Good luck to everyone enduring the nerve-wrecking lottery drawings this week for Savannah-Chatham Public Schools Free Pre-K. And congratulations or condolences to those of you who found out your Pre-K fate at any of today’s lotteries.

I am a little embarrassed to admit I teared up a bit when my son’s name wasn’t among the top 40 called at today’s Charles Ellis lottery (We’re No. 56 out of 98 for 40 slots, so there’s still a slim chance on the waiting list for a coveted spot, right? Right?)

Of course, lottery attendance isn’t mandatory for those of you who applied to a Savannah-Chatham Pre-K Program. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status at the end of April. But for those who can’t wait until then, here is a schedule of the rest of the week’s lotteries. (Thank you to Mindy Nash for this schedule!)

2011-2012 SCCPSS Pre-K Lottery Drawing Schedules
Whitney Administrative Complex
2 Laura Street, off President’s Extension

Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM: Thunderbolt, Butler, Georgetown
11 AM White Bluff, Spencer, J. G. Smith
12:30 PM Shuman, Port Wentworth, Pooler

Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM Windsor High, Howard, Heard
11 AM Gould, Hesse, Gadsden
12:30 PM Garrison, Haven, Bartow

Thursday, March 31, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM: Southwest, Marshpoint
11 AM: Isle of Hope, Bloomingdale
12:30 PM: East Broad, Godley

Matthew Allan of Keller Williams Realty has a special offer benefitting an extremely important cause.

Matthew will have a button ad on SouthernMamas.com, as well as a recurring banner ad, and will be contributing information about the real estate market to our website. If a SouthernMamas reader contacts Matthew and mentions the ad, and he assists in the purchase or sale of a home, Matthew will donate 10% of his net commission from that transaction to The Next Generation, Benefitting The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center.

Matthew and his wife are the parents of a toddler, and recognize how important it is to have the best health care for our children. The Next Generation is an organization comprised of young professionals, neighbors, parents, and friends throughout Savannah and the Coastal Empire who are interested in donating their time, talents, and financial resources to the patients and families of the Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. The Next Generation is committed to:
* Ensuring that children and families of the Coastal Empire and surrounding areas have access to a premier healthcare facility without having to leave Savannah.
* Donating their time and resources to benefit patients and families at our local facility.
* Providing access to healthcare and parenting educational opportunities for their own families and families in our community.

In the next year, The Next Generation plans to:
* Purchase medical equipment on the “wish list” created by hospital staff.
* Provide Birthday and “End of Chemotherapy” celebrations to pediatric patients in the hospital.
* Decorate the three pediatric wings for holidays.
* Conduct educational socials for families in our community.

Matthew’s business as a real estate professional is based on helping families make the right choices about their largest financial investment, their home. His association with The Next Generation and SouthernMamas will work in tandem with that family-first goal.

Matthew has also assured us that if a Southern Mamas reader needs help outside the geographic areas Matthew services, he will provide another agent at Keller Williams Realty who not only specializes in your area, but who will also make the same commitment to giving 10% of their net commission to The Next Generation. Keller Williams Realty is the largest real estate company in Savannah, so whether it’s Matthew or another agent, you will be working with a top professional committed to the community.

For more information, click here. To contact Matthew, email him at Matthew@kw.com or call or text him at 912.401.4663.

UPDATE: Winner is Emily Harper Gray! Congratulations Emily!!

Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends” is coming to Savannah June 21 & 22, 2011.

This week, SouthernMamas.com is giving away a family four pack  of tickets to the show, which will be Savannah Civic Center – Martin Luther King Jr. Arena.

Here are the rules on how to win this week-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 go on sale at 10 AM Fri. April 1  at the Savannah Civic Center Box Office, www.etix.com , or call 800-351-7469 or 912-651-6556. More info here.

You are invited to get your tickets today, BEFORE they go on sale to the public. Just use the presale password SUNNY to purchase your tickets by March 31, 2011.

Thirty-One Party at  The Savannah Soap Co. : Style and convenience at an amazingly affordable price.
Come in and learn about Thirty-One with Tracy Jones. Amazing products for your home and closet all personalized and affordable. Come in to get your life organized and look cute while doing it. Lots of specials, free goodies and prizes for all. Bring in your laundry and get a 20% discount as well as 15% off of all products in the store. To see the Thirty-One special for April click here.

To learn more about Tracy and these fun products, click here

Scentsy Party at  The Savannah Soap Co.  Safe Wickless Alternative to Candles
Independent consultant Evelyn Lopez will teach you about these fabulous candles. Scentsy warmers use a low-watt bulb to melt specially formulated wax slowly, maximizing its fragrance time. With no flame, soot, or wick, the Scentsy wickless candle system is a safe way to enjoy more than 80 Scentsy fragrances. Bring your laundry in to get your comforters and clothes smelling fresh, as you learn a safe way to make your home smell fresh. Lots of goodies and surprises for all. The Savannah Soap Co. and is a child-friendly environment. All products in the store will be 15% off. Bring your comforter with you and get 20% off. To learn more about Evelyn and these fabulous candles, click here.

Armstrong AMT’s widely popular Outdoor Art Show and Children’s Festival returns. To accommodate the growing number of performances, this year some performances will be held indoors in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

A fun-filled event filled with arts activities for the entire family including kids’ art, music, theatre, and dance activities.

Performers include: Armstrong Jazz Combo, Garrison Elementary and Middle School Dance, Savannah Arts Academy Strings ‘N Things, Garrison Theatre, Bloomington Elementary Chorus, Mallory Pearce puppetry, Windsor Forest High School Band, Savannah Arts Academy Dance Co., and Garrison Chorus.

Artwork of Armstrong faculty, students, and alumni will be available for purchase.
Light refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Would you like to take a vacation where your children can be taken care of while you lounge by the pool and sail the Caribbean?

Clue: It is NOT Disney

Call Edgewood Travel today to find out more!

Call 912-351-0570 or email admin@edgewoodtravel.com. Visit Edgewood Travel at 105 Wheeler Court or at www.edgewoodtravel.com. Edgewood Travel is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

The Savannah Sand Gnats annual Fan Fest is completely free and open to the public.

Features include a Kids’ Zone with a bounce house, speed pitch and the t-ball challenge on the Stadium Plaza – the new permanent home of the Kids Zone. Fan-favorite Gnate T. Gnat and his pal Mr. Magic will entertain on the Plaza. The team will offer behind-the-scenes tours of Historic Grayson Stadium.

Sand Gnats team president John Katz and team vice-president Scott Burton will be behind the grills, offering complimentary hot dogs, Cokes and chips to the first 1,000 attendees.

Fan Fest will be the first opportunity for Season Seat holders, Kids Club members and Silver Sluggers to pick up their tickets and special gift packages. Season Seats, Kids Club and Silver Sluggers memberships will also be available to purchase on Saturday at Fan Fest. The Gnats Kids Club is open to member 12 years old and younger and includes a FREE general admission ticket to every Sand Gnats home game in 2011, a free t-shirt, four tickets to five different Family Friday nights, discounts in the team store and on Sand Gnats baseball camps, along with prizes for attending games, all for just $25.  Print and return the 2011 Kids Club Registration Form available here.

Fan Fest will also feature live baseball with the Savannah College of Art and Design. SCAD will begin a doubleheader against Webber International at 1 PM. Admission to the twin bill is also free

A Totally Bowlicious trunk show hosted by The Savannah Soap Co. and Christina Atchison. Huge variety of funky, unique, and chic items. Hair bows, flip flops, tutus, hats and so much more. In addition, bring your laundry and save time and money to get it done. Special prize for whom ever has the most laundry and 15% off all products in the store. Come in for that little touch of pizzaz!!! See samples of these fabulous products by clicking here.

Children entertainers will be at various Sand Gnats games including when the 2011 minor league season kicks off April 15:
Kids Eat Free. More info here.
Sand Gnats Kids Club Membership: $25
Membership Benefits Include:
FREE General Admission to ALL Regular Season 2011 Home Games(a $350 value)
FREE Official Kids Club Membership Card
FREE Exclusive Membership T-Shirt
FREE Autograph Sessions with Savannah Sand Gnats Players 4 FREE Tickets to 5 Family Nights
FREE Incentives for attending games
10% discount to Savannah Sand Gnats Baseball Camps
To sign up:
Call the Sand Gnats Front Office at (912) 351-9150
or
Print and return the 2011 Kids Club Registration Form available here.
Membership is open to all children ages 12 and under. For more info, call Ryan Kirwan at (912) 351-9150.

BLOWOUT SALE at  The Savannah Soap Co. ,  a new upscale, green laundromat on the Southside that can save you time and money

ALL baby products in the store will be 20 percent off from now through the end of March. Come in for your lotions, oils, butters, creams, and sprays.

Most The Savannah Soap Co.  baby products are multi-use and work great on children and adults as well.

The Savannah Soap Co., 12324 Largo Dr, Savannah GA 31419, 912.335.1538, email fresh@thesavannahsoapco.com, www.thesavannahsoapco.com   The Savannah Soap Co. is a SouthernMamas sponsor

Get “Fired Up” with Pottery! at The Sandbox
Mondays in April (4th,11th,18th,25th)2011  for Easter
And Saturday, April 30 2011 in time for Mother’s Day!
Create a “take home” memory or a heart-warming gift by making a personalized plate. Plates are $15 and include your admission fee so you can stay and play. (Attendees not participating in the pottery program pay the regular $6 admission fee.)
Your unique gift will be fired& ready to pick up the following Wednesday of each class. This is always a popular program so advance reservations recommended as space is limited.  Call 843.842.7645 or www.thesandbox.org

Get “Fired Up” with Pottery! at The Sandbox
Mondays in April (4th,11th,18th,25th)2011  for Easter
And Saturday, April 30 2011 in time for Mother’s Day!
Create a “take home” memory or a heart-warming gift by making a personalized plate. Plates are $15 and include your admission fee so you can stay and play. (Attendees not participating in the pottery program pay the regular $6 admission fee.)
Your unique gift will be fired& ready to pick up the following Wednesday of each class. This is always a popular program so advance reservations recommended as space is limited.  Call 843.842.7645 or www.thesandbox.org

Get “Fired Up” with Pottery! at The Sandbox
Mondays in April (4th,11th,18th,25th)2011  for Easter
And Saturday, April 30 2011 in time for Mother’s Day!
Create a “take home” memory or a heart-warming gift by making a personalized plate. Plates are $15 and include your admission fee so you can stay and play. (Attendees not participating in the pottery program pay the regular $6 admission fee.)
Your unique gift will be fired& ready to pick up the following Wednesday of each class. This is always a popular program so advance reservations recommended as space is limited.  Call 843.842.7645 or www.thesandbox.org

Get “Fired Up” with Pottery! at The Sandbox
Mondays in April (4th,11th,18th,25th)2011  for Easter
And Saturday, April 30 2011 in time for Mother’s Day!
Create a “take home” memory or a heart-warming gift by making a personalized plate. Plates are $15 and include your admission fee so you can stay and play. (Attendees not participating in the pottery program pay the regular $6 admission fee.)
Your unique gift will be fired& ready to pick up the following Wednesday of each class. This is always a popular program so advance reservations recommended as space is limited.  Call 843.842.7645 or www.thesandbox.org

Get “Fired Up” with Pottery! at The Sandbox
Mondays in April (4th,11th,18th,25th)2011  for Easter
And Saturday, April 30 2011 in time for Mother’s Day!
Create a “take home” memory or a heart-warming gift by making a personalized plate. Plates are $15 and include your admission fee so you can stay and play. (Attendees not participating in the pottery program pay the regular $6 admission fee.)
Your unique gift will be fired& ready to pick up the following Wednesday of each class. This is always a popular program so advance reservations recommended as space is limited.  Call 843.842.7645 or www.thesandbox.org
Through the end of April, The Sandbox will also be open on Mondays. Come play Monday-Saturday from 10 am-5 pm!

Sesame Street Live!!!
1-2-3 Imagine with Elmo & Friends!
Ticket Office: 800-351-7469 or 912- 651-6556
www.savannahcivic.com

“STOMPIN AT THE SAVOY”, A Tribute to Benny Goodman with the Terry Myers Orchestra.
6:00 pm Picnic (bring your own) 7:30 pm Concert Tickets: $60/person $550/tables of 10.
Call 843-842-2055 or online at www.hhso.org

Picnic & Pops with “JB Scott and the Swinging Allstars”, an evening of Dixieland Jazz. For tickets, call 843-842-2055 or available at the gate the evening of the performance. www.hhso.org
PICNIC AND POPS AT ROSE HILL

DON’T MISS
JB SCOTT’S SWINGIN’ ALLSTARS
Picnic 5:30 PM | Concert 7 PM
Tickets $20, Kids Free
This high level group of pros is dedicated to playing of Chicago Swing/New Orleans style Dixieland Jazz in a highly entertaining, musical and spirited fashion! Led by the flamboyant, virtuoso trumpeter JB Scott, a former musical director of the world famous Dukes of Dixieland, the group also features award-winning vocalist Lisa Kelly, well-known for her rich, smooth tone and swinging delivery of lyrics.
Bring a family picnic, your chairs and blankets and enjoy a “concert in the park.”
Caddy’s Bar & Grill of Rose Hill will provide food, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Jack Frost will provide Ice Cream and Italian Ices.
Purchase tickets on-site or online www.hhso.org or call 843-842-2055

Call 843-842-2055 or online at www.hhso.org

Need a Mary Poppins to take over at a moment’s notice?

Check out Hilton Head Nannies, a leading nanny placement agency specializing in the recruitment and placement of highly-qualified nannies. Hilton Head Nannies serves Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Okatie, Beaufort, Palmetto Bluff, Fripp Island, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Tybee Island, and Wilmington Island areas of South Carolina and Georgia.

Hilton Head Nannies clientele includes local families, families from all around the world who come to the Lowcountry to vacation, sports professionals, media personalities, internationally known musicians, movie directors, actors/actresses. Hilton Head Nannies has been the official Nanny & Babysitting Service of The Heritage PGA Tournament since 2007.

Owner and operator Jennie Krogulski has parlayed her more than 20 years working in childcare – including working as a  nanny for children nationwide and on Hilton Head Is. – into finding the perfect caregiver for your family whether for babysitting, vacation nanny services or part-time or live-in nanny jobs. 

Vacation Nanny Services

The agency’s Vacation Nannies Hotel, Villa, & Rental Home Childcare Services – available 24-Hours a day, 7 days a week – is ideal for tourists visiting the Hilton Head Island area. The nannies will come directly to your home or vacation suite. You and your children will receive a special postcard from your vacation nanny so that you know a little about her prior to your arrival.

Babysitting for Hilton Head Island & Bluffton Residents

Now you can have your own Placement Coordinator & Nanny Concierge Service that you can call on when you need a babysitter. Hilton Head Nannies offers such a service for locals in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton areas. Simply sign up for HHN’s Parent’s Time-Out babysitting program. After you pay a low annual membership, you can call Hilton Head Nannies with the date and time that you need a sitter and they’ll deliver a professional caregiver to your door.

Just like a real-life Mary Poppins, sans the flying umbrella and carpet bag, of course.

SouthernMamas.com discount: 10% off for all Southern Mamas readers on one service or 20% off annual membership fee. Mention you read about Hilton Head Nannies on SouthernMamas.com to receive your discount!

Hilton Head Nannies , Hilton Head Office: (843) 342-5673; Bluffton Office: (843) 815-1313; email children@hiltonheadnannies.com ; P.O. Box 2782, Bluffton, SC 29910, www.hiltonheadnannies.com  Hilton Head Nannies is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

UPDATE: Winners are:
Alisha Duckworth & Jennifer Woelber for Cajun Dance Party: Joel Savoy & Jesse Lege with the Caleb Klauder Honky Tonk Band at 5 PM Sun. April 3. Each wins two tickets.
Danyael Garcia & Jennifer Grover for Boundless Bluegrass show at 11 AM Sat. April 9. Each wins two tickets.

This week on SouthernMamas.com, win FREE tickets to the the Savannah Music Festival 2011 children’s concerts.

Thanks to the Savannah Music Festival, we’re giving away two tickets to two winners each for Cajun Dance Party: Joel Savoy & Jesse Lege with the Caleb Klauder Honky Tonk Band (approx. 75 minutes) at 5 PM Sun. April 3 and two tickets to two winners each for the Boundless Bluegrass show (approx. 120 min) at 11 AM Sat. April 9.

Click here for details about the shows and ticket prices. Seats are available for the 7:30 PM Sun. April 3 CAJUN DANCE PARTY: JOEL SAVOY & JESSE LEGE WITH THE CALEB KLAUDER HONKY TONK BAND
show. Click here to buy tickets.

Shows are at the Charles H. Morris Center, 10 East Broad St., Savannah, 31401. Click here for directions.

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

Not into Facebook? You can enter to win by commenting below this post. Just click on comments.

The Savannah Music Festival will be March 24-April 9 2011. For more info on shows or to buy tickets, click here.

An Afternoon Tea Party for Women and Children of all Ages. Proceeds benefit the YMCA. Tickets can be purchased at the Richmond Hill YMCA. Phone: 912-756-5856
Interested Vendors call 313-6296.