Kids can get cash, prevent cavities & support our troops at Simply Children’s Dentistry’s Candy Buy-Back Program in Savannah.

In an effort to promote healthy teeth and raise a cavity-free generation, Dr. Kamiti Harden at Simply Children’s Dentistry holds this Halloween candy buy-back program each year.

Staff will weigh the candy & pay your child $1 per pound of candy up to 5 pounds. In addition, each child will receive a new toothbrush. All the candy will be mailed overseas to the troops.

The candy buy-back will be 9 AM-2 PM Sat. Nov. 12 (giving kids plenty of time to enjoy some of their candy without going overboard) at Simply Children’s Dentistry, 613 Stephenson Ave Suite 201, Savannah GA 31405. For more info, call: (912) 353-9993. Open to all kids up to age 16.

Simply Children’s Dentistry, 613 Stephenson Ave Suite 201, Savannah 31405; www.simplychildrens.com , email: businessassistant@simplychildrens.com , (912) 353-9993. Simply Children’s Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Experience Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition as OneMain Financial presents the 25th annual Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

The Zoo’s silver anniversary celebration of Lights will kick off this Saturday, November 17 and will include old favorites as well as some new options for making family memories. In addition to the more than one million twinkling lights and hundreds of animated images that adorn the park every year, guests this year will have an opportunity to experience a 15-foot, life-size snow globe as well as have the chance to name a penguin!

The ornate event will also once again feature the Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, a 20-foot Christmas tree moving to the rhythm of popular seasonal tunes. Songs from the tree resonate throughout the Zoo’s Palmetto Plaza, where you’ll find the cozy Jingle Bell Bonfire—a popular spot for roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa on cold winter evenings.

As part of the festivities, guests can also visit with Santa Claus in Santa’s Village on the nights leading up to Christmas Eve; and don’t forget, Riverbanks is the only place in town where it snows every night.

When: November 17 – December 30; Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

6:00pm-9:00pm

Where: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

500 Wildlife Parkway

Columbia, SC 29210

Admission: Guests who purchase tickets in advance will receive a $2 discounted rate of $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.riverbanks.org or at any Zoo ticket window.

Note: All Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit when they show their membership card and picture ID at the gate; guest passes are not accepted. Parking for the event will be on the Zoo side only.

About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: For nearly 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $11.75 for adults, $9.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org  or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo .

Chick-Fil-A Savannah Mall is in the Halloween mood! The first 30 ghosts and goblins (or kids) who come in on Thursday, October 27 between 5-8 PM will be provided a free pumpkin to paint.

Come enjoy family night with pumpkin painting fun and great Chick-Fil-A food. Boo!

Chick-Fil-A Savannah Mall, 912-920-3550

Savannah Baby Co. has launched “Savannah’s Angels”. Give $5 directly to CURE Childhood Cancer and put your child’s photo up in their store! This week, Savannah Baby Co. will match your $5 donation.

Savannah’s Angels support CURE Childhood Cancer and is a way to show off your little angel in the Savannah Baby Co. store and help raise money for CURE Childhood Cancer at the same time. All money will go directly to CURE Childhood Cancer. The first 20 Contributors to Savannah’s Angels, starting tomorrow 10/26/11, will receive a FREE Skip * Hop Zoobie Lunch Box.

Help Savannah Baby Co. support CURE Childhood Cancer and come in to put your Child’s photo on their store wall! Also, come read “Sean’s Voice” and learn more about how you can be involved in CURE Childhood Cancer.

Savannah Baby Company, 5301 Paulsen in the Medical Arts neighborhood, Monday-Friday, 10-6. Saturday 10-4. 912-480-0212, www.savannahbabyco.com,  Savannah Baby Company is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

La Dee Da’s Grand Opening event will be Saturday, November 5th from 10am – 3 pm. Come bring the kids and enjoy a day of hopping, jumping, running and bouncing on inflatable slides, bounce houses and sports arenas by Bounce Up inflatables for only $5 per child for an entire day of fun!! Free hot dogs and drinks for the kids will br provided as well as face painting, balloons, drawings great sales and much much more!

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is now open at 135 Goshen Road Extension in Goshen Park right on Hwy 21 in Rincon, Mon. thru Wed. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thurs./Fri. 10 am – 7 pm and Sat. from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 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

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique, an upscale children’s boutique, is seeking boys ages 3 months to 4 and girls ages 3 months to 6, to walk the runway in their fashion show at The Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Classic on Sun Nov. 20 at Effingham County High School.

To enter your child for selection, please go to La Dee Da’s Facebook page by clicking here and post your child’s photo and age along with a little info that might give La Dee Da a glimpse into your child’s bright and unique personality!

Deadline for photo entrance is 6 PM November 5. La Dee Da will announce their picks on Mon. Nov. 7 on Facebook here.

Each model will receive a free 5X7 of their moment on the runway compliments of Gypsy Light Photography and their names put in a drawing for some great prizes icluding a $25.00 gift certificate to The Loft Cafe, a $100.00 gift certificate to La Dee Da and free photo session with Gypsy Light Photography. Call 912.295.5470 for more information or find La Dee Da on Facebook here.

La Dee Da’s Grand Opening event will be Saturday, November 5th from 10am – 3 pm. Come bring the kids and enjoy a day of hopping, jumping, running and bouncing on inflatable slides, bounce houses and sports arenas by Bounce Up inflatables for only $5 per child for an entire day of fun!! Free hot dogs and drinks for the kids will br provided as well as face painting, balloons, drawings great sales and much much more! Mention Southern Mamas and receive 25% off of any regularly priced item. (Not valid with any other offers or promotions and good only on the day of event)

La Dee Da Children’s Boutique is now open at 135 Goshen Road Extension in Goshen Park right on Hwy 21 in Rincon, Mon. thru Wed. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thurs./Fri. 10 am – 7 pm and Sat. from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 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

Savannah Arts Academy will present the 1940’s Radio Show at 7 p.m. Under the able direction of guest director, Sebastian Verdis this authentic radio show features songs, vaudeville comedy routines like “Who’s On First” and “Niagara Falls” and commercials from the World War II era as well as salute to our armed services. Call (912) 395-5000 or savartsacademy.com.

Dolphin Explorations: Learn about the basic biology and characteristics of the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin while aboard a cruise on the R/V Sea Dawg to look for individual dolphins and observe their behaviors, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Nov. 5

Reservations & payment required prior to Oct. 28. Cost: $40/person, ages: 10 and up. Be sure to include your name, number in you party, contact email and phone number in all messages. Please arrive 15 minutes before program begins to check-in at the admissions/information desk. UGA Marine Extension Service Education Center and Aquarium, 30 Ocean Science Circle. Pre-register by calling (912) 598-2356 or emailing fish@uga.edu.

Halloween on Lewis Avenue has been moved back to Monday night, October 31st, 2011, between 6:30- 9 PM. Be safe! Look both ways! Don’t wear your masks while walking near traffic! Happy Halloween!

Initially, City Council had changed Lewis Ave trick or treat to Sat. Oct. 29, but switched it to the actual day of Halloween after Lewis Ave residents signed a petition. A big thank you to Julie S. for this update!

For a complete listing of local kid and family Halloween events & Fall Festivals, visit the SouthernMamas.com Event Calendar by clicking here.

Monday, December 12, 2011
Savannah Harbor Foundation’s Musical Mondays: Garrison Wind Ensemble
7 pm
FREE!

The Savannah Harbor Foundation Holiday Series tradition continues, with Musical Mondays! Join us for this FREE concert, a family-friendly event of holiday cheer.
www.westinsavannah.com/events
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

Friday, December 02, 2011
First Friday Oyster Roast and Fireworks
7 – 9:45pm

Buckets of oysters, a bar and a band! Riverside at the Westin every First Friday – Enjoy live entertainment sponsored by Adventure Radio and fireworks sponsored by Wet Willies and the Savannah Riverfront. Full libations and great food await, including tasty grill items for the landlubbers. Join us for an evening of dancing under the stars at our relaxed resort setting.

www.westinsavannah.com/events
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

Monday, December 05, 2011
Savannah Harbor Foundation’s Musical Mondays: Savannah Arts Academy
7 pm

The Savannah Harbor Foundation Holiday Series tradition continues, with Musical Mondays! Join the Westin for this FREE concert, a family-friendly event of holiday cheer.
www.westinsavannah.com/events
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

Saturday, November 26, 2011
Savannah Harbor Foundation Eleventh Annual Boat Parade of Lights
5 pm

A Christmas Parade – Savannah style! A parade of festively-decorated yachts on their cruise of the Savannah River follows! This family event officially kicks off the holiday series sponsored by the Savannah Harbor Foundation. Festive events on River Street, Savannah.

Ride the FREE Savannah Belles ferry from River Street across the Savannah River to The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, Hutchinson, Is., Savannah (Or just drive across the bridge)

Savannah Harbor Foundation Eleventh Annual Gingerbread Village will be Thanksgiving through New Year’s at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

Not just one gingerbread house, but an entire village! The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa comes alive with holiday cheer as local chefs – from professionals to hobbyists – compete for bragging rights of the Best Gingerbread Creation! Stop by to view the creations and cast your vote. Holiday Series events sponsored by the Savannah Harbor Foundation.

Be sure to check out the creatively-decorated holiday Trees for Life on display in the lobby of the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa! These festive holiday trees are decorated by area businesses, groups, and individuals and are auctioned to benefit the Greenbriar Children’s Center.
www.westinsavannah.com/events
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

Show our troops how much you care with a hand-made card this holiday!
The “Cards for Soldiers” card drive and contest is being held as part of the Savannah Harbor Foundation Eleventh Annual Holiday Series. The winning cards will be on display at The Westin during the Savannah Harbor Foundation Boat Parade of Lights, being held Saturday, November 26th, after which they will be mailed to troops stationed overseas. Please include the child’s name, school, grade level, teacher’s name on each card. Have fun, and be creative! The most creative class will win a holiday gift from the Savannah Harbor Foundation. Be sure to turn in your cards by Tuesday, November 22nd in time for judging!

www.westinsavannah.com/holidays
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

Monday, November 07, 2011- Monday, November 21, 2011
Gingerbread Village Competition
Let your culinary creativity shine! You are invited to compete for prizes up to $1000 and a Westin getaway at this year’s Gingerbread Village Competition. House exteriors need to be made of edibles – otherwise your imagination is the limit! Prizes for each age group. No entry fee. Pre-register by 11/7; houses due 11/21.
www.westinsavannah.com/holidays
Pleas call 912.201.2048 for more information

Friday, November 04, 2011
First Friday Oyster Roast and Fireworks
7 – 9 pm

Buckets of oysters, a bar and a band! Riverside at the Westin every First Friday – Enjoy live entertainment by “Steppin’ Stones,” sponsored by Adventure Radio and fireworks sponsored by Wet Willies and the Savannah Riverfront. Full libations and great food await, including tasty grill items for the landlubbers. Join the Westin for an evening of dancing under the stars at our relaxed resort setting.

www.westinsavannah.com/events
Please call 912.201.2000 for more information

The date for the 2nd Annual ‘Kid’s Kickin’ for Cancer’ charity game/s has been set!

Tuesday November 1st. Jennifer Ross Soccer Complex Field 4
5:30pm – U16G SCFC Cobras V U15G YDP
7pm – SCFC Coaches (old crocks) V SCFC Mutiny (young bucks)

Please come out to watch, support and donate for the cause! All proceeds go to the Mary Telfair Institute. For more info, call Savannah Celtic at (912) 495-9996

Barney Live in Concert World Premiere Tour.The show “Birthday Bash!” is coming to the Johnny Mercer Theater at Savannah Civic Center 3 PM & 6:30 PM Thurs. Nov. 10 2011.

Save $3 per ticket!
Use the code PURPLE online at etix.com or savannahcivic.com to receive the discount. To charge by phone, call 801-351-7469 or 912-651-6557.
(Discount excludes Gold Circle & Dino Seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Discount cannot be combined with any other discount.)

Celebrate with Barney™ at his birthday party! This BRAND NEW, interactive, live stage concert, features more than 25 fun and upbeat tunes, including favorites such as “Mr. Knickerbocker,” “Dino Dance,” “Baby Bop Hop,” and “Rock ‘n Roll Star” You’ll be singing and dancing in the aisles with your favorite purple dinosaur and his friends Baby Bop™, BJ™ and Riff™. It’s a fun filled show all about sharing, caring and friendship – brought to you by the power of your imagination.

Ticket information
• Ticket prices: $15, $25, $30 (Gold Circle), & $50 (Dino Seats).
• Group discounts available. Groups 15+ call 912-651-6557.
• Get the ultimate fan experience with Dino Seats!
The Dino Seats Package includes a VIP Seat and a pre-show Meet & Greet photo opportunity with Barney!
• Additional fees/surcharges may apply.

Performance Schedule
Thursday, November 10: 3 PM & 6:30 PM at Savannah Civic Center.

UPDATE: Winner is Angie Mohr! Congratulations!

Update: If you want a FRESH organic and/or free range turkey for Thanksgiving you can order & reserve yours now at Brighter Day Natural Foods Market in Savannah. Frozen will also be available, but this year the price of fresh will actually be lower than frozen. Call 912.236.4703. Pls. say SouthernMamas.com sent you!

This week’s SouthernMamas.com giveaway is good for you!

Win a $25 gift certificate to Brighter Day Natural Foods Market at 1102 Bull St., Savannah 31401. To enter to win, visit Brighter Day on Facebook by clicking here. “Like” the Brighter Day FB page. Then on their wall, share your tip for keeping kids healthy though the winter. (handwashing long enough to sing Happy Birthday twice, favorite vitamins etc?).

Not into Facebook? You can also enter to win by answering the above question by commenting on this post. Just click on Comments below.

Deadline to enter is 7 PM Sun. Oct. 30. We’ll pick a winner and announce the winner here and on SouthernMamas.com Facebook.

Check out these great kid-friendly products available at Brighter Day:

Blue Bonnet’s new children’s line sweetened with Xylitol. Check it out here. Introductory prices right now. Details on health benefits of xylitol here.

Nature’s Way just introduced 2 children’s vitamins: one is a gummy (sweetened with tapioca syrup and evaporated cane juice) and one is a chewable. The vitamins contain 26+ fruits and vegetables along with the usual vitamins & minerals. Introductory prices at 30% off beginning Nov. 1, 2011.

Hylands reformulated children’s cough syrup. It used to contain honey, which meant children younger than 1 year could not take it. Now the honey is removed so it’s avaiable for children 6 months and older. Brighter Day expects to have this product coming in this week of Oct. 24.

Brighter Day Natural Foods Market, 1102 Bull St., Savannah, 31401  912.236.4703  www.brighterdayfoods.com, Mon – Sat: 10 AM-7 PM, Sun 12:30 PM-5:30 PM. On Facebook here.

Interpretive Center hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM
Come see the display of the Giant Ground Sloth replica, wildlife exhibits, live reptiles and birding station. Programs listed below meet promptly at the Interpretive Center unless otherwise noted.

Skidaway Island State Park
52 Diamond Causeway
Savannah, GA 31411

Wednesday, December 21:
2:00 PM Knot Tying: Come learn some handy knots for everyday use.
3:00 PM Big Ferry Trail Hike: Come for a 2-3 mile walk through a Maritime Forest. Meet at the Big Ferry Trail Entrance.

Thursday, December 22:
11:00 AM Interpretive Center Tour: Join a tour of the museum. See and touch fossils, reptiles, and more!
2:00 PM Giants of Skidaway: Come learn about the amazing Giant Ground Sloth and others that roamed Skidaway during the Ice Age, more than 10,000 years ago. See and touch real fossils!

Friday, December 23:
1:00 PM Coastal Reptiles: Learn all about lizards, turtles, and snakes… Oh My! See and touch live examples.
3:00 PM Sandpiper Nature Trail Hike: Come for a 1.5-mile walk to learn about native plants and animals that inhabit the marsh.

Saturday, December 24:
1:00 PM Snakes Alive! Learn all about snakes. See live examples!
3:00 PM Wilderness Survival: We will talk about lost prevention and show you simple items to take with you on a hike.

Sunday, December 25:
Christmas Day. The Interpretive Center is closed.

For more free December kids’ events at Skidaway Is. State Park, click here. For more information, call Skidaway State Park at (912) 598-2300.

The Charles Ellis Montessori Academy PTA Fall Festival will be 12-4 PM Sat. Oct. 29 in Hull Park, Ardsley Park, Savannah