Telluride Mountain Film World Tour Returns to Savannah Short Film Festival Kicks Off January 20-21

Mountainfilm will premier a collection of award winning documentary films at the Trustee’s Theater on Broughton Street. Short films will begin on Friday night at 7:00 pm. Family Films will debut on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 pm., followed by the finale at 7:00 pm.

Ticket prices are $10.00 for adults, and $5.00 for students and children, and can be purchased at the Scad Box Office (www.scadboxoffice.com) or in person.

Mountainfilm in Savannah is the travelling arm of a 32 year-old documentary film festival, which originated in Telluride, Colorado. Films were originally oriented toward mountain sports and life, but have evolved to a testimony of extraordinary human endeavors.

Films for the Savannah documentary film festival on Friday will include “Yelp (With Apologies to Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl”, “Way Back Home,” “The Barber of Birmingham,” “On Assignment: Jimmy Chin,” “Kadoma; Dark Side of the Lens” and “Cold”.

Family films for Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. will include “Amazonia,” “Skateistan,” “One Plastic Beach,” “The Shark Riddle,” “Tad Pole,” “Animal Beatbox” and “Mr. Happy Man.”

The evening portion of Saturday’s screenings will begin at 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and will feature “Desert River,” “Chasing Water,” “Into Darkness,” “With My Own Two Wheels,” “The Fall Line” and “Towers of Ennedi.”

A synopsis of each film can be seen on www.mountainfilm.org/tour .

Mountainfilm on Tour has grown out of the traditional Memorial Day Weekend Film Festival in Telluride to engaging audiences all over the world – now reaching over 20,000 people in 70 locations and on five continents. Mountainfilm is dedicated to educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving and conversations worth sustaining.

Find Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah on Facebook here.

Opening Jan. 20 at The Savannah Children’s Theatre: “Seussical, The Musical,” a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza.

The show brings to life all the favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton theElephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. “Oh, the The Things You Can Think” captures the show’s spirit of imagination, as the colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Mainstage production feature both adult and children performers, along with a live orchesta. Jan. 20-22, 27-29 and Feb. 3-5. Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. (Secret tip: The Savannah Children’s Theatre’s Mainstage productions are the theatre’s biggest shows of the year and are so popular they typically sell out by the final weekend)

Tickets can be purchased at www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org or at the theatre, 2160 E. Victory Drive, Crossroad Shopping Center, next to the Piggly Wiggly. 912-238-9015.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School Open Houses
6 PM Jan 26 & Feb 3 2012; 11 AM Feb 18 & Feb 25 2012

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a Montessori Learning Community serving children three years old through the second grade. The school is growing and will add a grade each year until a full compliment of elementary classrooms is reached. Currently, the school has openings in the 3-year old program, 4-year old program, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade and Fourth Grade for the 2012-13 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)

For more local school open houses happening this winter 2012, click here.

Opening soon at The Savannah Children’s Theatre: “Seussical, The Musical,” a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza.

The show brings to life all the favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton theElephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. “Oh, the The Things You Can Think” captures the show’s spirit of imagination, as the colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Mainstage production feature both adult and children performers, along with a live orchesta. Jan. 20-22, 27-29 and Feb. 3-5. Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. (Secret tip: The Savannah Children’s Theatre’s Mainstage productions are the theatre’s biggest shows of the year and are so popular they typically sell out by the final weekend)

Tickets can be purchased at www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org  or at the theatre, 2160 E. Victory Drive, Crossroad Shopping Center, next to the Piggly Wiggly. 912-238-9015.

Savannah Children’s Theatre, 912 238 9015, 2160 E Victory Drive, Crossroads Shopping Center, Savannah, 31404, www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org/

Make plans to check out the Kelly’s Kids Trunk show that’s happening today through Saturday at Just for Baby & More, 7701 Waters Ave., Savannah, 31406.

Kelly’s Kids is a children’s trunk show line who has been creating classic clothing for the entire family to mix, match and coordinate for 25 years. They offer girls and boys sizes 6m-16.

Kelly’s Kids Trunk show is today through Saturday (Jan. 14 2012). Come by and order the Spring/Summer line. They’ve really out done themselves this season! Hours: Thursday & Friday 10 AM-7 PM; Saturday 10 AM-5 PM

Just for Baby & More, 912.355.4455,  casey@justforbaby.net ,  Located at 7701 Waters Ave., Savannah, 31406,  Just for Baby & More is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People show “Beyond the Moss Curtain” is a great introduction to our city!

The show takes you on a journey “beyond the moss curtain” and straight to your heart!

The comedic host, Miss Moscelyne, the “moss fairy” , dishes out good gossip from way back when to the present day. This musical variety show, featuring people-size puppets, highlights some of Savannah’s most colorful characters. You’ll meet founder, General Oglethorpe, pirate Captain Flint, Girl Scout founder, Juliet Low, songwriter, Johnny Mercer, witchy Meter Maids, Palmetto Bugs and even Paula Deen!

Ya’ll come to Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt and see the refreshing creativity of our local artists and performers for a truly unique entertainment experience. You will never think of puppetry the same way again!

Click here to see a bit of the show. Book your group’s showing of “Beyond the Moss Curtain” by calling 912-355-3366 or email puppets@puppetpeople.com .

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You’re invited to the first Mama Time Webinar. The topic is “Bullying Intervention Strategies for Parents”.

While the Webinar is specifically for parents of children with special needs, all mothers can benefit from hearing about this topic. The webinar is free and is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday night Jan. 17 & 18! Recordings will be available for those that can’t listen that evening, but you must register for the event to listen to the recordings. Click here for more information

Mama Time, , based in Savannah, provides workshops and retreats for all mothers and expectant mothers needing some time to rest, relax, play and grow. Visit www.mamatime.net  to learn more about their other upcoming workshops and events!

Upcoming Mama Time events include:

A Jan 14 2012 retreat for Special Needs Mothers called Grieving Losses/Identifying Gifts. Details here.

A Feb 4 Autism Mama Retreat. Details here.

Mama Time, www.mamatime.net/, email information@mamatime.net Mama Time is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You promised to take your little dancer to a “real” ballet or dance show this winter. Here are some local ones worth checking out including a ballet workshop taught by Marianna Tcherkassky, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Ballet Mistress:

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Is.
8 PM Sat. Jan. 14 & 2 PM Sun. Jan. 15. The world-renowned dance company will perform a selection of classic & contemporary dance, including “Step Touch,” choreographed by Dwight Rhoden from Fox’s hit dance show, “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Details here.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Master Class Workshop, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Is.
(For dancers 10 and up)
Marianna Tcherkassky, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Ballet Mistress, will teach an intermediate-advanced classical ballet class for ages 10 and up. In determining if the class is appropriate, students should be able to remember and execute complex/multiple count petite allegro combinations after one or two demonstrations. Students should be able to balance on releve in extended poses such as arabesque and attitude and land a double pirouette smoothly. $25
11 AM -1 PM Sat. Jan. 14
To register, contact Arts Center of Coastal Carolina at 843/686-3945, ext. 233. Details here.

Romeo & Juliet Ballet, Savannah Civic Center
Presented by The State Ballet Theatre of Russia
7:30-9:30 PM Fri. Jan. 13, Savannah Civic Center
The company of 65 brings a brand-new production of ROMEO & JULIET. The ballet is set to the familiar Prokofiev score and choreographed by Mikhail Lavrovsky, former principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, and now a leading Russian choreographer for the Bolshoi and other companies.
For tickets info, click here.

Sleeping Beauty ballet, Savannah Civic Center 
Presented by The Columbia City Ballet
5:30 PM Sat Feb. 11 Savannah Civic Center
For tickets info, click here.

Riverdance performance, Savannah Civic Center
7:30 PM Thurs Feb. 16 at Savannah Civic Center
For tickets information, click here.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; 8 PM Jan. 14 & 2 PM Jan. 15. The world-renowned dance company will perform a selection of classic & contemporary dance, including “Step Touch,” choreographed by Dwight Rhoden from Fox’s hit dance show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Details here.

For information about a master’s class for dancers 10 & older, taught by Marianna Tcherkassky, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Ballet Mistress on Sat. Jan. 14, click here.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Master Class (Dancers 10 and up)
Marianna Tcherkassky, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Ballet Mistress, will teach an intermediate-advanced classical ballet class for ages 10 and up. In determining if the class is appropriate, students should be able to remember and execute complex/multiple count petite allegro combinations after one or two demonstrations. Students should be able to balance on releve in extended poses such as arabesque and attitude and land a double pirouette smoothly. $25
11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
To register, contact Arts Center of Coastal Carolina at 843/686-3945, ext. 233
www.facebook.com/artshhi
www.artshhi.com

7:30 PM Thurs Feb. 16 at Savannah Civic Center

For tickets information, click here.

The Columbia City Ballet Presents “Sleeping Beauty” ballet
5:30 PM Sat Feb. 11 Savannah Civic Center
For tickets info, click here.

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia Presents Romeo & Juliet
7:30-9:30 PM Fri. Jan. 13 Savannah Civic Center
The company of 65 brings a brand-new production of ROMEO & JULIET. The ballet is set to the familiar Prokofiev score and choreographed by Mikhail Lavrovsky, former principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, and now a leading Russian choreographer for the Bolshoi and other companies.
For tickets info, click here.

Start 2012 off right with a clean house! This week’s SouthernMamas.com giveaway: a 3-hour house cleaning from Hubbard’s Maid Service in Savannah & the Lowcountry, your go-to company for a spotless cleaning job done by responsible crews you can trust.

For families who wish to increase and support their Spanish skills while interacting with their baby or toddler. Ages 0-5.

For families who wish to increase and support their Spanish skills while interacting with their baby or toddler. Ages 0-5.

the 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on
10 AM Mon. Jan. 21 2013 MLK Jr. Blvd., Savannah

For questions concerning parade applications or parade information please contact: parade@mlkingsavannah.com , or call the MLK Observance Day Association’s Office at: 912-234-5502.

An exciting Savannah Celtic soccer program for children with disabilities – including autism/aspergers – starts Jan. 10 2012.

TOPSoccer is an indoor soccer program that helps young players with disabilities develop, compete & achieve success according to their individual abilities.

TOPSoccer will be 7-8 PM Tuesday nights, indoors. The Winter 2012 Season will run Jan. 10-Feb. 14. Registration fee for U8 through U14 TOPSoccer is $85.

The goal of TOPSoccer – started by US Youth Soccer – is to take children from the sidelines to participating in the game!

Check the Savannah Celtic website here for more information.

If you have any questions, please email Savannah Celtic at celtic@savannahceltics.com.

Get a jump start on soccer! Savannah Celtic FC holds an indoor camp each winter (Jan/Feb) that helps the kids get a jump start on the Spring Season.

The coaching is conducted and overseen by Nationally Licensed STAFF coaches and the kids always get a lot out of it. They will practice on Tuesday/Thursday for 6 weeks (a total of 12 sessions). The cost is $85.

Ages 4 to 8. More info here.

(Spring Season soccer discounts. Savannah Celtic is offering several discounts on spring soccer sessions to help out the families who make Savannah Celtic great. For info on those spring session discounts (not the indoor winter camp), click here. )

Check the Savannah Celtic website here for more information.

If you have any questions, please email Savannah Celtic at celtic@savannahceltics.com. Savannah

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah offers children art classes. New Winter schedule includes Pre-K art and Portfolio prep (great for those trying for the Savannah Arts Academy). 10 percent discount for siblings. Scribble also offers girls’ night out adult workshops where you can turn your favorite photograph into a work of art. For more information about Winter 2012 sessions, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com. Click here for more info. Scribble is also a great, creative spot for children’s art birthday parties. Scribble Art Studio, 212 E. 37th St. Savannah, 31401. Scribble Art Studio a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Make It & Take It: Chinese New Year

This craft program features an art activity with a Chinese new Year theme.
Bull Street Library, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 4:30 p.m.
Islands Library, Thursday, Jan. 26, 4 p.m.
Port City, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 4:30 p.m.
Southwest Chatham Library, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 4:30 p.m.
Thunderbolt Library, Monday, Jan. 23, 4 p.m.
Tybee Library, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m.
West Broad Library, Thursday, Jan. 26, 4 p.m.

FOR FREE STORYTIMES AT VARIOUS LOCAL LIBRARIES, CLICK HERE.