Mommy & Me

Funtastic Physics - Learn and explore through hands-on experiments what items float and sink in water.

Childhood is something precious to be celebrated and shared. Come and enjoy a learning and fun-filled time with your child at ScienceSouth’s Mommy & Me program. Every first Wednesday of the month you’ll be able to interact with your child in science-themed activities. This is a great opportunity to see your child's individual journey of discovery and learning.


Date:  November 2

Ages:  2 to 4

Time:  10:00 - 11:00 am

Where:  ScienceSouth
Cost:  $3 per child, no cost for parents
Contact:  ScienceSouth at (843) 679-5353 or their website

Florence kids this week - 10/30/11

Click here to see what is going on in Florence this week for the kids.

Barnes and Noble Storytime

Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex  Goodnight monsters everywhere, in this parody romp with its own special twist!“Goodnight tomb. Goodnight goon. Goodnight Martians taking over the moon.” It's bedtime in the cold gray tomb with a black lagoon, and two slimy claws, and a couple of jaws, and a skull and a shoe and a pot full of goo. But as a little werewolf settles down, in comes the Goon determined at all costs to run amok and not let any monster have his rest. A beloved classic gets a kind-hearted send up in this utterly monsterized parody; energetic art and a hilarious text will have kids begging to read this again and again.


Ages:  Kids

Date: October 29

Time:  11:00 am 

Where:  Barnes and Noble, Magnolia Mall

Cost: Free

Contact: Barnes and Noble,  (843) 665-2412

Kids' Sewing Class

Kids' Sewing 101: Headtime Story
Level 1 1ses/3hrs

• Sewing machine basics
• Simple construction

Ages: 8+ years old
Date:  Saturday October 29
Time:  5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Jo-Ann's, 1945 West Palmetto
Cost: $35
Contact: Jo-Ann's -  (843) 665-4576

Toddlers need a playgroup

Have you been looking for a playgroup to get your toddler involved in?  Out 'n About Moms and Tots of Florence is a newly formed playgroup in Florence.  Why not try it out?  Playgroups are a great way to socialize your kids and to make new friends.

Halloween tidbits

• The City of Florence Police Department recommends that Halloween trick-or-treating occur between 5pm - 8pm on October 31, 2011.
• Halloween Trick or Treat at the Magnolia Mall - October 31 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown - October 27 - 8:00 pm ABC
• Fall Festivals:
• Calvary Baptist Church - October 31 6:00pm - 8:00pm
• Southside Baptist Church - October 29 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the South Florence football field

Ovis HIll Farm Festival

If you haven't been to this festival in previous years you have to go.  It is a great experience for your kids and they will love it.  I'm so glad they are having it this year after their fire that happened.  Please come out and support your local farms.

Ovis Hill Farm Festival

                                               October 29 & 30, 2011

                              Saturday   10 am -- 5 pm

                                                 Sunday 12:30 pm -- 5 pm

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for our annual fall festival.

                 Fun and educational activities for all ages

• Take a hayride......
• Visit the animals where you will have the opportunity to feed, milk or observe them as you learn about their important role on the farm....
• Explore the hay maze......
• Learn about the many aspects of shepherding and farming, as you take a wagon ride tour with Charlie....
• Watch demonstrations of sheep shearing, wool dying and spinning, bee keeping, and Border collie herding....
• Make some butter....
• Paint a gourd...
• Enjoy the games, music and square dancing......
• Browse and shop for our wholesome meats, eggs and dairy products, as well as yummy baked goods and hand crafted items.....
• Enjoy a meal featuring local produce and farm products...

In other words, come celebrate fall at Ovis Hill!

Click here for printable flyer and directions

Admission $5 per person, $20 maximum per family

Some activities not covered by admission fee

Ages:  All ages

Date: October 29 and 30th

Time:  10:00 am to 5:00 pm and 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm 

Where:  Ovis Hill Farms - click here for directions

Cost: $5 per person, $20 max per family

Contact: Ovis Hill Farms,  (843) 346-3646

It's a spooky time Halloween party

Calling all ghosts, goblins and witches! Join us for an amazing Halloween party where children can trick-or-treat. Plus, there will be a costume contest, art contest, Storytime and lots activities.


Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex  Goodnight monsters everywhere, in this parody romp with its own special twist!“Goodnight tomb. Goodnight goon. Goodnight Martians taking over the moon.” It's bedtime in the cold gray tomb with a black lagoon, and two slimy claws, and a couple of jaws, and a skull and a shoe and a pot full of goo. But as a little werewolf settles down, in comes the Goon determined at all costs to run amok and not let any monster have his rest. A beloved classic gets a kind-hearted send up in this utterly monsterized parody; energetic art and a hilarious text will have kids begging to read this again and again.


Ages:  Kids

Date: October 25

Time:  6:00 PM 

Where:  Barnes and Noble, Magnolia Mall

Cost: Free

Contact: Barnes and Noble,  (843) 665-2412

Parent's night out

Sci-Fri Mayhem

Enter if you dare! Become creatures of the dark as we treat you to a frightfully fun-filled night of science. It’s sure to have you screaming with delight! Goosebumps are optional, costumes are not!

Registration ends: October 26

It’s been a hectic week and you’re looking forward to a nice evening sans kids. The only problem is, “what about the kids?” Forget the babysitter, and bring them to our Parents’ Night Out (PNO). PNO is every fourth Friday of the month from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Enjoy a “guilt-free” night on the town knowing that your kids are not only having fun but learning too! So go to the movies, check out a new restaurant, or delight in a quiet night at home. The choice is yours. No need to worry about dinner, we have that covered too! Space is limited. Registration ends the Wednesday before PNO. The kids will have so much fun that they’ll be calling it Kids’ Night Out!

Ages: 5 to 12

Date:  October 28 (registration ends Oct 26)
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: ScienceSouth Pavillion at Freedom Florence
Cost: $30 per child and $15 for each additional child (includes dinner)
Contact: ScienceSouth -  (843) 679-5353, Email: Info@ScienceSouth.org

Florence kids this week - 10/23/11

Click here to see what is going on in Florence this week for the kids.

Kids' Knitting Class

Kids Can Knit!

Kids' Knitting 101

• Cast on & bind off
• Create a knit stitch
  FREE supplies courtesy of Lion Brand®
  while supplies last.

One 3–hr session


Ages: 8+ years old
Dates:  Saturday, Oct 22
Time:  4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Jo-Ann's, 1945 West Palmetto
Cost: $35
Contact: Jo-Ann's -  (843) 665-4576

Kids' Cake Decorating

Witch's Brew Cake

Wilton® Kids' Cake Decorating 101 

• Introduction to cake design
• Buttercream icing & decorating methods

One 2–hr session

Ages: 8+ years old
Date:  Saturday, October 22
Time:  1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Jo-Ann's, 1945 West Palmetto
Cost: $30
Contact: Jo-Ann's -  (843) 665-4576

Barnes and Noble Storytime

Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry G. Allard, Jr.  From Barnes & Noble Staff:  The children in Miss Nelson's class go beyond misbehaving; they are downright terrible! Near her wits' end, Miss Nelson thinks up a brilliant plan. The next day the kids have a substitute--the nasty Viola Swamp--who loads the boys and girls with homework and never gives them a story hour. By the time Miss Nelson finally returns, the children are so grateful they behave well. But now Viola Swamp is missing....


Ages:  Age 5 to 8 (book recommendation)

Date: October 22

Time:  11:00 am 

Where:  Barnes and Noble, Magnolia Mall

Cost: Free

Contact: Barnes and Noble,  (843) 665-2412

17th Annual Pumpkin Painting Contest

One winner in each age group will receive a $15.00 gift certificate to Cold Stone Creamery.

Winners will be announced Saturday October 29^th.

Completed pumpkins can be picked up Saturday October 29^th.

Ages:  4 to 7 and 8 to 12 age groups

Date: October 22

Time:  9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Where:  Forest Lake Green Houses

Cost: $6 includes pumpkin and paint

Contact: Forest Lake Green Houses (843) 66-BLOOM

Swing for the Stars Baseball Clinic

Join Orlando Hudson of the San Diego Padres at the Inaugural Swing for the Stars Youth Baseball Clinic. The clinic which focuses on fundamental skills including batting, pitching, base running and fielding techniques. These skills will be taught in stations and players will be rotating through each of the stations. 100% of the proceeds from this event will benefit the C.A.T.C.H. Foundation to assist children and families coping with Autism.


Ages:  6 to 12

Date: October 22

Time:  9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Where:  Frances Marion Baseball Fields, 4822 East Palmetto

Cost: $60

Contact: Swing for the Stars website

Florence kids this week - 10/16/11

Click here to see what is going on in Florence this week for the kids.

Mom and Baby costumes

Want to show off that baby this Halloween - what a cute idea on this blog.  An owl in a tree. See Rookie Moms.

Kids' Sewing Class

Kids' Sewing 201: Little Lazy Pants
Level 2 2ses/2hrs


Ages: 8+ years old
Date:  Sat, October 15
Time:  2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: Jo-Ann's, 1945 West Palmetto
Cost: $45
Contact: Jo-Ann's -  (843) 665-4576

Kids' Cake Decorating

Decorating 201 - Monster Bash Cake
Level 2 1ses/2hrs

• Roll & cut out fondant designs
• Decorate with fondant border

Ages: 8+ years old
Date:  Saturday, October 15
Time:  5:00 - 7:00 pm
Where: Jo-Ann's, 1945 West Palmetto
Cost: $30
Contact: Jo-Ann's -  (843) 665-4576

Chuggington playdate & Lego Building Event

Try out the new interactive Chuggers as well as take advantage of special one day offers.

Ages:  kids

Date: October 15

Time:  11:00 am - 1:00 pm 

Where:  Toys R Us

Cost: Free

Contact: Toys R Us

Come build American spy car, Rod "Torque" Redine from Disney•Pixar's Cars 2 and take it home! The exclusive LEGO build of this Cars 2 character is only available at this Toys"R"Us event!
Ages:  Ages 5 and Up

Date: October 15

Time:  2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Where:  Toys R Us

Cost: Free

Contact: Toys R Us

Barnes and Noble Storytime

The mystery of dinosaur extinction is solved! Scientists have plenty of theories about why dinosaurs are extinct, but the UK’s bestselling authorillustrator team of Claire Freedman and Ben Cort knows the real answer: The dinos were wiped out in an Underpants War! This wacky celebration of underpants is perfect for reading aloud, and the hilarious antics of T. rex and the gang are endlessly entertaining. Featuring fun, vibrant art and short, rhyming text, Dinosaurs Love Underpants is a prehistoric pleasure parents and kids will want to read again and again.   Barnes and Noble overview


Ages:  Age 5 to 7 (book recommendation)

Date: October 15

Time:  11:00 am 

Where:  Barnes and Noble, Magnolia Mall

Cost: Free

Contact: Barnes and Noble,  (843) 665-2412

Fall and Winter Children's Consignment Sale

Don't miss this years Fall and Winter Childrens Consignment Sale. HUGE SAVINGS on clothes, shoes, toys, high chairs, strollers, play equipment, games, nursery items, kids furniture, dvds/videos, maternity clothes and much more! Sales are cash only.

Ages: All
Dates and Times:  October 15th
Time:  8:00 am-3:00 pm
Where:  Florence Civic Center
Cost: Free admission
Contact: Website -  (843) 319-7126

Kids' Quilting Classes

Kids' Quilting 101: Tooth Fairy Pillow
Level 1 1ses/3hrs

Ages: 8+ years old
Dates and Times:  Saturday October 15
Time:  9:30am-12:30pm
Where: Jo-Ann's, 1945 West Palmetto
Cost: $35
Contact: Jo-Ann's -  (843) 665-4576

STEM Saturday

Do the Jitterbug!

Registration Period: September 27 - October 11

The Jitterbug? No, it’s not your grandparent’s favorite dance, but your next creation. Simple circuits and vibrations combine to create a six-legged robotic insect.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are the building blocks of the future. Each month ScienceSouth offers STEM Saturday, a FREE hands-on workshop in a STEM area. The monthly workshops run on the third Saturday of the month from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the ScienceSouth Pavilion at Freedom Florence. Space is limited to 20 children per session. Failure to attend a registered workshop without two days notice will result in future STEM Saturday ineligibility.
**Limit of two children per household.**

Ages: 8 to 12

Date:  October 15
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Where: ScienceSouth Pavillion at Freedom Florence
Cost: Free
Contact: ScienceSouth -  (843) 679-5353, Email: Info@ScienceSouth.org

Florence kids this week - 10/9/11

Click here to see what is going on in Florence this week for the kids.

Mornings at the Museum

Harold and the Purple Crayon by: Crockett Johnson

One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn’t any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, Harold had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path…  And thus begins one of the most imaginative and enchanting adventures in children’s literature.

The Florence Museum is pleased to offer Mornings at the Museum, an interactive story time for children ages birth to four.  These half hour sessions will take place the second Monday of each month.  Mornings at the Museum will begin at 10:00 AM with each session to include a story, hands-on activity and exploration of objects directly relating to the museums permanent collection.  This has been designed to engage young learners and foster a life long love and awareness of art, science and history.

Ages:  birth to 4
Date:  October 10

Time:  10:00 am 

Where:  Florence Museum

Cost:  Free

Contact: To register for Mornings at the Museum please call  843-662-3351, Florence Museum

Florence Agricultural Fair

Date:  October 5-15th

Ages:  All

Time:  Varies

Where:  5226 East Palmetto Street
Cost:    Ages 2 & under: Free
            Ages 3-11: $4.00 or 2.5 Greenbax
            Ages 11 & up: $8.00 or 5.5 Greenbax All day unlimited rides for $20Contact:  (843) 665-5173 or their website

Online Storytime

This month's book is "If you give a mouse a Cookie" read by its author Laura Numeroff.



If a hungry little traveler shows up at your house, you might want to give him a cookie. If you give him a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. He'll want to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache, and then he'll ask for a pair of scissors to give himself a trim....
The consequences of giving a cookie to this energetic mouse run the young host ragged, but young readers will come away smiling at the antics that tumble like dominoes through the pages of this delightful picture book.  



B&N Storytime

Barnes and Noble Storytime

Giraffe's Can't Dance by Giles Andreae is the story this week.  Gerald the Giraffe is a charming happy gent who has one aspiration -- to dance. The extra-tall giraffe is a bit wobbly in the knees, and his every attempt to boogie results with Gerald on the ground. It's time for the annual Jungle Dance, where all the creatures of the kingdom shake their respective tails. The lions dance the tango, and the chimps cha-cha-cha. As Gerald nears the dance circle, the animals snicker, "Hey, look at clumsy Gerald. Giraffes can't dance, you silly fool!" Sad and embarrassed, he retreats to his home. On the way, he bumps into a compassionate cricket who suggests that "Sometimes when you're different you just need a different song." So Gerald takes a new approach to dancing, as he listens to the wind in the trees and the swaying grass. And soon, with all the grace of a swan and the fancy moves of a pro, he dances for his jungle friends, who watch in astonishment.


Ages:  Age 4 to 8 (book recommendation)

Date: October 8

Time:  11:00 am 

Where:  Barnes and Noble, Magnolia Mall

Cost: Free

Contact: Barnes and Noble

Lowes Build and Grow Workshop

Your kids will love building this Halloween Monster Machine and creating lots of funny monster combinations afterwards! Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.


Ages: geared toward 5 to 10

Date: October 8
Time: 10:00 am

Where: Lowes

Cost: Free

Contact: Lowes stores

Searching for the Great Pumpkin?

Places to get pumpkins in or near Florence, SC.

Diamond Branch Farms - buy off the shelf - (843) 386-2939, 543 Diamond Branch Rd, Johnsonville, SC

Forest Lake Greenhouses - buy off the shelf - (843) 66-BLOOM, 3108 Alligator Rd

Highland Park Methodist Church - buy off the shelf, (843) 662-1233, 1300 Second Loop Rd

Mcleod Farms - pick your own or buy off the shelf - (877) 789-9252, 29247 Hwy 51 South, McBee, SC

Pee Dee State Farmer's Market - buy off the shelf - (843) 665-5154, 2513 West Lucas St (Hwy 52)

Triple R Farms -(843) 661-5988, 3914 Hoffmeyer Rd

Where is your favorite place to pick the perfect pumpkin?

Cupcakes

Today is Twofer Tuesday at Sweet Cupcakes-all cupcakes are $2.  If you haven't tried them yet - it's a great time to give it a try. 

Flavors today:  Confused - Night and Day - The White House - Paint The Town Red Velvet - Clockwork Orange - Palmetto Cream - Salted Caramel - The Burris (peanut butter/chocolate) - Gimme S’more - and our Gluten free cupcake of the day!

http://sweetacupcakecompany.com/

YMCA Basketball

Registration at the YMCA is October 3 - November 13, $10 late fee added after 11/13 for Pre-School Basketball 10/3 –10/23; $10 late fee added after 10/23 for Youth Basketball.

Ages: Pre-School - Boys and Girls ages 3 and 4
Date:  December 3 - January 21
Time: Saturdays from 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Where: YMCA gym - 1700 Rutherford Drive
Cost: Members $25 / Participants $48
Contact: (843) 665-1234, http://www.florenceymca.org/

Ages: Youth - Boys and Girls ages 5-12
Date: November 7 - January 28
Time: Coach will contact you prior to first practice
Where: YMCA gym - 1700 Rutherford Drive
Cost: Members $40 / Participants $60
Contact: (843) 665-1234, http://www.florenceymca.org/

• Youth Basketball Evaluations:
  · They will be held in the gym at the Y
  · Returning players from the 2010-11 season who do not age up to another age division do not need to attend evaluations
  · New players and returning players aging up to another age division need to attend evaluations
  · Tuesday, October 25
  o 5-6 year olds from 5:30-6:30 pm
  o 7-8 year olds from 6:30-7:30 pm
  · Thursday, October 27
  o 9-10 year olds from 5:30-6:30 pm
  o 11-12 year olds from 6:30-7:30 pm
  Team Selection Process:
  After the evaluations, the sports director will split up the teams based on experience/ability, age, gender, & the following guidelines.
  · Head Coach’s child will be placed on his/her team. Assist. Coach’s child is not guaranteed to be placed on his/her team.
  · Siblings in the same age group will be placed on the same team.
  · Players returning from the previous season that did not age up to another age group will be placed on the same team.
  · No requests will be accepted other than times and days you cannot practice.
  · Every effort will be made to balance the teams as equally and fairly as possible.