Photo by Nathan Jones

Get your peacock feather decorations ready for the Flannery O’Connor Homemade Parade and Garden Party.

This celebration of acclaimed author and Savannah native Flannery O’Connor’s birthday will offer family-friendly fun. Participation is encouraged. Hats and period costume are optional.

Homemade Parade festivities in Lafayette Square will include face painting, sign painting and photo portraits. The Garden Party at the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home will feature Southern-inspired hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a peacock calling contest.

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 2013
Homemade Parade festivities start at 3 p.m. in Lafayette Square
Parade begins at 3:30 p.m. in Lafayette Square
Garden Party from 4-6 p.m. at the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home

WHERE: Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home
207 E. Charlton Street
Savannah, Georgia

NOTE: $25 donation requested for the Garden Party. $5 for children.
Garden Party RSVP appreciated – please call 912.233.6014 or email flanneryoconnorhome@gmail.com . The Homemade Parade is free and open to the public.

ABOUT FLANNERY O’CONNOR:
Flannery O’Connor was born in Savannah, Georgia on March 25, 1925 and is the author of the acclaimed novels Wise Blood and The Violent Bear It Away, as well as 32 short stories and numerous essays. Perhaps best known as a pioneering Southern gothic author who often wrote about morally flawed characters, O’Connor remains an important voice in American literature. She lived in Savannah until 1938 and drew inspiration from her childhood experiences in Georgia’s First City until her death from lupus in Milledgeville, Georgia on August 3, 1964. She received the National Book Award for Fiction posthumously in 1972 for The Collected Stories of Flannery O’Connor.

ABOUT THE FLANNERY O’CONNOR CHILDHOOD HOME:
The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home, located at 207 E. Charlton Street in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of one of the South’s greatest writers. An established 501 3(C) nonprofit organization, the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home has been meticulously restored to reflect the authentic period furnishings of a Depression-Era Savannah rowhouse and to offer insight into the years that O’Connor lived in Savannah, from 1925 to 1938. The Home proudly presents a series of free lectures each spring and fall as well as other events throughout the year. For more information, please visit www.flanneryoconnorhome.org  or call 912.233.6014.

Welcome the Easter Bunny as he arrives @ Savannah Mall on March 9 2013 and get a sneak peak of Stroller Strides of Savannah’s newest program – Stroller Barre.

With your children in tow, join Stroller Strides this Sat. March 9 as Stroller Strides of Savannah teams up with The Savannah Mall to make the Easter Bunny feel loved and welcome in our city. Families will have the opportunity to have their children’s pictures taken with the Easter Bunny, photos will be available for purchase.

Along with meeting the Easter Bunny, Stroller Strides of Savannah will be offering participants the opportunity to be among the first in the nation to experience the latest fitness craze all moms are talking about- Stroller Barre.

Stroller Barre is a combination of pilates, ballet, and barre techniques all rolled into one class. It was created by Stroller Strides and can only be found through Stroller Strides® programs. This class will be offered FREE. Pregnant women, moms and dads with stroller aged children, grandparents, aunts and uncles, all are welcome to attend. The class is for people of all fitness levels. The only equipment you will need is your stroller.

Stroller Strides® is taught by instructors certified in pre and post natal fitness, with adult and child CPR training.

Join Stroller Strides of Savannah and the Easter Bunny at the Savannah Mall on Saturday, March 9th at 10:30 am for this unique experience.

For more information check out “Stroller Strides of Savannah” on Facebook, email natalialucero@fit4mom.com  or call Natalia Lucero at (910)987-5943.

Make sure to check back to learn more about our upcoming exclusive Stroller Barre classes, created and owned by Stroller Strides®.

For more information contact: Natalia Lucero at natalialucero@strollerstrides.net , visit www.strollerstrides.com or facebook Stroller Strides of Savannah at https://www.facebook.com/StrollerStridesOfSavannah. Stroller Strides of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School Open House
6 PM Tuesday, March 5 2013. The application window closes on March 8 and the school’s lottery is March 18.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a popular, well-loved Montessori Learning Community serving children three years old through 5th grade that is now accepting online applications for the Pre-K3 through 5th grade for the 2013-14 school year.

If you would like more information on enrolling your child please contact the school office at 912-238-1973 or visit the school website at www.cemco.org .

The internationally-recognized Montessori method of teaching helps children reach their full potential in all areas of life by teaching them to take responsibility for their own learning. Montessori learning activities promote the development of critical-thinking skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination. The Montessori method of education has long been seen as an approach that successfully meets children’s individual needs while teaching them to become contributing citizens to our society.

An Organized Environment

The entire school is set up to support the child’s self-directed learning. Together, the teacher and student form a relationship based on trust and respect that fosters self-confidence and a willingness to try and explore new things.
Highly-Trained Teachers

The Montessori teacher functions as a facilitator, resource person, role model, demonstrator, record-keeper, and meticulous observer of each child’s behavior and growth. At Coastal Empire, all teachers are Montessori-trained and Georgia elementary teacher-certified.
Proven Teaching Methodology

At Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, children are provided a basis for critical and abstract thinking through activity-based education. Montessori educational practices are characterized by:
• Child-centered rather than teacher-directed
• Hands-on and activity oriented as opposed to textbook curriculum
• Based on continuous progress
• Self-directed with a control-of-error system
• Based on recognition of progress as opposed to numerical grades
• Dynamic in that children are encouraged to move around and make choices of activities
• Set on a three-year age span of children within the classroom; older children teach younger children, building self-esteem and a sense of community
• Materials are introduced through individualized instruction; Montessori teachers help children to take responsibility for their own learning
• Emphasis is on concrete learning that leads to the abstraction of concepts and skills
• Children working for the joy of working and the sense of discovery
• An environment that provides a natural sense of discipline.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, supported by the Montessori philosophy and method, educates the Whole Child. By nurturing the total development of the child and fostering respect for self, peers, community, and nature, the child will be prepared to take their place in society and work toward a peaceful world.

For more information on Montessori Education please visit the following websites:
www.montessori-ami.org (Association Montessori International)
www.amshq.org (American Montessori Society)

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, 301 Buckhalter Rd., Savannah, 31405, (912)238-1973, www.cemco.org  Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

A favorite FREE Savannah Easter tradition, the Chick Hatchery, starts Wed. March 27 and runs through Fri. March 29 indoors in the Macy’s Court at Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah.

The hatchery is open mall hours starting at 10 AM.
Free

Kids of all ages can watch the chicks and ducks emerge from their eggs and hold a newly hatched chick.
For more than two decades, Chatham County Cooperative Extension has run the hands-on display hatchery during the Easter season.
(912) 652-7981

Oglethorpe Mall indoor courtyard, 7804 Abercorn St # 10, Savannah, GA, 31406-3502

FOR MORE LOCAL EASTER EGG HUNTS & KID-FRIENDLY EASTER EVENTS & , CLICK HERE.

You’re invited: Spring Garden Festival & Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday March 23rd, 2013, 9am – 4pm @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 2 Canebrake, Road, Savannah, GA. 31419

Cost $5 per car parking; $2 per child for the Easter Egg Hunt

If you would like to be a vendor, please call (912) 921-5460

FOR MORE LOCAL EASTER EGG HUNTS & KID-FRIENDLY EASTER EVENTS & , CLICK HERE.

EASTER BLAST
March 30 2013 – Saturday @ Skidaway Is. State Park , 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, 31411

1.00pm – 3.00pm Bring the Whole Family for a day filled with hayrides, games and crafts. Easter egg hunt starting at 1.00pm. Easter egg hunt is $2.00 per child.

FOR MORE LOCAL EASTER EGG HUNTS & KID-FRIENDLY EASTER EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Spring Carnival & Easter Egg Hunt for New Covenant Church and Preschool, Hull Park, Savannah
Activities include egg hunts, games, prizes, food and more. A day of family fun you will be sure to enjoy.
11 AM-2 PM Sat. March 23 2013
@ Hull Park (Corner of 55th St. and Atlantic Ave.)
FREE and open to the public. All are welcome!
(912) 232-7012 or 232-5658.

FOR MORE LOCAL EASTER EGG HUNTS & KID-FRIENDLY EASTER EVENTS & , CLICK HERE.

Easter Egg Hunt at Jaycee Park on Tybee Island
FREE
Jaycee Park is at the intersection of Campbell Rd. on Van Horne Avenue, Tybee Island, GA, United States, 31328
For ages infant to 10 years old. Various hunts done by ages groups. FREE and open to the public! Sponsored by the American Legion. For more info, call Gene Kindrick 912.657.4767. The Easter Egg Hunt starts promptly at 1 PM Sat. March 23 2013.

FOR MORE LOCAL EASTER EGG HUNTS & KID-FRIENDLY EASTER EVENTS & , CLICK HERE.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People will do FREE face painting at the Savannah International Trade Center on Hutchinson Island, Savannah for the 11th annual Boat Show for any kids that come with their parents to the event on either Saturday March 2 2013 from 11 AM to 4 PM or Sunday March 3 2013 from 12 to 4 PM.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. The Puppet Place is also an ideal spot to host children’s birthday parties! Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

 Savannah Danse Theatre is performing Sleeping Beauty March 2 at 7:00 PM at the Trustee’s Theatre, 216 E. Broughton St. downtown Savannah.

JEA Preschool Savannah will host a Meet & Greet for prospective parents and caregivers on Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m.

The new preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, will open to children ages 16 months to 4 years in August 2013. Enrollment is now open.

During the Meet & Greet, attendees will have an opportunity to meet the director Jodi Sadler and teachers, learn about a typical preschool day, and view architectural renderings of new classrooms and an outdoor learning space, which are currently under development.

Free childcare will be available during the presentation. Healthy snacks will be served. 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. Enrollment is now open. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org  or visit www.savannahjea.org .

Add this to your list of fun things to do with the kids this weekend: A-town Festival.

A-Town Get Down Festival in Savannah celebrates arts & crafts, music on Sat. March 2 at the Charles H. Morris Center, 10 E. Broad St., downtown Savannah, 31401. Free for kids younger than 12.

All proceeds are donated to the A-Town Foundation, dedicated to celebrating & promoting the power of art & music as transformative.

To learn more, visit Scribble Art Studio Web site by clicking here or call 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com .

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler also offers private & group art classes, adult art parties. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates . For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People  will do FREE face painting at the Savannah International Trade Center on Hutchinson Island, Savannah for the 11th annual Boat Show for any kids that come with their parents to the event on either Saturday March 2 2013 from 11 AM to 4 PM or Sunday March 3 2013 from 12 to 4 PM.

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. The Puppet Place is also an ideal spot to host children’s birthday parties! Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

 Coastal Kids Market,  Spring 2013 Sale is March 6 (preview party) through March 9 @ Coastal Crossing (near Spanky’s), 1215 Hwy 80, Pooler, GA 31322

SALE DATES & TIMES

Wednesday,March 6th,6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Preview Party) Volunteer hour at 5:00pm & Charity Power 1/2 hour at 5:30pm)-details to come Thursday, March 7th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Charity Hour 5:00 pm) Friday, March 8th, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday, March 9th, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (some items 50% off)-New extended hours!

Visit the CKM Facebook page here.

If you any questions, please contact Allison @ contacts@coastalkidsmarket.com

Coastal Kids Market, Upscale Spring 2013 Consignment Sale is March 6-9 , Pooler, GA, http://coastalkidsmarket.com/ (912) 655-4686, email contacts@coastalkidsmarket.com Coastal Coastal Kids Market is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Stroller Strides of Savannah will continue to hold classes at JF Gregory Park in Richmond Hill.

Classes are held Monday – Saturday at 9:30 am and Monday-Friday evenings.

Check out their facebook page ” Stroller Strides of Savannah” and see the wonderful things that have been happening at JF Gregory Park since their grand opening in October, 2012.

For more information, please email Natalia Lucero at natalialucero@strollerstrides.net  or call Natalia at (910) 987-5943.

For more information contact: Natalia Lucero at natalialucero@strollerstrides.net , visit www.strollerstrides.com or facebook Stroller Strides of Savannah at https://www.facebook.com/StrollerStridesOfSavannah. Stroller Strides of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

10×10, a global movement that educates and empowers girls, is working to bring the groundbreaking film ‘Girl Rising’ to Savannah, but your help is needed.

The anticipated film spotlights the stories of nine unforgettable girls born into unforgiving circumstances. Directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins and narrated by Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, Salma Hayek, Alicia Keyes, among others.

Watch the trailer by clicking here.

‘Girl Rising’ is being shown in hundreds of theaters around the country and is scheduled to be screening at the Regal Savannah on March 10, 2013 at 5pm – but only if tickets are reserved in advance by the 3rd.

Click here for more info on ticketing.

Will you please join in the campaign and help empower millions of girls?

You can also find an event page on Facebook here.

Don’t forget: Stroller Strong Moms of Savannah expands to Richmond Hill with their grand opening class tomorrow Feb. 28 in J.F. Gregory Park. These new Tues & Thurs classes in Richmond Hill are in addition to the 9:30 AM Mon. Wed & Fri classes in Forsyth Park in Savannah.

First class is free: Classes are: Mon, Wed & Fri 9:30-10:30 Forsyth Park & NEW LOCATION starting Feb. 28 2013: Tues & Thurs JF Gregory Park in Richmond Hill.

Stroller Strong Moms in Savannah is so excited to announce its newest instructor, Kelli Berger. The instructor team is looking forward to expanding locations in March to reach more Stroller Strong Moms out there! More info to follow. Check out Kelli’s bio by clicking here.

Please join Stroller Strong Moms for class and their March playgroup on March 4th at Forsyth Park immediately following class. They will be celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a Dr. Seuss themed playgroup! The kids are going to have a blast! Kids of all ages are welcome!

See the Stroller Strong Moms facebook page for more info. Stay connected by “liking” Stroller Strong Moms on Facebook by clicking here.

Stroller Strong Moms, 12 East Park Ave. Savannah, 31401, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com , www.strollerstrongmoms.com Stroller Strong Moms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Add this to your list of fun things to do with the kids this weekend: A-town Festival.

A-Town Get Down Festival in Savannah celebrates arts & crafts, music on Sat. March 2 at the Charles H. Morris Center, 10 E. Broad St., downtown Savannah, 31401. Free for kids younger than 12.

All proceeds are donated to the A-Town Foundation, dedicated to celebrating & promoting the power of art & music as transformative.

To learn more, visit Scribble Art Studio Web site by clicking here or call 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com .

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler also offers private & group art classes, adult art parties. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates . For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Wee Ones Consignment Event in Rincon is this week!

Dates to shop & save at the Spring 2013 Wee Ones Sale are:
11 AM-7 PM Thurs. Feb. 28
11 AM-7 PM Fri. March 1
10 AM-2 PM Sat. March 2 with select items 1/2 off.

The popular seasonal sale is just 1.5 miles from previous location, off of Goshen Rd. in Rincon beside Grace Community Church. Click here for all the details

Wee Ones is a seasonal consignment event taking place twice a year. Wee Ones offers a friendly, clean, organized store where you can shop for children’s items. They specialize in upscale, boutique quality gently loved clothing sizes newborn-12/14, shoes, toys, equipment, books & a nice selection of NEW smocked apparel and hairbows at an affordable price!

Thanks for supporting Wee Ones as they head into their 7th consignment event.

Wee Ones will accept CASH, Credit & Debit cards. Due to fees there will be a $20 purchase min. to use a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard & Discover).

Wee Ones Consignment Event, GLOW Ministry Building OFF of GOSHEN Rd. (1.5 miles from previous location/HWY 21 & Goshen); next to GRACE Community Church, behind the soceer fields on Goshen Rd. Just minutes from I-95, exit 109. For directions, click here or email weeonessale@windstream.net Wee Ones is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Wee Ones Consignment Event in Rincon is this week!

Dates to shop & save at the Spring 2013 Wee Ones Sale are:
11 AM-7 PM Thurs. Feb. 28
11 AM-7 PM Fri. March 1
10 AM-2 PM Sat. March 2 with select items 1/2 off.

The popular seasonal sale is just 1.5 miles from previous location, off of Goshen Rd. in Rincon beside Grace Community Church. Click here for all the details

Wee Ones is a seasonal consignment event taking place twice a year. Wee Ones offers a friendly, clean, organized store where you can shop for children’s items. They specialize in upscale, boutique quality gently loved clothing sizes newborn-12/14, shoes, toys, equipment, books & a nice selection of NEW smocked apparel and hairbows at an affordable price!

Thanks for supporting Wee Ones as they head into their 7th consignment event.

Wee Ones will accept CASH, Credit & Debit cards. Due to fees there will be a $20 purchase min. to use a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard & Discover).

Wee Ones Consignment Event, GLOW Ministry Building OFF of GOSHEN Rd. (1.5 miles from previous location/HWY 21 & Goshen); next to GRACE Community Church, behind the soceer fields on Goshen Rd. Just minutes from I-95, exit 109. For directions, click here or email weeonessale@windstream.net Wee Ones is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

High Cotton Kids is Savannah’s biggest upscale resale shopping event and THE place to find high-end boutique children’s brand clothing sizes 0-12, bedding, furniture, toys, baby equipment, maternity clothing and more at a fraction of the retail price. New merchandise will also be available from several local retailers.

There will be 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 spring and summer.

Come to High Cotton Kids’ Shop for a Cause Presale this Thursday, February 28 from 5-6 PM. High Cotton Kids is partnering with The Next Generation for the Children’s Hospital at Memorial to help brighten the day of a child in the hospital. They will be collecting gift cards to be used for birthday celebrations and/or end-of- chemotherapy parties. Please bring your gift cards from Target, Wal-Mart or Toys-R-Us and shop one hour early, before the show opens to the public! Minimum amount of $5 is requested and more is greatly appreciated! Monetary donations of $5 or more will also be accepted at the door as your entry pass.

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

Thursday, February 28

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, March 1

9:00 am – 3:00 PM Open to the Public

Saturday, March 2

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

High Cotton Kids Consignment Event, 706 Mall Boulevard, Formerly Seeds of Faith Bookstore, February 28-March 2, 2013, www.highcottonkids.com,  High Cotton Kids is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Repticon Savannah Reptile & Exotic Animal Show
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., March 2-3, 2013
@ Savannah Conference Hotel, 301 Governor Treutlen Drive, Pooler, GA 31322
Admission: Adults – $10, Children (5-12) – $5, 4 & under – Free
www.repticon.com/savannah.html
tel: 863.268.4273
Repticon is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages and merchandise. Participate in free raffles held for enthusiasts and live animal seminars for the whole family.

First Friday Fireworks on the River
9:30 p.m. April 5, 2013
@ Historic River Street
Free and open to the public.
www.riverstreetsavannah.com/
912.234.0295

Celebrate the end of the week and the beginning of a new month with fireworks and River Street fun!

On Fri. March 1 2013, Savannah Danse Theatre is offering a school show at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM for area children @ Trustee’s Theatre, 216 E. Broughton St., Savannah.

The ballet is very kid friendly! Because this is a special event, Savannah Danse Theatre is offering these shows for only $5 per ticket. Reservations are required by calling 912-897.2102

Savannah Danse Theatre is performing Sleeping Beauty March 2 at 7:00 at the Trustee’s Theatre. Evening performances are regularly priced.