Do friends and family ask you how long you are going to homeschool? Are you asking yourself the same question? Does the thought of homeschooling for the long term (through high school) excite you? Terrify you? Exhaust you? Would you like some practical information on how to successfully navigate the high school years with your children?

If so, please join the meeting on Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 9am to noon at South Effingham Community Church (289 Harley Road, Guyton, GA 31312) for a free seminar on Homeschooling for the Long-Term. The speaker will be Julie Melendez, a homeschooling mom of three and the Georgia VP for Classical Conversations. Her two older children are enrolled in college and are homeschool graduates of the Classical Conversations Challenge program; her youngest is currently enrolled in Challenge 2. Julie and her husband, Chris, have been homeschooling their children since 1999. They are in it for the long term!! Julie will share how the CC Challenge programs for middle school and high school students have benefitted her family and others who have participated in the CC Challenge program. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and be encouraged to continue your Christian classical homeschooling efforts for the long-term. Visit the CC Challenge website for additional information.

Please email Kristin Bigalke at rkadb004@gmail.com  or Toni Carroll at tc0223@hotmail.com  to RSVP or to ask any questions. Childcare will not be available for this 3-hour seminar however, it is open to everyone who would like to learn more about homeschooling through the middle & high school years. We ask that you kindly RSVP by Wednesday, January 18 so that we can prepare appropriately.

Classical Conversations of Savannah
www.classicalconversations.com

rkadb004@gmail.com
912-655-8173

The Effingham County Health Department in conjunction with the Georgia State Patrol will hold a booster seat distribution/car seat check event on Wednesday, January 18 from 3-5 p.m. at the Lowe’s in Rincon.

Booster seats will be given, at no cost, to income-eligible participants including those enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, PeachCare, or Medicaid, who can provide proof of eligibility. A limited number of booster seats will be available and children in need of seats must accompany parents. Parents who already have car seats are also encouraged to stop by the event to have their seats checked for proper installation.

Give Kids a Boost is a statewide partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), the Georgia State Patrol and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to educate parents on Georgia’s car seat and booster seat law. A new state law went into effect in July 2011 that requires children under age eight to be properly secured in an approved car seat or booster seat.

The new law brings Georgia in line with the age recommendations of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Georgia is already one of 47 states that require booster seats or other appropriate devices for children who have outgrown their car seats but are still too small to use an adult seat belt safely.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children 3 to 14 years old. Children are protected when parents correctly install a car seat that is appropriate for a child’s height, weight and age.

Funding support for 80 percent of this project is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Injury Response, Core II and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

For more information, call 912-754-6850.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah has 3 new juvenile bobcats on exhibit. Come check out these active, playful youngsters. Oatland Island is open 362 days a year including MLK Jr. Day Mon. Jan. 16.

Oatland’s popular weekly Toddler Tuesdays programs Jan. 10 returns after holiday break. Details below.

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

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Toddler Tuesdays return Jan. 10 2012 at Oatland Island Wildlife Center.
Programs at 10 AM & 11 AM Tuesdays. Pre-registration required. Call 395-1500

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees for 2011-2012:
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.

Toddler Tuesday Topics January 2012

January 10, 2012: Happy “Mew” Year! – Join Oatland as they welcome a new year by learning about Oatland’s feline friends the Bobcats. They may be short on tails but not on personality! During this program, the group will take a walk so be sure to bring your stroller or wagon.

January 17, 2012: Our Bushy-tailed Friends: Squirrels! – Scurry to Oatland Island to learn about those frisky, furry tailed rodents, squirrels, as we celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day. We will sing songs, read a book, and do a squirrel painting craft. Be sure to bring your strollers as we will be taking a walk to look for squirrels along the trails.

January 24, 2012: Dragon Lizard – Welcome the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar by meeting Oatland’s resident “dragon” Dyno the broad head skink and making your own lizard dragon to take home.

January 31, 2012: A Different type of Hog – Trot on in to Oatland as we celebrate Ground Hog day learning about another kind of hog, our resident pig, Streaker. We will take her a treat and learn about our porcine friend.

Lower temperatures equal lower prices at Georgia State Parks!

Now, through March 31st, visitors will save up to 35% on lodge rooms, cottages, yurts and camp grounds! What an affordable way to enjoy the natural wonders that Winter brings.

These special savings are only available by calling toll-free at 1-800-864-7275 and requesting Winter Getaway Savings. Details here.

FREE Spanish story time by a licensed teacher!
Come to the Richmond Hill YMCA for a fun, energetic story time with crafts, singing, dancing, sign language, and stories by the only Spanish instructor at Savannah Technical College.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.

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

PETITE FEET END OF SEASON CLEARANCE SALE
SHOES, BOOTS, JACKETS & ACCESSORIES NOW 25% – 75% OFF WHILE STOCK LASTS

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

Telfair’s Jepson Center for the Arts at 207 W.York Street in Historic Savannah is a great place to visit when you’re looking for creative indoor kids’ activities. Check these out:

What Can We Make? Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10-2pm

wcwm? focuses on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills through imagination. Explore your creative side with inspiring activities utilizing up-cycled materials, found objects, and traditional art supplies. In addition to the wcwm? project kits, the studios provide water color and collage opportunities. Call 790.8823.

New to the program is monthly thematic Family Make: participants are assigned a theme and encouraged to make art from the most unexpected materials. January’s Make: Camera Obscura In conjunction with “Fresh Focus: Contemporary Photography from the Permanent Collection”

Camera obscura, a camera without film, a precursor to the invention of photography, in use since the Victorian era. Easy to build and fun to personalize, it can function in most any form. The camera obscura will demystify the functions of a camera, while providing a fun artistic investigation of composition and light in the world around us.

Always free to members and to visitors with paid admission. Open to adults and children accompanied by an adult caregiver

Winter 2012 Toddler Thursday

Designed especially for pre-schoolers and their adult companions, Toddler 3rd Thursday allows toddlers to explore artwork from Telfair exhibits and complete a tour-related art project.

▪ 10—11:30am
▪ Ages 3-5 & parent or guardian
▪ $5 per child /
Adults free with child admission

2012 Themes for Toddler Thursday
January 19 Take’n Pictures
February 16 Moving Dots Flip Book
March 15 Painting Savannah
April 19 Paper Dolls

FOR CHILDREN & ADULT ART CLASSES OFFERED AT TELFAIR MUSEUMS, CLICK HERE.

Jumpbunch  is an International Sports and Fitness program serving children and families throughout the US and India!  JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori and many more locations.

FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS Monday January 9 AT 9:30 am

JumpBunch is offering a 10 week session beginning on January 16– March 12
The class offered will be Monday morning at 9:30 am located at New Life Church at 16252 Hwy 144 E in Richmond Hill, GA.

Cost for the 10 weeks is only $85 ( military discount of 10$ off)

Each week, JumpBunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. At this stage, the goal is to build confidence and coordination.

Some of the fun sports JumpBunch offers are: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games and best of all equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!!

JumpBunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

Enroll Online Now here!!
And check out JumpBunch on Facebook: Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah.

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312. JumpBunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Back to school after holiday break means it’s time to register your kids for Savannah music, Spanish, art, soccer, gymnastics, swim lessons or swim teams or all of the above.

SouthernMamas.com now lists Children’s Winter 2012 Classes/Sports in one easily accessible spot. Just go to Winter 2012 Classes/Sports at the top of our main page under the SouthernMamas.com logo and you will seen the drop-down menu for Children’s Art Classes; Children’s Music Classes; Children’s Spanish Classes and Children’s Sports. Those categories are also now listed in the left sidebar under Pages.

Lots of fun local children’s programs out there to help kick off 2012. So start registering & happy winter.

Coastal Cheer Cats: Spring Season Cheer Teams for youth and junior ages.

Join All American Gymnastics in Savannah for Open house & Clinic/Tryouts:
January 7th from 5-7 pm
Ages 14 & younger.
Great opportunity to be a part of a Spring Season only team
Practice only 1 day a week (Sunday)
Please call (912) 354-4343 to sign up in advance, more details available on the Coastal Cheer Cats link here

All American Gymnastics supports the Military. All military families with a Skies Unlimited Card will receive 20% off ALL classes.

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

An exciting Savannah Celtic soccer program for children with disabilities – including autism/aspergers – starts next week 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. Savannah Celtic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Join All American Gymnastics at 7808 White Bluff, Savannah for an 0pen house & clinic/tryouts for Coastal Cheer Cats, Spring Season Cheer Teams for youth and junior ages,  Jan. 7 from 5-7 pm. Ages 14 & younger.

This is a great opportunity to be a part of a Spring Season only team. Practice only 1 day a week (Sunday).
Please call (912) 354-4343 to sign up in advance, more details available on the Coastal Cheer Cats link here

All American Gymnastics supports the military. All military families with a Skies Unlimited Card will receive 20% off ALL classes. More info on classes here.

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

Kids’ Night Out
6-8 PM Saturday, January 7
Drop the kids off for a night of fun!
$25 + tax includes project, pizza, and drink.
Ages 5 & Up
Reservations Required: 912.303.9599 or email contactus@starlightpottery.com

Winter/Spring Studio Hours at Starlight Pottery: Monday 11-6, Tuesday Closed, Wednesday – Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday Closed

Ladies Night Out
Thursday, January 5
6-9pm
Get your friends together and call to reserve a table. Bring your own food and drink.
Price of the pottery you paint is all you pay!
Its a great way to relax after the holidays!!
To reserve your table, call 912.303.9599 or email contactus@starlightpottery.com

Winter/Spring Studio Hours at Starlight Pottery: Monday 11-6, Tuesday Closed, Wednesday – Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday Closed

Get creative in 2012. Take part in some of the fun January events happening at Starlight Pottery at 7070 Hodgson Memorial Dr. in midtown Savannah.

Ladies Night Out
Thursday, January 5
6-9pm
Get your friends together and call to reserve a table. Bring your own food and drink.
Price of the pottery you paint is all you pay!
Its a great way to relax after the holidays!!
To reserve your table, call 912.303.9599 or email contactus@starlightpottery.com

Kids Night Out
Saturday, January 7
Drop the kids off for a night of fun!
$25 + tax includes project, pizza, and drink.
6-8pm
Ages 5 & Up
Reservations Required: 912.303.9599

Winter/Spring Studio Hours at Starlight Pottery: Monday 11-6, Tuesday Closed, Wednesday – Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday Closed

Starlight Pottery, 7070 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah GA. 31406, 912.303.9599, email contactus@starlightpottery.com, http://starlightpottery.com/ , Starlight Pottery is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

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 Celtic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Ongoing Events at The Center for Wildlife Education & the Lamar Q. Ball Raptor Center, open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. M-F & 1-5 PM Sat. The Wildlife Center is closed on weekends during the months of June, July & August

Features raptor program/flight show with birds of prey, reptile show, discovery trails with wetland preserve, eco-adventure camps, birthday party packages.
More info here.

The Wildlife Center offers a special themed program to the public each day at 3:30 p.m. The fee for the daily program is the price of admission.

Monday – Are You Afraid of Wildlife?

Join us for an in depth discussion of “scary” animals, and why they are really not scary at all! Learn how to have a healthy respect for the wildlife around you.

Tuesday – Sandhill Ecosystems

Experience seeing and learning about the animals you would find in Sandhill Ecosystems, one of our most threatened habitats in Georgia.

Wednesday – Wildlife of the World

Explore animals from almost every continent in the world. Learn how they have adapted to survive in the habitats in which they live.

Thursday – Flight Show

Join us in the amphitheater to be amazed by the majestic flight of our Birds of Prey.

Friday – Words of the Wise

Learn the truth about owls and some of the myths with which they are associated. See up close and personal why some of them are true, and some of them are definitely not!

For more information on the daily themed programs please contact the Center at 912-478-0831.

Weekend Programs:
The Wildlife Center is closed on weekends during the months of June, July & August
The Center for Wildlife Education is open to the public on Saturday’s from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
A reptile program is held on each Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the Lecture Hall and a flighted raptor program is held at 3:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
For more information please contact the Center at 912-478-0831

Admission Rates effective April 27th 2009:
Single Admission Rates:
Adults: $2.00
Children (3-11 years of age): $1.00
Military (with ID): $1.00
Senior Citizens: $1.00
Children under 3 years of age: Free
GSU Faculty, Staff and Students (with ID): Free

Annual Admission Rates (unlimited visits):
Adults: $8.00
Children (3-11 years of age): $6.00
Military (with ID): $6.00
Senior Citizens: $6.00

Admission fees exclude special event and field trip fees

Driving Directions From Savannah:
Travel I-16 West towards Macon. Take Exit 127, (GA Hwy. 67) towards Statesboro. At second stoplight (approx. 10 miles) turn left onto Veteran’s Memorial Parkway (Bypass 301, 67, 25). Go through the red light at Lanier Drive and through the red light at the GSU entrance on Akins Blvd. At the third stoplight, turn right onto US 301. Just after passing the Best Western on the left, turn right at GSU entrance (Southern Drive). Turn right onto Sweetheart Circle. Take the first right off Sweetheart Circle onto Forest Drive. Proceed through the 3-way stop. The Center for Wildlife Education is just down the street on the left across from the University Public Safety offices.

Tour de Effingham Relay/Bike Tour
Saturday Jan. 7 7:45 a.m.
Be a runner in the relay! Be a cyclist in the event! Donate money and time to the cause! Help sponsor the event! Spread the word!
Pineora Baptist Church
131 Elkin Street Guyton, GA
$20.00
Registration Closing Date
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Click here for more information.

The first Friday of each month, The Westin Savannah Harbor hosts a riverside evening celebration with live music, libations (full bar), s’mores by the firepit from 7-10pm.

Catch the free Fireworks Extravaganza presented by the Savannah Waterfront Association and sponsored by Wet Willie’s at 9:30.

Catch the complimentary water ferry from River Street or take advantage of easy parking at the resort, validated with purchase. More info here.

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness in Richmond Hill provides parents a venue to participate in play and fitness classes with their children age 6 weeks to 5 years old

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness offers:
*Parent/Child Classes
*Birthday Parties
*Mommy’s Morning Out
and more!

Gift certificates available! Click here.

Enroll Now for January 2012 Classes Filling Fast at Mommy & Me Play and Fitness.  2552 US Highway 17, Richmond Hill
912.756.2828
Any new student who mentions you read about Mommy & Me on SouthernMamas.com will have the Lifetime Membership Fee waived!
Military & Multi Child/Class Discounts
www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com
email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com

Like Mommy & Me Play and Fitness on Facebook here.

Charlene R. Ford, EdD
Owner/Program Director

Hours: Mon: 9 am-2 pm
Tues – Thurs: 9 am -2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Sat: 9 am – 12 pm

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness, www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com, 2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324, 912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

 La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is holding their end of the year clearance sale! 40%-60% off all retail footwear, apparel, accessories and gifts now through January 6th!

La Dee Da needs to make room for their gorgeous new spring inventory. So now is the time to save on brands like Bailey Boys, Letop, Mudpie, Anavini, Claire & Charlie, Lajenn’s, See Kai Run, Rileyroo’s, Stephen Joseph and much much more!

Kids are fun and unique and their style should reflect that. Visit us today to see why more moms and grandmoms choose La Dee Da. For more information call 912.295.5470 or find La Dee Da on Facebook here!

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is at 135 Goshen Road Extension in Goshen Park right on Hwy 21 in Rincon, For more info call 912.295.5470, visit www.LaDeeDaKids.com. or like the boutique on Facebook here! La Dee Da Children’s Boutique looks forward to serving you and your child. La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Book a session this week with Savannah photographer LeeAnn Ritch & you will get TWO sessions with CDs for $600 or one session for $350 with a CD.

The Savannah family portrait photographer and mother of two specializes in newborn, baby, child, and family photography. LeeAnn is known for shooting warm, candid portraits like these pictured here.

This holiday break, we trekked to Clearwater Marine Aquarium just outside of Tampa, Fla. see the movie star dolphin Winter from the hit kids’ movie “Dolphin Tale.” It was well worth the trip!

The movie “Dolphin Tale’’ made the aquarium famous by telling the story of one of the patients there, Winter, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. The story really resonates with kids, especially those with disabilities. 

When Winter was rescued from a crab trap off the east coast of Florida, her tail was seriously damaged. She was taken to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and cared for by a team of specialists.

Winter’s injured tail fell off, causing her to swim with a side-to-side motion like a fish instead of an up-and-down motion like a dolphin. That unusual swimming motion began to seriously damage her spine.

Experts from a company that makes prosthetics for humans heard about Winter and decided to help by making her a prosthetic tail.

The impact of the movie has been dramatic. Projected annual attendance to the aquarium has mushroomed from about 180,000 to 500,000.

Read more about our visit here. To plan your visit to see Winter, click here.