Classic Kids  Spring and Summer Collections are here!

Online ordering is now available and SouthernMamas readers will receive 25% for orders over $100. Use the code SM2011 to receive your discount.

All Classic Kids  items are custom made to order and made locally. If you see a fabric you love, but don’t see it in the design you love, please email Classic Kids at classickids@hargray.com.  Classic Kids gladly accepts custom orders. Make sure to become a fan on Facebook to keep updated on all of our promotions and events! We look forward to dressing your Classic Kid!

Become a fan of Classic Kids on Facebook  to keep updated on all of their promotions and events!

Classic Kids, Timelss Designs/Distinguished Style, www.classickidsga.com

We simply can’t say enough wonderful things about Coastal Kids Market, a seasonal, upscale children’s consignment sale in Pooler just outside Savannah.

This highly popular sale – set for March 3-5 2011 @ The Shops at Godley Station, Pooler Parkway – offers amazing deals on high-end, gently-used boutique & trunk show clothing. Think Lilly Pulitzer, Bailey Boys, Oilily, Hannah Kate, Mini Boden, Anavini, Strasburg and Kelly’s Kids, to name a few.

Registration for consignors is OPEN. Remember, consignors who volunteer at the sale get to shop early before the Preview Party as well as earn a higher percentage of their sales. Click here for more info.

Not only is Coastal Kids Market teeming with quality brand bargins. But the moms who run Coastal Kids Market are always so great about giving back to the community. Once again this season, Coastal Kids Market is partnering with The Next Generation to do a book drive for the Backus Children’s Hospital at Memorial. Shoppers who bring three children’s books (new or previously used in excellent condition) will get to enter the sale 15 minutes early on Opening Night!

A portion of the proceeds from the Spring Sale will be donated to the Erin Fray Medical Fund. Erin is a young Pooler mother of three and friend of Coastal Kids Market battling breast cancer. You can read about her journey on her blog by clicking here.

Coastal Kids Market Spring Sale also offers affordable opportunities to promote your business. If you want to advertise, contact Coastal Kids Market by clicking here.

Stay connected to Coastal Kids Market by “liking” them on Facebook here.
Coastal Kids Market SPRING 2011 SALE DATES
Thurs. March 3, 6-8 PM
Fri. March 4, 9 AM – 5 PM
Sat. March 5, 9 AM – nooon
**Select items will be half price on Saturday
Coastal Kids Market accepts cash and credit cards. A $15 minimum purchase is required for credit cards. http://coastalkidsmarket.com/

Coastal Kids Market is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

Imagine if you could do 10 loads of laundry in 20 minutes, using eco-safe, non-toxic laundry soaps. And cut back on your electric bill, too.

You can at The Savannah Soap Co., a new green laundromat on the Southside that can save you time and money. The Savannah Soap Co. opens the first week of February 2011.

It’s time to rethink laundry, and laundromats. The Savannah Soap Co. is so sleek and hip, it’s the Starbucks of laundromats.

Forget the drab, uncomfortable laundromat from your college days. Instead picture sleek stainless steel cabinets; the largest commercial state-of-the-art energy efficient washers and dryers in the country; white porcelain mosaic floors; retro white subway tile on the walls; white carrara marble countertops; and a fun ceiling made of authentic antique washboards.

The Savannah Soap Co. also includes vintage décor (Yes, that real nickel plated antique cash register works); a T-bar serving two unique sweet teas and two unsweetened teas each day. (Refills are free); a full wash/dry/fold service; and a natural and organic soaps boutique which carries eco-safe laundry soaps, kitchen and baby products you could not previously find in Savannah. They have wonderful small custom wood boxes with their logo branded on them which they use to create unique gifts boxes of products. Think “Mommy-To-Be rescue kits” or “New Mommy relief kit,” or “Not so New Mommy in need of something special kit,” very cool.

As little as $36.99 buys you unlimited wash and dry for a month. To see just how much you’ll save on your electric bill by doing your laundry at The Savannah Soap Co., click here.

No schlepping your own detergent to this laundromat. Half of the The Savannah Soap Co.’s easy-to-operate washers are already loaded with pre-measured, premium eco-friendly laundry detergents and softeners using their trademarked system called “Perfect Wash” or you can add your own favorite detergent and softener to any of their other washers. Continental’s commercial E-Series High-Performance front load washers reach extract speeds of 354 G-Force, roughly 3 times greater than conventional commercial washers. The result is your clothes emerge virtually dry, saving you even more time.

Most Savannah Soap Co. customers have their own washers and dryers at home. They come to save time and money. The Savannah Soap Co. boasts four sizes of washers, including four massive 90lb washers which is the first of its kind ever installed in a retail setting in the country.

And that translates to no longer spending your weekends doing laundry, even if you are not in college anymore!

The Savannah Soap Co., 12324 Largo Dr, Savannah GA 31419, 912.335.1538, email fresh@thesavannahsoapco.com, www.thesavannahsoapco.com  Opens the first week of February. The Savannah Soap Co. is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

Are you looking for a public school that provides elementary and middle school-aged children in
Chatham County with a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character?

Then take time to attend an information session about the newest proposed charter school in Savannah: The Savannah Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy. The information session, which is open to the public, will be 4 PM Sat. Jan. 29 at the Caraway Café, 202 E. Broughton St.

Contact: Barbara Grimm at 912-484-6581 for more details or visit the school’s website at www.sca.teamcfa.org

For more information on local schoools, including schools open houses and info on the admissions process for lottery-funded (free) pre-K, visit the SouthernMamas Savannah-Chatham School Guide by clicking here.

There’s still time to join The Ballet School’s “Mommy & Me” program, which is from 10-10:30 AM Tuesdays and Thursdays and for ages 18 months to 3 years of age.

“Mommy & Me ” is a 10-week program for $125. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.

The program was such a success last session, that The Ballet School had to add a second class.

In a fun and encouraging environment, children explore their musicality, rhythm, creativity while moving in their space. This class introduces age-appropriate stretching, basic strengthening, balance, motor skill development and repeated coordination movements. It’s a wonderful way to develop their social skills.

While having a non-stop, fun-filled classtime, there is a gentle and positive discipline at all times. Over the 10-week programs, mommies will see a huge progress made by each child. This is a very rewarding program for all that attend. Check out The Ballet School’s website by clicking here to see the full array of programs from children thru adults.

The Ballet School is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

“Live Bands Every Mile.”
“Live Bands Every Mile.”

That was the mantra I kept repeating in my head as I apprehensively entered the first Savannah Striders Rock N’ Roll Marathon and ½ Marathon Training meeting earlier this week. I was nervous to be the still-haven’t-dropped-the-baby weight mom in a room of fit and fabulous runners.

But everything was fine. The crowd at the standing-room-barely meeting could not have been more welcoming. I left looking forward to taking part in The Savannah Striders coaching program to run the 1/2 marathon. The Savannah Striders training is available for beginner runners like me as well as more advanced runners. All you need is the desire to run or walk the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon on November 5, 2011. The run will start on Bay Street and end at Forsyth Park.

The coaching is FREE once you join the Savannah Striders Running Club, a cost of $25 which includes a free technical running shirt. Coach Ivan Levinrad, a Doctor of Physical Therapy who has many years of running experience having completed 105 marathons, will help us beginner runners out with everything, right down to telling us whether we’re sporting the right running shoes.

The next Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Training Meeting is 7 PM Thurs. Feb. 3 at The Exchange Restaurant on Waters Avenue. For more info, click here. And remember: Live Bands Every Mile.

Travel is definitely on our minds lately with spring break and summer on the horizon. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if every city you visited had a Web site like SouthernMamas listing kid-friendly resources and events?

We know one city that does: Charlotte, NC. Parents there are smitten with CharlotteSmartyPants.com. Be sure to visit CharlotteSmartyPants before visiting Charlotte, NC. with kids. And spread the word to any parents you know moving to that area. Because as SouthernMamas readers know so well, entertaining kids is so much easier when armed with a wealth of fantastic child-friendly places and activities.

A favorite Savannah photographer LeeAnn Ritch is offering a Jan/Feb. special: A photography session, online proofing and high-resolution CD for $250 plus tax (Regular cost is $575) for January or February. If you book two shoots, cost is $450!

The Savannah family portrait photographer and mother of two specializes in newborn, baby, child, and family photography. LeeAnn is known for shooting warm, sun-drenched 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 winter special. T 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

We all know how hard it is to make the right decision on where to send our children to school.

Pooler MOPS tries to make the decision a little bit easier by hosting a School Fair each year.

This year, the Pooler MOPS School Fair is Wed. Feb. 2 from 9 AM-noon at First Presbyterian Church of Pooler 305 HWY 80SE, Pooler. There will be public, private and home schools represented. The event is open and free to the public.

Interested schools can contact Liz St.Lawrence at poolermops@gmail.com if they would like to attend. A list of confirmed schools can be found by clicking here.

Hubbard’s Maid Service in Savannah and the Lowcountry came to my rescue today. Our rental property needed some sparkle and shine before the tenants moved in.

I contacted Hubbard’s and they immediately scheduled a cleaning time. Hubbard’s cleaning technician showed up EARLY – a true rarity in Savannah. She did a walk-through of the house with me, asking me in detail what I wanted done. She could not have been more professional, making sure that she had my contact info so she could call me when she was done.

The final job was beyond impressive. Hubbard’s cleaning tech mopped the hardwoods THREE times. They’ve never looked better. The bathroom was so well scrubbed, even the baseboards and tile walls.

If you’re looking for a professinal, efficient, affordable maid service,  SouthernMamas highly recommends Hubbard’s Maid Service, which offers 50 percent off your first time cleaning with regular service. Hubbard’s will even throw in a gift-wrapped bottle of merlot. Call 912.961.9131 for a free quote. Mention SouthernMamas to receive your discount.

Serving Savannah & the Lowcountry since 2004, Hubbard’s Maid Service has been keeping thousands of houses and offices spotless. You can be assured that Hubbard’s licensed, bonded, and insured team has one goal: your complete satisfaction! No office, house, store, or construction site is too small or large for Hubbard’s cleaning crews.

Hubbard’s Maid Service, 912.961.9131, www.hubbardsmaidservice.com  Hubbard’s Maid Service is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com

Make A Joyful Noise starts a new semester of early childhood music education classes! SouthernMamas readers who register (postmark) before Jan. 22 can waive the $15 registration fee. Classes are open to the public. The Make A Joyful Noise studio is on the campus of Savannah Country Day School.

Family Music: Babies – 3 year olds: Starting Mon. Jan. 31, from 10:15 – 10:55: Sing, dance, move and play! Develop your own musical sensibilities right alongside your child! ($185 includes CD and 15 sessions. Only 4 openings remain!)

At the Keyboard: Current 1st and 2nd graders: Starting Tues. Feb. 8, from 5:30 – 6:40. ($365 includes 2 CDs, student workbook and 15 sessions.) This unique approach develops the skills needed to begin a successful musical journey toward piano playing and musicianship. The group setting allows for musical interactions with peers for music games and activities, and the aural approach has children playing folk tunes within the first couple lessons. Parents join for the last 10 minutes of every session!

Saturday classes include:
All Together Now: Mixed Ages Babies – 5 year olds:: Saturdays starting Feb. 12: 9:45 – 10:25 ($170 for 12 sessions, includes materials)

At the Keyboard: 7 – 9 year olds: Saturdays starting Feb. 12: 10:30 – 11:40. ($315 includes 2 CDs, student workbook and 12 sessions.) This unique approach develops the skills needed to begin a successful musical journey toward piano playing and musicianship. The group setting allows for musical interactions with peers for music games and activities, and the aural approach has children playing folk tunes within the first couple lessons. Parents join for the last 10 minutes of every session!

Contact Vicki Mills at 920-6542 or MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net for a registration form or more information. SouthernMamas readers who register (postmark) before Jan. 22 can waive the $15 registration fee! The Make A Joyful Noise Music Studio is located on the campus of Savannah Country Day School.

Make A Joyful Noise is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Here’s an updated 2021 list of Savannah-Pooler-Hilton Head Is. area restaurants that offer Kids Eat Free specials on certain nights.

Most will offer one free kid’s meal for children 12 years old and younger on certain nights with the purchase of an adult entree. Typically, Kids-Eat-Free nights deals cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid in-store only at participating locations. Please call ahead to confirm.

Know of more kids-eat-free nights to add to this restaurant list? Please email details to anne@southernmamas.com.

_____________________________

Sundays

Sundays, Kids Eat Free w/ purchase of adult meal @ certain Moe’s Southwest Grill locations including:
Moe’s Pooler (246 Pooler Pkwy, Suite H)
Moe’s Savannah (7801 Abercorn St.)
Moe’s Bluffton (3 Malphrus Road, Bluffton, SC 29910

Sundays, Kids Eat Free @ Dickey’s BBQ Savannah

Sundays, Kids Eat Free (w/purchase of adult entree) @ Barberitos Habersham Village location, Savannah
Call to confirm: (912) 349-6750

_____________________________

Mondays

Mondays after 4PM, $1.99 Kids’ Meals @ Mellow Mushroom, Pooler
Call to confirm: (912) 330-7133

Mondays 11AM-10PM, 99-cents Kids’ Meals & Desserts @ The Tin Fin Restaurant, Rincon
Call to confirm: (912) 295-5837

Mondays & Tuesdays, Kids Eat Free (w/ purchase of adult entree) @ Huddle House, Rincon

_________________________________

Tuesdays

Tuesdays 5PM until close, Kids Eat Free @ Ruby Tuesday Pooler

Mondays & Tuesdays, Kids Eat Free (w/purchase of adult entree) @ Huddle House, Rincon
Call to confirm: (912) 826-6940

Tuesdays, 99-cent macaroni or hot dog kids’ meals @ Texas Roadhouse, Pooler
Call to confirm: (912) 748-7878 (Pooler)
(912) 961-5650 (Savannah)

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Wednesdays

Wednesdays, Kids Eat Free (w/purchase of adult entree) @ Riley’s in Rincon
Call to confirm: (912) 295-2851

Wednesday, Kids Eat Free 3-9PM @ Jersey Mike’s. One free mini sub with a regular sub purchase.

_______________________________________
Fridays & Saturdays

Fridays & Saturdays, Kids Eat Free, Fish & Chips @ Pie Society, Pooler location
Call to confirm: (912) 856-4785

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Hilton Head Is. 

Tuesdays, Kids Eat Free (w/purchase of adult entree) @ Reilley’s Grill & Bar, Hilton Head Is.
Call to confirm: (843) 842-4414

Saturdays, Kids Pay What They Weigh (w/purchase or adult sandwich, bowl or tavern plate) @ Street Meet American Tavern, Hilton Head Is.
Call to confirm: (843) 842-2570

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More Deals

Denny’s offers Kids Eat Free days, but participation varies depending on your location.

Firehouse Subs: Birthday deal at Firehouse Subs. By filling out THIS FORM, you can get either a free kids combo or a free medium sub for your child on their BD. The free deal requires the purchase of medium or large sub, chips and drink.

Singing, dance and pageantry spell crowd-pleaser. Which is why you need to treat your little princesses and princes to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, A Musical at Savannah Children’s Theatre this month.

This production spellbinds with bling. My 4-year-old and I attended opening night Friday and he couldn’t take his eyes off the stage.  Kudos the Savannah Children’s Theatre for another engaging show, which includes a live, seven-member orchestra.

The show is two hours with one intermission. Popcorn at the snack bar is only $1.

The tulle and tiaras aren’t limited to just the stage. If your wee one falls into the frilly set, plan to attend “Tea with Cinderella” 1 PM Sat. Jan. 22 at Savannah Children’s Theatre. Come join Cinderella and her friends for tea and then stay for the matinee. $30 (includes tea and the show)

Talk about the royal treatment.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, A Musical: A main stage production at Savannah Children’s Theatre, 2160 E. Victory Drive
January 14-30th
Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm Jan. 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 
Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3pm Jan. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30.
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW. $20 for adults; $15 for children, seniors and military.
(912) 238-9015
www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org

Time to register your budding Picasso for art classes with Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway.

A few spots still remain the age groups below in the 2011 Winter Art Sessions for Children at Art for Little Hearts and Hands:

The Scribblin’ Squirrels (THREE SPOTS ARE OPEN)
Ages 2-3
Saturdays 10-10:45am
Jan. 22 – Feb. 26
$90 for 6 classes
The 2-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult.

The Paintin’ Pandas (THREE SPOTS ARE OPEN)
Ages 4-5
Saturdays 11:15 – Noon
Jan. 22 – Feb. 26
$100 for 6 classes

Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway

Art supplies included. Space is limited so register now. Classes are small in order to provide individualized attention. For more information or to sign up, e-mail Melissa at melissaminerholloway@gmail.com or call 228-424-2415. Click here for more info.

Melissa Holloway received a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Art Education at Ole Miss. For the past five years she lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she earned a Masters in Art Therapy. Melissa currently works part-time at a local pre-school and also volunteers at Backus Children’s Hospital.

Art for Little Hearts and Hands is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Update: Winners are Laura Powell and Katie Donehoo. Congratulations, ladies and thanks for reading SouthernMamas.com! Let me know if you didn’t receive an email about your win. Email anne@southernmamas.com

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey® ZING, ZANG, ZOOM will be at the Savannah Civic Center Thurs. Jan. 20-Sun. Jan. 23.

SouthernMamas is giving away TWO family-four packs of tickets to opening night, 7 PM Thurs. Jan. 20. Two SouthernMamas readers will each win four tickets. To enter to win, you need to do a little shamless promotion of SouthernMamas.com. Just post the SouthernMamas logo pictured here and the www.southernmamas.com link on your Facebook page and email the link of your FB page to anne@southernmamas.com.

Not a Facebook fan? Then just email the image and SouthernMamas link to five of your friends and CC anne@southernmamas.com on the email, to enter to win.

Deadline to enter to win is 10 AM Tues. Jan. 18, 2011. We’ll announce the two winners here Tuesday.

Copy the SouthernMamas logo by right clicking on it, saving it in your computer, then repost it on FB or in an email just as you would a photo. We’ll also post the SouthernMamas logo on the SouthernMamas Facebook fan page.

Can’t wait for the giveaway? Purchase tickets to the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey® ZING, ZANG, ZOOM by clicking here. Showtimes are as follows:
Jan. 20, 2011 7 PM
Jan. 21, 2011 7 PM
Jan. 22 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM
Jan. 23 1 PM

Looking for a quick weekend or week long getaway? Take the family to the beach! Hilton Head Island is the perfect place to visit for a long weekend or for an entire week. There are tons of activities for children of all ages. From collecting shells on the beach, to biking along a nature trail or getting up close to the dolphins on a boat cruise—Hilton Head Island has it all!!!

Perhaps the best way for families to visit is by staying in a vacation rental. Staying in a vacation home, villa or condo provides families with all the comforts of home, while being close to the activities and events happening on Hilton Head. All properties come with fully equipped kitchens, washer & dryer, linens, cable television and best of all a short walk to the beach!! This is the best way to get the most “bang for your buck” while on vacation!!

Beach Properties of Hilton Head offers over 275 homes and villas on Hilton Head Island. Visit during this spring and you can stay for 3 nights and receive 1 additional night for FREE. Stay the whole week by paying for 4 nights and get 3 nights FREE! Be sure to call one of their Vacation Planner’s today to hear about any specials or hot deals. Mention SouthernMamas.com and you will receive a beach pail filled with discount coupons for Hilton Head area activities and restaurants when you arrive!!

Beach Properties of Hilton Head is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Beach Properties of Hilton Head, e-mail: rentals@beach-property.com, call toll free 1-800-671-5155 (US & Canada) or 1-843-671-5155, www.beach-property.com

Two new SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES DVDs featuring animals with attitude saved us over Christmas.

The Georgia Christmas snow storm meant we were snowed in for four and half days in a mountainside cabin in Blue Ridge, Ga. Four days with a 2 and 4 year old and a quickly diminishing supply of treats (and patience). Fortunately, I had packed the two new Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVDs.

One collection “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and More Animal Adventures” (62 mins. + extras, $14.95) features Jon Scieszka’s fun and creative take on the Three Little Pigs along with four additional stories. Kids get to hear the rest of the story, straight from the wolf’s mouth and learn that the whole Big Bad Wolf thing was just a big misunderstanding.

The DVD also includes “The Pig’s Wedding” (adapted from the story written and illustrated by Helme Heine); “Wallace’s List” about a mouse who can do almost anything – as long as he has a list; “Henry Builds a Cabin”, from the book by D.B. Johnson and narratd by James Naughton and “This is the House that Jack Built”, narrated by Mandy Patinkin from the book by Simms Taback.

The second all new DVD collection that helped entertain the kids after playing all day in the snow featured adaptations of Doreen Cronin’s best-sellers “Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type,” “Giggle Giggle Quack” and “Duck for President. ” The 3-DVD set “CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE…AND MORE AMUSING ANIMAL TALES (3 hrs., 44 mins. + extras, $24.95) is amusing for both kids and adults, even if you’re not snowbound.

The collection also includes includes Cronin’s new classics “Diary of a Spider”, “Diary of a Worm” and “Diary of a Fly”, as well as “The Cow Who Fell in the Canal”, “Chicken Little”, “I, Crocodile”, “Hot Hippo”, “Waiting for Wings”, “Let’s Give Kitty a Bath”, “Roberto the Insect Architect”, “The Story of the Dancing Frog”, and “Dooby Dooby Moo.”

To learn more about these clever and educational DVDs, click here.

Check out the new SouthernMamas page Savannah School Open Houses for the Winter 2011.

We’re trying to make the tough process of selecting the right school a little easier and will add more school open houses and general info on the pre-K lottery and how to get your child into the pre-K of your choice.

To have a school open house or other info included in the guide, email the info to anne@southernmamas.com.

Island Child is more than just a children’s boutique.

The upscale shop on Hilton Head Island also has items you might not expect to find there, such as First Holy Communion dresses. See some of the dresses by clicking here. Island Child will host a trunk show showcasing these dresses in mid February at a date to be announced: dresses, veils, jackets, boleros.

Check out the store online or shop visit the Island Child @ the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Island.

Island Child – a sponsor of SouthernMamas – also offers first birthday outfits for boys and girls, trendy pettiskirts, more children’s clothing and unique one-of-a-kind items.

Moms often ask us for info on prenatal water aerobics, stroller workouts and mom and baby water exercise classes. We’re thrilled to tell you Oh Baby! Fitness is bringing all of the above to Savannah

These exercise classes for new and expectant moms will be at Chatham County Aquatic Center (7240 Sallie Mood Drive) and Lake Mayer Community Park (1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads).

For details on classes including costs, click here. Oh Baby! Fitness  offers SouthernMamas readers a 10 percent discount off  the classes.  To receive the discount, just enter discount code SOUTHERNMAMAS when you register online for a full session.

Chatham County Aquatic Center classes include:
H2O Baby! Mom and baby exercise classes, 10 AM Saturdays March 5-March 26
H2O Baby! Mom and baby exercise classes, 11 AM Tuesdays March 8-April 12
Pregnancy Water Aerobics, 11 AM Saturdays March 5-March 26
Pregnancy Water Aerobics, 6 PM Mondays March 7-April 25

Lake Mayer Community Park
Stroller Workout, 11 AM Mondays March 7 to April 11
Stroller Workout, 11 AM Thursdays March 10 to April 14

To register, click here.

The madness that is the Savannah pre-k lottery (i.e. the race to get into your choice of free pre-Kindergarten) starts soon.

Applications for the 2011-2012 Pre-Kindergarten Program will be available Mon. Feb. 7, 2011 through Fri. March 4, 2011.  The FREE Georgia pre-k program is a full-day program available at some public and private schools.

The FREE pre-K classses are funded by the Georgia Lottery and open to children who will be 4 years of age prior to or on September 1, 2011.

At Savannah-Chatham public schools, children will be selected through a lottery process, which will be held in late March 2011. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status. Applications will continue to be accepted after the classes are filled, but they will be placed in a “waiting” folder in the event that openings occur in the Pre-K classes.

To obtain an application, go to any of the sites with the program. The Information desk at 208 Bull Street will also have applications.

Private schools also offer the free pre-K program including Maggies’ Morning School, Savannah Youth University, Candler’s  The Children’s House, and  YMCA Childcare Plus: but many have a different application process. If you’re interested in a private child care that has it, call the school to find out when their applications are due.  Many are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Savannah-Chatham Public Schools: Speciality Elementary Schools (These public schools either don’t have an attendance zone/neighborhood district or they also accept children outside of their attendance zone/neighborhood district)

Bartow Elementary
Math, Technology and Design Program
1804 Stratford St. Savannah, GA 31415
912.395.5300
Has 20 lottery-funded (Free) Pre-K spots; children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Charles Ellis (P-8)
Montessori Academy
220 E. 49th St., Savannah GA 31405
912.395.5470
Has 40 lottery-funded (Free) Pre-K slots and no specific attendance zone/neighborhood district.

Garrison Elementary (P-8)
School of Visual and Performing Arts
649 W. Jones St., Savannah, GA 31415
912.395.5975
Has 20 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots and no specific attendance zone/neighborhood district.

Heard Elementary
Advanced Learning with Core Knowledge Program
414 Lee Boulevard, Savannah GA 31405
912.395.6630
Has 40 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots. Children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Hodge Elementary
Medical/Allied Health Program
3609 Hopkins St., Savannah, GA 31405
912.395.5200
Pre-K slots number not available

Jacob G. Smith Elementary
Traditional program with Core Knowledge
210 Lamara Drive, Savannah GA 31405
912.395.6530
Has 20 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots. Children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Largo-Tibet Elementary
International Baccalaureate Primary Years
Programme Candidate School
430 Tibet Ave., Savannah GA 31406
912.395.3450
Pre-K slots number not available

Marshpoint Elementary
International Baccalaureate
Primary Years Programme
135 Whitemarsh Island Rd, Savannah GA 31410
912.395.4000
Has 20 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots. Children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Several local schools welcome prospective students and families at January Open Houses, during which you can tour the school, meet teachers and ask questions. This is not a complete list of schools having open houses. If there’s a school you’re interested in call, it’s best to call the school to find out when they will host their open house.

EF Garrison School of Visual and Performing Arts (K-8) Open House, 649 W. Jones St.
5-7 PM Thurs. Feb 3 with a presentation at 6 PM
The new arts K-8 school at Garrison prepares students for the district’s premier high school, Savannah Arts Academy. The school does not have an attendance zone/district
Parents who would like to chose a specialty school for their child rather than their neighborhood school may apply for admission.
(912) 395-5975
http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/schools/gvpa/default.aspx

An information session (not an open house) about a new charter school proposed for Savannah
The Savannah Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy aims to provide elementary and middle school-aged children in Chatham County with a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character.
A public information session will be 4 PM Sat. Jan. 29 at the Caraway Café, 202 E. Broughton St.
Contact: Barbara Grimm at 912-484-6581 for more details or visit the school’s website at www.sca.teamcfa.org

 The New Covenant Preschool Open House
Thurs. Jan. 13, 6:30-8:00 PM
2201 Bull St., Savannah (corner of Bull and 38th St.) Come out and enjoy an evening of family fun while learning more about The New Covenant Preschool for your family. Activities will include: tours of the facility, face painting and balloon animals, food, door prizes, and more.
Enjoy a free trial day with New Convenant Preschool
Take advantage of the school’s 50 percent off Registration (Good through Jan. 30, 2011)
Email newcovenantpreschool@ymail.com or call (912) 232-7012
www.newcovenantpreschool.com

Jacob G Smith Elementary School Open House, 210 Lamara Drive
5:30 PM Thurs. Jan. 20
5:30 PM PTA Meet and Greet in the Media Center
6 PM School overview, Q&A with principal Jane Tyler and school families
6:30 PM See the school in action as school families return to school for Family Science Night
912.303. 6530

Savannah Christian Preparatory School Open Houses 
DeRenne Avenue Lower School Open House PreK-5th
**PreK will be available 2011-2012 school year
Wednesday, January 12th 10 am
Chatham Parkway Lower School Open House PreK-5th
Thursday, January 13th 10 am
Personal tours of both campuses and all grade levels are available by appointment by calling our Director of Admissions, Debbie Fairbanks at 912.234.1653 ext. 106.
Savannah Christian Prep offers multiple testing opportunities and two acceptance dates this year.
Early Acceptance- Announced February 9th
Testing Dates
Saturday, January 22nd Lower School
Saturday, January 29th Middle and Upper School
General Acceptance- Announced March 9th
Testing Date
Saturday, February 26th Lower, Middle, and Upper School
Openings maybe still available after the General Acceptance date. Please contact our Director of Admissions, Debbie Fairbanks at 912.234.1653 ext. 106 to discuss openings and to set up individual testing opportunities.

Here’s a chance to SAVE some money with All American Property Maintenance’s Pre-Season Lawn Care Special.

All American Property Maintenance is recognized for our reliable, professional, affordable and high quality service. They understand that your time is valuable, but even more importantly: that you receive the most value for your money. All American Property Maintenance  guarantees you will not find a better service at a better price anywhere!

The biggest problem All American Property Maintenance hears about other landscape companies is that they’re just not reliable. All American Property Maintenance is different. They do what they say, when they say and you will never have to follow up behind them or wonder if they’ll be there to service your property!

You’ll Never Have to Worry About When We’ll Show Up. If All American Property Maintenance  misses their scheduled day, your NEXT visit is FREE!

To sign up for lawn service, call (912) 308-8544. For more info, click here.

Making Melodies Music Therapy is accepting new clients in the New Year! Sign up for lessons or therapy in January, and receive $5 off each lesson for a month!

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music Therapy can address the following developmental domains:
communication skills
academics
motor skills
emotional/behavioral development skills
social skills
adaptive skills

Making Melodies also offers adaptive guitar and piano lessons, which are tailored to meet the needs of specialized population including children with:
developmental disabilities
physical disabilities
learning disabilities
These lessons use a therapeutic approach in teaching the skills needed to play the piano and guitar, while increasing self discipline, increasing all motor domains, and improving self esteem through accomplishment.

Sessions are offered in your home, making it extremely convenient and comfortable for you and your child! For more information on how your child can benefit from music therapy, click here ; call at (912) 293-1161; or email: makingmelodiesmt@gmail.com.