PROGRESSIVE, AFFORDABLE, DIVERSE ENROLLING NOW!

For children 6 weeks-4 years

FREE registration for SouthernMamas.com readers!

Among the many things that makes mama frantic, the quest for quality childcare trumps all.

Trying to find an affordable Savannah early learning center that fits your progressive tastes and provides a nurturing and diverse environment is tough.

Set in Midtown Savannah, BEST Academy enrolls children from Infants to 4 years old. Their creative approach to learning and playing brings something unique to childcare in Savannah. The Children at BEST receive the benefit of
having highly-qualified and enthusiastic teachers who keep children engaged with hands on lessons and innovative teaching.

There is art, yoga, and Ms. Amy’s School of Music provides musical fun and child-led instrument jams.

BEST Academy is proud of their all vegetarian menu. Each spring and fall they plant their own organic garden, with the kids lending a hand. Healthy eating produces healthy kids!

They encourage the kids to learn while doing. And, after lots of learning, the 12,000 square-foot playground gives kids plenty of room to do what kids do best – play.

BEST currently has openings for the fall and they welcome new families. BEST is happy to work with parents looking for part-time or flexible schedules.

Feel free to visit, meet the staff and see BEST in action.

BEST Academy, 1010 E. Duffy St. at the corner of Waters Avenue, 912.335-7123 or email best.academy1@gmail.com www.thebestacademy.net BEST Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The Leukemia Cup “Run for Jane,” is a 5K Run/Walk & Kids Run held in conjunction with the 2011 St. Joseph’s/Candler Leukemia Cup Regatta Weekend of Events. It is named in honor of Dr Jane Philbrick, a well-known Savannah educator & community supporter.

Opportunities to receive a $100 Fleet Feet Gift Card and more great prizes are available to those participants who choose to individually fundraise for the “Run for Jane”. The Leukemia Cup is a community coming together through a series of sporting events to help fight leukemia, lymphoma & other blood cancers & includes; a 5K Run/Walk, golf, junior fishing, in-shore fishing, tennis, sailing and the Spirit of the Sea black-tie dinner & auction. The sporting events benefit the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“Run for Jane” will be at the historic Fort Pulaski, on a beautiful trail run in and out of the woods around the Fort and by the river. It will include the National Anthem & cannons firing by the soldiers in their historic regalia.

“Run for Jane” is Labor Day Weekend, Sat. Sept. 3, 2011. The Packet pick up will be available at Fleet Feet Friday September 2, 2011. Registration will be available online at www.active.com . Dates for the 2011 Leukemia Cup Regatta Weekend of Events are September 19, 23-25.

The St. Joseph’s/Candler Leukemia Cup Regatta will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Money raised at the event will go towards critical research to increase the survival rates of the 912,938 Americans who are now living with leukemia, Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma.

Registration is available online at www.active.com  for the 5k Event.

For more information please visit www.leukemiacup.org/ga

Keep your little ones cozy and save a few dollars in the process by having Savannah Insulation blow cellulose in to your attic or walls.

Making sure your home is properly insulated will help keep it cozy and comfortable all year round. And in the process put less strain on your air handler and in turn go easy on your wallet.

Using Cellulose insulation shows you care about the future. It is made from 85% recycled materials, using sustainable products. Combine that with the saving on utilities and you will be reducing your carbon footprint.

For more information on cellulose insulation, please go to www.savannahinsulation.com

For an exact quote, please call David on 912.247.8889

Savannah Insulation also offer energy audits. For details, click here.

Savannah Insulation, www.savannahinsulation.com/, 912.247.8889, On Facebook here, Savannah Insulation is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Free Family Movie Night on Tybee Island. 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19. Popcorn provided. Bring lawn chairs & drinks. Movie: “Toy Story 3”. Rated: G. Open to the public.

The party is over. School days are already here for some and coming soon for others.

Time to get back to a schedule. That means signing up your kids for music, dance, art, soccer, gymnastics, swim lessons or swim teams or all of the above.

SouthernMamas.com now lists Children’s Fall 2011 Classes/Sports in one easily accessible spot. Just go to Fall 2011 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 Dance Classes; and Children’s Sports. Those categories are also now listed in the left sidebar under Pages.  Lots of fun children’s programs out there.  So start registering & happy almost Fall.

Art on the Park Fall children’s classes start the week of Sept 12. Art on the Park is conveniently located on Washington Avenue off Daffin Park! Check out the fall schedule by clicking here Mention SouthernMamas.com and receive $10 off! Small classes- 6 student limit.

Last minute deal for Southernmamas readers! Buy one, get 1/2 off enrollment fee for early-fall classes. You can share this deal with your friends! Classes start next week!

Email Art on the Park & mention Southernmamas to receive this great deal on group art classes. A few spots remain open in the following two classes:
Creative Crafting for Girls: A Fine-Arts take on Craft-Making
For Ages 6-8.
Thursdays, 4-515pm. Starting September 15th
and
Upper-Elementary Drawing- Drawing Techniques
For Ages 9-11.
Wednesdays- 4-515pm- Starting September 14th

Email tskart@yahoo.com  for more class options!

More details here.

Check out the Fall Art on the Park Class roster!

Mention SouthernMamas.com and receive $10 off!
NEW Reduced affordable class prices! For prices and detailed curriculum, please contact tskart@yahoo.com

Art on the Park Classes
FALL-2011. All classes start the week of Sept 12.
Art on the Park: Conveniently located on Washington Avenue off Daffin Park!

Michelangelo to Magritte- Art-(History)-Making with a Twist! For ages 5-7.
Tuesdays: 415-530pm
Learn about new* famous artists in this educational and fun fine arts class! Each class will feature a new artist and/or technique to captivate your creative child. Complete curriculum provided upon registration . All materials included. *Studied artists are not repeated from 2010-2011 school year.

Upper-Elementary Drawing- Drawing Techniques for Ages 9-11.
Wednesdays: 4-515pm
Drawing is the foundation to any fine art focus. This Fall, we will concentrate on perspective, composition, and mark-making. This is a great class for those interested in applying to local art magnet schools. Winter & Spring sessions will provide deeper focus and new techniques, however it’s recommended to take this class as a basis. Private portfolio development is also offered for an additional cost.

Portfolio Drawing (Fall)- For Ages 12-14
Wednesdays: 615-715pm
Drawing is the foundation to any fine art focus. This Fall, we will concentrate on still-life drawing. This is a great class for those interested in applying to local art magnet schools. Winter & Spring sessions will provide deeper focus and new techniques, however it’s recommended to take this class as a basis. Private portfolio development is also offered for an additional cost.

Creative Crafting for Girls- A Fine-Arts take on Craft-Making for Ages 6-8.
Thursdays: 4-515pm
Let’s face it- crafting is part of the creative process! If you know me well, you know I can’t stray too far from teaching strong foundational values in fine arts- so I will be sure to infuse the fun with teachings about these craft origins and place in art history. Decoupage, beading, and much more! Complete curriculum provided upon registration . All materials included.

Classes taught by Torrey S. Kist, MFA
Formerly with the Telfair education department, Torrey is young local artist with a professional background in teaching & designing quality curriculum for Savannah’s public & private school systems. She has developed programs for toddlers, elementary & high school students, adults & seniors, as well as for special needs audiences. She received a MFA in painting from SCAD & has exhibited in numerous galleries. She has been nationally published in “New American Paintings” & exhibits locally at kobo gallery. To be a successful artist, technique is important, but creativity is key. Torrey creates a balanced curriculum between teaching foundational skills & allowing students to be explorative- providing a crucial outlet where creativity & expression are fostered.

Small classes- 6 student limit. Register today! tskart@yahoo.com, 912.354.5988

Art on the Park Studio: Situated directly on Daffin Park, the studio is a great place to spread out, get messy, and take play breaks if needed. Art on the Park Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Music with Mar. is for children ages 6 months-6 years old and a parent/caregiver.  Savannah classes are taught by Carlyle Dorroh, a warm and personable mother-of-three with a BA in psychology, Masters in Education and over 12 years in the field of education as a teacher and school director/principal.

Music with Mar. is for children ages 6 months-6 years old and a parent/caregiver.  Savannah classes are taught by Carlyle Dorroh, a warm and personable mother-of-three with a BA in psychology, Masters in Education and over 12 years in the field of education as a teacher and school director/principal.

Classes will meet at 11 AM each Friday (starting Sept 16th). One aspect that makes Music with Mar. so unique is there’s no registration, no set sessions and all ages sing and learn together. (Great for families with multiple children!). Classes run continuously and families are encouraged to come whenever they can. Program founder, Mar. Harmon, is dedicated to offer a fabulous, developmentally appropriate, fun music and movement class for children at a very affordable price for families. Cost is $7/class per family (up to 4 children) or a block of 5 classes (to be used any time during a 4 month period) is $30.

More details here.

We’re thrilled to tell you about a new, high-energy, affordable music and movement class for kids and their parents/caregivers in Savannah.

Music with Mar. is for children ages 6 months-6 years old and a parent/caregiver. The class opening will be the first in Savannah and one of many Music with Mar. classes nationwide.

Savannah classes are taught by Carlyle Dorroh, a warm and personable mother-of-three with a BA in psychology, Masters in Education and over 12 years in the field of education as a teacher and school director/principal.

Classes will meet at 11 AM each Friday (starting Sept 16th) in the music room of St James Catholic Church (8412 Whitfield Ave. Fronts on Montgomery Cross Road), Savannah.

One aspect that makes Music with Mar. so unique is there’s no registration, no set sessions and all ages sing and learn together. (Great for families with multiple children!). Classes run continuously and families are encouraged to come whenever they can – which Carlyle hopes is often!

Program founder, Mar. Harmon, is dedicated to offer a fabulous, developmentally appropriate, fun music and movement class for children at a very affordable price for families. Cost is $7/class per family (up to 4 children) or a block of 5 classes (to be used any time during a 2 month period) is $30.

For more information, contact Carlyle Dorroh via email carlyled@musicwithmar.com or call 912-222-9431.

Stay connected with Music with Mar. in Savannah via Facebook here.

Music with Mar in Savannah, www.musicwithmar.com , email carlyled@musicwithmar.com , 912-222-9431. Music with Mar in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

UPDATE: Winner is Alicia Cunigan! Congratulations & Happy Shopping!

Get ready to save big money on boutique bargains at  Coastal Kids Market  Fall 2011 consignment sale, Aug. 25-27 2011.

This week, a SouthernMamas.com reader will win a $30 gift certificate to CKM and 2 Preview Party Tickets! To enter to win, “like” Coastal Kids Market on Facebook here and answer this on their wall: What deals do you hope to find at CKM this season? Not into Facebook? Feel free to enter to win by answering that question below this post. Just click on comments. Deadline to enter: noon Sun. Aug. 21. We’ll announce the winner and on SouthernMamas.com Facebook Sun evening Aug. 21.

Coastal Kids Market sells only gently-worn designer items deemed too cute to resist

You still have time to consign your children’s outgrown items. Consignor registration ends Sun. Aug. 21. Click here for info on how to consign your items.

Don’t forget about the sale’s Charity Hour to benefit The Next Generation: Bring a $10 gift card to Wal-Mart, Target, or Toys ‘R Us on Thursday evening (Aug. 25) and shop an hour early! These gifts cards will be used by the child life specialists at Backus Children’s Hospital at Memorial Health Center to buy birthday gifts and end of chemo celebration gifts for patients. Charity Hour is 5-6 PM Thurs. Aug. 25. Doors open to the public for regular entry at 6 PM.

In addition to all the fabulous consigned items, there will be lots of NEW items at the sale, too! Prepare for football season with a large selection of new smocked collegiate wear. All of your favorite teams in the Southeast are included. If CKM doesn’t have your team or size, they can get it for you. 10 wonderful vendors will be here with lots of new items too, including DolceMia Clothing, a SouthernMamas.com favorite! For a full listing of vendors visit the CKM website here or Facebook page here.

Vendor 2 Cutie Patooties -another SouthernMamas.com favorite – will offer monogramming services! Items purchased at the sale or brought from home can be dropped off with them for monogramming. Monogram orders can be picked up on the last day of the sale, or at their location in Just for Baby & More.

Coastal Kids Market FALL 2011 SALE DATES
Thurs. Aug. 25, 2011, CHARITY HOUR: 5-6 PM
Open to Public: 6– 8 pm
Fri. Aug. 26, 2011, 9 am – 5 pm
Sat., Aug. 27, 2011, 9 am – 12 pm
**Select items will be half price on Saturday

Coastal Kids Market, The Shops at Godley Station ~ Pooler Parkway, 107 Grand Central Blvd. Suite 202 (formerly Moonlight Mattress), www.coastalkidsmarket.com Coastal Kids Market is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

Fee Free Day
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Fort Pulaski will join all national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees on 17 days in 2011

Candle Lantern Tour of Fort McAllister Historic Park, Richmond Hill
Saturday, Oct 20, 2012
Experience the fort by candle light. Walk through these historic grounds and watch the soldiers going through their nightly duties and chores. Be sure to stay with your guide or you may be captured as a spy.
$3.75 to $6.50
912-727-2339
3894 Fort McAllister Road Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Details here.

Artillery – To be rifled or not to be rifled at Fort McAllister Historic Park
Wednesdays 1 PM – 2 PM until May 23, 2012
Learn about Civil War artillery at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. Fee plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

To read about where to find local cannon and musket firings, click here.

Infantry – The 19th century King of Battle at Fort McAllister Historic Park
1 PM – 2 PM from Aug 14, 2011 until May 1, 2012
Offered Tuesdays through Saturdays at 1 p.m. Learn about Civil War infantry and weapons from staff historians. Fee plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

To read about where to find local cannon and musket firings, click here.

The hot weather will subside someday. We promise.

And when it does, you want to be ready to explore Georgia State Parks. We’ve got all the info on September events happening a state parks and historic spots across the state. Gorge hikes, group hayrides, outdoor music festivals, full moon hikes, Labor Day festivities, butterfly safari, fishing rodeos, even a couple of special days when you can actually swim in the waters at Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site in Warm Springs, Ga. (which are normally kept empty for preservation).

To find out details about all that and more, visit the new SouthernMamas.com Georgia State Parks Events page by clicking here. You can also find it listed as Georgia State Park Events on our home page left sidebar under Pages.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) of Richmond Hill invites all mothers with young children (expecting-6 years old) to come to their Open House.   If you would like more information or have any other questions feel free to email richmondhillmops@hotmail.com or call at 912-445-0171.  Be sure to “like” Richmond Hill MOPS Facebook here. 

Ms. Amy’ School of Music in Savannah offers lessons, classes & parent-and-me sessions for all ages from babies and up.

You can start your session any week including this one! Think of it as a punch card that you can use any time classes are held. For details, click here. Please say SouthernMamas.com sent you!

10-10:45 AM Wednesdays: parent-and-me classes for toddlers
A joyful first music experience. Children, siblings, and adults will share in a music making program of rhythms, active movement games and singing. Come for the nurturing environment where an energetic connection is drawn between music and imagination. Meet others and learn some fascinating music activities that can be re-created at home.

10-10:45 AM Saturdays: Toddler classes
9-9:45 AM Saturdays: Musical beans class.
Enjoy playing simple, physical music games with your baby! Help babies develop musical skills, understand speech patterns, and movement skills. Through musical activities we stimulate baby’s brain development, build coordination, moterskills, enhance language, and problem solving skills. Most importantly, nurture a strong, secure, and loving bond between you and your baby.
11-11:45 AM Wednesdays: For that fun age between toddler and preschool!
This is an artistically conceived flow of songs, nursery rhymes, instrumental jam sessions, and movement activities that will keep your little music maker involved. This class is designed to support children’s developing competence in tonality and rhythm and have fun.

More details here.

What is a Design Session? 

Super Museum Sunday – Free Admission
A free day at the ending site of Gen. Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea.” www.georgiahistory.com/events/73         912 727-2339.

For more activities and events at Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, visit the SouthernMamas.com Georgia State Park Events page here.

Guides will take you back in the 19th-century rice canals teeming with plants and aquatic life. Ancient cypress trees, wildlife and possible gator sightings make up this 4-5-hour paddle. $25 includes equipment. (912) 437-4770.

For more activities and events at Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, visit the SouthernMamas.com Georgia State Park Events page here.

Commemorate Labor Day holiday with hourly soldier talks and musket and cannon firings at this scenic coastal fort. $2.75-$4 plus tax. (912) 884-5999.

For more activities and events at Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, visit the SouthernMamas.com Georgia State Park Events page here.