Friends of Oatland, Inc. (FOO) is proud to announce they’ve been selected as a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program. Now Oatland needs your support! Vote for Oatland (FOO) at www.facebook.com/toyota on June 29th. June 29th is the only day you can vote for Oatland so please put it on your calendar! It’s listed under Friends of Oatland Island.

Oatland relies on vehicles on a daily basis in every department – Animal Care delivers food and bedding, Education transports teaching supplies, Guest Services transports landscaping tools and plants, and Operations hauls construction materials. A new truck from Toyota would assist us in carrying out our mission – to educate and connect visitors with the natural world. Additionally, a new vehicle is needed as part of our hurricane evacuation plan.

FALL SOCCER – 2011
Savannah Celtic FC is Savannah’s #1 Rated Youth Soccer Program. Click here for register for fall.

Installment Payment Plan: Savannah Celtic has extended a payment plan if you are interested in your child playing soccer this fall. The fee is the same low rate as always, but now Savannah Celtic now allows you to extend it in 4 payments over the summer and into the fall.

More info here.

Savannah Celtic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Make plans to attend Girls Night In on Tues. June 28 at Bouncing Angels Inflatable Kids Gym.

All types of goodies that a mom wants in one place – jewelry, make-up, skin-care, purses, totes, candles. You can even make money while you shop! Have any ugly, broken gold or sterling silver laying around? Bring it with you and have it bought from you on the spot. If you have not attended a gold party you are missing out! One of the organizers of this event had three tiny gold items and sold them for $130 over a year ago. And the price of gold has gone up now. So sell your old gold while you shop.

Bouncing Angels will have Mary Kay, Stella and Dot, Thirty-One, Scentsy and MORE!!!

Bring your friends, come relax and get pampered. 5-7 PM Tues. June. 28.

Bouncing Angels, www.bouncing-angels.com  (912) 691-8797, email info@bouncing-angels.com

Fort Pulaski will waive entrance fees on June 21, 2011.
Fort Pulaski National Monument Summer Hours: (Memorial Day – mid-August)
• Visitor Center open 9:00 AM – 6:45 PM
• Fort open 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Bridge gate closes by 7:00 PM

From I- 95, take exit for I-16 about 15 miles west of Savannah. From I-16, take U.S. Highway 80 East. Follow signs for Fort Pulaski, Tybee Island and beaches. Fort Pulaski National Monument entrance is approximately 15 miles east of Savannah. http://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm  

For more local free or discounted summer activities, visit the SouthernMamas.com 2011 Deals and Freebies page by clicking here.

Get ready to make some money off your children’s boutique brand clothing and save money stocking up on designer fall children’s clothes at bargain prices.

The favorite upscale seasonal children’s consignment sale – Coastal Kids Market – is gearing up for the Fall 2011 Sale set for Aug. 25-27.

Consignor registration is now open. Check out the Coastal Kids Market Web site here for consignor registration info.

Coastal Kids Market has several new sponsor opportunities available this season. Click here for a complete listing on the advertising page of the Coastal Kids Market Website. Any interested vendors or sponsors can contact Coastal Kids Market for more information. Click here to contact Coastal Kids Market. Stay connected and get updates about this popular sale by liking Coastal Kids Market on Facebook here.

Coastal Kids Market FALL 2011 SALE DATES
Thurs. Aug. 25, 2011, CHARITY HOUR: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (See details below)
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 advertiser.

UPDATE: WINNERS ARE:

Jen Becker and JT Woelber!!

This week, two SouthernMamas.com readers will each win Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVD sets.

One winner will receive “Good Night Gorilla and more Wacky Animal Adventures” (16 stories about creatures, $24.95) and the DVD “The Scrambled States of America and More Stories” by Laurie Keller.

A second winner will receive “I’m Dirty & I Stink: The Kate and Jim McMullan Collection” (12 action-packed stories, $19.95)  and the DVD “The Scrambled States of America and More Stories” by Laurie Keller.

To enter to win, visit the SouthernMamas.com Facebook page by clicking here. “Like” the page if you haven’t already. Then answer this question on our wall “What do you love most about summer?” Not into Facebook? Then just enter to win by commenting below this post. (Click on comments) Deadline to enter is midnight Sat. June 25. We’ll pick a winner Sun. June 26 and announce it here!   

Georgia Theatre Co. 2011 Summer Kid Show Series at Pooler Stadium Cinemas
10 AM Tues & Thurs. June 14-Aug. 4
$1 Movies
Doors open at 9:15 AM
Films are subject to change. For more info, call 912.330.0012
www.GeorgiaTheatreCompany.com
July 19 & July 21
Shrek Forever After (PG)
The Karate Kid (PG)

Georgia Theatre Co. 2011 Summer Kid Show Series at Pooler Stadium Cinemas
10 AM Tues & Thurs. June 14-Aug. 4
$1 Movies
Doors open at 9:15 AM
Films are subject to change. For more info, call 912.330.0012
www.GeorgiaTheatreCompany.com
Aug. 2 & Aug. 4
MegaMind (PG)
Diary of Wimpy Kid (PG)

For more local free or discounted children’s activities happening this summer, click here.

All moms need a little pampering and fun every now and then.

Which is why you need to make plans to attend Girls Night In on Tues. June 28 at Bouncing Angels Inflatable Kids Gym.

All types of goodies that a mom wants in one place – jewelry, make-up, skin-care, purses, totes, candles. You can even make money while you shop! Have any ugly, broken gold or sterling silver laying around? Bring it with you and have it bought from you on the spot. If you have not attended a gold party you are missing out! One of the organizers of this event had three tiny gold items and sold them for $130 over a year ago. And the price of gold has gone up now. So sell your old gold while you shop.

Bouncing Angels will have Mary Kay, Stella and Dot, Thirty-One, Scentsy and MORE!!!

Bring your friends, come relax and get pampered. 5-7 PM Tues. June. 28.

Bouncing Angels, Victory Drive Shopping Plaza, 2123 East Victory Drive Shopping Plaza, Savannah, 31404, www.bouncing-angels.com  (912) 691-8797, email info@bouncing-angels.com

TWO Toddler Tuesdays timeslots each week. Same topic and activities for each one. One program will be at 10-10:45 AM and the second at 11-11:45 AM. Gates open at 9:45 AM. Preregistration is required. Register via phone at 912.395.1500 or 912.395.1517 or sign up at Oatland’s gift shop. REGISTER BY NOON MONDAY. Limit of 20 toddlers per program, so sign up early. $3 program fee per child and adults free! Cash or checks only. Included in the program fee is entrance to Oatland including the opportunity to walk the trails or visit the Barnyard after the program. Toddler Tuesday is now held in its own spanking new classroom in the newly renovated main Oatland Island building. Theme for June 28: Z is for Zookeeper. Join the group as they play zookeeper to celebrate national zoo month. More info here.

The award-winning childrens’ book author/illustrator (including titles like “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus”) stops in Savannah. Mo Willems will be signing copies of his new books, “Hurray for Amanda and Her Alligator!” and “Should I Share My Ice Cream?” Free and open to the public

“A monogram makes something your own and endows it with weight in a world full of random things”- Isaac Mizrahi

So true, Isaac. Which is why we here at SouthernMamas.com are thrilled to tell you about 2 Cutie Patooties for uber-cool embroidered accessories, baby items (Think really sweet personalized baby bloomers) and home décor.

This adorable online monogram, embroidery boutique started by two Savannah moms is teeming with the highest quality of items at the most affordable prices: monogrammed shoes (sandals and clogs); bags of every color/size including market totes like the ones pictured here and backpacks; appliqued shirts for children; and so much more.

Opt for lettering in one of roughly 25 fonts (like the stately Heirloom or whimsical Giggles). Or choose from a dozen of monogram designs. Then select from an array of thread colors.

2 Cutie Patooties will also monogram/embroider any items that you already have and want personalized. That includes business/school logos on shirts.

For those who really want to have fun, 2 Cutie Patooties also does home shows. Book one by emailing 2cutiepatooties@gmail.com  or call 912.856.7096.

Mention SouthernMamas.com to receive 10 percent off your order. Start shopping here. Savannah residents do not need to pay shipping, as 2 Cutie Patooties will deliver to you. Just simply find what you want on the 2 Cutie Patooties Web site here and email your order to 2cutiepatooties@gmail.com . They will invoice you so you do not have to pay shipping.

2 Cutie Patooties – for al your embroidery needs. www.2cutiepatooties.com,  email 2cutiepatooties@gmail.com, 912.856.7096 2 Cutie Patooties is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

When it comes to summer camps, there are those for whom only tulle and tiaras will do.

If your tot falls into the frilly set, check out The Ballet School’s Perfect Princess Camps in Savannah.

Little princesses will receive an introduction to the fundamentals of both movement and classical dance techniques while learning about fun fairytale characters and famous ballet stories.

The tiny Cinderellas and Snow Whites will also have dress-up time and craft time, including decorating their own tu-tus and tiaras. Dancers may bring their favorite princess gown or costume on Monday to use throughout the week at “special dress-up times”.

The camp includes a magical tea party, princess spa and hair day. A photograph will be taken on her majestic throne. On the last day, “A ROYAL INVITATION” is offered for the family of the princess for a fabulous “Runway Show” and a short dance combination will be performed. Don’t forget your cameras!

For ages 3-5.

Perfect Princess Camps: One week sessions beginning June 13th-Aug 12th
June 13-17th
July 5-8th
July 25-29th
August 8-12th            

Times: 9:30 AM-NOON
Fee: $135 per session ( $25 deposit, applied to camp)

For the older set, The Ballet School also offers a Young Dancers Program
For Ages 6-9 years
June 27-July 1
Time: 4-7 PM
Fee: $145 ($50 deposit, applied to camp)

Enrollment is under way for both programs. Register now. Click here for more info.

The Ballet School, 10010 Abercorn St., Suite 8, Savannah, Piccadilly Square, (912) 925-0903 or email theballetschool@comcast.net, www.theballetschoolsav.com The Ballet School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

UPDATE: Winner is Penny Cooke! Congratulations! Penny, we emailed you. If you didn’t receive it, please email us at anne@southernmamas.com. We’re giving away ANOTHER family-four pack of tickets to Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends” , coming to Savannah Civic Center next week, June 21 & 22, 2011.

Here are the rules on how to win this three-day-long contest.

Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends. It’s as easy as counting “1-2-3 Imagine!”

This high-energy musical will transport audiences to far away places as Ernie captains the high seas, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues. It’s a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination. 

 Tickets are on sale  at the Savannah Civic Center Box Office, www.etix.com , or call 800-351-7469 or 912-651-6556. More info here.

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 Isle of Hope Elementary, 9 AM-3:30 PM June 20-24, 2011

For registration information, call 800.968.4332 PHONE or call Ruthie Sales @ 395-6555

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

Armstrong Atlantic’s Girls Basketball Camp 2011 with Camp Director Matt Schmidt, who recently finished his third season as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Armstrong Atlantic State University.

The camp is June 27-29 for girls grades 3 to 9. For more information, call 912-713-7391. To see the schedule of a typical camp day and register, click here.  Cost is $115. Mention SouthernMamas.com on the phone or on your registration form for a discount prices of $95.

Looking for a Savannah summer basketball camp with a coach who has extensive experience running and directing basketball camps?

Check out Armstrong Atlantic’s Girls Basketball Camp 2011 with Camp Director Matt Schmidt, who recently finished his third season as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Armstrong Atlantic State University. Prior to Schmidt joining the Pirates, he served as an assistant women’s basketball coach for over ten seasons at the collegiate level and two years at the junior high and high school level.

The camp is June 27-29 for girls grades 3 to 9. For more information, call 912-713-7391. To see the schedule of a typical camp day and register, click here.  Cost is $115. Mention SouthernMamas.com on the phone or on your registration form for a discount prices of $95.

AASU Girls Basketball Camp 2011 is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Join Georgia State Railroad Museum (Roundhouse Railroad Museum) for Summer Toddler Art!

Is your child 3 years old or younger and enjoys being creative? What toddler doesn’t? Enjoy this eight-week-long adventure for your young artist! Led by Miss Rebecca, Coastal Heritage Society’s Director of Young Children’s Programming, toddler art class at the Georgia State Railroad Museum is a fun time for socialization between parents and their little ones. It’s incredible to see the creative juices flowing as toddlers work on early writing skills.

The next toddler art 8-week session begins July 15, and is held in the Georgia State Railroad Museum kids’ car on Friday mornings at 10am (with the exception of July 29, which will be held at 2pm).

Join Georgia State Railroad with your wee one in this creative discovery time.
Call or email to register now for summer classes—space is limited!
$100 for all eight classes or $12.50 per class.

Advanced registration required:
Call 912-651-6823 x3 or email info@chsgeorgia.org

Schools Out! Get your child a series of private drawing sessions this summer with Torrey Kist, MFA located on Washington Ave (Daffin Park).

Private drawing classes for ages 8-18!

Sign up for a week-long intensive session (1 or 2 hours daily) or a once/week series through July!

Email tskart@yahoo.com  for further details.

Rip Current

Rip currents (or rip tides as they are often called) are a top worry now that my two preschoolers are “swimming” regularly at Tybee Island beaches.

Which is why I’m thrilled that Tybee  Island marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson, who leads Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trips , agreed to offer some info for SouthernMamas.com on rip current awareness.

This week June 5-11 is Rip Current Awareness Week. Rip currents are strong narrow currents moving away from shore. The strongest rip currents can attain speeds reaching 8 feet per second; this is faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint! On average, more people die every year from rip currents than from shark attacks. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents, and more than 100 people die annually from drowning in rip currents.

Dr. Joe Richardson recommends checking out the information, graphics, video and other resources on the NOAA Web site by clicking here so you can try to recognize a rip current and teach your kids what to do if caught in one. Click here to go to the Kids Korner Rip Current Safety page.  

Another concern, according to Dr. Joe Richardson, are strong tidal currents, especially at the north and south ends of Tybee Island (ie. North Beach near the jetty, and South Beach from about 17th St. to the south end of the island). 

“These currents can be surprisingly strong, and they don’t move at a constant speed.  At irregular times and places they move faster, so someone noticing that they are gradually drifting along the beach might find that they are suddenly drifting much faster,” said Dr. Joe Richardson. “This can be extremely dangerous because it might take only a few seconds to suddenly realize that you are too close to the jetty/rocks or the pier to get back to shore or shallow enough water to stand.  I’m afraid that I see this happen too often. And this keeps our lifeguards and ocean rescue people especially busy at the north and south end.”

Read more of Dr. Joe Richardson’s Guest Posts here, including which jellyfish in our local waters sting and which don’t.

Tybee  Island marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson, who leads Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trips . These beach walks are an excellent way to educate your kids and entertain your visitors.  Read a list of activities and topics the beach ecology walk covers by clicking here.  To book a family, scout, school and tour group beach walk call (912) 596-5362 or email  joe@ceasurf.com . For updates regarding what Dr. Joe is finding and doing on his ecology beach walks, check out (and “like”) the “Tybee Beach Ecology Trips” FACEBOOK page by clicking here.

Putumayo Kids gets the summer celebration started with Kids World Party CD to be released June 28 2011.

To hear tracks from Kids World Party, visit www.putumayopress.com

On Monday, June 13, 2011, enjoy the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for only $2.00 per person for General Admission.
The Zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets are sold until 4:00 p.m. The Zoo encourages those who are coming to use sun screen, bring refillable water bottles and dress appropriately for the hot weather. Those bringing young children to play in the Splash Ground should bring water proof diaper covers.

Please note: $2 price is good for General Admission only, and is not valid with any other discount or offer, including Zoo Value Tickets. Train, carousel, and DinoAlive admissions are not included in this price. More info here.

For more free or discounted children’s summer 2011 activities in the Savannah/Hilton Head Is. area, click here.

On Sunday June 19th, 2011, the Zoo has a special “Buy One – Get One Free” coupon, so for Dads who want to take a child to the Zoo, or vice versa – Father’s Day could be the day to visit the zoo. Please note, for the special price on admission you need to print out the coupon from their website. Click here to get to the coupon now!