Carla Reed is the first of two winners in the current SouthernMamas giveaway: a family vacation at one of five Georgia State Parks Lodges.

Thanks for sharing your photos of your family’s favorite outdoor spring activity on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page . You still have a chance to win a family vacation at one of five Georgia State Parks Lodges because we’ll be picking a SECOND WINNER at the end of next week (March 26).

Two SouthernMamas readers will win a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. or Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga.

To win, just visit the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan page and post a photo of you, your kids or your family doing something fun outside. We’ll pick a second winner and announce her here next week.

Below is a guest post by Marsha Woelber, a Partner at Independent Investment Services, LLC/Securities Offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Marsha does occasional posts on SouthernMamas about  becoming financially savvy.  To read her previous posts, click here.

Parents-to-be have many exciting decisions to make in preparation for their baby: nursery decor, furniture, registry, baby names and ….life insurance. Insurance confuses most new parents; the terminology, numbers, and flurry of adjectives leave them baffled, even after they purchase a life policy. Below I’ve attempted to give you a basic understanding of why you need insurance, what kinds you can buy, and what to watch out for.

Q: Why do I need life insurance?
A: Life insurance protects the family in the event of death of a key money-earner. Generally, you need one policy for each parent, regardless of whether both parents are working. The premature death of a stay at home Mom can be just as financially devastating as the death of a working father: if the Mom dies, the costs of full-time child care factors into the equation. Life insurance gets more expensive as we age – the idea is to buy your policy when you are young, and “lock-in” cheaper premiums.

Q: How much life insurance coverage do I need?
A: Start here: 5-10x salary + mortgage + other major debts + college tuition for kids. Each situation is unique; make sure you and your financial advisor are thoughtful about this number.

Q: How do I decide what type of insurance to get?
A: This is where it gets tricky. Generally, there are two types of insurance: Term and Whole.
Term insurance works like auto or homeowners coverage: If you die while the policy is active (the ‘term’), the beneficiary gets the amount for which you’re insured. Common policies provide coverage for 10-30 years. Term is useful where the need for life insurance is temporary – like until your mortgage is paid off or your children finish college. This makes sense for most young families because it covers a set period, with affordable premiums. Your term policy can carry the option to convert to a whole life policy, a wise idea for those who want lifelong coverage.
Whole insurance provides a guaranteed death benefit for a guaranteed period of time. The policy’s life is intended to be longer than the lifetime of the insured. Premiums for this type of insurance are higher.

Q: I have a life policy through work, do I need more?

To read the answer to that question and the rest of this guest post in its entirety, click here.
 
Please email/call with questions: Marsha Woelber; marsha@iissav.com, 912-650-2852.

Marsha Woelber is a Partner at Independent Investment Services, LLC/Securities Offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. She can be reached @ marsha@iissav.com or 912-650-2852.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Krispy Kreme school fund raisers. School spirit night with Pizza Hut. Elementary school carts that hawk Snickers to first graders.

All done in the name of raising money for budget-strapped schools.

The school system has the difficult task of fitting school meals into caloric and fat-content guidelines, but also making those meals appeal to kids. All with a limited budget of a little more than $1 per plate.

Yet, individual elementary schools can hold a Little Caesars School Spirit Night fund raiser or sell snacks, no matter how high the fat and caloric content, to raise money.

What’s your take on fast-food partnerships in elementary schools? And school snack carts that sell candy to students? My Sunday newspaper column on the topic has generated a slew of hate mail from folks who see nothing wrong with elementary schools endorsing fast food. “Don’t blame the obesity problem on fast-food” one reader wrote. So getting kids hooked on eating a school-endorsed meal of nuggets and fries at an early age doesn’t have any effect on the obesity problem? Seriously?

There have to be better ways to raise money. St. Andrew’s, a fast-food free school on Wilmington Island, hosted a successful school benefit last year that was the opposite of fast-food fundraiser: a slow foods dinner with local (non-fast food) restaurants to raise money for an outdoor classroom that will be a place for gardening and ecology. The benefit featured foods by Brighter Day Natural Foods Market, Cha Bella, Local 11 Ten, The Sentient Bean and Thrive.

Schools have been successful in reducing or eliminating soft drinks from cafeterias: Can’t they do the same with fast-food?

Spring is the perfect time to get the family off the couch and enjoying quality time in the great outdoors.

What could be better than spending time at our Georgia State Parks & Lodges?

Share a photo of your family’s favorite outdoor spring activity on the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page and have a chance to win a family vacation at one of five Georgia State Parks Lodges.

Two SouthernMamas readers will win a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. or Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga.

One winner will be chosen at the end of this week (March 19) and a second winner at the end of next week (March 26). To win, just visit the SouthernMamas Facebook Fan page and post a photo of you, your kids or your family doing something fun outside. We’ll pick two winners and announce them here.

Spring Break is a great time for families to get outdoors as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Georgia State Parks & Lodges offer a variety of comfortable hotel-style lodge rooms at affordable prices with their new “Spring Lodge-ical” rates starting at $69 per night. Or, simply head out for the day, parking fees are just $5 per day and there are tons of recreational offerings for the entire family, from hiking and biking trails, to canoeing, kayaking and golf, there is an activity to fit every lifestyle.

Best of all you can enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors in style with a comfortable bed and hotel-style amenities. One winner will be chosen per week to win a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. And Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga. For Spring Break ideas that don’t break the bank, visit, www.galodges.com or www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Participating Georgia State Park Lodges include:

• Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga.: Only one and a half hours north of Atlanta, The Lodge at Amicalola Falls is a stunning 57-room hideaway, complete with a window-lined restaurant. Whether you want to visit the famous 729-foot cascading falls, go trout fishing or hike the park’s 12 miles of trails through towering forests, there is plenty to discover at Amicalola Falls. Amicalola Falls is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks.

• Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga.: Just north of Atlanta are the sandy beaches of Lake Allatoona and the pine-scented nature trails of Red Top Mountain. At the Lodge at Red Top Mountain, you can choose one of the campsites, a secluded cottage with lakeshore views or a peaceful lodge room. Guests can enjoy 12 miles of hiking trails and water sport galore on Lake Alatoona Including boating, fishing, skiing and swimming. There’s also a miniature golf course.

• Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga.: In the midst of the Chattahoochee National Forest, located just two miles from the Alpine Village of Helen, the Lodge at Unicoi State Park is a beautiful setting for all of your family’s needs. Guests can enjoy the park’s 12 miles of nature and hiking trails, lake and trout stream fishing, four lighted tennis courts, softball and volleyball area, picnic facilities, world class mountain bike trail and year-round schedule of activities.

• George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge, Fort Gaines, Ga.: Head to Southwest Georgia for the pristine forests, championship golf and scenic dining. The Lodge at George T. Bagby is the perfect retreat, whether you choose a room at the lodge or a cottage in the woods. Guests can enjoy plenty of activities on beautiful Lake Walter George, from boat rentals and full-service marina to swimming, fishing, beach volleyball and tennis.

• Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga.: You can spend your days enjoying golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, boating or fishing at Ocmulgee’s state park and 265-acre lake. At the Lodge at Little Ocmulgee in south central Georgia, you camp out among the trees, choose a cottage or stay at the 60-room lodge. The lodge overlooks the park’s Wallace Adams Golf Course. Located near McRae, the 1,265 acres of high sandhills and pine forests at this middle Georgia park provide a beautiful setting for family getaways.

SouthernMamas reader Ginger Willoughby wins a Tickle Bellies personalized bookmark of her choice  and a variety pack of personalized labels of her choice. Congratulations, Ginger!

Tickle Bellies is a fun and whimsical stationery company that includes birth announcements, stickers, notepads, labels, luggage tags, invitations and bookmarks.

Tickle Bellies also now has kids’ melamine plates and personalized placemats! See them by clicking here.

There are many things to learn about as you prepare for your new baby’s arrival. If you are planning to nurse or trying to nurse your baby – here’s a FREE lactation class that is a great way to get ready.

Just For Baby & More @ 7701 Waters Ave will be hosting the free class for moms-to-be to gather information about nursing 6:30-8 PM Tues. March 23. Cate Glyn-Jones, a lactation consultant from Candler Hospital, will be teaching the class. Refreshments will be provided.

The first 15 registrants will receive a $15 gift card to the store. Please call (912) 355-4455 or email casey@justforbaby.net to register.

FREE Lactation Class, 6:30-8 PM Tues. March 23 @ Just For Baby & More, 7701 Waters Ave.

This week, SouthernMamas gave away FREE tickets to the the Savannah Music Festival children’s concerts.

Winners of  tickets to Shake up Your Brain with Roger Day and free copies of Roger Day’s new CD “Why does Gray Matter?” are:
Silvia Straub
Kasey Berman
Monica Patel
Yasmiene Shemdin

Winners of tickets to The Amazing Musical Rescue with RJ & The Upbeats are:
Brandi Zetrouer
Eliza Brooks
Gena Cox
Dusti Smith

Congratulations! For info on the concerts, click here.

The movie “The Wiggles Big Big Show in the Round” is coming to Savannah for four days in March at the Carmike Wynnsong Theatre 11

This circus-inspired Wiggly live concert movie has acrobats, gymnasts, dancers, trapeze artists and a ringmaster. Of course, the show also includes Sam, Jeff, Anthony and Murray and the world famous Wiggly dancers, as well as Wiggly friends Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword.

Tickets are $10 each. Movie dates are March 20,21,27, & 28 2010. For more info, click here.

The newly remade Ellis Square in downtown Savannah is open.

Ellis Square – one of Gen. James Oglethorpe’s original six squares – is now restored to public use and features an ellipses interior, interactive spray fountain, life-sized chess board, movable furniture and public restrooms.

It is the most environmentally friendly of Savannah’s squares, with water-efficient plants, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC system in the glass-walled visitors center, and a green roof on the public bathrooms to help reduce runoff.

The new kid-friendly interactive spray fountains at Ellis Square and the new spray fountains at Forsyth Park mean lots of cool options this summer!

Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens is in danger of being closed down due to state budget cuts.

That’s right. The beloved Chatham County spot where you take the kids every year for u-pick blackberries and strawberries; the place that hosts such popular annual family events as Sunday Supper in the Strawberry Patch, Fall and Spring festivals; the place kids go for hayrides, field trips and more – may close down.

Because of the state’s potential $1.1 billion shortfall, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents is at risk of undergoing $300 million in proposed cuts include closing half of the state’s Cooperative Extension offices and eliminating its widely popular 4-H youth program.

Locally, that would mean closing the Burton 4-H Center at Tybee Island, ending the Mommy and Me program at UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island and closing down the Bamboo Farm.  

The proposed Bamboo Farm closure would take away a truly precious local resource. Our area is already lacking in kid-friendly educational centers. Let’s do what we can to keep the Bamboo Farm and other local programs open.

You can help save the Bamboo Farm and other local educational programs by  letting the Board know you disagree with these proposed closures. Do so by signing this petition

You can also show your support by attending the Spring Festival at the Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens,  9 AM-4 PM Sat. March 20. Sponsored by the Friends of Coastal Gardens, this fundraising event includes educational lectures, activities for children, plant vendors, and arts and crafts vendors. Admission is free but there will be a $2 charge for parking. Some activities are free, while others have a small charge.

AASU student Bryce Tarter, 19, missing since Jan. 31

The public is invited to a Bryce Tarter Benefit Event on noon-5 PM this Saturday March 13 at Armstrong Atlantic State University’s Sports Center. All proceeds from this kid-friendly benefit will go towards the campaign to bring Bryce home.

The benefit will include pony rides, face painting, games, inflatable bouncy, raffle prizes, t-shirts, Bryceletts, food and more.

If you would like to help, please email Megan at help@bringbrycehome.com or call 912.604.5829. Volunteers still needed.

The 19-year-old Tarter was last seen around 5 AM Jan. 31, leaving the AASU campus. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is working on the case and Tarter’s family and friends have also launched massive search efforts.

Tarter was driving a white 2000 Nissan Frontier with Maine license plate 9447QD. There are an Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons stickers on the back window. If you have any information, you’re asked to call AASU Police at 912-344-3333 or the Center for Missing Persons at (910) 343-1131. For more info in the case, visit the Bring Bryce Home Web site by clicking here.

Local moms who work outside the home often tell SouthernMamas they wish there were more weekend mommy-and-me programs.

Wish granted.  A monthly mommy-and-me program for working parents will start @ UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium soon. 

The first Saturday Mommy and Me will be 10-10:45 AM  April 10.

The educational programs for children between the ages of 1 and 4 include learning techniques that allow for the development of motor skills, understanding of different sizes, shapes, weights, and movements among a variety of marine animals native to Georgia waterways and the ability to identify the difference between fish, crabs, turtles, and invertebrates. The programs will include hands-on experiences with different animals, arts and crafts, a story time, and a game.

Advanced Registration required. Maximum of 15 children. $6/child for non-season pass holders, $4/child for season pass holders.  UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium is at 30 Ocean Science Circle, Skidaway Island.

To register, call 912-598-2496, email fish@uga.edu.

Easy, breezy, beautiful.

That’s your idea of a spring portrait session with your kids. Spring is the perfect time to have new portaits taken before the not so easy-breezy summer heat.

One of our top local shooters, Savannah photographer Britt Anderson , makes kids portrait sessions click. Even better, Britt offers SouthernMamas a discount.

Anyone who mentions Southernmamas.com when booking will receive a $50 print credit with any basic session, or an additional $100 print credit with any collection session booked before April 30th (Sessions must be completed prior to July 31st).

A whiz with natural light, Britt takes advantage of the wonderful natural backdrops our area has to offer for relaxed shoot sites. She serves the Savannah, Rincon, Pooler, Richmond Hill areas, as well as Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head Is. areas. 

Britt playfully captures the natural connections between loved ones, the sweetness of a newborn, the energy of a child. She specializes in maternity to newborns, toddlers to teens.

Chances are you’ll agree with Britt that while quality portraits are an investment, they are a valuable investment of memories for today, tomorrow and forever.

To keep up to date on Britt’s regular photography specials, become a fan of Britt Anderson photography on Facebook here or visit her Web site

Contact Britt via her Web site or email contact@brittandersonphotography.com.

That gold necklace from a less than golden ex-beau has been collecting dust in your jewelry box for too long.

At a new business in Savannah Mall – Coastal Gold Exchange – you can exchange  jewelry you never wear anymore for quick cash. Coastal Gold Exchange buys gold/silver/platinum jewelry items.

Do you have a broken necklace, bracelet or missing earring? Coastal Gold Exchange buys those as well. They will buy any gold, silver or platinum jewelry, no matter the kind or condition.

Gold jewelry has become one of the more popular items on the market as of late, as the price of gold has increased and people are finding that they can turn their old and broken jewelry into jewelers and refineries for cash.

Just be sure to do your homework and find out what that piece of gold is worth before you decide to sell.

Coastal Gold Exchange is an alternative to the long-distance, mail-in cash for gold companies and pawn shops.

To find out more about Coastal Gold Exchange, click here.

Win a FREE ticket to the the Savannah Music Festival children’s concerts this week on SouthernMamas.

Thanks to Savannah Music Festival, we’re giving away FOUR tickets to Shake up Your Brain with Roger Day to FOUR winners and FOUR tickets to The Amazing Musical Rescue with RJ & The Upbeats to FOUR Winners. Winners of the Roger Day tickets will also receive a free copy of Roger Day’s new CD “Why does Gray Matter?”

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

THE AMAZING MUSICAL RESCUE: RJ & THE UPBEATS will be at 12:30 PM Sat. March 20 at CHARLES H. MORRIS CENTER
Tickets: $10 adult 18 and older, $5 age 6 and older, under 6 are free. Buy tickets by clicking here.
Open your imagination and enter the wonderful world of The UpBeats. Mischievous forces have sabotaged the creativity of music and it’s up to RJ & The UpBeats to save music.

SHAKE UP YOUR BRAIN: ROGER DAY, 12:30 PM Sat. March 27 at CHARLES H. MORRIS CENTER
Tickets: $10 adult 18 and older, $5 age 6 and older, under 6 free.
Two-time Parents’ Choice award-winning singer/songwriter Roger Day urges kids to reach their potential by using “body and brain, mind and muscle.” In this program for the entire family, he performs songs from his new album “Why Does Gray Matter? And Other Brainy Songs for Kids.” Buy tickets by clicking here.

The Mommy and Me program Tuesdays and Thursdays @ UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island is just one of the local educational programs at risk of being cut.

Because of the state’s potential $1.1 billion shortfall, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents is at risk of undergoing severe cuts include closing half of the state’s Cooperative Extension offices and eliminating its widely popular 4-H youth program.

This month, the University System of Georgia proposed $300 million in cuts to higher education, including 4,000 layoffs and dozens of program cutbacks. Locally, that would mean closing the Burton 4-H Center at Tybee Island and cutting other educational centers that provide invaluable information to thousands of area youth.

You can help save our local education centers and keep the doors open at @ UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium and other kid-friendly spots. Let the Board know you disagree with these proposed closures by signing this petition

Those of you who’ve shopped at Coastal Kids Market, a seasonal, upscale children’s consignment sale in Pooler just outside Savannah, already know the amazing deals you can find there when it comes to high-end, gently-used boutique & trunk show clothing.

But did you know that Coastal Kids will accept CREDIT CARDS at this month’s upcoming spring sale March 11-13 @ The Shops at Godley Station, Pooler Parkway? No more dashing to the ATM or hitting your friend up for cash because you didn’t plan on finding so many quality brand bargains.

Brands you can expect to come across at Coastal Kids Market include Hannah Kate, Orient Expressed, Chez Ami, Kelly’s Kids, Bailey Boys, Ragsland, Strasburg, Matilda Jane, Lilly Pulitzer, Hannah Andersson, Potato Saks, and lots of NEW L’amour shoes.

Plus, the sale will be teeming with NEW overstocks from some local boutiques and designers.

Eight local vendors will be at the sale including: Miles of Crafts, Stella and Dot, Arts-Anne-Crafts, Bella Reece, Touchstone Crystal, Kris’ Krinkles, Thirty-One and Babe Sak.

Be sure to arrive early. Because the first 200 customers will receive goody bags filled with promotions and valuable coupons from 20-plus local businesses. So it pays to be first in line!

More than 75 consignors are already registered, with room for more. Hurry, registration ends this Sat. March 6.

Happy bargain-buying, SouthernMamas.

SPRING 2010 Sale Dates:
Thurs., March 11 6-8 PM
Fri., March 12, 9 AM – 5 PM
Sat., March 13, 9 AM– noon
*Select items will be half price on Saturday

Coastal Kids Market, March 11-13, The Shops at Godley Station, Pooler Parkway, Suite 202; 912.312.5800 or email contact@coastalkidsmarket.com

Get ready to swoon over Classic Kids clothing.

Classic Kids is a locally-owned children’s clothing company made up of moms that have a passion for creating unique and captivating clothing for their children and yours.

Each custom-made outfit is made from top quality fabrics with special attention to detail.

Lucky girls will get decked out in wrap skirts in bright colors or sweet ribbon-top and pillow case dresses. For boys: madras shorts, personalized crab tees, and timeless preppy JonJons.

Classic Kids specializes in classic and funky styles for both boys and girls.

Designs range from time-honored standards to custom-made. CK will work with you to create your perfect outfit. Just drop CK a line at classickids@hargray.com.

Scheduling for CK home shows is under way though out the southeast.

All home show guests will receive up to 20 percent off their home show order.

All hosts will receive up to 50 percent off their home show order and a continuous 20-percent off for the remainder of the season.

To see more examples of Classic Kids,  click here. Order online at the Classic Kids Web shop. Classic Clothes can also be found La Dee Da boutique in Rincon.

Classic Kids, Classic Clothes for Everyday Kids!, www.ClassicKidsGA.com. Email classickids@hargray.com

“La Dee Da” is an upscale children’s consignment boutique located in the heart of Rincon, Georgia, specializing in brands such as Kate Mack, Gymboree, Ralph Lauren, Feltman Bros and many more!

In addition to children’s consignment apparel, La Dee Da supports our local women in business by showcasing and carrying their beautiful and unique work. Custom boutique clothing, hairbows, diaper bags, quilts, tutu’s, diaper cakes, purses, tutu bow holders, headbands etc; created by local artisans such as Classic Kids, 4 Angels Boutique, The Polka Dot Lady, Pretty Please Quilts,and Wild Olive Kids, just to name a few!

Whether you are a consigning mom or grand mom, or simply shopping, La Dee Da welcomes you to stop in for a visit or visit La Dee Da’s Web site: www.ladeedakids.com or find La Dee Da on Facebook.

La Dee Da looks forward to serving you and your child! La Dee Da – where consignment shopping is anything but typical! Proud retailers of Mudpie, Jewelry by Lorena and The Fizzy Baker.

La Dee Da upscale children’s consignment boutique , 912-295-5470. Tues- Fri 9:30am – 5:30pm and Saturday 10 am – 3:30 pm
Hwy 21 North, Rincon. Located in Burns Station next to the Bank of America and across from The Curiosity Shoppe

EmmAva Photography is offering special spring mini-sessions.

The 30-minute sessions are $35. You will receive 15-20 pictures on disc with the copyrights. The sessions are March 20 and March 28.

To book your session, email  EmmAva Photography at EmmAvaPhotography@yahoo.com or call 912.429.7454.

Click here to view more photos by EmmAva Photography, which also is available for newborn, children, family, engagement, bridal shoots and weddings.

To celebrate the start of March, Petite Feet – Savannah’s newest children shoe store and a SouthernMamas sponsor – is giving away your choice of a pair of Tsukihoshi (pronounced Skee Ho She) children’s or babies shoe that is stock at Petite Feet.

That’s right, you get to pick out the free Tsukihoshi shoe for your child while visiting Petite Feet, Savannah’s newest shoe store for children. Petite Feet’s location at  5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix has easy  in-and-out parking.

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

 Shopping at Petite Feet  is a relaxed and enjoyable experience, thanks largely to the fact that it’s a child-friendly store with a comfortable atmosphere.  Puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. And you don’ t have to fight for parking spot. 

But best of all are the popular brands Petite Feet carries – all the ones you’ve been searching for, but have a tough time finding in our area.

Visit their website at www.petitefeetsavannah.com for more brands and information

Your March is already filling up with activities, and the month hasn’t even started yet.

Don’t forget to make plans to attend the children’s concerts at the Savannah Music Festival.

THE AMAZING MUSICAL RESCUE: RJ & THE UPBEATS will be at 12:30 PM Sat. March 20 at CHARLES H. MORRIS CENTER
Tickets: $10 adult 18 and older, $5 age 6 and older, under 6 are free. Buy tickets by clicking here.
Open your imagination and enter the wonderful world of The UpBeats. Mischievous forces have sabotaged the creativity of music and it’s up to RJ & The UpBeats to save music.

SHAKE UP YOUR BRAIN: ROGER DAY, 12:30 PM Sat. March 27 at CHARLES H. MORRIS CENTER
Tickets: $10 adult 18 and older, $5 age 6 and older, under 6 free.
Two-time Parents’ Choice award-winning singer/songwriter Roger Day urges kids to reach their potential by using “body and brain, mind and muscle.” In this program for the entire family, he performs songs from his new album “Why Does Gray Matter? And Other Brainy Songs for Kids.” Buy tickets by clicking here.

Mud Runs – military-style obstacle course races in mud – have become popular with adults.

Now kids are joining in. The “MS Mud Run Jacksonville” at at Cecil Commerce Center in Jacksonville will also include a Mud Fun Run for Kids. The children’s event will at 2 PM March 20.

Boys and girls ages 7-12 will run a three-quarter of a mile course featuring three to five obstacles, including the large Slip ‘n’ Slide. Registration fee: $30 per child and a signed notarized waiver by a parent/guardian will be required.

Teens 13-18 may run the full-course 10K course if accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times; they will also be required to submit a signed, notarized waiver by a parent or guardian. The full course consists most of the obstacles surrounded by (or consisting entirely of) mud. Individuals, teams of two and teams of five will compete for prizes and the satisfaction of a doing a dirty job very well. It will be 9 AM – 3 PM Sat. March 20.

For more info, click here, where you may also register for the event. Registration closes at midnight on March 18. One hundred percent of fundraising contributions are donated to the North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Sister Mary Alvin Seubott of Saint Mary's Home with two of her resident boys Royce, left, and Quevon, and their pet dog Millie. (John Carrington/Savannah Morning News)

You can help keep seven children in their home.

St. Mary’s Home, a legacy in Savannah for the nurturing and development of children for 135 years, will be closing their doors. For the seven children who currently live at St. Mary’s on Victory Drive this means a change to their whole lives.

They will now have to move from their home, their care-givers, and the other children that have become their family and friends. It’s likely that they will have to change schools and their lives all together.

Over time, St. Mary’s, which was opened in 1877 by three Sisters of Mercy to help children who were abandoned or orphaned, has cared for children from many different circumstances- orphans, one-parent homes, abandoned children and dysfunctional homes.

Because of changes in federal and state laws, there have been a reduced number of placements of children in the home and with that a reduced amount of funding. These laws are affecting child care agencies that place children in-need into a new environment, focusing on foster homes and single family homes instead of group homes. While this does mean that St. Mary’s will not have any new children placed in their care, it does not mean that the children who currently reside there have to leave.

Of the seven children who live at St. Mary’s it will take approximately seven years for them all to graduate from high school. Seven more years of St. Mary’s Home existing in its current form and these children, who have found their safe haven, can continue on their paths uninterrupted.

Email savestmaryshome@gmail.com to find out how you can help prevent St. Mary’s from closing their doors on June 30.

Thanks to Casey Welsh of Just for Baby & More for providing this info.