 Homeschool HUB Weekly News--April 24Homeschool 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 Apr. 28--Homeschool hangout, Clay Firehouse Youth center, 2-4 pm, free May 1--Homeschool bowling, 1:00, Strikes and Spares, Mishawaka, $5 May 2--Home Depot kids program, Mishawaka, 9:00 am, free HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) INCH convention countdown! 2) Homeschool hangout curriculum share 3) Elkhart Theatre Academy summer camps 4) SMC automotive class 5) Homeschool days at the Capitol 6) Studio Arts classes 7) Jr/Sr banquet 8) Boy Scouts 9) Roots and Shoots homeschool group 10) Volunteer opportunities 11) Skate-a-rama Christian skate nights And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news. 1) Only 4 more weeks until the 26th Annual Michigan Home Education Convention! And only 2 more weeks until pre-registration closes and rates go up to "at-the-door" prices. We are so excited about the amazing lineup of talented speakers we have coming to lead workshops at the convention this year-- both new faces bringing some fresh messages and familiar faces returning to speak on key topics that never grow old!!! Check out the newly posted workshop schedule, updated list of workshop descriptions, and our complete list of speakers, now on the INCH website… www.inch.org! If you're NOT YET registered…don't wait! Register today! And if you ARE registered, take some time to view the workshop schedule now posted online... then let us know, what sessions look most interesting to you?! Take our survey - http://bit.ly/qemVe If you click on the link (or cut and paste it into your web browser), you can see a complete updated listing (alphabetized!) of all the workshops being offered this year, as well as the fellowship and entertainment options being offered Friday evening before the opening keynote session... PLUS you can really help us out with our planning here at INCH if you'll take a few minutes to complete the survey and tell us which workshops you'd most like to attend. (For the purposes of the survey, you don't have to worry about having your whole schedule for the weekend figured out yet! Just consider this: In the "ideal world" where none of your favorites were being offered at the same time... which ones would you choose?) 2) Homeschool hangout is hosting a curriculum share on April 28, 2-4. Bring things you want to show others or sell. We'll have coffee and talk books! Kids will be on their own for free play and the gym will be open. It's a good week for new homeschoolers to see what we all do. We'll have a table marked for item's available for sale, so put your name and price on each thing. Put your name on ALL items you bring to make it easier for others to find you with questions. Please grab a name tag when you come in so people can find you to ask questions about what you have available. You are responsible for collecting your own money. You are always welcome to call me with questions or with concerns you have. Peace to you, Anne Huffman 574-271-2733 3) Elkhart Theatre Academy summer camps--6 week courses Cost $90.00 April 14-May 19 Contact Sue Frost-Mayse (574)293-4469 Or email sue@elcotheatre.com 4) Southwestern Michigan College is offering an automotive heating and air conditioning course beginning May 11 at River Valley High School near Three Oaks. The 12-week course, which will meet from 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, will cover diagnosis, inspection, testing, and repair of the heating and A/C systems. Environmental and legal concerns are also discussed. The ASE-certified course offers four credits to students upon completion. The course is part of SMC's automotive technology certificate and associate in applied science degree. It is the first time the course is offered in the spring, said SMC automotive instructor Rock Ruthsatz. The course is open to anyone, including students who are in the SMC automotive technology program, but if you're someone who just wants to learn why and how your A/C works, this course will allow you to troubleshoot and fix it yourself. Students need to apply to SMC before registering for the course. Contact SMC's admission specialist at 269-687-4811 or 269-782-1211 for more information. 5) The Home Education League of Michigan will be hosting Homeschool Family Day at the Capitol over two days next week. This year you will have two days to choose from, either April 28 or 29. Each day will be full of exciting events for your whole family to learn about the legislative process and take part in helping to protect homeschool freedom. This event also helps provide some of the only contact that many legislators will have homeschooling families. We at the Home School Legal Defense Association want to encourage you to attend this event. I believe it is very important for as many homeschool families to attend as possible. Over the years, HSLDA has seen how well-attended homeschool events at the state Capitol can have a major impact in preserving and protecting homeschool freedom. Whenever a homeschool issue comes up before the legislature, many of these elected officials will remember the personal contact they have had with homeschool families. In our experience, homeschool capitol lobby days are one of the most effective ways of preventing or stopping bad legislation. The face-to-face contacts these legislators have with good homeschool families make it very hard for a legislator to vote against homeschooling. HSLDA Staff Attorney Thomas "Tj" Schmidt will speak on the importance of vigilance in order to continue to protect our homeschool freedoms and lead a workshop on the current threat to parental rights. He will explain how the threat of international law and the Convention of the Rights of a Child treaty could eliminate our freedom to homeschool and radically change our nation's laws that affect our children's upbringing. We encourage you to attend and take advantage of these Homeschool Family Days at the Capitol. Your homeschool family will have a unique opportunity to observe the legislative process and spend time with elected officials at the state Capitol. You will learn firsthand how laws are made, attend a committee meeting, visit your representative and senator, and observe a legislative session in progress. Choose from a variety of workshops and attend a legislative luncheon with state legislators and leaders. For more information on all of the activities go to: http://www.homeedmi.net/CapitolDay/tabid/65/Default.aspx . Hurry because registration closes at midnight on April 23rd! If you would like to meet with your legislators, be sure to plan ahead and make an appointment. Tell their office when you are coming, that you would like to see them, and schedule a time. There will be handouts available for you to give both days of the event. During the visit with your representative and senator, you will also have the opportunity to express opposition to H.B. 4130, H.B. 4132, H.B. 6674, and S.B. 170, which would raise the compulsory school attendance age to 18, and to S.B. 122, which would lower the compulsory school attendance age to 5. This event is sponsored by the Home Education League of Michigan along with legislative co-sponsor Senator Alan Cropsey (33rd District) and former Representative Jack Hoogendyk (61st District), both homeschool dads. For more information, visit www.HomeEdMi.net or contact Paulette Brack at (269) 353-9515 or at info@HomeEdMi.net. BACKGROUND: Below are five MORE reasons to attend Legislative Day: Dispel any negative myths of the homeschool movement. Give legislators an understanding of the large numbers of homeschoolers within the state. Provide positive literature to legislators regarding homeschooling. Spend one-on-one time with your legislator. Your presence is necessary to show that the homeschool movement is alive, well, and thriving strong. Please help keep homeschooling free in Michigan. We make a significant statement to your representatives when hundreds of home educators participate in rally at the Capitol on April 28 and 29. We are keenly aware that our parental and homeschool freedoms are best preserved when we all stand together to defend them. We look forward to seeing you soon! 6) Studio Arts classes--spring semester classes, workshops sessions are forming NOW! Please check the web site for a complete listing of learning opportunities Studio Arts offers for ages 5 yrs and up and all skill levels. 7) Junior / Senior Banquet The Event is designed as a special formal activity for juniors and seniors in high school who have been home educated. Much of your academic studies are behind you and you're stepping into the young adult years with exciting plans and dreams ahead. We would like to honor you and provide a special event to celebrate your accomplishments with others who share the uniqueness of a home education. This formal affair will be held on the beautiful property of Life Action Camp located on Clear Lake just west of Buchanan, MI. A special dinner, Christian entertainment, and a lot of fun making life-time memories with other home-schoolers for only $30. Tell your friends and make your plans to attend the 2009 Junior/Senior Banquet. Featuring: Dr. Flammable & Biff--Dr. Flammable and Biff have been entertaining audiences at Life Action for nearly 10 years. Their – shall we say, "unique" – approach to science has resulted in a cult-like following, even to the point of fans pushing for their presidential candidacy in '08. Their experiments often bring laughter and always seem to teach lessons in a way that make them unforgettable, burning them into your brain. (OK, maybe that was a bad choice of words… nobody's brain will be burned… theoretically… if the experiments actually go as planned…) Fellowship & Games--Following their performance the evening continues with more fun, fellowship, and games until 10:30 PM. Event Registration & Menu Contact Tammy Rensberger at 269-695-5804 immediately if you would like to come. Or you may send an e-mail to trensberger@gmail.com Dinner Options: Top Sirloin Steak, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, & dinner roll. Monterey Chicken, rice, vegetable, salad, & dinner roll. Dessert Options: Chocolate Cream Pie Dutch Apple Pie Mail Payment To: The Event Junior/Senior Banquet 2342 E. Clear Lake Road Buchanan, MI 49107 Make Checks Payable to: Niles Area Christian Homeschoolers Event Guidelines: Here are a few helpful guidelines and answers to possible questions you may have about the banquet: This is designed to be a formal event; however, participants do not have to wear formal attire to attend. Guys may wear a suit and tie as opposed to a tux and should at least wear a collared shirt, tie, and dress pants. Girls should choose modest formals or nice dresses. A date is not needed to attend The Event. You may bring a date; however, we ask that all couples refrain from physical displays of affection during the evening. Participants are asked to stay in the building designated for The Event as we do not have use of the entire property. Participants should give guest performers proper respect and attention during the entertainment segment of the evening. The evening will consist of a meal, entertainment, mixer games, and activities. Take a $10 discount if you helped in a fund raiser for "The Event" this year. (i.e. Sliverhawks Concessions or Car Wash) 8) Want year-round fun? Visit boy scout troop 555's open house on April 27, 6:30-8:30, for parents and boys ages 11-17 at Timberline Bible Church, 16623 SR 23 west of UP Mall. 9) Roots and Shoots Homeschool Group This group is centered in the Michigan City, Valparaiso area, about one hour west of South Bend. If you live in that direction, or want to travel over there occasionally for projects, it looks interesting. Hi Fellow Homeschoolers, We have a volunteer group called Dunes Roots and Shoots for homeschoolers in this area and would like to extend an invitation for you to join us. Roots and Shoots is a program about making positive changes happen for our communities, animals and the environment and is guided by the founding principles and extraordinary vision of Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian. http://www.rootsandshoots.org/aboutus/ We have a maximum limit of 50 participants and are open to any suggestions that you may have for the projects for the group. Currently, we are trying to do something as a group once a month. We will be cleaning up the beach at Mount Baldy next week. Once a month for the summer, we will be working on a wildflower garden at the National Lakeshore to keep it looking nice. Future projects are possibly volunteering with Mixed Up Mutts to get donations for them, working with the Purdue extension office to get donations for the local food pantries, helping out at the Porter County Animal Shelter and volunteering with the Washington park zoo. It is not a very time consuming group and you can join and just do the projects that you are interested in. If you are interested, go to the website below and sign up with our yahoo group. 10) It is spring time and the snow has melted. It is time to do the Benton Harbor City cleanup. Find a friend, get your work gloves and let us work together. WHEN: Saturday, April 25. Meet between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. WHERE: Benton Harbor City Hall , located at 200 E. Wall where the assignments will be made. WHAT TO BRING: Volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves and garbage bags will be provided. WHO: Everyone! With Chief Mingo and the police dept playing a leadership role. EAT? Refreshments will be served at noon following the clean-up. Debra Panozzo Adult volunteer coordinator Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan 605 Pleasant St St Joseph, MI. 49085 269 983-0912 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Food drive--The National Association of Mail Carriers Annual Food Drive is scheduled for Saturday, May 9. The goal of the effort is to collect food, to stock the shelves of the local food pantries. As the mail carriers drop off the mail, they are willing to pick up donated nonperishable food. Volunteers are an important part of the team as they unload food from the mail trucks when they arrive back at the post office dock or walk with Letter Carriers or drive behind Letter Carriers picking up food along the mail route. Quite often the mail carrier's vehicle is loaded with mail – so it is great when volunteers can assist in transporting the food. The Niles post office has been a leader in this effort and would welcome your assistance – even if you only have an hour or two, any time between 10 am and 6 pm. For additional details contact: Debra Panozzo Adult and Family Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer Center of Southwest MI www.volunteerswmi.org 269-983-0912 ext 303 269-683-5464 ext 322 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Any volunteers for helping in a community garden?? On May 8th from 2 - 4pm we've set up a volunteer opportunity for homeschoolers. We will be joining the Junior League for a work day at the South Bend Center for the Homeless Community Garden. All ages welcome. They have rakes and gloves, but suggest we bring some spades and kneeling pads. To sign up call Kathy Joyce at 269 695-1654. A description below is from the Junior League web site is at http://www.jlsouthbend.org/southbend/npo.jsp?pg=action4&tab=Overview : Community Garden The Junior League of South Bend, Inc. has partnered with the Center for the Homeless to plant and nurture a Community Garden . The cost to purchase one lot down from the Center was negotiated and the amount donated by the Junior League of South Bend, Inc. on behalf of the Center for the Homeless. In May 2007, JLSB gave a $25,000 check to the Center for the purchasing of land. The planning of the garden by the members of Junior League of South Bend, Inc. that has taken place since early 2007 has proven to be an invaluable asset to its overall progress. The amount of progress and Community members involved has been heartwarming to the Junior League of South Bend, Inc. From its conception it has continued to evolve and overcome unforeseen obstacles to making it become a wonderful classroom and life tool at the Center. At times it has taken a few months for a phase and other times the progress has been at a rate faster than envisioned, but the direction has been positive and promising! There are many Junior League of South Bend, Inc. volunteers as well as community volunteers that have been and will be preparing and planting in the garden along with clients of the Center for the Homeless. It is a way to introduce self-sufficiency and beauty into the lives of the Center and Community. 11) Skate-a-rama in Niles is now offering Christian skate nights the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. Skating is only $2 and includes quad skates! Get some great exercise and spend time with friends and family and let's support this family owned business. Skate-a-rama is located near M60/Yankee streets on Huntly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TOTAL RECALL (These items will run until their pertinent information expires) 1) News from Diane Day: I will be reserving seats for our group for the 2009/2010 theatre season which promises to be a family friendly line up of at least 1 old favorite. Check back for updates. Dessert theatre at Bethel will be performing "Dearly Beloved". It will take place in July. I will be getting back with details. I will not be reserving seats for this performance. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Have something for sale, free or trade? Advertise here! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement): Free sunflower seeds for bee science project: http://www.greatsunflower.org/ Virtual field trip to gummi bear factory: http://www.ferrarapan.com/html/gum_tour.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. |
Friday, April 24, 2009
HUB weekly news--April 24
