Stroller Strides® of Savannah  – a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies – will offer classes at JF Gregory Park in Richmond Hill starting in October.

Richmond Hill classes – which include power walking and intervals of strength training – will be on MWF at 9:30 am and will begin Monday Oct. 1, 2012 .

Classes are designed for all moms with any level of exercise. Certified instructors will guide you through exercises that will strengthen your bodies and give you the energy you need for the awesome gift of motherhood.

Classes already being held in Savannah

Savannah Classes are 8 AM Tuesdays & Thursdays at Lake Mayer. The first class is free and Stroller Strides of Savannah will offer a special discount if you mention you heard about Stroller Strides of Savannah on SouthernMamas.com!

How can I sign up ?

Register for your free class by clicking here and see all the different class packages offered, by clicking on the “More Info” button in one of the class boxes on the left. You can sign up for any class package when you show up for class, with your instructor.

What if my baby is fussy?

Stroller Strides of Savannah welcomes babies from 6 weeks to any age. Babies are Stroller Strides’ priority, so don’t worry if yours is fussy!

What should I bring to class?

* Water
* A towel, blanket or yoga mat for ab exercises and stretching
* A hat and/or sunscreen
* Anything you may think your baby needs ( snacks, bottles, sippy cups, toys, potty training toilet)
* A stroller ( any stroller will do as long as it does not tip over)

What should I wear to class ?
Wear something comfortable that you can move ( power walk,jog, stretch) easily in. Please make sure that you have comfortable tennis shoes on.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to class so you don’t get left behind.

On Facebook

Stay connected with Stroller Strides Savannah and learn about new classes & updates by liking them on Facebook here.

Stroller Strides of Savannah, contact Natalia Lucero at (910) 987-5943, email natalialucero@strollerstrides.net , http://classes.strollerstrides.net/savannah/location/index.aspx Stroller Strides of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Petite Feet – Savannah’s children’s shoe and accessories boutique – now has John Deere children’s boots. Just arrived!

Toddlers size 6 to an adolescent size 6. Boy’s and Girl’s boot.

Petite Feet also now has UGG boots in stock for toddlers and kids.

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. The boutique has hard-to-find sizes. And you don’ t have to fight for parking spot. Petite Feet at 5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix is in a super convenient location with easy in-and-out parking. The kid-friendly store even has puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

But best of all are the popular brands Petite Feet carries – all the ones you’ve been searching for, but have a tough time finding in our area: UGG boots for toddlers and kids; Lilly Kelly, Keen, Merrell, Michael Kors, Morgan & Milo, Naturino, Ralph Lauren, Robeez, Roxy, Sanita, See Kai Run, Simple, Sketchers, Sperry Top-Sider, Teva and many more.

Visit their website at www.petitefeetsavannah.com for more brands and information.

Petite Feet, 5521 Abercorn Street, Savannah, 31405, www.petitefeetsavannah.com, Petite Feet is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

In honor of pregnancy and infant loss awareness, The Zoe Foundation will host the annual “Walk to Remember” Sat. Oct. 13 2012 @ Forsyth Park Registration: 9 AM Event Time: 10 AM to noon

This Family Event is FREE and open to the public. Pre-Registration is recommended: Call or e-mail: 912.508.1858 / kayla@zoe-foundation.org.

This year’s event will feature: music; balloon release to remember babies; memorial walk around Forsyth Park.

Free and open to the public. Donations accepted.

The Zoe Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that offers financial and emotional support to families who have endured the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, chromosomal disorders, SIDS, accidents or other causes. The Zoe Foundation believes that even the smallest life is precious and deserves a proper memorial. Everyone who has experenced a similar loss or knows someone who has is invited to get connected with The Zoe Foundation.

The annual popular fundraiser for The Next Generation will be held at a new spot this year: The Barbeque, Brews + Bluegrass event will be at Villa Maria Center, 6 Dolan Drive in Isle of Hope on Oct. 7!

Last year’s event raised $50,000 for The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. Obviously, this is a way to make a difference AND have some family fun.

When: Sunday, October 7, 3-7pm Villa Marie Center, 6 Dolan Drive in Isle of Hope, Savannah, GA

Music: The Jimmy Wolling Bluegrass Band and The Marshall Brothers Activities:

Activities: Face Painting, Bouncy Houses, Pumpkin Patch, Dunking Booth and more!

Food: Available to purchase from The Smokin’ Pig BBQ & Brain Freeze Treats Italian Ice.

Beverages: Cash Bar for Beer + Wine (no coolers); free Coca-Cola products & kids’ drinks.

Tickets: $20 per person (Kids 12 & under are FREE!).

Pumpkins and Pictures for purchase in the Pumpkin Patch provided by Lyn Bonham Photography and Ella’s. Please click here to purchase tickets in advance! Questions? contact info@nextgenerationsavannah.com

The annual popular fundraiser for The Next Generation will be held at a new spot this year: The Barbeque, Brews + Bluegrass event will be at Villa Maria Center, 6 Dolan Drive in Isle of Hope on Oct. 7!

Last year’s event raised $50,000 for The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. Obviously, this is a way to make a difference AND have some family fun.

When: Sunday, October 7, 3-7pm Villa Marie Center, 6 Dolan Drive in Isle of Hope, Savannah, GA

Music: The Jimmy Wolling Bluegrass Band and The Marshall Brothers Activities:

Activities: Face Painting, Bouncy Houses, Pumpkin Patch, Dunking Booth and more!

Food: Available to purchase from The Smokin’ Pig BBQ & Brain Freeze Treats Italian Ice.

Beverages: Cash Bar for Beer + Wine (no coolers); free Coca-Cola products & kids’ drinks.

Tickets: $20 per person (Kids 12 & under are FREE!).

Pumpkins and Pictures for purchase in the Pumpkin Patch provided by Lyn Bonham Photography and Ella’s. Please click here to purchase tickets in advance! Questions? contact info@nextgenerationsavannah.com

Savannah Baby Co  has more new furniture is on it’s way.  To make room:  All floor model cribs, gliders, and dressers are on sale 15% off.  Offer is good through Monday September 24, 2012.  Plus all sandals and summer shoes are 35% off

“Like” the Savannah Baby Co. Facebook page here to stay updated on sales & deals!

Scribble Art Studio has a new Pooler location which will offer more children’s art classes in the area.

For the full schedule, click here.

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.

To register or more information, (912)665-4199 or email kate@ganeshasplace or Jaime@LittleLightsYoga.com

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

UPDATE: Winner is Kristen Schlabs!!!

This week, a SouthernMamas.com reader will win a $25 gift certificate to High Cotton Kids 2012 Fall/Winter consignment event, held Sept. 27-29 in Savannah.

To enter to win, like High Cotton Kids on Facebook here. Then answer this question on their FB wall: What bargain do you most hope to find at this season’s HCK sale? (i.e. Thanksgiving outfit for your toddler, art work for your nursery, maternity clothes, a stroller, a great deal on a boutique item from a local vendor?) Deadline to enter is 9 PM Sun. Sept. 23. We’ll pick a name at random & announce it here.

Come shop consignment at it’s 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! Savannah’s biggest upscale resale shopping event will include 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 vendors. 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.

Do you want to shop early for the best selection? Come to Shop for a Cause Presale  on Thursday, September 27th from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. High Cotton Kids is partnering with The Next Generation at Memorial Health Backus Children’s Hospital 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 to Target, Walmart 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. Join The Next Generation now and receive two Preview Party tickets!

Consignor registration  is open now through Sunday, September 23rd! Clean out and cash in, consignors keep 60-70% of your sales! Bring your gently loved children’s items to our consignment showroom and let us do the selling. High Cotton Kids also accepts high end maternity clothing, children’s furniture, art work, baby and nursery necessities (ie. bouncers, exercausers, etc.), strollers, toys, books, dvds and more. For a complete list of items that HCK accepts and does not accept, click here.

High Cotton Kids Fall & Winter 2012 Show Hours
706 Mall Boulevard (formerly Seeds of Faith Bookstore)

Thursday, September 27th 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
*Military and Expecting/First Time Moms with Children under 12months of age may register with us for early entry during the presale by emailing  info@highcottonkids.com .

Friday, September 28th 9:00 am – 3:00pm
Saturday, September 29th 9:00 am – 1:00pm (Select items will be 40% OFF)

High Cotton Kids thanks it’s sponsors The Monogram Place & Robyn’s Nest , Pediatric Dentistry , JPaige, Classic Kids  and Christine Hall Photography . Stay connected and get updates about the event by liking High Cotton Kids on Facebook here .

Hilton Head Is. Italian Heritage Festival

Shelter Cove Community Park

11:30 AM-4 PM Sat. Sept. 22 A celebration of Italian culture with food, entertainment, contests, a cooking stage, bocce ball tournament. Hosted by the Italian-American Club of Hilton Head Is. & the Island Rec. Center.

Looking for a new career that might jive better with your mommy schedule?

Check out Armstrong’s College of Education’s Become a Teacher information session, intended to help jump-start a teaching career for bachelor’s degree holders in all stages of life.
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6-7p.m.
WHERE:
The Armstrong Center
13040 Abercorn St.
Savannah, Ga. 31419
CONTACT:
Greg Dziuban
Graduate Admission Coordinator, College of Education
912.344.2568
greg.dziuban@armstrong.edu
MORE INFORMATION:
For individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any major who want to become certified teachers, Armstrong’s College of Education can make that happen through the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) or post-baccalaureate, non-degree teacher certification programs.

Armstrong offers individuals the opportunity to become certified to teach in early childhood education (pre-school through fifth grade), middle grades education (fourth through eighth grade), special education and seven specific subject areas: art, biology, English, history, math, music and Spanish.

The Become a Teacher information session will address the paths to certification, the application process and financial aid. Attendees will be able to ask questions and receive individual attention.

The public is invited to the Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School Fall Celebration at Bamboo Farm & Gardens, Savannah
Games, face painting, inflatables, rock climbing, contests, raffle, Karate Demonstration, music, food court and much more!
When: Sat. Nov 17th 11am to 4pm
Where: Bamboo Farms on Canebrake Road off Hwy 17 in Savannah Ga
Cost: $10 for wrist band to jump all day, $2 admission for Adults & babies. More for raffles, food and drinks.

2 Canebrake Rd
Savannah, Georgia 31419

We love this creative idea for a children’s birthday, party or fall festival: a photo booth.

Dream Weaver Photos & Dream Weaver Photo booth is perfect for any party, event, birthday or get together!

Price includes: Personalized photo strips, double prints, attendant, props, disk of images, set up/delivery and all taxes and travel in Savannah!

Dream Weaver special for SouthernMamas.com readers: mention you read about the photo booth on SouthernMamas.com & receive a Free scrapbook with any purchase (this is a $100 value which usually has to be a 4-hour rental).

Call or visit Dream Weaver Photos website for details! www.DreamWeaverPhotobooth.com , www.DreamWeaverPhotos.com  912-443-9097 or 912-484-7990, email Jamie@dreamweaverphotos.com

Dream Weaver Photos & Dream Weaver Photo Booth, www.DreamWeaverPhotobooth.com , www.DreamWeaverPhotos.com  912-443-9097 or 912-484-7990, email, Jamie@dreamweaverphotos.com Dream Weaver Photo & Photo Booth are SouthernMamas.com advertisers.

Come out to Hunter Cattle September 29th from 10am to 2pm to set up as a vendor or just enjoy local goodies at this free event! This is a great opportunity to meet local farmers and learn about backyard homesteading! Bring the family and enjoy the farm.

The Burger Barn will be open! Prices range from $5-$10.

Photographing children is Alison Epps passion and something that she truly believes should be done often during their first fleeting years of life.

Alison, owner of Alison Epps Photography in Savannah, absolutely loves capturing their sweet innocence and hilarious expressions that need to be documented before they grow up too fast.

Professional photographs of your new baby and child will forever preserve those delicate and precious moments that you cherish.

Alison has collected so many wonderful and creative props over the years. Allowing moms to choose from these props adds uniqueness and fun to their child’s session. Not to mention the props are ADORABLE!

Alison’s props include hats and headbands, angel wings, vintage wagon, a french bathtub, teddy bears and matching hats, ornate gypsy background (with matching romper and headband for 6mo-3yr), and a variety of beautiful baskets.

And moms, you are encouraged to bring your own props and ideas as well.

Some of our favorite pictures of children are not of forced poses and smiles. Alison thinks it’s important to encourage an environment where little ones are free to play and run and jump and laugh. Allowing this freedom gives Alison the chance to photograph the expression of your child’s personality…..plus…. it’s really FUN!!!

Not only will she capture wonderful portraits of your child but they will have a great time and memorable experience together.

Please “like” Alison Epps Photography on Facebook here to stay connected about updates & specials.

What all is included in an Alison Epps Photography newborn or child’s portrait session?

On location shoots
A large variety of timeless props
1-2 hours of photography
In-person portrait ordering session
Retouching of proofs

Alison Epps Photography, 912-349-9971, www.alisonepps.com,  email alison@alisonepps.com , On Facebook here Alison Epps Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

In anticipation of the Seventh Annual Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk & Family Festival in Forsyth Park on Oct. 6, we asked local parents of children with Down syndrome what the general public needs to know about the condition.

You can read many of their responses in my Savannah Morning News column by clicking here. Unfortunately, not all the helpful responses made it into the article. So below are some additional responses from two strong Savannah advocates for children with Down syndrome.

Pediatrician Ben Spitalnick of Pediatric Associates of Savannah

Dr. Ben Spitalnick of Pediatric Associates of Savannah is the pediatrician for many local children with Down syndrome. Dr. Ben is also a Board Member of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society. He shared the following tips for what everyone should know about children with Down syndrome:

1) Virtually all of a child’s medical complications from Down syndrome can be handled by the medical community right here in Savannah

2) Children with Down syndrome do better when included in mainstream situations such as classrooms, not when isolated with only special needs children

3) Most children with Down syndrome have talents and skills people don’t expect, so consider the term “differently-abled” (I like diff-abled) instead of “disabled”.

4) Down syndrome can occur in any family, regardless of health and age of the parent. There are more children with Down syndrome born to younger parents than older parents.

5) Virtually all of the care your baby will need the first year, is routine newborn baby care. Concentrate on being a parent and family with a new baby, not on the features of Down syndrome.

Candy Bogardus, President of Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society

Candy Bogardus has three children with her husband, John, including their daughter, Lainey, 7, who has Down syndrome. Candy shared the following tips for what everyone should know about children with Down syndrome:

1. Embrace the adventure that comes with having a child with Down syndrome. There is never a dull moment, and they will always teach you something!!

2. Early Intervention is key. Lainey was in Speech Therapy through Babies Can’t Wait at 8 weeks of age. Those early visits made a phenomenal difference in her oral motor development.

3. Enjoy each and every milestone to the fullest–no matter when they reach it!! Don’t rush it!

4. Remember that ALL children have special needs!!

5. The parents of children with Down syndrome don’t place limits on them so why should anyone else! The sky’s the limit! Just let them be like everybody else and they will surprise you!!

6. Inclusion in all aspects of school, community, and life is very important. They will make a difference in every life they touch!

7. Even though you feel like all you do is go to therapy, the short term and long term benefits are well worth it!

8. Never be afraid to ask questions! Join a family support group- it’s a great way for you to learn from other parents and for your child to learn from other children!

9. Every child is fearfully and wonderfully made by God for His purpose!! God does not make mistakes!

2012 Buddy Walk
Saturday, October 6, 2012, in Forsyth Park
www.ldssga.org
Savannah’s Paula Deen will be the Grand Marshal leading walk participants in the 1-mile fundraising event. The Buddy Walk Program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Bring your carriage, strollers, wheelchairs, little red wagons and pets.
Contact: 912-728-8505 (John or Candy Bogardus)
Register online here or the day of the walk.
Registration on Buddy Walk day begins at 8:30 AM
Opening Ceremonies begin at 10 AM
Walk begins at 10:30 AM
Free Family Festival in Forsyth Park from 11 AM – 2 PM

One of our favorite annual Fall events, the Halloween Hike at Oatland Wildlife Center in Savannah, is set for Oct. 19 & 20 2012.

It’s a fun, safe, not-so-scary event for little trick-or-treaters.

TIME: 5-8:30 PM Oct. 19 & 20 2012

Walk with your trickster down our friendly forest trail to meet and gather goodies from our friendly animal characters.

Let Mother Earth show you the way and sit with Mother Goose as she tells her favorite rhymes. Face painting, spooky crafts, and many more monstrous activities await your arrival. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Details here.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center Wildlife, 711 Sandtown Rd. Savannah, GA, 31410 (912) 395-1212 Driving directions here.

Bee there or Bee Square!

The Tybee Island Spelling Bee benefiting Tybee Island Maritime Academy (sponsored by Tybee Island Residents and Property Owners Association) is set for Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 6:30pm at the Tybee Island Gym.

Admission: $5 for adults and $1 for children under 14. There will be a “Bee-stro” cafe that will open at 5:30pm. Local restaurants have generously donated a variety of sandwiches, wings, etc. available for a modest donation! Please plan to attend this evening of fun and cheer on the spellers!

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.

Bee there or Bee Square!

The Tybee Island Spelling Bee benefiting Tybee Island Maritime Academy (sponsored by Tybee Island Residents and Property Owners Association) is set for Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 6:30pm at the Tybee Island Gym.

Admission: $5 for adults and $1 for children under 14. There will be a “Bee-stro” cafe that will open at 5:30pm. Local restaurants have generously donated a variety of sandwiches, wings, etc. available for a modest donation! Please plan to attend this evening of fun and cheer on the spellers!

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.

Come out to Hunter Cattle Co. farm on September 29th from 10am to 2pm to set up as a vendor or just enjoy local goodies at this free event!

This is a great opportunity to meet local farmers and learn about backyard homesteading! Bring the family and enjoy the farm.

The Burger Barn will be open. Prices range from $5-$10.

Hunter Cattle Co., 934 Driggers Road, Brooklet, Ga., 30415, www.huntercattle.com

Looking for a new career that might jive better with your mommy schedule?

Check out Armstrong’s College of Education’s Become a Teacher information session, intended to help jump-start a teaching career for bachelor’s degree holders in all stages of life.
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6-7p.m.
WHERE:
The Armstrong Center
13040 Abercorn St.
Savannah, Ga. 31419
CONTACT:
Greg Dziuban
Graduate Admission Coordinator, College of Education
912.344.2568
greg.dziuban@armstrong.edu
MORE INFORMATION:
For individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any major who want to become certified teachers, Armstrong’s College of Education can make that happen through the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) or post-baccalaureate, non-degree teacher certification programs.

Armstrong offers individuals the opportunity to become certified to teach in early childhood education (pre-school through fifth grade), middle grades education (fourth through eighth grade), special education and seven specific subject areas: art, biology, English, history, math, music and Spanish.

The Become a Teacher information session will address the paths to certification, the application process and financial aid. Attendees will be able to ask questions and receive individual attention.