Monday, February 2, 2009

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
 
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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.  
Checks: Kimberly Hooper, 29898 Beacontree, Farmington Hills, MI 48331
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CLASSIFIEDS
 
Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here!
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):
 
From a HUB news reader: 
 
 
Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them!
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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.