Usborne Books and More makes fantastic educational books for kids who love to read and kids who hate to read and everyone in between!  Usborne Books carries 1500+ titles for babies through high school and for the child at heart.  July is an amazing month to discover how you can add these wonderful books to the child in your life’s library.

Melissa Mallory, a mother of 4, is a local consultant and loves the family friendly nature of this business and the satisfaction of promoting literacy in the community.  “It is extremely gratifying to work in a business that I can share with my family.  Usborne has several ways to offer these high quality books to families, schools, and organizations so I can tailor my business to suit the needs of my family.”

Some of Melissa’s services include:

Home shows
Catalog shows
E-shows
Business opportunity
Gift registry/wish list registry
Reading Incentive Program
Matching Grant Program
Book Fairs
Cards for a Cause Fundraiser (NEW!)
School/Library Sales

During the month of July, the fabulous full-sized business kit for new consultants (reg. price-$149)  is available for the mini kit price ($69.99 +tax; shipping included)!  Click here for more information.  Sign up today and begin to write your own success story! 

July is also Double Hostess Rewards for qualifying shows.  How does $200 in FREE BOOKS sound?  This is a great opportunity to build the child in your life’s library or stock up on gifts!  Dates are limited so contact Melissa ASAP to reserve your party date.

Melissa is offering all Southernmamas readers the opportunity to receive 15% off your first order!  Email Melissa at mmallory@myubah.com or call 912-856-1450 by June 30 to place your order.  In addition, readers who place an order of $40 or more will be able to purchase up to 3 of Usborne’s wonderful customer specials (starting as low as $3) for each $40 you spend. You can view the current catalog by starting here.

To keep up with monthly specials, promotions, book reviews, and more, join Melissa’s Usborne Books and More fanpage by clicking here and/or sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Melissa Mallory, 912-856-1450, email mmallory@myubah.com,  Facebook: Esteem Reading-Usborne Books and More, www.EsteemReading.com Usborne Books & More is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

What better time to have family portraits shot then now when everyone in the family is sporting a summer glow?

You’re in luck.  Savannah photographer LeeAnn Ritch is offering a fabulous summer special: A photography session, online proofing and high-resolution CD for $395 plus tax (Regular cost is $575)!

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.

Check out more of her work by clicking  here.

Click here to book a session. Be sure to mention SouthernMamas to take advantage of the summer special. To follow LeeAnn Ritch’s work and stay updated on her specials, be sure to “like” her Facebook page by clicking here.

 LeeAnn Ritch Photography, 912.308.9327 or email leeann@leeannritchphotography.com , www.leeannritchphotography.com LeeAnn Ritch Photography is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

Visit Old Fort Jackson and step into the shoes of the soldiers that were stationed here
during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War. Experience what life was like for those soldiers, try on period uniforms, participate in an artillery crew, and watch cannon and musket demonstrations. (912) 651-6823 x3

Fort Pulaski National Monument will celebrate the Nation’s 235th Birthday with special patriotic living history activities throughout Independence Day weekend. Highlights of the three-day weekend will include cannon firings, guided fort tours, and a Civil War baseball game using 19th-century rules and equipment. This year, Fort Pulaski National Monument will partner with the Coastal Heritage Society, who operates Old Fort Jackson, in its annual “Blue vs. Gray” baseball game. Employees and volunteers from Fort Pulaski National Monument and Old Fort Jackson will portray Union and Confederate soldiers, respectively, in an authentic Civil War baseball game. The blue and gray teams represent the two sides of the Civil War, who both occupied Fort Pulaski during different time periods.

An entrance fee of $5 per person is charged; ages 15 and under are free. Call the park at (912) 786-5787 for details, or visit the park’s official website at www.nps.gov/fopu.

Watch the movie Night at the Museum II: Battle of the Smithsonian and experience Savannah history as it comes to life in Savannah History Museum! Ages 4 and up. Advanced Reservations Required by July 20. Parents must attend, spending the night in the museum with their children. Saturday, July 23 at 6:00 p.m. – Sunday, July 24 8:30 a.m. (912) 651-6823 x3 or www.chsgeorgia.org

Day includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence and learning about the 1779 Battle of Savannah. See the exhibit on the battle in the Savannah History Museum, tour the battlefield with a Revolutionary War soldier and see a musket demonstration. Steam train rides and activities continue at the Georgia State Railroad Museum
(912) 651-6823 x3 or www.chsgeorgia.org .

Come and celebrate our Nation’s birthday with civil war troops as they fire special salutes for those who have died so we may be free. Also join us for games of the day and a cool slice of melon. Pack a lunch and enjoy the day. Admission charged. $3.50-$5. (912) 727-2339 or gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister

Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and all the Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!
Tickets to on sale August 26, 2011
More info here: www.savannahcivic.com

Discount on Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of
Magic tickets

SOUTHERNMAMAS DISCOUNT: Our readers receive 20% off tickets using code “mamas.” Opening Night and VIP’s are not included. Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic coming to Savannah Civic Center Thu. SEPT. 29 – Sun. OCT. 2 2011. Details here.

Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and all the Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!
Tickets to on sale August 26, 2011
More info here: www.savannahcivic.com

During the Great American Weekend and Fantastic Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, historic Savannah Riverfront will feature various activities. July 2nd and 3rd will feature regional artisans, live entertainment, games, contests, food, drink, free family fun, and more! July 4th will feature an incredible fireworks display

Fireworks will be in conjunction with a live, patriotic music simulcast during the fireworks extravaganza. Radio stations 97.3 KISS, 98.7 The River and News Radio 1290 WTKS will all air American Classics in step with the evening’s sky show.

Beat the heat and celebrate Independence Day on Tybee Island. Fireworks show starts at dark launched from the Tybee Pier & Pavilion.

Celebrate family fun on the 4th of July at The Sandbox’s first annual “Pop Goes the Sandbox.”

Festivities include special games and activities both indoors and outdoors. In addition to playing on all the exhibits in the museum, there will be scavenger hunts, games and fun arts & crafts. Decorate holiday cookies and make a patriotic craft. Outside fun includes many carnival games and prizes, bubble fun, snow cones and playing in The Sandbox’s Bounce House.

Enjoy a BBQ picnic with all the fixin’s , and our Nation’s Birthday cake. Lemonade and snow cones to keep you cool.

Tickets: $10 per person (children under 2 are free) and includes admission to the museum, all activities and the picnic. Sandbox Members are $8 per person.

To purchase tickets, stop by or call The Sandbox at 843-842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org.

 The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum celebrates summer with a Summer Fun Series of special programs and activities held each day at the Sandbox. The program calendar is as follows: Mondays, Pottery Program at 9:30 a.m. and Cupcake Decorating at 1:30 p.m.; Terrific Tuesdays: special art activity at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays: Morning Music Program at 10:30 a.m.; Thursdays: Imagination Hour at 10:30 a.m.; and Fridays: Coastal Critters hosted by the Coastal Discovery Museum 10:30 a.m.

For Terrific Tuesdays, this Tuesday, June 28th is Yosti’s Puppet Show, and the Coastal Critters Program on Friday July 1st is All About Sea Turtles.

The Sandbox is an interactive children’s museum with region related exhibits, activities, and programs for children’s ages toddler through 8 years. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more info, 843.842.7645 or afinn@thesandbox.org, www.thesandbox.org

We here at SouthernMamas.com have long contended that Hilton Head Is. is one of the most kid-friendly vacation spots around.

The island is teeming with children’s activities such as those being offered this summer at The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum. The Sandbox celebrates summer with a Summer Fun Series of special programs and activities held each day at the Sandbox. The program calendar is as follows: Mondays, Pottery Program at 9:30 a.m. and Cupcake Decorating at 1:30 p.m.; Terrific Tuesdays: special art activity at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays: Morning Music Program at 10:30 a.m.; Thursdays: Imagination Hour at 10:30 a.m.; and Fridays: Coastal Critters hosted by the Coastal Discovery Museum 10:30 a.m.

For Terrific Tuesdays, this Tuesday, June 28th is Yosti’s Puppet Show, and the Coastal Critters Program on Friday July 1st is All About Sea Turtles.

The Sandbox is an interactive children’s museum with region related exhibits, activities, and programs for children’s ages toddler through 8 years. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Sandbox, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, 843.842.7645 or afinn@thesandbox.org, www.thesandbox.org

Below is a guest post from Brenda Marion, who is on the governing board working to get a charter school on Tybee Island beginning with the 2012 school year. For more info on the proposed Tybee Island Charter School, email tybeeislandcharterschool@comcast.net

On July 13, the Savannah Chatham County School Board will vote on whether or not to approve the Tybee Island Charter School application. In order to ensure that each Board member understands that the Tybee community and other stakeholders stand firmly behind this initiative, we are asking that you send each of them an e-mail asking that they vote YES on our application.  Please take some of the talking points below to craft an individualized e-mail to them.

Here are their e-mail addresses:

Joe.buck@sccpss.com; Julie.wade@sccpss.com; Floyd.adams@sccpss.com; Alexander.luten@sccpss.com; Gregory.sapp@sccpss.com; Irene.hines@sccpss.com; lori.brady@sccpss.com; Julie.gerbsch@sccpss.com; ruby.jones@sccpss.com

Below are some talking points:

·Tybee Island has had a school for over 60 years. Tybee children, families and citizens and businesses were extremely supportive of both Tybee’s public school and private school. A school is something that binds a community together and Tybee lost that when St. Michaels closed recently.

· Tybee citizens represent less than 1.5% of the population of Chatham County yet its property owners pay more than 10% of the property taxes for the Savannah Chatham County School System. A small K-5 school is something that we would like to have for our community’s families.

· There are over 100 students who attend SCCPSS k-5 schools who live east of the Lazeretto Creek Bridge. Additionally, there are numerous students who attend private schools. We believe that a school on Tybee would attract a sufficient number of students, would serve as a reason for families with young children to move to Tybee Island and would attract students from elsewhere in Chatham County who are interested in our specialized curriculum.

· We have a facility already in place. Access to a suitable facility is typically a major stumbling block for new charter schools.

· The existing elementary public school for Tybee students is currently at capacity. A Tybee Charter School would help mitigate this problem.

· Tybee students are currently transported to schools all over the County. The SCCPSS Passport to Excellence has as its underlying theme the goal of “neighborhood schools”. A Tybee Charter School would help achieve that goal while also potentially saving money in terms of transportation costs.

· Tybee has a strong and supportive constituency. A Tybee Charter School would have support from various organizations and institutions on many level. Examples include the Tybee Branch of the CEL Library system, the Tybee 4H Center, the Tybee Marine Rescue Squadron, the City of Tybee Island and many others. Additionally, the business community is well-organized and has shown very strong support in the past for Tybee educational initiatives.

Please vote YES for the Tybee Island Charter School on July 13

The above is a guest post from Brenda Marion, who is on the governing board working to get a charter school on Tybee Island beginning with the 2012 schol year. For more info on the proposed Tybee Island Charter School, email tybeeislandcharterschool@comcast.net

Bacon Park Christian Day School is running a promotion until July 8, 2011.

Registration has been reduced to $500 with an additional $50 off monthly tuition for 10 months.
Savings of $1,000.

TUITION: Kindergarten: $5,600 for the year or $500 registration and $510 per month for 10 months.

Grades 1st – 6th: $5,800 for the year or $500 registration and $530 per month for 10 months.

SAVE THE DATE: Join Mrs. Pam Cunningham, July 6, 2011 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Mrs. Cunningham will be on-hand for Q & A on curriculum and general school information.

Bacon Park Christian Day School is dedicated to providing children K-6th grade a traditional education combining challenging academics and character development in a Christian family atmosphere.

The school’s small classes will afford children more individual instruction time.

As part of character development, children are taught about honesty, integrity, good manners, and respect for God, family, friends, and community.

If you are looking for a nuturing environment where your child is valued as an individual and family involvement is encouraged, Bacon Park Christian Day School welcomes you to visit the school. More info here.

Bacon Park Chrisian Day School, 5411 Skidaway Road, Savannah, 31406, (912) 484-9880, email bpcds@att.net , www.baconparkchristiandayschool.com Bacon Park Christian Day School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Camp Invention – a weeklong summer enrichment program for children entering grade 1 though 6 – instills vital 21st century life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on fun!

Camp Invention is at Georgetown Elementary, 9 AM-3:30 PM June 27-July 1, 2011

For registration information, call 800.968.4332 PHONE or click here.

This is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) camp and is recommended by the National Science Foundation. More info here.

The public is invited to help grieving families who suffer the loss of an infant by attending the second annual summer fund raiser for The Zoe Foundation.

The public is invited to help grieving families who suffer the loss of an infant by attending the second annual summer fund raiser for The Zoe Foundation.

The family-friendly benefit will be at Lovin Spoons Froyo (Savannah Location) 10 AM-2 PM July 1, 2011. Live music, clown, yogurt and more. A portion of the proceeds from all yogurt sold between those hours will be donated to The Zoe Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, to continue offering financial and emotional support to families who have endured the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, chromosomal disorders, SIDS, accidents or other causes.

Vacation Bible at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 11500 Middleground Road, Savannah, GA 31419
9 AM-Noon July 11-15th
The theme is “Shake It Up Cafe: Where Kids Carry Out God’s Recipe!”.
Contact Coordinator of Religious Education Tracy Jones at (912)925-5316 to register or get more information.

“God’s Big Back Yard” at New Life Church at 16252 Hwy 144 E in Richmond Hill, GA.
31324-5168
(912) 727-3369
Held July 13-15 6:30 pm to 8PM.

“Hometown Nazereth” at RICHMOND HILL UNITED METHODIST, 9050 Ford Ave.
Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324
$10 registration fee per child includes a T-shirt for each child and Souvenir CD per family.
PLEASE REGISTER BY JULY 1ST.
www.rhumc.com
Email: cmc@richmondhillumc.org
Phone: 912-756-2190

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 July 11 AT 9:30 am

JumpBunch is offering a 10 week session beginning on July 18 – September 26
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. (No class held Monday 5 September)

The cost for the 10 weeks is only $65 (Jumpbunch offers a military discount of 10$ 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, Jumpbunch is building 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.

www.jumpbunch.com
And check Jumpbunch out on Facebook: Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah by clicking here.

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312

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 July 11 AT 9:30 am

JumpBunch is offering a 10 week session beginning on July 18 – September 26
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. (No class held Monday 5 September)

The cost for the 10 weeks is only $65 (Jumpbunch offers a military discount of 10$ 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, Jumpbunch is building 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.

www.jumpbunch.com
And check Jumpbunch out on Facebook: Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah by clicking here.

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312

Jumpbunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.