Coach Val’s Tumblegym on Wilmington Is. is the spot for children’s classes and birthday parties.

Birthday Parties
Leave the ENTERTAINMENT and MESS to Coach Val’s Tumblegym, which offers Birthday Parties customized to fit your child’s interests and theme. Good for ages 2 to 8 years old. Details here.

Fall 2012 Classes Available:

Wiggle Worms: 30min classes ages walking – 2yrs This “Parent and Me class” is designed to incorporate the earliest aspects of physical fitness, enhance fine and gross motor skills, body awareness, and muscle coordination while promoting physical, mental and social development. Music, basic gymnastics movements, and games create a fun and healthy atmosphere for you and your child.

Grasshoppers: 45 min classes ages 2-3yrs This toddler class is open to children who enjoy having parents close by and are ready to learn to follow instructions from another adult. We ask parent/guardian to assist until their child is ready to participate on their own. This class continues to enhance your child’s fine and gross motor skills, social skills, strength and coordination through the activities and obstacle courses that emphasize eye-hand coordination, climbing, hanging, jumping, running, and rolling in a fun and safe environment.

Bumble Bees : 60 min classes ages 3-4yrs This class continues to enhance and challenge your child’s physical, social and cognitive development. Basic tumbling and gymnastics skills, ball handling skills and preschool concepts are taught. Group activities, teamwork, and fun theme-based curriculum keep your child engaged and excited to participate.

Fire flies: 60 min/week ages 4-6yrs This class is designed for children in Pre-K through Kindergarten. Concepts and themes are designed to introduce and reinforce age-appropriate physical, social and cognitive skills. Basic tumbling, gymnastics, and ball handling are worked through obstacle courses, group games, and teamwork.

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Dragon Flies: 60 min/week ages 6-8yrs This class is designed for children in First and Second grade. Concepts and themes are designed to challenge children using age-appropriate physical, social and cognitive skills. Basic tumbling, gymnastics, ball handling, and physical fitness skills are worked through obstacle courses, group games, and teamwork. .

See website here for schedule and rates. Registration online available by clicking here.

Inclusion class: Adult, child with special needs (ages 5 – 10), and siblings – Contact for more information.

FREE TRIAL CLASSES available. Unsure your child will participate? Want to see Coach Val in action before you commit to class time? Fill out our free trial form here and try out a class at no cost.

Mention you saw on SouthernMamas.com site, and annual registration fee of $25 will be waived.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym, 310 Johnny Mercer Blvd in the Wilmington Island Shopping Center, 912-268-6003, www.coachvals.com; On Facebook here. Coach Val’s Tumblegym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Hilton Head Prep School presents an evening of music, food & environmental education. FREE and open to the public. Entertainment including bouncy houses & games, local food vendors and educational booths.

A popular Toddler Tuesday weekly nature program at Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah.

Theme for Toddler Tuesday

At Toddler Tuesday, children & their parents/caretakers experience nature through themed activities including live animal encounters, wildlife nature walks, storytelling, songs, interactive finger-play & crafts.

Theme for December 18 Polar Express Party Toddlers come dressed in your comfy pajamas, it’s a Polar Express Party. You won’t want to miss the train to this Toddler Tuesday. We’ll dream of polar bears and caribou and their cold, frosty lands and take our play train set through the snow (the make- believe kind).

The group will be busy counting their cache as they pretend to be squirrels and mice, preparing for winter.   Don’t be squirrely and miss this OIWC Toddler Tuesday, the flying squirrels will be dropping by!

Oatland’s new naturalist Michelle Kelly will lead the sessions. Pre-registration required.

NEW TIME: One session 10:30-11:15 am. Pre-registration required. Call 395-1500

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees for 2012-2013: General: $5 per child $5 per adult Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

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

Driving directions here.

Part of The Savannah Ocean Exchange (SOE) – which celebrates our oceans with over 30 public events in September 2012.

International Ocean Connection Picnic in the Park

5 – 10 p.m. Sept 16, 2012 @ Forsyth Park
Admission: Free

As part of the Savannah Ocean Exchange – a community picnic with Flags and Music Hosted by the Army Band. Forsyth Park’s Band Shell lawn will be awash with colorful flags from all the many nationalities represented in Savannah. Each international club and organization is invited to post their flag and bring their instruments to play one song that best represents their nation’s connection to Our Ocean. Participants and listeners are invited to bring a picnic and seating for an early evening of international ocean-inspired music and festivities. The incomparable rousing sound of the Army Band will get your feet tapping and your heart pounding. The band will pay tribute to Our Ocean through their ocean-inspired music and to our armed forces with their crowd-pleasing medlies. After this stellar performance your step will have a little more “umph”, your smile will be broader and your heart a little prouder. Literature will be on hand to help you better understand how precious and fragile our world’s ocean is, and what you can do to become better stewards in protecting it. Free Admission, pack a picnic dinner and bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy the evening!

At last tally, you’ve taken 2,502 pictures of your baby.

However, you can count on one hand the total number of images you’ve printed and framed.

Which is why the idea of a custom oil portrait of your child (or pet or loved one) is so appealing when it comes to rediscovering memories and moments that would otherwise be lost forever — no matter how small.

Oil portraits by Savannah artist Karen Bradley will wow you or the person to whom you are giving the custom portrait. She specializes in portaits by commission of children, pets and adults.

For more information, please email or call Karen Bradley at 912-507-7138 or kbillustration@mac.com

Karen Bradley, 912-507-7138, email kbillustration@mac.com, www.kbillustration.com, 3103 Waters Ave., Savannah, GA 31401, Karen Bradley is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Karen Bradley Drawing and Painting Classes for Ages 11 & older, 6 week classes, Fall 2012 schedule

Monday: Drawing the Self Portrait, Intermediate to Advanced $160
-A class in achieving the likeness of our own face through proportional measurement and volumetric form.
-Supplies: Artist’s choice

Tuesday: Intro to Pastels, Beginner to Intermediate $160
-A fundamentals class in basic drawing and composition utilizing the light to dark method of pastel drawing.
-Supplies: 4-6 pieces of Canson felt grey 11×14 pastel paper, 11×14 sketch pad or newsprint pad, set of monochromatic
brown nupastels, 1 black nupastel, 1 white nupastel, x-acto knife and blades (for sharpening)

Wednesday: Intro to Painting, Beginner to Intermediate $160
-A class in form painting using techniques oil painting to achieve a realistic painting of still life objects.
-Supplies: To be announced.

Thursday Drawing Methods, Beginner to Intermediate $160
– A fundamentals class in basic drawing and composition utilizing the subtraction method for creating tones. Students will
draw still life objects from direct observation using a wipe out technique to create a full range of tones for realistic threedimensional
drawing.
-Supplies: 1 jar of graphite powder kneeded eraser, pink pearl eraser (pencil-shaped), pad of 11×14 vellum bristol paper,
11×14 drawing board, 2 bulldog clips, 11×14 sketch pad or newsprint paper, graphite pencils HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, chamois cloth,
x-acto knife and blades (for sharpening)

To register for a class or private lessons, please email or call Karen Bradley at 912-507-7138 or kbillustration@mac.com

Karen Bradley Art Teacher, 912-507-7138, email kbillustration@mac.com, www.kbillustration.com, 3103 Waters Ave., Savannah, GA 31401, Karen Bradley is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Part of The Savannah Ocean Exchange (SOE) – which celebrates our oceans with over 30 public events in September 2012.

10 AM-4 PM Sept. 15-16.

Features a variety of exhibits of local ocean science partners. Visitors can pilot a ROV (remotely operated vehicle), hold a sea urchin, drive a robot or go nose to nose with a dolphin, a life-sized model that is.

Part of The Savannah Ocean Exchange (SOE) – which celebrates our oceans with over 30 public events in September 2012.

Children’s Pond Yacht Building is from 10 AM-1 PM Sat. Sept. 16

Young ship builders can build a balloon and/or sail-powered small boat and they will said it in a brand-new Ships of the Sea reflecting pool. For children ages 7-11. Children must be accompanied by a parent to attend/participate. Fee includes free museum entrance for parent & child and the boat kit. Children must be pre-registered by calling the Museum at 912-232-1511. Fee: $7.50 due at the beginning of the event.

Enjoy the coming Fall weather in a Mosquito Free Back Yard!

West West Nile Virus has been found in Chatham County and the best defense is The Mosquito Authority in Coastal Georgia.

One local “Lady” might say “Be Mosquito Free All Fall Ya’ll!!!”

The Mosquito Authority in Coastal Georgia will offer 50% off your first backyard mosquito treatment. Mention SouthernMamas.com to receive the discount!

If you decide to continue with regular yard treatments, The Mosquito Authority says, if you are bothered by mosquitoes in the three weeks between treatments, they will come back and re- treat free of charge.

The Mosquito Authority’s barrier spray treatment makes a tremendous difference in your quality of life in the yard, and they do it in a safe and effective way. Learn more about the service by clicking here.

Questions? Call The Mosquito Authority at 912-414-2681.

The Mosquito Authority, serving Coastal Georgia and The South Carolina Lowcountry PO Box 2153, Savannah, 31402, email justin@themosquitoauthority.com , 912-414-2681, www.bugsbite.com/coastal The Mosquito Authority 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

We asked for creative suggestions for parent involvement in the classroom & we got it, thanks to input from local teachers & parents. Check out the tips in the article here.

As parents, we all know we’re supposed to be volunteering in our kids’ classrooms as much as our schedules allow. The tricky part is coming up the time AND fun, creative things to do w/ kids during our volunteer time.

Here are some additional helpful tips from Savannah teacher Carolyn Perry on how parents can help out in your child’s classroom:

1. Be the class photographer/yearbooker, esp. in the younger grades where they may not get an annual or year book. I have had a mom who took pictures at all the field trips, assemblies, concerts, etc and some candid shots throughout the year and then she burned 25 copies of a windows movie magic movie she made. She made me a coffee cup with the pics & I still have it from that year.

2. Supplies- there is time, there is talent- and there is treasure. Gift cards to Dollar Tree? Super! Pick us up an extra box of tissues? Awesome! For lots of items, if you don’t buy it, I do.

3. Have time? Come in and read. Play a learning game with a few kids (maybe not your own, okay?). Help me with photocopying, filing, cleaning desks, dusting, etc. Yes, I do all of that too.

4. Did you see something really neat on Pinterest? Maybe I did too, maybe not, but either way- how about you make it for me? Fun poster? Make me one! I will love it. Great game you saw or Mother’s Day art and craft? Help me out by jumping right in and take on that project.

5. Phone a friend! Take on anyone of these projects with your friends. The more the merrier!

6. Join the PTA, it’s cheap and gives all the kids a voice.

Safe Kids Savannah, which serves Chatham and surrounding counties, will be hold a free child car seat check event on Saturday, September 15, at the Chatham County Aquatics Center on Sallie Mood Drive in Savannah.

Safe KidsSavannahto Hold Free Child Car Seat Check Event

WHO:             Safe Kids Savannah, a coalition dedicated to preventing accidental childhood injury.

WHAT:          Child car seat check event. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to examine child safety seats for recalls and to insure correct installation in cars, free of charge. No appointment necessary.

WHEN:          10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, September 15

WHERE:       TheChathamCountyAquaticsCenter,7240 Sallie Mood Dr.,Savannah

WHY:             Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in theUnited   States. Each year an estimated 2,446 children die in motor vehicle crashes. When installed and used correctly, child car seats and seat belts can prevent injuries and save lives. Children are more likely to be properly restrained when the driver is buckled up with a seat belt. Safe Kids Savannah will hold a free Child car seat inspection event on Saturday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at theChathamCountyAquaticsCenter onSallie Mood Drive inSavannah.

Safe Kids Savannah is a local coalition of organizations and concerned individuals with the common goal of preventing accidental childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability among children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Savannah is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Savannah was founded in 1987 and is led by the Children’s Hospital at MemorialUniversityMedicalCenter. For more information, visit www.safekidssavannah.org.

Join us in reading great books to our therapy dogs: A great opportunity to build confidence for the reluctant reader, ages 5 and up.

Pooler Library Monday, October 15, 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 748-0471

Southwest Chatham Library Saturday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 12 p.m. For more information, call 925-8305

Always check with the branch for schedule changes.

You gotta love this: this year’s popular Picnic in the Park in Savannah will have a Pet Costume Contest!

The City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and TailsSpin Pet Supply Store are joining forces to host PAWrade at Picnic in the Park at Forsyth Park on Sunday, October 7th from 2-4 p.m. in conjunction with the city’s Picnic in the Park event.

Picnic in the Park is one of Savannah’s largest and most adored events. In 2011, approximately 23,000 people attended Picnic in the Park which featured an evening of music, entertainment, costume contest, and of course picnics.

This year’s theme is “Some Enchanted Evening”. The pet costume contest will be based on this theme. The “Some Enchanted Evening” Picnic in the Park theme will be branded as a whimsical fairytale. You have the option to dress your furry friend in a variety of costumes from a princess, villain or even a mystical creature.

Entrance fee: $10. Contestants may apply at either TailsSpin location, or at the Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs on Henry Street. Payment may be made in cash, check or credit card at either TailsSpin location; cash or check only at the Department of Cultural Affairs. Participants are encouraged to donate more than the $10 entry fee.

Proceeds to benefit the Savannah Pet Rescue Agencies: Humane Society of Greater Savannah, Coastal Pet Rescue, F.A.C.T.S. and Save-A-Life, Inc.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners. Blue Buffalo and TailsSpin will provide 3 months of 30 lb bags of Blue Buffalo and a $50.00 Gift Certificate to the first place winner, 3 months of 15 lb bags and a $40.00 Gift Certificate to the second place winner and 3 months of 6 lb bags and a $30.00 Gift Certificate to the third place winner. Each winner will also receive a case of Blue Buffalo treats.

PAWrade at the Picnic in the Park is being co-sponsored by the City of Savannah Cultural Affairs Department, TailsSpin, Fleet Feet Sports, as well as media sponsors Connect Savannah and 98.7 The River.

The Savannah Ocean Exchange (SOE) – which celebrates our oceans with over 30 public events in September 2012 – announced today that American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard will headline the International Beach Party on Tybee Island’s North Beach Stage, Saturday, September 15 starting at 6pm. The event is free and open to the public. Studdard will be joined by recording artist Trevor Hall.

Kids’ events at The Savannah Ocean Exchange include:

The Children’s Ocean Film Festival : designed for ocean lovers of all ages and especially young students and children – and their parents, of course. Films are an excellent medium for conveying a story or message and each film scheduled for viewing during the 2012 festival will have just that. Everyone comes away with a better understanding of how precious and fragile our world’s Ocean is, and what they can do to become better stewards in protecting it. The entertainment of course is priceless and this event is free and open to the public.
Where & When
September 16, 2012, 1-5 pm

Forsyth Park Family Picnic: On Sunday, September 16, the SOE welcomes families from across the region for a day of celebration in Forsyth Park at The International Ocean Connection Picnic. The picnic will feature the Armed Forces marching band, an array of international cuisine and activities for kids of every age. The event is scheduled to begin at 5pm.

Glue and Go Costumes

Holly Cleeland, author of “Glue and Go Costumes for Kids: Super-Duper Designs With Everyday Materials,” will demonstrate how you can easily make costumes from things you have around your house.  This family program is just in time for you and your child to make your Halloween costumes.  All ages.

Monday, Sept. 24, 10:30 a.m., Carnegie Library
Monday, Sept. 24, 4:30 p.m., W. W. Law Library
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 10:30 a.m., Port City Library
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 4:30 p.m., Forest City Library
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m., Springfield Library
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 4:30 p.m., Rincon Library

Double Fun

Oglethorpe Mall Library, Thursday, Sept. 13, 4 p.m.

Stories and an art activity with a “Back to School” theme. Ages 4 & up.

Telfair Museums  offers a variety of fun fall classes for kids & teens at the Jepson Center. We especially love the teens/adults classes that would be the perfect moms-and-me class to do with your teen. Check them out below.  To register for any of these classes, click here.

Kids Classes

PORTFOLIO BUILDER: YOUTH DRAWING 1
October 4-November 8, 2012
Thursdays / 4:30-6 pm
Ages: 10–14
Member: $100, Non-Member: $125
This class is designed to help upper-elementary & middle school students improve their drawing skills and begin the process of developing a portfolio. In Drawing II, students will focus on the figure, practicing portraiture and sketching from clothed models. Youth Drawing is a great class for students to develop their art portfolios. New students welcome!
All materials provided.

THE NEXT LEVEL: WATERCOLOR FOR KIDS
October 9-November 13, 2012
Tuesdays/4:30-6 pm
Instructor: Atsuko Smith
Ages: 6-10
Members $100, Non-members $125
Parents and kids love watercolor, in this class, we will take it to the next level by teaching best practices and wide range of possibilities in water based media. Students will explore a variety of techniques, such as: how to stretch paper, paint washes, mixed color, and more. Students will work from direct observation sketching landscape, figures, abstract mood painting, and oriental ink paintings.

TEEN/ADULT CLASSES—– The perfect Mom and Me Classes

THE BLOWN GLASS CLASS
Saturday, October 20 / 10-2 pm
Pre-registration required for 1-hr workshop
Instructor: Jonathan Poirier
Ages: Teen & Adult
Free Program through sponsorship with of City of Savannah Department of Cultural affairs
Take this rare opportunity to find out what it’s like to blow your own glass. Work with Savannah glass artist Jonathan Poirier at his Drayton Glass studio and take home your creation. This one hour class is designed to give beginners an introduction to basic glassblowing. The class will provide students ample hands on experience with classic techniques such as shaping glass, and creating basic forms. By the end of the workshop, students will have made paperweights, ornaments and vessels.

SLUMP GLASS WORKSHOP
September 22 & 29, 2012
Saturdays / 10-1 pm
Instructor: Kristin Fulford
Ages: Teen & Adult
Members $160 Non-Members $180
Glass artist Kristin Fulford will offer a two-day, six hour workshop on warm glass fusing. Students will learn techniques for manipulating color and texture. Particular attention will be paid to casting, using the freeze and fuse method; reactive glass, utilizing heat and chemical reactions to create special effects; and frits and powders to create depth and texture. No previous experience in fused glass is necessary. Each student will produce 4” tiles, a bowl or plate, and a small panel.

Telfair Museum’s Jepson Center, 207 W York St, Savannah GA 31401 More info here. Telfair Museums are a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Telfair Museums provides many opportunities for families to visit the museum, learn, and make art together. Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for children? Check these out:

wcwm? (What Can We Make?)

NEW HOURS: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays / 1-4 PM

Jepson Center’s Melaver Studio

The studios are open for drop-in visits for all ages.
Free to members or with museum admission. Open to adults and children accompanied by an adult caregiver. More info available here.

Join us as we open the studios for drop in visits for all ages. wcwm? (What Can We Make?) focuses on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills through imagination. Explore your creative side with inspiring activities utilizing recycled materials, found objects, and traditional art supplies. In addition to the wcwm? project kits, the studios provide watercolor and collage opportunities as well.

New to the wcwm? program is Family Make, in which participants are assigned a theme each month and a secret ingredient or tool to make art from the most unexpected materials. Before joining in one of our wcwm? theme challenges, check out these talking points and activities you can complete as a family.

Toddler Third Thursday (3rd Thursday of every month)

10–11:30 am

Toddler Third Thursdays are great for parents, grandparents, and caregivers with pre-school children. Designed especially for preschoolers ages 3-5 and their adult companions,this program allows toddlers to explore artwork from Telfair exhibitions and complete a fun-filled art project relating to their tour. A different tour and project will be offered each month. Time to play in ArtZeum is included.

Registration and adult supervision required. Call 790-8823 or click here to register. Enrollment is $5 per child. Adult admission is FREE for museum-members and $12 for non-members. Sponsored in part by JCB, Inc.

Click here to register online for Toddler 3rd Thursday >>

ArtZeum
Located in the Jepson Center
A great place to visit after school, on a rainy day, on weekends, or just anytime, the Telfair’s hands-on learning gallery and interactive exhibits provide an excellent introduction to big ideas about art. Click here to learn more.

Activity Downloads
Download activity sheets here on the educational resources page before your museum visit and explore the museum with fun and educational search activities.

Family Days
Telfair Museums family days are offered throughout the year. Enjoy music, artist demonstrations, hands-on art-making, and guided tours free of charge. Check here for themes, dates, times and locations.

Jepson Center, 207 W York St. Savannah, 31401 , http://telfair.org/learn/family-programs  Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You gotta love this: this year’s popular Picnic in the Park in Savannah will have a Pet Costume Contest!

The City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and TailsSpin Pet Supply Store are joining forces to host PAWrade at Picnic in the Park at Forsyth Park on Sunday, October 7th from 2-4 p.m. in conjunction with the city’s Picnic in the Park event.

Picnic in the Park is one of Savannah’s largest and most adored events. In 2011, approximately 23,000 people attended Picnic in the Park which featured an evening of music, entertainment, costume contest, and of course picnics.

This year’s theme is “Some Enchanted Evening”. The pet costume contest will be based on this theme. The “Some Enchanted Evening” Picnic in the Park theme will be branded as a whimsical fairytale. You have the option to dress your furry friend in a variety of costumes from a princess, villain or even a mystical creature.

Entrance fee: $10. Contestants may apply at either TailsSpin location, or at the Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs on Henry Street. Payment may be made in cash, check or credit card at either TailsSpin location; cash or check only at the Department of Cultural Affairs. Participants are encouraged to donate more than the $10 entry fee.

Proceeds to benefit the Savannah Pet Rescue Agencies: Humane Society of Greater Savannah, Coastal Pet Rescue, F.A.C.T.S. and Save-A-Life, Inc.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners. Blue Buffalo and TailsSpin will provide 3 months of 30 lb bags of Blue Buffalo and a $50.00 Gift Certificate to the first place winner, 3 months of 15 lb bags and a $40.00 Gift Certificate to the second place winner and 3 months of 6 lb bags and a $30.00 Gift Certificate to the third place winner. Each winner will also receive a case of Blue Buffalo treats.

PAWrade at the Picnic in the Park is being co-sponsored by the City of Savannah Cultural Affairs Department, TailsSpin, Fleet Feet Sports, as well as media sponsors Connect Savannah and 98.7 The River.

Is your hair swavy, wavy, corkscrew, kinky or a mix of all of four? Are you sick of the frizz that our humid climate creates on your head of hair? Would you actually like to embrace your natural texture instead of drying it straight or having costly treatments done just so you can tolerate it?

Come to Curls Night Out and let curly hair specialist JC Davis at Salon Aqua at 110 W. Gaston St., Savannah show you how you can learn to love your curl again. Join this special event designed for you & your curls, and embracing their natural texture! The evening will provide education & a demonstration of the Deva 3-Step service that cleanses, hydrates & styles curls & provides maximum frizz prevention.

This event will be 6 PM Tues. Sept. 25 and is free and limited to 10 people only. You must sign up to attend and can sign up through www.jcdavishair.com  and click the schedule now tab and sign up under classes, or you can go to Facebook page here and click schedule now.

Savannah’s ultimate Southern Mama, Paula Deen, will be the Grand Marshal for the 2012 Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk on Oct. 6 in Forsyth Park.
Deen will be leading walk participants in the one mile fundraising event. Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which raises awareness and funds for local programs, including Camp Buddy, that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. Last year’s LDSS Buddy Walk welcomed over 4,000 participants.

The Buddy Walk Program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Bring your carriage, strollers, wheelchairs, little red wagons and pets. The goals are to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to positively influence local and national policy and practice. Last year alone, Buddy Walk events nationally raised more that $11.2 million to benefit education, research, and advocacy initiatives, as well as the Night of Champions, Camp Buddy and many other services right here in the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire.

The walk begins at 10 AM. The Family Fun Festival, which starts immediately following the walk, will feature a variety of activities such as face painting, pumpkin painting,the BOO Boutique, bouncy houses, games, music and refreshments and last until 2 PM. The LDSS Buddy Walk is one of more than 300 Buddy Walks taking place across the country this October to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Registration forms for the walk are available online at www.ldssga.org or sign-up starting at 8:30 AM day of the event. Registration is $12 per person or $40 for a family of four. Registration includes this years limited edition T-Shirt, Lunch and admission to the festival. To learn more, visit www.ldssga.org or contact John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505.

About the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society: The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every 4th Tuesday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. People are encouraged to bring their children. The group is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. www.ldssga.org

Savannah’s ultimate Southern Mama, Paula Deen, will be the Grand Marshal for the 2012 Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk on Oct. 6 in Forsyth Park.

Deen will be leading walk participants in the one mile fundraising event. Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which raises awareness and funds for local programs, including Camp Buddy, that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. Last year’s LDSS Buddy Walk welcomed over 4,000 participants.

The Buddy Walk Program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Bring your carriage, strollers, wheelchairs, little red wagons and pets. The goals are to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to positively influence local and national policy and practice. Last year alone, Buddy Walk events nationally raised more that $11.2 million to benefit education, research, and advocacy initiatives, as well as the Night of Champions, Camp Buddy and many other services right here in the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire.

The walk begins at 10 AM. The Family Fun Festival, which starts immediately following the walk, will feature a variety of activities such as face painting, pumpkin painting,the BOO Boutique, bouncy houses, games, music and refreshments and last until 2 PM. The LDSS Buddy Walk is one of more than 300 Buddy Walks taking place across the country this October to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Registration forms for the walk are available online at  www.ldssga.org or sign-up starting at 8:30 AM day of the event. Registration is $12 per person or $40 for a family of four. Registration includes this years limited edition T-Shirt, Lunch and admission to the festival. To learn more, visit www.ldssga.org or contact John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505.

About the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society: The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every 4th Tuesday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. People are encouraged to bring their children. The group is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. www.ldssga.org