Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors.

The York Foundation is the charitable arm of leading casket manufacturer, The York Group, dedicated to awarding grants to non-profit organizations committed to serving the needs of children. Each time a casket is purchased at Fox & Weeks, a portion of the money is donated to the York Children’s Foundation in the name of the deceased.

Fox & Weeks is the only funeral home in the area participating in the York Children’s Foundation program, and eligible charitable organizations in Savannah and Chatham County may apply for grants quarterly at www.yorkgrp.com.

The York Children’s Foundation was established in 1992 and is affiliated with the Mathews International Corporation casket division. The organization has contributed more than $2.5 million to mostly community-based children’s charities throughout the country via quarterly grants, including a $750 grant in 2012 to Savannah/Chatham Court Appointed Special Advocates through Fox & Weeks.

About Park Place Outreach, Inc.
Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter, located at 514 E. Henry St., provides support for troubled children and teens from Savannah and the surrounding area. The shelter is open 24 hours a day to youth in crisis, adolescents who are homeless, young people who have been abused, runaway youth, or those who may be contemplating how to run away. Opened in 1984 as Marshlands Foundation, Inc. (dba the Savannah Runaway Home), Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter provides counseling and other services to boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17. The organization’s goal is to keep kids off the street and reunify families whenever possible.

Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This program is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, USDA Breakfast/Lunch Program, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Department of Human Services, City of Savannah, United Way, FEMA and other community resources. For more information, please call 912-234-4048, visit http://parkplaceyes.org or search for “Park Place Outreach” on Facebook. An informational video about Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter is available at YouTube by searching for “Park Place Outreach – Youth Emergency Shelter.”

The popular Savannah preschool Maggie’s Morning School will have an Open House Friday, August 16, from 4-6 pm. Come & find out what makes Maggie’s “The Creative Alternative” for Pre-school.

Maggie’s Morning School is a NAEYC accredited private, non-profit pre-school at 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405.

Mission Maggie’s Morning School provides a developmentally appropriate, quality learning experience for a diverse student body in a safe, creative, and nurturing environment. The focus is on the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of each and every child through hands on activities and support by working together with families, well-trained teachers, and community resources.

Description Maggie’s Morning School has been serving Savannah since 1982. The school has 2, 3, and 5 half day and full day programs for children 18 months (by Sept. 1) through age four, and the Bright From the Start, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Pre-Kindergarten program. Maggie’s provides an exceptional and unique learning environment in order to facilitate social, emotional, physical and intellectual development in each child.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K. Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah offers part-time preschool for 4-year-olds.

Call (912) 352-8404 or (912) 352-8065 for more info or click here. Tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you!

Stay connected by “liking” Maggie’s Morning School on Facebook here.

Maggie’s Morning School, 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405, www.maggiesmorningschool.org,  On Facebook here. (912) 352-8404, (912) 352-8065 Maggie’s Morning School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

For many kids dealing with dyslexia, back-to-school means back to struggling to master the skills of reading and writing.

With the right help, dyslexia and related reading problems can be overcome. Take the first step to cracking the code and learning about the skills that can be life changing by visiting the Dyslexia Tutoring in Savannah Web site.

Dyslexia is the most under-diagnosed learning disability and is at the root of many academic difficulties.

Reading tutor Casey Welsh offers the one-on-one Orton-Gillingham Approach reading tutoring to students. Casey is an Orton-Gillingham trained tutor. Learn more by clicking here.

Dyslexia Tutoring in Savannah, contact Casey Welsh, info@dyslexiasavannah.com , 912.507.1868, http://www.dyslexiasavannah.com/ , Dyslexia Tutoring in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Looking for a locally owned & operated roofing company that recycles all of their torn off shingles so they can be re-used to pave roads in our area?

Check out JAJ Roofing, serving Savannah & the Lowcountry. JAJ Roofing specializes in installation of new roofs, re-roofing projects as well as repairing leaks. As a local company, they focus on building relationships with their clients by providing excellent customer service, superior workmanship and by utilizing premium materials.

JAJ Roofing recycles all of their torn-off shingles and they are used to pave roads in the community.

JAJ Roofing is factory-certified, licensed and insured and specializes in storm damage. Free estimates are available for leak repairs and complete replacements.

JAJ Roofing, (912) 484-6818, email johnbaumann2488@gmail.com,  www.JAJRoofingGA.com, JAJ Roofing is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Check out the BOYS YOGA offered at Ganesha’s Place in Savannah. The six-week Saturday class is for boys ages 7-11 and starts Aug. 17. Register online at www.ganeshasplace.com or by contacting Kate at 912.665.4199. Enrollment will be limited, so please register early.

Ganesha’s Place will also offer new kids’ yoga, dance & music class. The six-week class starts Aug. 16 and runs until Sept. 20, Fridays 9:30-10:15 AM. Cost: $75. For ages 16 mths to 3 yrs with caregiver.

You’re also invited to bring your kids to the open house at Ganesha’s Place  from 9:30-11:30 AM TODAY Sat Aug. 10. The open house at the Savannah yoga studio will feature new kids’ classes and teachers. Check out the studio & see what Ganesha’s Place has to offer.

Ganesha’s Place offers a variety of yoga classes as well as therapeutic classes including yoga for special needs kids, children with autism & restorative yoga for caretakers.

What we love about Ganesha’s Place is that it’s a spot to explore, heal and have fun. Ganesha’s can be a place for the whole family: you’re not required to be athletic or wear special outfits. Yoga therapy at Ganesha’s regulates and improves the balance between health and wellness without the intimidating images of body contortions and “pretzels”.

Keep up with Ganesha’s Place on Facebook here.

Ganesha’s Place, at the corner of Barnard & 40th St. @ 2323 Barnard St., 912-665-4199, http://ganeshasplace.com/ Ganesha’s Place is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Telfair Museums will host a free Family Day at the Jepson Center as part of its monthly Family Days series, which is free and open to the public.

This month’s theme is “Near East Family Day” and celebrates the art of countries and cultures represented in the “Allure of the Near East” exhibition, which opens at the Jepson Center on August 16. Families will enjoy hands-on activities, storytelling and a performance by TURKU, a popular band described as “Nomads of the Silk Road.”

Family Day is sponsored by the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs, Georgia Power and the AGL Resources Foundation.

TURKU’s high-energy performance will feature musical traditions from Turkey, Persia, Kurdistan, Caucasus and the Balkans, blending authentic historical songs with traditional improvisational techniques.

Families are also invited to attend a Pre-Family Day Workshop, which will take place in the morning and focus on making shadow puppets, marbleizing paper and piecing together a carpet puzzle. Reservations are required. Please call 912.790.8823 to RSVP.

FREE Family Day
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Free Family Day – 1-4 p.m.
Pre-Family Day Workshop – 11 a.m.
TURKU Musical Performance – 3 p.m.

WHERE: Jepson Center
207 W. York Street, on Telfair Square
Savannah 31401

MORE KIDS’ EVENTS @ JEPSON CENTER

TODDLER 3RD THURSDAYS
Thursday, August 15 | 10-11:30 am | Jepson Center
Exploring Near Eastern art and artists.
$5 per child; free to adult members or with museum admission

WCWM? (What Can We Make?) STUDIO
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays | 1-4 pm | Jepson Center
Join the museum as they open the studios for drop-in visits for all ages. Explore your creative side with inspiring activities utilizing recycled materials, found objects, and traditional art supplies. August – Exploring Near Eastern art and artists. Free to members or with museum admission

Telfair’s Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 W York Street, Savannah,  31401, www.telfair.org Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

If your child is a LEGO® fan, then you need to check out Snapology, which uses LEGO® to make learning a snap!

Snapology offers educational classes, camps and birthday parties with LEGO® bricks for Boys and Girls ages 3-13 in the greater Savannah area.

Registration is now open for Snapology’s popular Inventor’s Club Robotic Class in Savannah at the Lake Mayer Community Center. Space fills up quickly. Please register your child online at http://www.snapology.com/savannah_calendar.php  This class is for boys and girls ages 8-12 and will meet on Thursdays after school beginning on Sept. 5.

Give your Lego® fan the best birthday party ever!

Snapology offers to birthday parties:

Have Snapology bring the party to you! Snapology’s dedicate party facilitator will bring the Lego® party to you.

More Snapology birthday info here.

Stay connected to Snapology of Savannah by liking them on Facebook here.

Snapology of Savannah, Richmond Hill, 770-883-3024, email Savannah@Snapology.com , http://www.snapology.com/savannahhome.php, Snapology is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Sign up your child for creative after-school pottery Fall classes both on and off the wheel @ Savannah’s Clay Spot. Child/Parent classes also available.

Savannah’s Clay Spot is also a fun, unique spot to host creative children’s birthday parties and events. They’ll have everything set up for you and your guests. Generally, events are planned for a two-hour session. This session includes one hour of fun instruction focused on a theme of your choice. The instruction time is split up over the session to allow time for creating, snacks and socialization. All projects will be finished with a glossy food-safe glaze and fired in Clay Spot’s kilns to make a lasting keepsake from your celebration. See more details here.

For more info, contact Lisa Alvarez Bradley, email lisa@savannahsclayspot.com or call 912-509-4647
Click here to Register for kids and Teen classes On-line

Kids & Teen Classes

Savannah’s Clay Spot, www.savannahsclayspot.com , 1305 Barnard St. Savannah,  31401, tel 912-509-4647 Savannah’s Clay Spot is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Glor na Daire Academy of Irish Dance will host an open house on Tuesday, August 13th from 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Savannah.

The studio is located at 7176 Hodgson Memorial (behind Batteries Plus).

This will give anyone interested in Irish dance the best opportunity to see a little bit of class, as well as get all the information they’ll need to get started. The teachers will share information about classes (what to expect in the coming year), Glor gear (what your dancers will need for class and for performances), competitions, performances, tuition, registration, etc.

Stay connected with Glor na Daire Academy of Irish Dance on Facebook here.

For more information about Glor na Daire, please visit: www.glornadaire.com .

You’re invited to take part in the 90-Day Challenge. Learn more at a health discovery workshop with Dr. Ranicki’s Creating Wellness Center.

Attend the workshop
August 20th, 6:30-7 PM
OR
August 22nd, 12:30-1 PM

DISCOVERY WORKSHOP will include:
•Secrets To Losing The Extra Weight In 3 Quick And Easy Steps
•The TRUE CAUSE Of Disease And Illness
•The 3 Causes Of Stress That Are Robbing You Of Life
•How To Harness Live, Nutrient Rich Foods, For Rocket Fuel Energy
•Better Results From Your Workouts, In A Fraction Of The Time!
•3 Hidden Causes of weight gain that are rarely discussed in most weight loss programs

Learn to stay or get on track for your food, fitness & wellness goals.

TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT call 912-376-1506 or email info@RanickiChiropractic.com MORE INFO HERE.

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com

Free “Your State Parks Day” Saturday, September 28, 2013

Join Georgians in a celebration of our State Parks & Historic Sites with free admission on Saturday, September 28. Sponsored by Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, the statewide event showcases how parks enrich communities and the importance of local volunteerism. Choose from activities ranging from trail maintenance and river cleanups, to guided hikes and golf tournaments.

Put away your wallet and pull out your work gloves. Visitors to Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will not pay for parking or admission on Saturday, September 28 as part of the statewide “Your State Parks Day.” Sponsored by the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, with support from REI, the celebration highlights the importance of volunteerism and the many ways that recreation enriches communities. Parking is normally $5 at state parks, and admission ranges from $2.50 to $10 at state historic sites.

The statewide event includes numerous volunteer projects and family-friendly programs. A complete list of events and volunteer projects can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org/parks-day.

Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Georgia’s state parks and historic sites in many ways. Some members raise funds for specific projects, others lead programs such as bird walks, and some help with maintenance. Many support the organization simply by purchasing annual memberships or making donations.

Free parking and admission during “Your State Parks Day” is available to all Georgia residents and visitors. Participating locations can be found on GeorgiaStateParks.org, and includes Black Rock Mountain, Crooked River, Sweetwater Creek, Dahlonega Gold Museum, Reed Bingham, Etowah Indian Mounds, Indian Springs and dozens of other destinations. Because Stone Mountain, Jekyll Island and Lake Lanier are not operated by the Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks Division, they are not included in the free day. The day-long celebration is also in honor of National Public Lands Day and is a Georgia SHAPE Initiative.
When:
Saturday, September 28, 2013
7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
@ more than 60 State Parks & Historic Sites across Georgia including Skidaway Is. State Park, Wormsloe, Fort McAllister and find more here:

More info:
1-800-864-7275
www.GeorgiaStateParks.org
www.FriendsofGaStateParks.org

Did you know that certain items at Tater Bugs in Pooler – Savannah’s only cloth diaper store & more – qualify for the tax-free holiday?

In addition to this, Tater Bugs will be offering an additional 10% on several brands during Georgia’s tax-free weekend, which is this Friday & Sat. Aug. 9 & 10!

For details, visit Tater Bugs’ Facebook page here..

Come see Tater Bugs for all your cloth diaper and natural parenting needs.

They carry: environmentally friendly products for all ages Charlie’s Soap and Rockin’ Green products Cj’s BUTTer Boba and Tula carriers Essential oils Dr Bronners products Gift Certificates Consignment Gift Registry Ju Ju Be and much more!

Tater Bugs takes orders over the phone and will ship anywhere in the US. Call 912-656-7326.

Stay connected to Tater Bugs events & more by liking their Facebook page here.

Tater Bugs also has a play area for kids and an area where mommies can relax & feed their babies anyway they choose.

Tater Bugs cloth diaper boutique, www.taterbugssavannah.com, 912-656-7326, email leslie@taterbugssavannah.com  309 Hwy 80 Pooler, Georgia 31322

When you take kids to tour national parks, you never know how much they are getting out of the visit. Especially for those of us moms who aren’t exactly history experts.

Which is why you need to pick up the Junior Ranger booklets at the visitor centers of national parks you visit. The Junior Ranger program kids engage more during the visits.

Junior Ranger booklets have activities about the national parks for ages 5-12. Junior ranger books are free to any visitor and usually are available at the visitors’ centers. Often, similar programs with more advanced activities are also available for older kids. Just ask at the site’s visitor center.

While doing the activities, children enjoy earning a badge and a certificate.

Nearby national parks/monuments that have Junior Ranger programs include:
*Fort Pulaski National Monument, on U.S. 80 en route to Tybee Island. Info on the Fort Pulaski Junior Program here.
*Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie national monuments, Charleston, S.C. Info on these forts Junior Ranger program here.
*Cumberland Island National Seashore, Ga. More info here.
*Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island. Info on the Fort Frederica National Monument Junior Ranger Program here.
*Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon. Info on Ocmulgee’s National Monument Junior Ranger Program here.

Because of sell-out shows last week, Savannah Children’s Theatre added two performances of the musical 42nd Street, which will be August 9-10 Friday and Saturday at 7pm,

42nd Street has 50 performers and at some points all on stage at once – tap dancing!

This show sold out on opening weekend earlier this month, so these two extra shows were added.

Tickets can be purchased at www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org or by calling 912-238-9015 or at the theatre box office.

The Savannah Children’s Theatre, 2160 East Victory Drive, in the Crossroads Shopping Center.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SAVANNAH CHILDREN’S THEATRE, CLICK HERE.

The Savannah Children’s 2013-2014 Main Stage Musicals will be DISNEY’S TARZAN and SHREK THE MUSICAL!