HUB weekly news-Feb. 20

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--Feb. 20   Homeschool HUB phone: (269)362-0651 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com website: www.hshub.org Editor: Annette Ernsperger   The information below is offered to you as a service.  Please research and decide for yourself the value to your family.  The Homeschool HUB does not endorse any programs or services other than those offered at the Homeschool HUB resource center.    Send information to be added to the update no later than the Thursday before the week you want it to appear:  homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   ON THE CALENDAR:   Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub   Feb. 22--Ice hockey, Ice Box, South Bend, 10:00, $5 Feb. 24--Homeschool hangout, Clay Firehouse Youth center, 2-4 pm, free Feb. 27--Homeschool bowling, 1:00, Strikes and Spares, Mishawaka, $5   HERE'S THE BUZZ:   1) Help! 2) Stage performances 3) Children's Conferences International 4) Free activities for the family 5) Boxcar Children on stage 6) Niles library offerings 7) Violin/viola lessons 8) Hubble space telescope 9) Six Flags reading program 10) Free concert at Bethel College 11) South Bend Regional Homeschool conference   And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news!  Check out this week's classifieds section!   1) WE NEED HELP!!   Do you have an old bicycle/s you want to get rid of?  The NASA Moon Buggy team needs old bicycles in order to build their moon buggy for competition.  If you can help us out, call Kathy as soon as possible:  269-362-0651.   2) If You Give A Pig A Pancake... will be playing at Mendel Center February 27 for two performances 10 am & 12 pm.  If you are interested call them directly at 269-927-1221.   -ALSO-   Thoroughly Modern Millie will be playing at Bethel College March 26, 27, & 28.  I am checking to see if there will be a school matinee at a reduced rate.  I will report back.  Mark the dates.   3) Dear Parents, Children's Conferences International is excited to be returning to the 2009 Indiana Association of Home Educators convention (IAHE) April 3 - 4. This years theme is Pirates of the Cranium during which your children will learn the importance of taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor 10:5)   Personally, I'm getting tired of our culture promoting pirates as something to emulate and celebrate. Our theme does just the opposite as we encourage your children to be faithful sailors for our Captain Jesus Christ. We will also teach them strategies from God's Word in how to protect our minds and hearts from 'pirate' thoughts that seek to infiltrate our lives. Pirates of the Cranium includes exciting dramatized stories, original music and active scripture memory all designed to reinforce the lessons being taught. ... and we can't forget the games, obstacle course, crafts and visits from Dexter the (Sea)Dragon and Slippy the Seal!   If you haven't done so already, save time at the convention by pre-registering your children today at our easy registration page.   Every year we receive applications for participation in our ministry by enthusiastic volunteers. If you or your young ladies and gentlemen enjoy ministering to children and would like to be a part of our team, please consider joining us this year at the IAHE convention! You can learn more regarding us and this opportunity, or to submit an application on our web site: https://www.childrensconferences.com/pages/volunteers/application.php?ID=151 . James Bonjour Director, Children's Conferences International (248)346-5373 email to: james@childrensconferences.com 4) Ice Scuptures...Carriage Rides...Hot Chili...Oh my! Lots of things to do this Saturday at Explorations and Heritage Square:   This Saturday, Explorations Toys will have an artist creating an ice sculpture outside the front of our store from around 10:00 am until noon.    Then, at noon, stroll over to the Martin's Fountain for the main event:  The Ice Sculpture Competition.  Local sculpters will compete to make the "coolest" sculpture in the area. Also, Heritage Square is sponsoring FREE Carriage Rides for families throughout the day AND Leinie Lodge will be at Martins serving hot chili to raise funds for Heat for Homes.   5) Boxcar Children on stage--TICKETS 574.293.4469, www.elcotheatre.com/onstage Generations of young readers have cherished the spirited Depression-era adventures of The Boxcar Children, and now the Alden children's story comes to life on stage. Orphaned and in danger of being sent to different foster homes, the four siblings run away and make their home in an abandoned railroad boxcar. Pursued by the authorities and a mysterious stranger, the children discover the rewards and perils of life on the run, as well as the joy of keeping their family together. All Performances are located at Elkhart's new National New York Central Railroad Museum Theatre, 721 Main Street • Elkhart, Indiana   Friday, February 20 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 21 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 22 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 27 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 28 7:30 p.m.   6) Niles District Library, 620 E. Main Street, Niles, 269-683-8545         Contact person: Nancy Studebaker or Darlene Jackson   Pick up a Chess Club Newsletter in the Children's Department and learn the rules for the Chess Ladder. In March the Chess club meets on Saturdays, March 7 and 21. Play begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends around 11:30 a.m.   Wendy Jones, Head Naturalist at Fernwood, will give a program, " Who Lives in Your Garden," on Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Fernwood's Nature Station will provide a hands-on experience for children to discover that deer, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, birds, turtles and more share our garden spaces. Touching fur, bones, skin and more will make this presentation come alive. Lots of information and take-home items will be provided.   Featured during March will be Marc Brown's Arthur series. Arthur's adventures can be found in the Picture Book area, Chapter books and Easy Readers. Because Spring is sure to arrive soon, books on gardening flowers and vegetables will be highlighted.    If you're looking for a little Blarney, books on Ireland and St. Patrick's Day will be displayed with some take-home coloring pages.    Wander through the Children's area to see all the displays and special book selections. Jr. Garden Club will have a special meeting on Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 p.m. A guest speaker will tell all the club members about bees and how they help plants. This is sure to bee a sweet meeting.    In March the Preschoolers will visit Australia, Egypt, Nigeria and Niles, Michigan through legends and folktales. Storytime dates are March 4,11,18 and 25. 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. are the times set for these cultural sessions. Children 8 to 10 years old can be helpers at Storytimes. Ask the librarians for details.   Little ones will be encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal pet to Squigglers during March. Squigglers meet at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to learn new songs, play in the band, exercise with Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear and have fun with the alphabet.   7)  Would you like to play the violin or viola?  Learn from a teacher who:   *Is patient and knowledgeable  *Specializes in beginning students   *Works with students of all ages   *Supportive and nurturing   *Suzuki or traditional method   Veronica Mary Agnes Borek 574-855-7975 cell 574-302-7865 home violavoice@ymail.com   8) At this site people can vote for what the Hubble Space Telescope should photograph next. If you give an email address, you are entered into a drawing for an image of the object that wins:  http://youdecide. hubblesite. org/   After voting, you can click that you are a homeschooler, too. (You have until March 1 to vote)   9) The 6 Flags reading program is for elementary students.  You need to log 6 hours of reading by February 24th.  List the teacher, who will also get a ticket.  If you have two children, list mom as teacher for one, and dad as teacher for the other (only one ticket allowed/teacher).  Go here to download a registration form: http://www.homeschoolexcursions.org/programs/Six_Flags.htm   and then send the form, with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to the Homeschool HUB:  P.O. Box 286, Niles, MI  49120.  We should receive it no later than March 1st.  Please don't forget the SASE -- we need it to send you your 6 Flags tickets when they come.  The tickets will be good for use from June 15, 2009 to August 9, 2009.   10) Diane Day has reserved 30 seats for this event. Please contact her to reserve your seats:  269-445-1900   It is our pleasure to invite you and your students to this semester's educational concert at Bethel College on Thursday, April 16, at 10:00-10:50 a.m.  This free concert will take place in the Everest-Rohrer Auditorium on the Bethel campus and will feature two of our Bethel College instrumental music groups: String Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. The program will feature demonstrations of the instruments as well as performances of music in a variety of styles.  We will also include some interactive question-and-answer times, with small prizes for the winners! We think your students will find this event to be both enjoyable and beneficial. Please call or email our music department secretary, Sue Holmes (574 257 3393 or holmess@bethelcollege.edu), if you'll be attending and include the approximate number of students in your group. Any interested students from your school or group may be included and are welcome!   11) We hope you'll consider attending the South Bend Regional Homeschool Convention at Bethel College.  Save by pre-registering by February 28th!  Convention Dates:   March 13 & 14                Keynote Speaker:    Steve Demme.  Steve and his wife Sandra have been married for over 29 years.  They have been blessed with four children: Isaac, 28; Ethan, 26; Joseph, 23; and Johnny, 21.  With God's help, they have all been home educated.  Steve addresses a variety of topics at homeschool conferences to encourage parents in their God-given responsibilities of raising and training their children for His glory.  His desire is to understand God's word and practice it, beginning in the home.  As a former math teacher who has taught all levels of math in public, private, and Christian schools, Steve is also the author and founder of Math-U-See.  He will be presenting both days.   Doors Open: Friday-Vendor Hall                             5:30-7:15p.m.                            Opening Session                     7:30-9:00p.m.                            Saturday-Vendor Hall 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.                      Opening Session                   9:30 a.m.       We are planning 30+ vendors and 15 workshops to help encourage, inform and inspire your homeschool. On Saturday, there will also be a variety of sessions by professional speakers and vendors as well as one about kid's cryptology taught by Bethel's Rob Myers, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics and department chair. Pre-registration rates start at $8 for both days, family and one day rates are also available.  Please go to http://sbhomeschoolconvention.com for full details and registration form.  We don't want anyone to not participate due to financial need so please contact us if you'd like to be a volunteer and get in free in exchange or feel free to shop the vendor hall Saturday from 3-5 for free.   The cost for vendors is $80 for a 10x10 booth space with table, $10 for electricity to the booth and $10 for extra tables. Contact Jacob Carr at Jacob.Carr@BethelCollege.edu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TOTAL RECALL (These items will run until their pertinent information expires)   1) Here is a chance to go to dress rehearsals for professional plays, operas, dance performances, etc for only $10.  All over in Detroit, on Friday afternoons. Aladdin Children's Ballet           Fri, Feb 27, 10:00 AM Brundibar Dress Rehearsal           Fri, Mar 20, 11:00 AM The Elixir of Love Dress Rehearsal  Fri, March 27, 10:00 AM For information on each performance visit: www.motopera.org Tickets are $10 each. Please include an additional $1 PER ORDER (not per ticket!) to cover the cost of mailing the seating voucher from my house to yours. Deadline for ordering tickets is 15 days before each performance. That gives me time to place the order, receive the seating vouchers in the mail, and then mail them out to each family.  Be sure to include your address with your payment so I can mail your seating voucher to you!  I try to get the vouchers to everyone by the Monday or Tuesday before the performance. Seating is first-come first-serve.   Paypal:  Kimberly@mazepath.com Checks: Kimberly Hooper, 29898 Beacontree, Farmington Hills, MI 48331 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):   Filmmaking for teens:  http://lab.wgbh.org/   Interactive math games: http://www.crickweb.co.uk/ks2numeracy.html   Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DISCLAIMERS: While the Homeschool HUB believes that these events or opportunities may be of value to home educators, announcements do not constitute an endorsement by the Homeschool HUB, or its Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of individual parents to determine the appropriateness of any event or opportunity for their children. Participation in any event is voluntary and the participant assumes complete responsibility and liability for themselves, their family, anyone accompanying them, and their personal property.

HUB weekly news-Feb. 13

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--Feb. 13   Homeschool HUB phone: (269)362-0651 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com website: www.hshub.org Editor: Annette Ernsperger   The information below is offered to you as a service.  Please research and decide for yourself the value to your family.  The Homeschool HUB does not endorse any programs or services other than those offered at the Homeschool HUB resource center.    Send information to be added to the update no later than the Thursday before the week you want it to appear:  homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   ON THE CALENDAR:   Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub   Feb. 14--Happy Valentine's Day! Feb. 17--Homeschool hangout, Clay Firehouse Youth center, 2-4 pm, free Feb. 20--Homeschool bowling, 1:00, Strikes and Spares, Mishawaka, $5 Feb. 20--Homeschool rollerskating, Galaxy Skate in Niles, 1:00, $3   HERE'S THE BUZZ:   1) Tubing at Five Pines 2) Stage performances 3) Free automation workshop at Purdue Univ. 4) Cornerstone University preview day 5) Student Statesmanship Institute summer program 6) Home school graduation 7) Art contest 8) Home school prom 9) Museum pass 10) Six Flags reading program 11) Free concert at Bethel College 12) Iowa Basic testing 13) South Bend Regional Homeschool convention   And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news!  Check out this week's classifieds section!   1) Please remember that there is another tubing date set for February 20, 2009 at Five Pines in Berrien Springs.  This outing is set for 10 am until 3pm but you can come and go when you like.  We have more snow on the way.  There is still time to enjoy winter before it's gone!  Call me to let me know how many are coming so I can submit a count by Monday at the latest.   Prices are as follows: Tubing OR Cross-country skiing only - $6 Tubing AND Cross-country skiing - $9 Please call to rsvp:  Diane Day 269-445-1900 2) If You Give A Pig A Pancake... will be playing at Mendel Center February 27 for two performances 10 am & 12 pm.  If you are interested call them directly at 269-927-1221.   -ALSO-   Thoroughly Modern Millie will be playing at Bethel College March 26, 27, & 28.  I am checking to see if there will be a school matinee at a reduced rate.  I will report back.  Mark the date.   3) Dear Home School Families: The time has come for Purdue to hold their 2009 Spring DACC (Discover Automation and Computer Controls) Workshop. As always, the workshop is free.  Students will receive a tee-shirt, parents and students will receive lunch.  Lunch in the past has consisted of submarine sandwiches from Subway, chips, cookies, and soft drinks or water.  Please contact me to register and for more details:  Vickie Brewer, Secretary Mechanical Engineering Technology Knoy Hall, Room 145 401 N. Grant Street West Lafayette, IN  47907 Ph: 765-494-9099 Fx: 765-494-6219 E-mail: vbrewer@purdue.edu   4) Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is presenting a  Homeschool Preview Day on Tuesday, February 24.    The schedule is as follows: 8:30 am- Registration 9:00 am- Breakfast/Introduction 10:00 am- Chapel 11:00 am- Visit a class 12:30 pm- Lunch 1:30 pm- Campus Tour 2:45 pm- Student Panel 3:45 pm- Counselor Connection "We have designed a unique visit day for homeschooled high school students and their families to explore Cornerstone University.  During your visit you will experience dorm life, meet incredible college students who were also homeschooled, learn how to financially plan for a Christ-centered education, interact with your personal admissions counselor and learn how to take college classes while still in high school through our early enroll program."   Note: this is completely free and includes meals and a great gift. To schedule your spot at Homeschool Preview Day call us at (800)787-9778 by Feb 19,2009.   My daughter, Ashley Bliss, is currently a student at Cornerstone and is sending this invitation to homeschoolers in the Michiana Area.  Ashley will be on a panel discussion and will be available to eat meals with anyone who requests her.  She has also extended the invitation to spend the night in her dorm room if you choose to stay overnight the night before or the night after.   She only has room for one or two people.  You may call me if this is something your daughter would like to do or if you have any other questions - Gail Bliss 574-340-1025 or 269-683-0439.   5)  SSI is a great civics opportunity! My son, Jon, and his friend went to this last year. It was incredible! He came home changed. He developed confidence, leadership, and with a better understanding of hard work and camaraderie. All this and a fantastic civics lesson as well!  I know it's not cheap, but we were so pleased by what a wonderful program it is, we scrimped on curriculum this past year to save enough to send Jon back along with his brother Matthew. I can't recommend it highly enough!   If anyone else is interested, let me know. Maybe we can get a group discount! Laura Hollister:  slhollister@netzero.net   2009 Summer Program Dates June 21-26 • July 5-10 • July 19-24 Held at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan   Early Registration Discount Deadline March 31, 2009 Space is limited so register early to guarantee your first choice! Register here:  http://www.ssi-online.org/summer/registration.shtml   A little more about it: SSI is an inspirational week of Biblical worldview and leadership training that transforms young minds to see themselves and their future in terms of truth, purpose, and destiny.   The dynamic teaching combined with real-world simulations equips teenagers to distinguish between secular and Biblical approaches to life and motivates them to shine for Christ in their generation without compromising their values.   6) The home school graduation ceremony is coming up on June 6.  If you have a student graduating this summer who is interested in participating, be sure to attend the next meeting on March 2, 7:00 at the South Bend Main library.  Call Annette for more info:  269-683-7223.   7) Art contest for grades K-12 Check out this interesting contest run by Google.  Fun project and good prizes! http://www.google.com/doodle4google/index.html   8) Mark your calendar!  On Saturday, May 2, The Christian HOME will host a Christian "prom" for high schoolers which is open to other groups.  It will be in the evening with worship, dinner, dancing, and lots of fun.  More details will come hopefully in the next newsletter.  Contact Dana DoBrodt at hiddeneagles@att.net if you have any questions.   9) Here is the cheapest way we know of to go to museums.  Join this one in Detroit and you get free entry to those it has reciprocity with throughout Michigan, in Chicago, Indiana, and all over the country.   Enrichment Hub Homeschool Offer - Science Museum Membership This offer is open to all homeschool groups and individuals. We are promoting it as the Enrichment Hub homeschool rate, simply because we are starting with this group. Please feel free to pass this on to all families in your homeschool network!   Here's the offer: Family Membership for $49 Additional savings on Family Plus or Premium Level memberships also! Offer good through March 27, 2009 How to become a member Phone: 313-577-8400 ext-433 Fax: 313-832-1623 Mail: Detroit Science Center / Attn: Membership / 5020 John R St. / Detroit, MI 48202 Sorry, not available in person or online; for questions, you can email us atmembership@sciencedetroit.org   About Memberships: The Family Membership includes two adults and all children in the household under the age of 18.   Memberships are good for a full year from the date of purchase and include the following: Free general admission for an entire year Discounts on parking, IMAX, planetarium, store, café, special exhibits, homeschool programs and more Invitations to special member-only events including premiers Free general admission to more than 250 other science & technology centers near and far (for a full list, visit http://www.astc. org/ members/passlist. htm) Express admission via our member-only line Member newsletter and other communications   10) The 6 Flags reading program is for elementary students.  You need to log 6 hours of reading by February 24th.  List the teacher, who will also get a ticket.  If you have two children, list mom as teacher for one, and dad as teacher for the other (only one ticket allowed/teacher).  Go here to download a registration form: http://www.homeschoolexcursions.org/programs/Six_Flags.htm   and then send the form, with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to the Homeschool HUB:  P.O. Box 286, Niles, MI  49120.  We should receive it no later than March 1st.  Please don't forget the SASE -- we need it to send you your 6 Flags tickets when they come.  The tickets will be good for use from June 15, 2009 to August 9, 2009.   11) It is our pleasure to invite you and your students to this semester's educational concert at Bethel College on Thursday, April 16, at 10:00-10:50 a.m.  This free concert will take place in the Everest-Rohrer Auditorium on the Bethel campus and will feature two of our Bethel College instrumental music groups: String Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. The program will feature demonstrations of the instruments as well as performances of music in a variety of styles.  We will also include some interactive question-and-answer times, with small prizes for the winners! We think your students will find this event to be both enjoyable and beneficial. Please call or email our music department secretary, Sue Holmes (574 257 3393 or holmess@bethelcollege.edu), if you'll be attending and include the approximate number of students in your group. Any interested students from your school or group may be included and are welcome!   12) Iowa Testing: It is that time again and Iowa Basic Testing is upon us.  It takes about 7 weeks for the tests to arrive after they are ordered.  To insure that they get here on time the deadline for applications is March 6, 2009.  The dates for testing this year are April 20, 21, 22 at the Edwardsburg Community Baptist Church .  The high school students only test for the first two days.  If you ordered in the past you should have received a 25th Anniversary BJU Press Testing & Evaluation '09 Order booklet in the mail this past week.  For those of you first timers here are the steps for ordering.     *Go to http://www.bjupress.com/services/testing/documents/order-form-homeschool.pdf and print off a Testing & Evaluation Order Form for 2009 *Fill out the order form.  We use the Category I Iowa Tests – it is the very first one on the order form.  The approved tester is Lori Loucks – don't worry about the account number.  Check the grade appropriate test for your student.  We test 3rd Grade through High School.  *DO NOT ORDER THEM ON LINE!!!! *Print out the form and send it to me. They all need to be ordered together, with my name as the qualified tester on them. *Send these forms to me at Lori Loucks 2653 Huntly Road Niles MI 49120 *I need a check made out to BJUPRESS for the testing amount plus tax – or you may use a credit card.  A separate check for $10.00 per family made out to the Niles Area Christian Home Schoolers (or you may use cash) covers the testing fee.    Please feel free to call me with any questions – 269-591-0546. Lori Loucks   13) We hope you'll consider attending the South Bend Regional Homeschool Convention at Bethel College.  Save by pre-registering by February 28th!  Convention Dates:   March 13 & 14                Keynote Speaker:    Steve Demme.  Steve and his wife Sandra have been married for over 29 years.  They have been blessed with four children: Isaac, 28; Ethan, 26; Joseph, 23; and Johnny, 21.  With God's help, they have all been home educated.  Steve addresses a variety of topics at homeschool conferences to encourage parents in their God-given responsibilities of raising and training their children for His glory.  His desire is to understand God's word and practice it, beginning in the home.  As a former math teacher who has taught all levels of math in public, private, and Christian schools, Steve is also the author and founder of Math-U-See.  He will be presenting both days.   Doors Open: Friday-Vendor Hall                             5:30-7:15p.m.                            Opening Session                     7:30-9:00p.m.                            Saturday-Vendor Hall 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.                      Opening Session                   9:30 a.m.        We are planning 30+ vendors and 15 workshops to help encourage, inform and inspire your homeschool. On Saturday, there will also be a variety of sessions by professional speakers and vendors as well as one about kid's cryptology taught by Bethel's Rob Myers, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics and department chair.   Pre-registration rates start at $8 for both days, family and one day rates are also available.  Please go to http://sbhomeschoolconvention.com for full details and registration form.  We don't want anyone to not participate due to financial need so please contact us if you'd like to be a volunteer and get in free in exchange or feel free to shop the vendor hall Saturday from 3-5 for free.   The cost for vendors is $80 for a 10x10 booth space with table, $10 for electricity to the booth and $10 for extra tables. Contact Jacob Carr at Jacob.Carr@BethelCollege.edu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TOTAL RECALL (These items will run until their pertinent information expires)   1) Here is a chance to go to dress rehearsals for professional plays, operas, dance performances, etc for only $10.  All over in Detroit, on Friday afternoons. Aladdin Children's Ballet           Fri, Feb 27, 10:00 AM Brundibar Dress Rehearsal           Fri, Mar 20, 11:00 AM The Elixir of Love Dress Rehearsal  Fri, March 27, 10:00 AM   For information on each performance visit: www.motopera.org Tickets are $10 each. Please include an additional $1 PER ORDER (not per ticket!) to cover the cost of mailing the seating voucher from my house to yours. Deadline for ordering tickets is 15 days before each performance. That gives me time to place the order, receive the seating vouchers in the mail, and then mail them out to each family.  Be sure to include your address with your payment so I can mail your seating voucher to you!  I try to get the vouchers to everyone by the Monday or Tuesday before the performance. Seating is first-come first-serve.   Paypal:  Kimberly@mazepath.com Checks: Kimberly Hooper, 29898 Beacontree, Farmington Hills, MI 48331 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS   Diane Day has 2 tickets for sale for next Friday's performance of the Chinese Acrobats at Mendel Center.  The tickets are on the main floor/center.  The show is at 7pm.  Asking $20 each or make an offer.  269-445-1900 Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):   Hey Fellow Homeschoolers! The Jonas Brothers want to give back to their homeschool fans. As homeschoolers themselves, they share a special connection. In spite of an increasingly busy schedule after a performance at the Grammy Awards this week and preparing for the upcoming release of their 3D movie on the weekend of February 27, they are giving a "shout out" to homeschoolers on an exclusive conference call scheduled for Thursday morning, February 19. For details about how you and your homeschool family can get on the call, contact Rebecca Kochenderfer at www.homeschool.com/registration who is hosting the family-to-family chat. The Jonas Brothers and their mom, Denise Jonas, will be on the call and want to connect with you and your family.   Details for the conference call: Date – Thursday, February 19, 2009 Time – 11:00am PST Registration: www.homeschool.com/registration  You can also join the FanFamily Experience by visiting: www.fanfamilyexperience.com   Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DISCLAIMERS: While the Homeschool HUB believes that these events or opportunities may be of value to home educators, announcements do not constitute an endorsement by the Homeschool HUB, or its Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of individual parents to determine the appropriateness of any event or opportunity for their children. Participation in any event is voluntary and the participant assumes complete responsibility and liability for themselves, their family, anyone accompanying them, and their personal property.

HUB weekly news-Feb. 7

Homeschool HUB phone: (269)362-0651 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com website: www.hshub.org Editor: Annette Ernsperger   The information below is offered to you as a service.  Please research and decide for yourself the value to your family.  The Homeschool HUB does not endorse any programs or services other than those offered at the Homeschool HUB resource center.    Send information to be added to the update no later than the Thursday before the week you want it to appear:  homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   ON THE CALENDAR:   Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub   Feb. 10--Homeschool hangout, Clay Firehouse Youth center, 2-4 pm, free Feb. 13--Homeschool bowling, 1:00, Strikes and Spares, Mishawaka, $5 Feb. 14--Happy Valentine's Day!   HERE'S THE BUZZ:   1) Tubing at Five Pines 2) 2009 Berrien County Spelling Bee 3) Interested in geology? 4) Spring art classes 5) Volunteer opportunity 6) Cultural workshop   And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news!  Remember to check on the items in the Total Recall section below.   1) Please remember that there is another tubing date set for February 20, 2009 at Five Pines in Berrien Springs.  This outing is set for 10 am until 3pm but you can come and go when you like.  This is a great time to get out and enjoy the snow and to fellowship with other home schoolers!   Prices are as follows: Tubing OR Cross-country skiing only - $6 Tubing AND Cross-country skiing - $9   Please call to rsvp so that I can confirm a count.  Diane Day 269-445-1900   2) The location and dates for the 2009 Berrien County Spelling Bee have been confirmed. It will be held on Friday May 15, 2009, at 10:00a.m. at The Chapel, 4250 Washington Ave., St. Joseph.   There will be two practices, Monday, May 4, 11:00a.m., and Friday May 8, 3:00p.m.  If you wish to participate, please send the registration fee of $3.00 for each participant to Michele Megna, 5298 Riverside Rd., Coloma, MI 49038. February 28, 2009, is the deadline for registering. With your fee(s), please send the first and last name(s) of all participants with the grade they are studying, and your name, address, telephone number, and email address. Also, be sure to let me know if you do not already have the word lists.   How to choose the correct list: If your student knows more than half of the words on a list, or it is very easy for him to learn the words, please use the next level. This is to make the bee fair for all participants.   Practicing: At the bee, your student will be expected to say the word, spell it, and say it again. This method helps the pronouncer know that the child heard the correct word and that he is finished spelling the word. Practicing this way at home makes this second nature and very comfortable for the speller.   There will be ten rounds in each grade level. Elimination rounds will be used in the case of ties. First, second and third place will be awarded in each grade level. If your child is in a grade by himself, he will need to attain the lowest correct number of words attained by the places awarded in other grades. I will explain this again at the practice because I know it can be confusing. Again, after experience and much consideration, this rule is to make the bee fair. Besides the place awards, there will be participation ribbons and prizes for all participants. We want this to be fun, not stressful.   Don't hesitate to call or email Michele Megna with any questions you still have at 849-0172 or mewmegna@sbcglobal.net.  BTW, I received an answering machine message on 2/27 concerning the bee which was inadvertently erased, so if you left a message for me that day, please call again.   3) We would like to find out if there are homeschool students ages 10+ who are interested in rocks/minerals/geology and would like to join in forming some kind of group, either a rock club, or study class. I have located a GREAT instructor who is willing to work with my 10-year-old daughter, Morgan, and any of our interested students!  We are still in the process of discussing exactly WHAT we're going to do, but I wanted to find out if there are students who have this interest.  Email Valerie Boruff at vboruff@gmail.com.   4) Styles of Art Classes will begin the week of March 16th!  New Creations offers 2009 spring art classes in the Michiana Area for Students in Grades 1-12. Adults and home schoolers welcome!   Gloria Seitz, a certified K-12 art teacher, will be teaching classes on the topic of STYLES OF ART.  This seven week class is designed to give students experience in a variety of styles of art while tying them in with an artist and period of art history. Students will study styles such as Renaissance, Baroque, Expressionism, Pointillism, Impressionism, Cubism, Action Painting, Naturalism, etc. A variety of mediums will be used.  Older students will learn how to analyze paintings and will choose a style of their choice to copy.   CLASSES WILL BEGIN ON THE WEEK OF MARCH 17 AND END THE WEEK OF MAY 4TH.   Tuesdays, classes at Community Free Church in Niles are as follows:  Ages 6-10 will meet at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 9-13 meet from 11:45 -12:45 p.m. and 7th -adult meet from 1-2 p.m. (MI times).   Wednesday classes meet at Trinity Free Church in South Bend . Ages 6-10 will meet at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 9-13 meet from 11:45 -12:45 p.m. and 7th -adult meet from 1-2 p.m.    Thursday classes meet at Hobby Lobby in Mishawaka at the following times:  Ages 6-10 will meet at 11:30-12:30 AND at 12:45-1:45 p.m. Ages 9-13 will meet at 2-3.  7th through adult will meet from 3:15-4:15. 8 through 13 year olds will meet from 4:15 -5:15 p.m. Note slight time adjustments to this schedule.   The cost for the seven week classes is $65 for the first child and $5 LESS for each additional child.  You will save $5 on the total cost if you pay by March 11.  Cost includes supplies (Except sketch book, erasers, pencil, rulers,and folder--these you will need to purchase.  Older group will need to purchase a canvas), room rental, and Art Festival. The Art Festival will be held on Friday, May 8.    You may print out a registration form on line at www.newcreationsart.com beginning on February 6 or call and have Mrs. Seitz send you a form.  Classes do fill up, so be sure to get your registration in early.  You may reserve your spot by calling her at 574-271-8069 even before sending in your reservation.    5) Therapeutic Equestrian Center is holding volunteer training sessions: Feb 1 at 3 pm--Indoor training at the Berrien Springs library Feb 5 at 6 pm--TEC barn in Watervliet located at Stockbridge Equestrian Center Feb 12 at 6 pm--indoors at Berrien Springs library Feb 15 at 3 pm--TEC barn in Watervliet   Lessons begin the week of Feb 23 at TEC indoor arena.  TEC provides therapeutic riding for people with disabilities.  TEC needs volunteers to serve as horse leaders, side walkers, exercise riders and chore people.  There are other indoor volunteer opportunities available.  I f you would like to attend the training please contact: 269-429-0671 or info@tecfarm.org 615 N. M-140 Watervliet , MI www.tec.org   6) The Colors in our Skin: How to talk about Race and Culture with Children Parent/Educator Workshop, Wednesday, February 11, 6:30-8:00 p.m.   How do books, television, and movies influence our children's understanding of and appreciation for other cultures?  Join exhibiting artist, Wing Young Huie and Brookview School 's educator and diversity trainer, Jennifer Spikner for tips on talking about race and culture with children of all ages.  This program is supported by Brookview School and Berrien RESA. Childcare provided.   Community Perspectives: A Discussion of Race, Culture & Ethnicity, Thursday, February 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.   Be a part of a non-threatening discussion about race, culture, and ethnicity as they relate to our region and nation.  Explore personal and community perspectives of race and discover the role the arts can play.  Panelists include: Wing Young Huie, exhibiting artist, KAC exhibition: Identity and the American Landscape; David Knight, Photographer and Project Director of the photo documentary and book, 2 Cities 48 Hours; DV Williams, member of Whirlpool's African American Network; Kristina Wirtz, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Western Michigan University; moderated by Tami Gadbois KAC's Director of Exhibitions and Collections. Sponsored in part by Whirlpool's African-American Network Reservations are required for these free programs, 269-983-0271, jgourley@krasl.org.    Krasl Art Center  707 Lake Boulevard   Saint Joseph , MI 49085 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TOTAL RECALL (These items will run until their pertinent information expires)   1) Here is a chance to go to dress rehearsals for professional plays, operas, dance performances, etc for only $10.  All over in Detroit, on Friday afternoons. Alvin Ailey Lecture/Demonstration   Fri, Feb 13, 11:00 - Noon Aladdin Children's Ballet           Fri, Feb 27, 10:00 AM Brundibar Dress Rehearsal           Fri, Mar 20, 11:00 AM The Elixir of Love Dress Rehearsal  Fri, March 27, 10:00 AM For information on each performance visit: www.motopera.org Tickets are $10 each. Please include an additional $1 PER ORDER (not per ticket!) to cover the cost of mailing the seating voucher from my house to yours. Deadline for ordering tickets is 15 days before each performance. That gives me time to place the order, receive the seating vouchers in the mail, and then mail them out to each family.  Be sure to include your address with your payment so I can mail your seating voucher to you!  I try to get the vouchers to everyone by the Monday or Tuesday before the performance. Seating is first-come first-serve.   Paypal:  Kimberly@mazepath.com Checks: Kimberly Hooper, 29898 Beacontree, Farmington Hills, MI 48331 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):   Free Math Lessons and Video Textbooks: http://www.mathtv.com Top Sites for Music, Art, and Foreign Languages:   ART Art Attack! http://www.homefires.com/clickschool/archive.asp?d=2008/01/12 Age Range: 4-18   MUSIC Free Opera for Everyone! http://www.homefires.com/clickschool/archive.asp?d=2008/08/16 Age Range: 5-18   Fantastic Classical Music Site for Kids! http://www.homefires.com/clickschool/archive.asp?d=2008/07/12 Age Range: 7-12   Free Music Rhythm Lessons and More! http://www.homefires.com/clickschool/archive.asp?d=2008/08/10 Age Range: 5-18   FOREIGN LANGUAGES http://www.homefires.com/clickschool/archive.asp?d=2008/04/05 Learn Italian Online for Free! Age Range: 7-18   Digital Dialects http://www.homefires.com/clickschool/archive.asp?d=2008/09/20 Age Range: 5-18   Hello-World http://www.homefires.com/click?freespanish Age Range: 4-17   Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DISCLAIMERS: While the Homeschool HUB believes that these events or opportunities may be of value to home educators, announcements do not constitute an endorsement by the Homeschool HUB, or its Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of individual parents to determine the appropriateness of any event or opportunity for their children. Participation in any event is voluntary and the participant assumes complete responsibility and liability for themselves, their family, anyone accompanying them, and their personal property.

Jan. 30, 2009

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--Jan. 30
 
Homeschool HUB phone: (269)362-0651
email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com website: www.hshub.org 
Editor: Annette Ernsperger
 
The information below is offered to you as a service.  Please research and decide for yourself the value to your family.  The Homeschool HUB does not endorse any programs or services other than those offered at the Homeschool HUB resource center.  
 

Send information to be added to the update no later than the Thursday before the week you want it to appear:  homeschoolhub@yahoo.com
 
ON THE CALENDAR:

 

Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub

 

Feb. 3--Homeschool hangout, Clay Firehouse Youth center, 2-4 pm, free
Feb. 6--Homeschool bowling, 1:00, Strikes and Spares, Mishawaka, $5 
Feb. 7--Home Depot kids program, Mishawaka, 9:00, free

 

HERE'S THE BUZZ:

 

1) Writing contest
2) See a play
3) Lecture
4) Important HUB members meeting
5) Flint Children's Museum program
6) Earthworks program

And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news!  Remember to check on the items in the Total Recall section below.

 

1) Writing Contest – Write a Book Review!

Write a book review—with a twist! Little Dozen Press is sponsoring a new contest for writers ages 11 and up. Review your favourite novel or other work of fiction. In your review, pinpoint a specific writing technique which the author does well, and share what you have learned about writing from reading the book.

The entry deadline is March 15. Winners will receive their choice of book by Rachel Starr Thomson, signed by the author. All entrants who give their permission will have their review published on Inklings, Rachel's blog for young (and other) writers.

Entries should be emailed to thomson.rachel@gmail.com with "Writing Contest" in the subject line.

Winners will be chosen from three age categories: 11-13, 15-17, and 18 and up.

Guidelines

A review is more than a book report. Your goal in a review is to give an overview of the story, share your opinions, and pinpoint what the writer does especially well. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you write a review for the contest:

-Don't share the whole story. You want to give readers a sense of the plot without overloading them with details. Especially avoid "spoilers"—giving away surprise plot twists or telling readers how the story ends.
-Make your opinion clear. A review has much in common with a persuasive essay. Your opinions are just as important as the facts, so share your own thoughts about the book.
-Be creative. A review is a piece of creative writing, so don't be afraid to let your own voice shine!
-Tell us what you learned from the writer. Our special focus in this contest is writing technique. Pay attention to what this writer does well—in plotting, characterization, description, word choice, dialogue, or any other element of storytelling. Give examples. Tell us what you have learned from this writer's work.
-Reviews of Rachel's books are not eligible to win—but if you'd like to write one, we'll be thrilled to publish it! If you review a book written or published by a family member or friend, let us know—we'll make a special note of it so our readers can learn about the work being done by independent authors and publishers.

Blog Publication

All entries (with permission from their authors) will be published on Inklings, Rachel Starr Thomson's blog (www.rachelstarrthomson.com/inklings/). Others will be encouraged to comment on them. We hope to start a few discussions about good books and good writing!

Prizes

Three winners will be chosen, one from each age category. Winners will receive a signed copy of one of Rachel Starr Thomson's books of their own choosing. Rachel's books include the fantasy novels Worlds Unseen and Burning Light, several devotional works, and Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled.

To read excerpts and reviews, see cover art, or learn more about the books, visit www.rachelstarrthomson.com.

 

2) The Color of Justice is being presented at the Mendel Center Friday, February 13 at 12:30 pm.  Seats have already been reserved.  If you still want to go, you may contact Deedy at the Mendel Center for tickets: (269)927-1000  

A Doll's House is being performed at Bethel College Thursday, February 12 at 9:30 am.  Tickets need to be reserved by January 24.  Call Diane Day to reserve: 269-445-1900.

 

3) Siegfried H. Horn Lecture Series: Egypt and the Bible, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
You are invited to the Spring 2009 Siegfried H. Horn Lectureship Series! This, the second lecture of the series, will take place on Feb. 16, 2009, at 7 p.m. in the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Chapel. This lecture, "Egypt and the Bible," is presented by Michael Hasel, professor of ANE Studies at Southern Adventist University and curator of the Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum. For more information, contact the Horn Museum at 269-471-3273.

 

4) ATTENTION ALL HUB MEMBERS!!!

We will be having our first Members Meeting of the new year on February 5th at 7:00 pm at the Niles Police Station in the large conference room.

This meeting will be covering important information such as changes to the Bylaws, Membership Dues, Membership perks as well as other information important to you as a member.

If you haven't already sent in you membership dues, but would be interested in finding out more, please feel free to attend.

Due to the facilities, you may bring your children but you will be required to keep them in the room with us.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact Gail Bliss at 269-683-0439 or 574-340-1025.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

5) Under the Sea--at the Flint Children's Museum--now through the end of March! Dive into fun with plenty of sea themed hands-on activities! 

Sink into the sea in the museum's custom built, walk-in, 15 foot yellow submarine! You can peer into the depths of the "ocean" through periscopes and portholes! Learn about diving and SCUBA gear with Diver Dan, our mannequin decked out in a real underwater suit…but watch out for SHARKS!

Our Sea-k and Find Mural will have you scouting schools of fish and exotic sea life! An aquarium with live fish helps children learn the difference between freshwater and saltwater habitats! There are also examples of real sea specimens—shells and coral!

There are many facts and other educational fun related to things under the sea! Check our website calendar for dates and times of these special Under the Sea activities: Under the Sea Crafts, Shell Prints, Seascapes and more! Get to the Flint Children's Museum to sea what it's all about!

$3 per person for groups of 20 or more. FREE room for lunch/snack upon request.

You can also request a FREE customized program or activity just for your group! Pick from one of our special programs, or pick an activity/experiement that focuses on your lesson plans this month!

For more information or to reserve your group trip call 810-767-5437.

6) Homeschooling students in elementary grades become environmental scientists at EarthWorks, where they work together in four lifelike habitats filled with live animals, dramatic natural events and state-of-the- art scientific equipment. They are challenged to use these tools and their knowledge to rebalance the ecosystems.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 (10:00am - 3:00pm) is the next EarthWorks program organized exclusively for homeschooling students.  If you would like your student to participate in this program please call or email the Family Resource Center of New England to register. The class is limited to 75 students and restricted to ages 8-11. 

Earthworks
20330 Superior, Taylor, MI
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOTAL RECALL (These items will run until their pertinent information expires)

 

1) Here is a chance to go to dress rehearsals for professional plays, operas, dance performances, etc for only $10.  All over in Detroit, on Friday afternoons.

Alvin Ailey Lecture/Demonstration   Fri, Feb 13, 11:00 - Noon
Aladdin Children's Ballet           Fri, Feb 27, 10:00 AM
Brundibar Dress Rehearsal           Fri, Mar 20, 11:00 AM
The Elixir of Love Dress Rehearsal  Fri, March 27, 10:00 AM

For information on each performance visit: www.motopera.org

Tickets are $10 each. Please include an additional $1 PER ORDER (not per
ticket!) to cover the cost of mailing the seating voucher from my house to
yours. Deadline for ordering tickets is 15 days before each performance.
That gives me time to place the order, receive the seating vouchers in the
mail, and then mail them out to each family.  Be sure to include your
address with your payment so I can mail your seating voucher to you!  I try
to get the vouchers to everyone by the Monday or Tuesday before the
performance. Seating is first-come first-serve.  

Paypal:  Kimberly@mazepath.com

Checks: Kimberly Hooper, 29898 Beacontree, Farmington Hills, MI 48331

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
CLASSIFIEDS

 

Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):

 

From a HUB news reader: 

 

www.prairiewindsnaturefarm.com

www.michianaearthgroup.org

 

Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DISCLAIMERS:

While the Homeschool HUB believes that these events or opportunities may be of value to home educators, announcements do not constitute an endorsement by the Homeschool HUB, or its Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of individual parents to determine the appropriateness of any event or opportunity for their children.

Participation in any event is voluntary and the participant assumes complete responsibility and liability for themselves, their family, anyone accompanying them, and their personal property.