HUB news update-Dec. 22 MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--Dec. 22   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 by the Homeschool HUB.    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: Dec. 28 and 31--Open swimming for homeschoolers at Niles YMCA, 2-4 pm, $2 Jan. 2--Chess at Niles library, 9:30 a.m., free   Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub HERE'S THE BUZZ:   1) Turn in your Campbell's labels! 2) Spelling bee 3) Offerings for various classes 4) Volunteer opportunity 5) Kendo club 6) Tiller's International 7) Homeschool skiing 8) Operetta performance at Andrews Univ. And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news.  See also the Letting it Ride section at the end. Merry Christmas one and all!  Be sure to check out the Classifieds section this week. 1) This will be my final push for CAMPBELL LABELS for 2009.  We will continue to collect them, but they are offering special incentives for turning in certain amounts by December 31.  I plan to mail what I have on December 29 and hope to get an overwhelming influx of labels by then. You may email me, call me or drop them at my location.  I will be in Edwardsburg for church on Wednesdays and Sundays.  I will be at SMC in Dowagiac 3 days next week.  Please make every effort to get with me and turn those labels in.  Right now is the absolute best time to get involved! Thank you Diane Day 269-445-1900 2) Spelling Bee for SW Michigan homeschoolers The Homeschool HUB will be sponsoring a local bee for the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee on January 29th at 9:30am.  The top three spellers will advance to the regional level.  The entry fee is $12.  The study words are located at http://myspellit.com/.  The eligibility requirements are here: http://www.spellingbee.com/eligibility-0.  To sign up contact Kathy Joyce at 269 695-1654.   3) I am an experienced theatre/speech and sign language teacher and I love to teach others!  I have taught at Lake Michigan College, Buchanan HIgh School and Lakeshore High School. I currently run the Box Factory Theatre Company and I'm hoping to offer some group lessons on any of the above.  I take students of all ages.  If you are interested, please contact me. Carole Catherine msucarole@yahoo.com 269-556-9140   In addition, as the Education Director at the Box Factory for the Arts, the Berrien Artist Guild is very interested in offering various art classes to any age student. Please contact me to arrange a class to fit your needs! Thanks again. 4) Ring in the New Year and catch a glimpse of the new Shadowland Ball Room in the new Bluffside Development in St. Joseph.  Southwest Michigan Symphony will be hosting an event at the Shadowland Ballroom on December 31st. Volunteers will greet guests, check coats and usher from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  They are looking for 4 volunteers to assist and from 11 pm to 1 am they are hoping for 2 volunteers to close out the evening.    Volunteers should dress up in the preferred colors of black, white and silver. If you traditionally make a New Year¡¯s resolution to get more involved with the community ¨C you can accomplish it as we move into the New Year.  If you are interested in getting connected or you have questions 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 5) From wikipedia: Kendo („‡µÀ kend¨­?), meaning "Way of the Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or Kenjutsu. Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical element. There has been interest expressed in restarting the Kendo Club at LMC @ Bertrand Crossing. To participate, you must be enrolled in a class at LMC. If 7-10 people express interest, the instructor said he'd give it a shot. It would meet twice a week, likely tues-thurs, for an hour per session. Please email slhollister@gmail.com if you'd be interested in learning more about this opportunity.    6) Classes for 2010 on Tiller's International web site now This is an interesting place just this side of Kalamazoo.  It's about an hour's drive from Niles.  They have classes in blacksmithing, coopering, draft animals, timber framing, beekeeping, cheesemaking, and lots more.  The entire year's class schedule is at: www.tillersinternational.org/tillers/classes_classesbydate.html. Maybe it's a good time to plan a class for next summer and give it as a Christmas gift! 7) It's time for homeschool skiing again! Attached is a chart comparing the three ski areas in SW Michigan.  Bittersweet comes out on top in everything but driving distance.  Find information here: www.hshub.org/Sports.html.  The forms you send in to join the SW Mich Ski Club and get the discounted rates at Bittersweet are also accessed there.    8) Operetta Performance for Homeschoolers, Thursday & Friday, Jan. 7 & 8 at the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University.   If there are homeschoolers in the area that would like to bring their children to see a special performance of "Amahl and the Night Visitors" by Gian-Carlo Menotti on January 7 or 8, 2010, please contact Julia Lindsay at jlindsay@andrews.edu to make arrangements. 9) College classes at reduced rates available for both Indiana and Michigan homeschool students. Michiana high school juniors and seniors can earn college credits by enrolling in Bethel College 's Register Early to Achieve College Hours program (REACH). Through REACH, students, while still in high school, can take college courses at a reduced price and earn transferable credits toward the college of their choice. To be considered for the REACH program a student must be a junior or senior in a public, private or home school setting, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher have permission from their high school.   A select group of freshman level courses are available including: calculus, college algebra, exploring the Christian faith, introduction to business, introduction to computing, introduction to criminal justice, introduction to theatre, introduction to world civilization and perspectives in fine arts. Available courses are not limited to those included in this release and prerequisites may be required for some classes. Sophomore level courses may also be available with special permission. All courses will be facilitated on campus. A Bethel College transcript with college credits on file will be given when coursework is completed.   REACH offers students a special reduced tuition of $75 per credit hour for the first 12 credits. Most courses are 3 credit hours. The REACH program also waives application and student activity fees. Course registration for REACH is limited to space availability and is tentative until after the last registration date for traditional students for each fall and spring term.   For complete details about the REACH program, visit our Web site at www.BethelCollege.edu/REACH or contact the admission office at 800.422.4101. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS For sale: AGS Geometry Bundle w/Key & Workbook $18,  Algebra 1 by John H. Saxon (2003) Lot of 4 Books $45, Programming Logic and Design 5th Edition $25, Concepts of Database Management 6th Edition $20, Apologia Exploring Creation with Physics Bundle $55, Abeka World Literature Vol. 4 book with Teacher's Manual & Test Packet, CLP Applications of Grammar Book 4, Teacher's Manual & Test Packet.    Contact Diane Day: joharding_20@yahoo.com or 269-445-1900. Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement): Worldometers-world statistics updated in real time: http://www.worldometers.info/ Free energy-related lesson plans and activities: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=6 Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: The Homeschool HUB is continuing to collect Campbell Soup labels, Campbell's Chunky Soup labels, Campbell's Healthy Request labels, Campbell's Select harvest, Franco-American, Pepperidge Farm, Spaghettios, Swanson, V-8 Beverages, V-8 Fusion, Prego Italian Sauces and Campbell's Food Service.   Give your labels to any board member or bring them to our homeschool functions. --AND-- We are still accepting Boxtops for education labels.  You can find these on: Betty Crocker goods Gold Medal Flour Nestle products Cherrios Cascadian Farm products Chex Cocoa Puffs Cookie Crisp Country Cornflakes Fiber One products Golden Grahams Honey Nut Clusters Lucky Charms Oatmeal Crisps TotalTrix Wheaties Green Giant vegetables Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Totino Pizza olls Hamburger Helper meals Old El Paso Suddenly Salad Yoplait Fruit Flavored shapes Ziploc Kleenex Scott Kotex Poise Depend Hefty Nature Valley Cottonelle Huggies Goodnites Pull Ups Avery School supplies Go to Boxtops for Education.org for more info, and then SAVE SAVE SAVE  those labels.  Each one nets 10 cents and every 10 cents adds up. You can give them to any HUB board director or bring them to any of our functions that we will be having.  Thank-you! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 news-Dec. 5

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--Dec. 5   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 by the Homeschool HUB.    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: Dec. 7 and 10--Homeschool swimming at Niles YMCA, 2-4 pm, $2 Dec. 11--Homeschool bowling, Strikes and Spares, 1:00, $5   Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub HERE'S THE BUZZ:   1) Voice teacher accepting students 2) Winter activities 3) Piano teacher accepting students 4) volunteer opportunity 5) Youth tractor operator program 6) Bethel College Christmas concert 7) Pickleball clinic   And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: classified ads and links of interest at the end of your weekly news.  See also the Letting it Ride section at the end. 1) I am a classically-trained voice teacher and I love to teach others how to sing! I emphasize a solid breathing technique, vocal health, tension-free singing and intelligent artistry.  I teach musical theater repertoire and classical repertoire.  My students learn how to breathe properly, expand their vocal range, develop a healthy vibrato, project their voice, prepare for an audition, interpret music and musical roles.   I take students of all ages, depending on the maturity and musical level of the student.  If you are interested, please contact me.   Claire Peterson Voice Teacher B. Music, McGill University E-Mail: claire.cp@gmail.com Phone: 574-286-7007   ANYONE can sing, they just need to be taught how! 2) Homeschool swimming at the Niles YMCA is Monday and Thursday, 2-4, $2 per swimmer.    The dates for Five Pines tubing/cross country skiing are: Friday, January 15th,  10am-2pm Friday, Febuary 19th, 10am-2pm   The cost is $6 for tubing or $9 for tubing AND cross country skiing   3) I am accepting new students of all ages in the South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger and Niles area.  Our studio offers a wide range of opportunites for students to excel with his/her skills at the piano. The Studio exposes each student to many different styles of music, ranging from classical, jazz, religious and contemporary music. This enhances their musical knowledge in theory, music history and their musicianship and performance skills. My goal as a teacher is to nurture each student and to help them explore the beauty and love of music. I encourage all students to support the arts in their community.   I'm conservatory trained as a classical pianist and teacher. I have studied at Goshen College, IUSB and the Eastman School of Music in Rochester NY. I have National level students.    Anthony Beer 574-292-2038 apbeer@yahoo.com 4) The History Center at the Courthouse Square , formerly know as the Berrien County Historical Association, welcomes volunteers to staff their holiday exhibit at the Orchard's Mall in Benton Harbor .  The theme of this year's exhibit is "War Stories"… with reminiscences of WWII.  This is a great opportunity to do as a family because your children will learn about history and volunteer at the same time.  It is also a good option to do with a friend while taking a break from the busyness of the holidays.       The exhibit opens on December 1st and runs through January 7, 2010.  With two shifts each day, the options are as follows:    Monday-Saturday noon till 4 pm or 4 pm to 8pm Sunday noon to 3 pm or 3pm to 6pm   If you would like to find out open days and times when volunteers are needed, contact:   Kristen Patzer Umphrey, Museum Store Manager The History Center at Courthouse Square P.O. Box 261 , Berrien Springs , MI 49103 Phone:  269-471-1202 kpatzer@berrienhistory.org   5)  Berrien County MSU Extension is offering a Tractor Operator Program (TOP) for youth ages 9-13.  The cost of the class is $40 and will meet from 7-9 p.m. on Mondays beginning January 4 - March 29 at Baroda Township Hall.  Contact Deb Barrett at 269-944-4126 to register.     6) The Bethel College Concert Band will perform a free fall semester concert on Friday Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel Fine Arts Auditorium. Prior to the concert at 7:15 p.m. a Flute Choir will be performing Christmas carols as a prelude to the program.   In addition to the Concert Band, the concert will feature numbers by the Bethel Brass Choir, Flute Choir and Flute Trio. These numbers include: "Diamond Fanfare" by Samuel Hazo, "Emblem of Unity" by J.J. Richards, "Prelude and Fugue in G Minor" by J.S. Bach, "Ye Banks and Braes O'Bonnie Doon" by Percy Grainger, and "From Whom all Blessings Flow" by Ed Huckeby. Senior music education major Jake Robuska will get the chance to direct the Concert Band in a composition by Steven Reineke titled "Where Eagles Soar." For more information about the concert call 574.257.3394. In addition, Kendall will seek involvement from students, faculty, staff and the community for the 2010 spring semester Concert Band performance. 7) The Lakeland Athletic Club is hosting a "Pickleball" Demonstration on Thursday, December 10 from 1:00-2:30 pm.  Adress: 1912 S. 3rd St. Niles, MI 49120   Never heard of Pickleball?  Come on over for the Introduction/Demonstration.  It is played on a smaller court (Badminton size), with paddles and a whiffle ball.  The sport is growing with all ages, but particularly with "senior" adults.  It is also a great sport for beginners...bring a friend!   All are welcome to come and see what the sport is all about....give us a call if possible to let us know you are coming...269-684-8030.  It is a FREE clinic. Patty Schrock Lakeland Athletic Club 269-684-8030 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LAST BUT NOT LEAST--LINKS OF INTEREST (links do not imply endorsement):   Foreign language game ideas: http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/foreignlanguages/contents.htm   Practice math and feed the hungry: http://www.homefires.com/click?freericemath   Language Arts with "TEL.A.VISION": http://telavision.tv/   Do you have any favorite websites?  Send them to us and we'll share them! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: The Homeschool HUB is continuing to collect Campbell Soup labels, Campbell's Chunky Soup labels, Campbell's Healthy Request labels, Campbell's Select harvest, Franco-American, Pepperidge Farm, Spaghettios, Swanson, V-8 Beverages, V-8 Fusion, Prego Italian Sauces and Campbell's Food Service.   Give your labels to any board member or bring them to our homeschool functions. --AND-- We are still accepting Boxtops for education labels.  You can find these on: Betty Crocker goods Gold Medal Flour Nestle products Cherrios Cascadian Farm products Chex Cocoa Puffs Cookie Crisp Country Cornflakes Fiber One products Golden Grahams Honey Nut Clusters Lucky Charms Oatmeal Crisps TotalTrix Wheaties Green Giant vegetables Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Totino Pizza olls Hamburger Helper meals Old El Paso Suddenly Salad Yoplait Fruit Flavored shapes Ziploc Kleenex Scott Kotex Poise Depend Hefty Nature Valley Cottonelle Huggies Goodnites Pull Ups Avery School supplies Go to Boxtops for Education.org for more info, and then SAVE SAVE SAVE  those labels.  Each one nets 10 cents and every 10 cents adds up. You can give them to any HUB board director or bring them to any of our functions that we will be having.  Thank-you! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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.