Copyright Beaches/Sandals

Need an escape to a tropical paradise? Sandals and Beaches luxury all-inclusive resorts are located on some the most popular islands throughout the Caribbean including, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Bahamas, & among others. Currently, both are offering incredible deals like 65% off, airfare credits up to $555, and for a very limited time you can receive a $250 spa credit for booking with Enchanted Travel.

Sandals Resorts are adults-only and perfect for a romantic getaway without the kiddos. You’ll enjoy exotic rooms with private pools, butler service, and captivating views . Beaches Resorts were designed with families in mind, featuring large rooms, waterparks, and children’s programming including nanny services. Beaches also is home to your kids favorite Seasame Street characters!

No matter if you choose a tropical getaway with (or without) the kiddos everything is included in these resorts. Gourmet restaurants… check! Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages…check! Scuba diving…check! Seriously, everything at Sandals and Beaches is included from food, drinks, activities, and the childcare (at Beaches) is all included in the price.

Get your no obligation Sandals or Beaches vacation quote today, and start planning your tropical getaway!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Enchanted Travel, 843.284.3241 Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Enchanted Travel 843.284.3241 Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Pre-K Lottery Update:

We heard from several moms recently who were surprised by changes to the pre-K wait list this year for Savannah-Chatham public schools. Basically,  if your child was accepted to one of your school choices, then he/she was not put on the waiting list for your other choices. In the past, students who were not accepted to their choices were automatically put on the waiting list. You can read parents’ concerns on the SouthernMamas.com Facebook page.

This change negatively affects those parents whose neighborhood school is not a good school, but they were required to make it one of their choices. Now they’ve been accepted to their neighborhood school & were not even put on the waiting list for their school of choice.

District 1 Savannah-Chatham County School Board Member Julie Wade looked into parents’ complaints & below are the answers she received.

Below are responses to Julie Wade’s questions about this year’s changes in the pre-K waiting list process. The repsonses are from David Feliciano, Chief Data and Accountability Officer for Savannah-Chatham Public School System:

There are two places we provided information on choice scenarios for parents to review and be aware of. One was above the choice selection list on the online application. The other reference was on our public website FAQ for Lottery. Since the lottery has completed, the FAQs have been replaced with FAQ for Registration. Below is a copy of the information that was posted:

——
Pre-K school choice scenarios:
1. The family lives in a school attendance zone that has a Pre-K Program.

• If the family only wants to attend the Pre-K program in their school attendance zone, select the school as the first choice selection and leave the other two blank.

• If the family wants to attend a Pre-K program that is not in their school attendance zone, select the school as the first choice selection and select the attendance zone school as the second choice. The third choice can be left blank.

• If the family wants to maximize their opportunity for entry into a Pre-K program, enter three choices with one of them being the attendance zone school.
2. The family lives in a school attendance zone that does not have a Pre-K program.

• If the family only wants to attend a specific Pre-K program, select the school as the first choice selection and leave the other two blank.

• If the family wants to maximize their opportunity for entry into a Pre-K program, enter three choices.

Note: If a family is selected for a Pre-K slot, they will no longer be on any wait list.

——

When the lottery was designed, it was designed to support community schools. Two specific rules impacted parent choices in the lottery:

• Priority is to be given to families that live within the Pre-K Center attendance zone.

• Families are required to list their attendance zone Pre-K Center as one of three choices.

Once a Pre-K slot is provided within the county, families are taken off of any other wait list. This was done to prevent families from holding wait list positions when they are already attending a Pre-K program within SCCPSS.

Q: For those that were not placed anywhere and are on two or three wait lists, can they withdraw from some of the wait lists?

A: Parents can remove their child from any wait list and still remain on others. Only when they accept a slot into a Pre-K program they are removed from others. The family that is on Shuman’s list can call the school and have their child pulled from the wait list. The child will still be listed on the other Pre-K program wait list. We will post this information on the website and provide it to the schools as this particular scenario was not covered.

Options for consideration:

The second rule listed above can be removed from the system. In doing so, families can pick and choose any Pre-K center of their choice, have the option of only entering one, two, or up to three Pre-K center, and don’t have to list their attendance zone school.

The above are responses to District 1 Savannah-Chatham County School Board Member Julie Wade’s questions about this year’s changes in the Pre-K waiting list process. The responses are from David Feliciano, Chief Data and Accountability Officer Savannah-Chatham Public School System.

This week’s Saved by the Deal: 50% of Polka Dots in Savannah. See the deal details here.

It is official, Savannah’s best gift shop, is offering a $20 Gift Card for $10!

The Vera Bradley Collection is Perfect for Mothers, Babies with Style, Beach and Summer Fashion.

Take a Tour of the Store!

Sandles, Candles, Cards, Crafts and More!

Men’s Fashion, Gift Registry, Team Pride or a heart for Savannah

Support Young life today: Buy a voucher and share it with your friends by clicking here. Join the Polka Dots mailing list for updates on sales and new products! Click Here

Polka Dots, 107 Charlotte Rd, Ste E, Savannah, GA 31410 tel: 912.898.3730, http://www.polkadotssavannah.com/  Saved the Deal is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

First Presbyterian Church of Savannah will hold its popular Vacation Bible School June 24-28 2013, 9am-noon.

Bible school is open to children 3 years-rising 5th graders. Open to the public.

This year’s theme is Everywhere Fun Fair.  The children will have the opportunity to learn about God’s love for them and God’s call to love one another at the world famous and renowned First Presbyterian fairgrounds.  They will learn about different parts of the world and how God is working there, all while enjoying a day at the fair.

Register here by June 14 to ensure your child gets a T-shirt. Cost is $20 for the first child, $10 for each additional child. If you would like to register your child/children, please click here.  Or call the church office at 354-7615 and speak to Will Shelburne or stop by the church to pick up a registration form. Or email Will Shelburne at will@savannahfpc.org.

You can download a registration form here.

First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave, Savannah, GA 31405

FOR A LISTING OF MORE LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS, CLICK HERE.

The Savannah Children’s Theatre presents Little Women this month.

The beloved story of the March sisters is as timeless and relevant today as when it was first published in 1868. Now this wonderful narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new musical filled with glorious music, dancing and heart. April 19 and 26 at 7 p.m.; April 20 and 21 at 3 p.m. and April 27 at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the theatre, 2160 E. Victory Drive, Crossroads Shopping Center or by calling 912 238-9015 or at www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org .

Worried about where your child is going to attend preschool next year or trying to find a FREE, quality state-funded pre-K program in Savannah?

If so, you’ll be thrilled to learn about Maggie’s Morning School, a NAEYC accredited private, non-profit pre-school. This popular, beloved well-established Savannah school offers hands-on learning and a child-centered approach that encourages exploration and independence through a well prepared environment.

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.

Please come visit the school at 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405 and see why Maggie’s Morning School is  “The Creative Alternative!”

Upcoming events at Maggie’s Morning School which are open to the public include: 

1) Gently-Used Sale Saturday April 20, 8 a.m. – Noon. School parking lot. Indoors if there is inclement weather.

2) Open House Week – Monday April 22 – Friday April 26. 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a..m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Come see what makes Maggie’s “The Creative Alternative” for Pre-school and learn about Maggie’s summer program “Earthworks”.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K.

For the summer program, Maggie’s serves children 18 months (by Sept 1) through children entering 2nd grade.

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.

Imagine communicating with your baby before he or she can even speak. Baby sign language reduces frustration, accelerates verbal development and strengthens cognitive skills. It also enhances child-parent bonding through time spent teaching signs to your baby.

Research shows that pre-verbal infants can communicate through the use of sign language long before they can verbalize their needs. For example, an NIH funded study compared two groups of 11 month old babies. One group was taught baby sign language. The second group was given verbal training. Overall it proved to be the signing babies who were more advanced talkers. A follow up when the babies were 2 years old found that the signers continued to be more verbal. The signing children tested approximately 3 months ahead of the non-signers at 2 years old.*

The authors of the NIH study, followed up with the children at 8 years old. Surprisingly, there was still a difference. Signers showed IQ’s 12 points higher than the non-signers, even though they had long since stopped signing. This put the signers in the top-25% of eight year olds, compared to the non-signers who were close to average.**

My Smart Hands is an international, award winning, 100% ASL program designed to teach sign language to pre-verbal infants and young children. My Smart Hands not only recognizes the value of giving children the gift of self-expression, they also know that baby signing is FUN!

The My Smart Hands program is designed to engage both the minds and the giggles of their students.

My Smart Hands is now available in Savannah! My Smart Hands offers 4 to 8 week classes as well as weekend workshops. The cost ranges from $75 to $130 and includes all handbooks and materials. Evening classes are available and dates, times and locations are determined by consultation with, and consideration for the needs of students.

Want to join My Smart Hands? See the Savannah My Smart Hands website  by clicking here for detailed information on the courses themselves, to contact My Smart Hands with any questions or to sign up. So go ahead, take a peek! Sign up for a few giggles for you and your little one. My Smart Hands can’t wait to meet you!

Please “like” My Smart Hands in Savannah on Facebook by clicking here to stay connected.

My Smart Hands, www.mysmarthandswithsundi.com, On Facebook here, My Smart Hands is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

* Susan W. Goodwyn, Linda P. Acredolo and Catherine A. Brown. Impact of Symbolic Gesturing on Early Language Development, Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 24, 81-103 (2000).

** Linda P. Acredolo, and Susan W. Goodwyn, The Longterm Impact of Symbolic Gesturing During Infancy on IQ at Age 8, International Conference on Infant Studies (July 18, 2000: Brighton, UK)

What: Day Camp Opportunity

When: July 8-12, 2013

Where: Burton 4-H Center, Tybee Island GA

Cost:$170 per child

Information: www.burton4h.org or 912.786.5534

Burton 4-H Center Day Camp on Tybee Island July 8-12, 2013

The day camp program is open to all children 9 to 14yrs of age. Children can be dropped off as early as 7:30am each morning and picked up between 5:15 and 6:15pm each day at the 4-H Center. There will also be free bus service every day from Whitemarsh Island for those parents wanting to take advantage of the service. Camp fee includes fun, educational programming every day, beach time, bus service, lunch every day provided

by the 4-H Center, as well as a hamburger and hot dog cookout on Thursday evening for families of the campers. Camp cost for the week is $170 per child. All materials needed to register for camp are available at the website www.burton4h.org.

Cloth diapers have come a long way in the past ten years and The Great cloth Diaper Change event serves to raise awareness of cloth diapering and create some added buzz and excitement, too!

To do this, several people in the cloth diapering movement, including locally owned Bottoms Up (a Savannah owned Home-Based and Online Store providing cloth diapering essentials and education) and the Low Country Real Diaper Circle (The Low Country Real Diaper Circle connects cloth diapering parents for support, education and advocacy in the greater Savannah area including Hinesville) have joined forces with the nonprofit Real Diaper Association to participate in the third annual Great Cloth Diaper Change international event taking place two days before Earth Day on Saturday, April 20,

What: “The Great Cloth Diaper Change” Savannah site event hosted by Bottoms Up and Low Country Real Diaper Circle. The Savannah location will be hosting a Green Baby Expo from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM featuring local vendors and Work at Home Moms. There will be a raffle with many amazing prizes and a diaper walk.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2013. Diaper Change is at 11:00 AM sharp with staging starting at 10:30 AM. The Green Baby Expo is from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Where: The American Legion Post 135 Ballroom – 1108 Bull Street Savannah, GA 31401

Why: Each year billions of disposable diapers enter landfills where it will take hundreds of years for them to decompose. The Great Cloth Diaper Change is an eye-opening experience for thousands of modern parents who choose to use a more planet-friendly alternative or those who deserve to know about their eco-friendly diapering options. It doesn’t hurt that cloth diapering also saves cash-strapped families a substantial amount of money too, especially during these tough economic times.

For more info, contact Stacy Mojica, 518-231-7876, lowcountryrdc@gmail.com or June Moore, Media Coordinator, 404-819-5570 junebug1990@gmail.com

The Great Cloth Diaper Change, Savannah, www.facebook.com/GREATCLOTHSAVANNAH, www.twitter.com/c4eb

Skidaway Island Preschool Summer Camps

What: Skidaway Island Preschool Summer Camp for children ages 2-8

Where: Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, 50 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411

When: Three sessions June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21 from 9AM-Noon

Contact: Maria Rogers 912 598-0151 or www.skidawaypreschool.com

Skidaway Island Preschool (SIPS) Summer Camp is scheduled for the first three weeks of June 2013. The camps are Monday – Friday from 9:00 A.M. until Noon each day for children ages 2-8. “Explorer Camp” is available for children 3 to 8 and runs two extra hours.

The following are dates and themes for each of the three sessions. June 3-7: Let’s Get Fit!, June 10-14: Hooray for Hollywood!, June 17-21: Ooey Gooey Sticky Fun!. Allow your child to enjoy arts & crafts, music, cooking, drama science, water play, physical fitness and much, much more.

SIPS is sponsored by Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church. For more information contact Maria Rogers at 912 598-0151. Registration forms are available on line at www.skidawaypreschool.com .

Meet and Greet with new  Tybee Island Maritime Academy Principal, Doug Clark
Monday, April 15
6:30 pm @ the school (714 Lovell Street, Tybee Island, GA 31328)

Whether you’ve already applied or are still thinking about it, please join  Tybee Island Maritime Academy   to meet the new principal for  and learn all about the school’s exciting, hands-on, project-based curriculum!

Tybee Island Maritime Academy will be a charter school operated by a governing board, approved by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School Board and the Georgia Board of Education. Charter Schools are independent, tuition-free, public schools that operate under a performance contract with the local school district and the state of Georgia.

The school will be located at 714 Lovell Avenue, Tybee Island, GA 31328. The site includes classrooms for up to 300 students, a cafeteria/gymnasium and a multi-purpose room. The school will also plan to use additional resources such as: The Tybee Island Library, the U.S. Coast Guard Station, the Tybee Island Lighthouse Station.

The school’s tentative opening date is August, 2013.

Cloth diapers have come a long way in the past ten years and The Great Cloth Diaper Change event serves to raise awareness of cloth diapering and create some added buzz and excitement, too!

To do this, several people in the cloth diapering movement, including locally owned Bottoms Up (a Savannah owned Home-Based and Online Store providing cloth diapering essentials and education) and the Low Country Real Diaper Circle (The Low Country Real Diaper Circle connects cloth diapering parents for support, education and advocacy in the greater Savannah area including Hinesville) have joined forces with the nonprofit Real Diaper Association to participate in the third annual Great Cloth Diaper Change international event taking place two days before Earth Day on Saturday, April 20,

What: “The Great Cloth Diaper Change” Savannah site event hosted by Bottoms Up and Low Country Real Diaper Circle. The Savannah location will be hosting a Green Baby Expo from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM featuring local vendors and Work at Home Moms. There will be a raffle with many amazing prizes and a diaper walk.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2013. Diaper Change is at 11:00 AM sharp with staging starting at 10:30 AM. The Green Baby Expo is from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Where: The American Legion Post 135 Ballroom – 1108 Bull Street Savannah, GA 31401

Why: Each year billions of disposable diapers enter landfills where it will take hundreds of years for them to decompose. The Great Cloth Diaper Change is an eye-opening experience for thousands of modern parents who choose to use a more planet-friendly alternative or those who deserve to know about their eco-friendly diapering options. It doesn’t hurt that cloth diapering also saves cash-strapped families a substantial amount of money too, especially during these tough economic times.

For more info, contact Stacy Mojica, 518-231-7876, lowcountryrdc@gmail.com  or June Moore, Media Coordinator, 404-819-5570 junebug1990@gmail.com

The Great Cloth Diaper Change, Savannah, www.facebook.com/GREATCLOTHSAVANNAH,  www.twitter.com/c4eb

Planning about having family or children’s portraits shot this spring to take advantage of Savannah’s blooming backdrops?

You’re in luck! SouthernMamas Readers can take $50 off Spring Mini Sessions with Catie Hickman Photography ! Catie Hickman Photography is offering SouthernMamas Readers $50 off their Spring Mini Sessions to celebrate their Grand Opening.

Call Catie at (912) 713-4634 to schedule your Mini Session today! See more of Catie’s work by clicking here.

Catie’s prices for newborn portraits, family/children portraits and more are extremely affordable. High quality portraits at reasonable prices – you can’t beat that.

Stay connected by liking the Catie Hickman Photography on Facebook by clicking here.

Catie Hickman Photography, www.facebook.com/catiehickmanphotography , email catiehickmanphotography@gmail.com , tel: (912) 713-4634 Catie Hickman Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

If you’ve got a little Padawan, Stormtrooper, or Wookie in your home then visiting Disney’s Star Wars Weekends is a must!

Starting May 17th through June 9th, each weekend Disney’s Hollywood Studios will celebrate the legendary saga and animated series with high-energy fun for everyone.

There are celebrity meet & greets/autographs with actors (& actresses), a parade featuring the largest ensemble of costumed Star Wars characters, special shows, and more! Not to mention every evening ends with Hyperspace Hoopla featuring all things Star Wars and pop culture. Best described as dance-off meets comedy show… simply can’t miss this!!! And did I mention that all of this is included in your regular park admission??

This event is truly for kids of all ages, and adults too! And you don’t have to be a geeky to have a great time at Star Wars Weekends. In my opinion, this is the most high-energy and just overall fun special event at Disney.

It’s not too late to make your plans to attend Disney’s Star Wars Weekends 2013. Complete the online form for a no-obligation vacation quote. And remember, as a wise Jedi master once said… “Experience Star Wars Weekends you must!!”

Contact Tara McCoy at Enchanted Travel for your no-obligation vacation quote or details.

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Enchanted Travel 843.284.3241 Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Summer Camps 2013 @ All American Gymnastics include the following. Registration info available by clicking here.

Fit & Fun Gymnastics Camp :
This camp is full of gymnastics fun, fitness, games, arts and crafts, pit & rope time, and guaranteed to keep your child active and having a great time. All American Gymnastics will have weekly themes that we will incorporate that theme into their weekly activities.
• Ages 3 & up (Girls & Boys)
• Time: Camp will run Monday- Friday from 9-12 & Extended Stay option of 9-3
• Cost: $150 and Extended Stay is $200
• Snack & Drink included daily

Wednesday Fun Days:
This is a one day Fit & Fun camp. A great camp for something fun, out of hot sun, but also keeping your child active in the middle of the week.
• Ages 3 & up
• Time: 9-12
• Cost: $30 each day or sign up for 3 and pay only $75

Cheer/ Tumbling Camps
Join All American Gymnastics for to help improve your tumbling skills this summer. Your child will work basics, drills, conditioning, flexibility, and of course lots of BACKHANDSPRINGS!
• Ages 5 & up
• Days & Times: 3 day camp is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12-3, and you may also sign up for only one of the 3 days.
• Cost: 3 day camp (same week) $75, One day: $30

Cheerleading clinics & free tryouts:
All American Gymnastics is also offering 2 cheer clinics in April to help prepare for Cheer tryouts and also for your child to get more information about All American Gymnastics’ All Star cheer program the Cheer Cats:
April 13th & 27th from 3:30-5:30 and cost is only $10

Cheer Cat Tryouts are May 11th & May 12th from 2-5 PM. All tryouts are free. Email : coastalcheercats@gmail.com  for more info.

For more information on camps please contact All American Gymnastics:
• Phone: 354-4343
• www.aagsavannah.com
• Located at 7808 White Bluff Rd., Savannah, GA 31406

All American Gymnastics, 7808 White Bluff (across from Hunter AAF) (912) 354-4343, email sam.allamericangymnastics@gmail.com, www.aagsavannah.com  On Facebook here. All American Gymnastics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Who is Southern Baby Nurse and Nannies?

Southern Baby Nurse was born to help new moms ease into, rather than stumble through, new motherhood. We believe that Mother’s health and well-being is just as important as baby’s; after all, a happy, well-rested mommy is best! Southern Baby Nurse exists to provide the kind of comprehensive care and support that allows both mother and baby to flourish at such a crucial time.

That’s where our staff of comes in. Relatives and friends are wonderful and should absolutely be a part of baby’s life, but when it comes to establishing a regular feeding schedule, sticking to nap times, and providing tier-one healthcare, a professional caregiver is a must. Southern Baby Nurse employs only highly qualified and experienced caregivers and will work closely with you to ensure your Baby Nurse, Nanny or Babysitter is a perfect fit. Your peace of mind is assured. With a Southern Baby Nurse professional on hand, you can take a nap, go to the gym, or just relax with your spouse, secure in the knowledge that baby is in the best of hands – second to yours, of course.

We realize that entrusting the care of your child to an outsider can be daunting. You may relax, however, in the knowledge that Southern Baby Nurse thoroughly vets each candidate. All staff are required without exception to provide strong childcare references and demonstrable evidence of extensive experience caring for newborns and children. We also perform exhaustive background checks (state and federal) and carefully evaluate new candidates’ personality, temperament, and suitability for work with children.

In addition to , Southern Baby Nurse can provide Nannies and Babysitters for both long- and short-term assignments. Please contact us at your convenience to discuss your childcare needs.

Not sure where to send your child to preschool for the upcoming school year 2013-14? Check out the new JEA Preschool Savannah , which will host a Meet and Greet for prospective parents and caregivers at 5:30 PM Thurs. April 25 2013.

This dynamic new preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance at 5111 Abercorn Street, will open its doors to children ages 16 months to 4 years in August, 2013. Enrollment is now open for all classes.

During the Meet and Greet, attendees will have an opportunity to meet preschool director Jodi Sadler and the teaching staff, view model classroom furnishings and learn about the enriched preschool JEA Camp Savannah program for 3 and 4 year olds. The evening will include a light snacks; free childcare will be available. Reservations are required. Please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 228) or email preschool@savj.org  to reserve a spot.

JEA Preschool Savannah has been in the planning stages for the past two years. The school was created to provide for the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The age-appropriate curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, will focus on literacy, writing, math, science, music, art and movement all within the special facilities of the JEA.

“I am truly excited about the creation of our program of excellence, JEA Preschool Savannah,” said Sadler, a longtime educator and former assistant principal at Chatham Academy. “When parents and children walk into the school, I want them to see and feel two things: love and security. I know that the quality of the program, excellence of the facilities, and perfect location will make this one of the most attractive and dynamic programs in the area.”

The dynamic preschool will include spacious classrooms and an innovative outdoor space where children can explore, interact with and connect to the environment. The preschool’s core curriculum will be available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children have the option of attending three or five days per week. Extended hours are available daily as early as 7 a.m. and until 6 p.m. to serve the needs of working families.

JEA Preschool Savannah is open to both JEA members and non members.

About JEA Preschool Savannah
JEA Preschool Savannah, located in the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, will open its doors in August 2013. The school, which will serve the needs of children ages 16 months through 4 years, focuses on the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The core curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, is available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org  or visit www.savannahjea.org .

JEA Preschool Savannah, 5111 Abercorn St., Savannah, www.savannahjea.org, 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org  JEA Preschool is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Book a babysitter or pet sitter today with Guardian Angels Sitting Service . Try their services for the first time with no daily fee! The $10 daily fee will be waived. This offer is valid one time only. Hourly fees and mileage still apply. This deal is available now thru the end of April 30.

Visit Guardian Angels Sitting Service website by clicking here to reserve your sitter today !

Guardian Angels Sitting Service is a local babysitting, pet sitting and elderly sitting referral agency. They are licensed, bonded and insured in multiple locations, from Cape May to Atlantic City NJ and Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, and Charleston area. Guardian Angels is also located in Savannah.

Guardian Angel babysitters are infant and Child CPR-certified and are background checked. All sitters also provide personal, childcare and employer reference checks. Sitters are available on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis.

“Like” Guardian Angels Sitting Service on Facebook here. Learn more about how Guardian Angel Sitting Services works on YouTube here.

Guardian Angels Sitting Service, serving Savannah, Hilton Head Is., Bluffton & beyond, www.guardianangelssittingservice.com/, Toll Free Phone/Fax: 877-470-4277, Local: 843-681-4277, email SCinfo@guardianangelssittingservice.com Guardian Angels Sitting Service is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah (formerly the Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens) pick-your-own strawberry fields are open, weather permitting! More info here.

Call 912-912-921-5460 to confirm the fields have not been temporarily closed due to being picked out.

Best time to pick is 9 AM, before it gets too hot and before the field is over-picked.

HOURS: Open for picking, 9 AM-4 PM Mondays through Saturdays, closed on Sundays. Please call ahead to make sure fields have not temporarily closed.

COST: $2 per pound. Containers provided. Bring cash.

The gardens have picnic tables scattered around the grounds if you want to make a picnic out of your strawberry picking.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is at 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA 31419. For directions, click here.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, 31419. Please call 912-921-5460 for information, www.coastalgeorgiabg.org  On Facebook here

2013 Kids Pottery and Sculpture Classes & Summer Camp Offerings @ Tiffany Drabek Studio in Ardsley Park, Savannah

Take a sculpture or pottery class to learn something new…or continue a flourishing hobby! Classes are centrally located @ Tiffany Drabek Studio in Midtown Savannah.

The sculpture classes include instruction in different hand building techniques such as coiling, slab work, pinching, carving, and bas-relief designs. The pottery instruction involves learning how to center the clay on the wheel, how to make plates, bowls and cylinders, and how to attach handles and make surface designs. At the end of the session children will apply either underglaze paints or glazes to complete their work with a splash of color. All work will be finished with a gloss glaze and fired.

The fees include all materials and firings. The work will be available for pick up after all of the firings have been done. Please call or email Tiffany with any questions or to register. To complete registration, please send a $20 deposit to Tiffany Drabek to the address below. The balance of the tuition will be due at the first class. $10 off total family tuition if an additional sibling signs up. For more information and registration contact: tiffanydrabek@gmail.com  .

Spring Classes:
Sculpture $84
6 Tuesdays April 16-May 28(skip May 7 for Testing) from 3:00-4:00 P.M. (ages 4 and up)

Pottery $130
7 Wednesdays April 17-May 29 from 3:30-5:00 P.M. (ages 7 and up)

Summer Camp Pottery and Sculpture Classes:

Pottery Session 1 $95
Monday-Friday, June 10-14, 9:30-11:00 A.M. (ages 7 and up)

Pottery Session 2 $95
Monday-Friday, June 24-28, 9:30-11 A.M. (ages 7 and up)
Note: $10 off total tuition if student registers for both summer pottery sessions

Sculpture $70
Monday-Friday, July 15-19, 9:30-10:30 A.M. (ages 4 and up)

If you are looking for an ALL-TEENS class, email Tiffany tiffanydrabek@gmail.com
& she’ll arrange a class

About Tiffany Drabek: Tiffany is a local potter and ceramic sculptor. She has a BA in Art and French from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and has been working in her medium since graduation in Dec. ’91. In Savannah, she has been teaching clay classes to adults and children since 1999, and she has specifically taught home school students pottery, sculpture, and art history since 2001. She offers pottery birthday parties throughout the year to children as well as adults. She home schools her three boys and is the Director of the Classical Conversations Savannah home school community.

Tiffany Drabek Studio, 215 East 64th Street Savannah, 31405 tel. (912) 692-0659 email tiffanydrabek@gmail.com   www.tiffanydrabekdesigns.com Tiffany Drabek Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Savannah College of Art and Design will host its 32nd annual Sidewalk Arts Festival 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 27, in Forsyth Park, between Whitaker and Drayton streets.

An imaginative, family-friendly FREE event, the festival is synonymous with spring in the heart of the historic district and draws thousands of visitors to view the temporary chalk masterpieces created by SCAD students, alumni and prospective students.

Entries in student, alumni and prospective student categories are judged during the chalk-art competition and monetary prizes are awarded at the end of the event.

The festival will be preceded by two nights of Films in Forsyth, which feature family-friendly films shown on the big screen of the park’s band shell. Disney’s “Wreck-it Ralph” will show 8 p.m., Thursday, April 25, and the original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” will show 8 p.m., Friday, April 26.

In addition, the Sidewalk Arts Festival includes areas for children and young artists and musical entertainment throughout the day. Food from local vendors will be available for purchase during the event. The festivities are held in conjunction with SCAD Alumni Weekend 2013. All events are free and open to the public.

Allied Barton, Dixon Ticonderoga, Bahama Joe’s, Bebe Blinds and Coca-Cola generously support the 32nd annual Sidewalk Arts Festival.

More info here.

Bull Street Baptist Church is hosting a special event, ‘God on Marriage and Family’ with speaker Dr. Daniel Akin (president of Southeastern Theological Seminary).

The event will be Saturday, May 11th, from 3pm-8pm. Cost is $20 per person, and $5 for child care (per child). Dinner is included.

Dr. Daniel Akin will be speaking on topics such as: ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’, ‘Fanning the Flames of Romance’, ‘Keys for Effective Communication’ and a few others.

The event is open to the public. To register, visit the church web site by clicking here or by coming to the church office @ 17 E. Anderson St. Savannah, 31401, M-F, 10a-5p.

Bull Street Baptist Church, 17 E. Anderson St. Savannah, 31401 tel. (912) 236-1511, www.bullstreet.org. Bull Street Baptist Church is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Savannah’s Women In Business Expo is currently partnering with local businesses in the Greater Savannah Area for the premier event ticket sales.

Your organization name will be listed on the Savannah’s Women In Business Expo Event website, fan page, and event flyers as a place where attendees and guest can purchase tickets. In return, 50% of tickets sales will be given to you for partnering and participating with the premier event. This can also be used as a great fundraiser for your organization!
Example: (40) Ticket Sales = $200.00
Example: (60) Ticket Sales = $400.00
Example: (80) Ticket Sales = $600.00

The Savannah’s Women In Business Expo will take place at the Hyatt Regency in the downtown Savannah.

Check out the website at www.SavWomenInBusinessExpo.com for more great details about how you can participate.

Savannah’s Women In Business Expo Event, 1-877-WIB-EXPO or email womeninbusinessexpo@yahoo.com, www.savwomeninbusinessexpo.com

At Fort Pulaski, free admission days for National Park Week (April 22-26). More info here.

2013 Fee Free Days

There are no entrance fees charged on these days.

April 22-26
National Park Week

August 25
National Park Service Birthday

September 28
National Public Lands Day

November 9-11
Veterans Day weekend

From Interstate I-95, take Exit 99 onto Interstate I-16 East (James L Gillis Memorial Hwy) for 7 miles.
Take Exit 164A onto Interstate I-516 East toward US-80 East.
Take Exit 3 (US-17 S/US-80 E) toward US-80 East.
Turn left onto Ocean Highway, Ogeechee Rd (US-17 N, US-80 East).
Bear right onto West Victory Drive (US-80 East).
Continue on US-80 East for 13 miles.