Friday, March 12, 2010

HUB news update--March 12

Homeschool HUB Weekly News--March 12
 

Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094
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
 

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



ON THE CALENDAR:


Mar. 15 and 18--Open swimming for homeschoolers at Niles YMCA, 2-4 pm, $2 
Mar. 12 and 19--Homeschool bowling, Strikes and Spares, 1-3, $5
Mar. 20--Chess at Niles library, 9:30 a.m., free



HERE'S THE BUZZ:



1) Fort St. Joseph museum program
2) Game night postponed
3) Lego robotics for parents
4) Six Flags reading program
5) Vetavisit
6) Homeschool prom
7) Midwest Homeschool Convention
8) Bethel College--free concert and art show
9) Summer robotics classes
10) Jazz jam 
11) Saxophone lessons
12) Volunteer opportunities


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) Crafts and More Crafts!  Saturday, March 20, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts will be assisting children at several craft tables set up through out the museum. Children can create some wonderful works of bead work, quill work, and appliqué! Free Admission. No program fee. 

Fort St. Joseph Museum 
508 E. Main St.
Niles, MI 
amorales@nilesmi.org
269-683-4702 ext. 236



2) Game Night 

The game night has to be postponed due to the unavailability of the space usually use.  Watch for the rescheduled date!


3) Lego Robotics sessions at LMC for parents


Two free sessions for parents of kids currently or recently in robotics classes.  Parents will have fun learning how to program the robots and use the sensors.  No experience needed.  Limit 16.  Saturdays, March 13 and 27, from 9am - noon.  At Lake Michigan College Bertrand Crossing Campus in Niles.  For more information and to reserve a spot call Meg Edwards at 269 695-1391.

 
4) The Six Flags reading program is for elementary students (gades K-6). 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 and submit 2 separate forms (only one ticket allowed per teacher).  Send the form, with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to the Homeschool HUB:  P.O. Box 286, Niles, MI  49120 attn: Peggy Schindler. 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.  Admission tickets will be valid at participating Six Flags theme parks from June 14 to August 8, 2010.  For more info, contact: Peggy Schindler at 269-695-2686.


Note: The reading log you need to fill out and return to Peggy is in PDF form as an attachment to this newsletter.  


5) Lots of fun learning going on here! This is a free event and always a great
experience!

VETAVISIT 2010 Website: http://cvm.msu. edu/alumni- friends/vetavisit

Vetavisit 2010, the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine's annual open house,
will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Free admission! No need to register. Allow several hours--there is a lot to
see and do! Exhibits and displays are appropriate for all ages.


FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN VETERINARY MEDICINE:

Our undergraduate advisors will hold seminars for students interested in
careers in veterinary medicine. "The Road to Becoming a Veterinarian"
seminar will be held at 10 a.m. and repeated at 1 p.m. in the E-100
auditorium, located at the northwest corner of Veterinary Medical Center. At
12:00 Noon, a seminar on careers in veterinary technology will be held in
room E-100.

Also, forums will be held where the public can meet and talk with veterinary
students and faculty--check the website for times and locations. This is
another good opportunity to find out what it's like to attend veterinary
school.

VETAVISIT 2010 Website: http://cvm.msu.edu/alumni-friends/vetavisit

Linda Silvers
Editorial Assistant
Media and Public Relations
College of Veterinary Medicine
Michigan State University
F130 Veterinary Medical Center
East Lansing, MI 48824-1314
Phone: (517) 355-0001


6) Homeschool Prom, "A Night of Divine Perfection," will be Saturday, May 1st, from 5-10 p.m.  The Prom is open for freshman through seniors only.  It will be held at the "Res" which is in the woods amongst beautiful trails and a creek.  The trails will be open from 5-6:30 to walk and dinner will be served at 6 p.m.  After dinner our Christian DJ will start playing some music to dance the night away. We will also take the time to honor our seniors and pray over them.  


The cost is $25 a person.  Please make checks out to Dana DoBrodt and send to 58896 Elm Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46544.  Registration must be postmarked by April 15th to be accepted.  We will only take the first 60 people who send their registration in.  


We ask that guys wear dress slacks and ties and girls wear modest dresses ("If you are in doubt, probably not" would be a good motto for choosing attire that evening).  Pictures will also be offered that night.  


Please fill out the registration form and send along with your check.  Questions can be sent to hiddeneagles@att.net. 
 
                                                                        
 
Name ___________________________Phone number_________________________
 
Year in school______ Member of homeschool group? yes or no

If yes, name of homeschool group____________________________________
 
email _______________________________________________________________
 
Guest name __________________________ home schooled   yes or no
 
Guest's phone number __________________Yr in school___________


7) Midwest Homeschool Convention


WORKING SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE


A well-run convention requires a tremendous amount of staffing. This includes staffing for the Registration Desk, booth watchers (when an exhibitor needs a break or is speaking), and "wrist-band" checkers that are posted at the entrances. 


This great need is met each year through volunteers that love the convention and simply wish to help homeschoolers. Many of these staffing needs are met through our Working Scholarship program.


Please click here for more information on the Working Scholarship program: http://www.cincinnatihomeschoolconvention.com/working-scholarships-available/


P.S.  Don't forget to visit the Question & Answer page of the convention website. Most questions are already answered there.


--PLUS-- 


We have exciting news!  Leigh Bortins, founder of Classical Conversations, is a featured speaker at the Midwest Convention coming up in about a month.  Leigh will be giving four fabulous workshops, and we hope you'll join us.  She is a very inspirational speaker, and you will certainly be blessed to hear her speak.  Her 20 years of homeschool experience and down-to-earth personality make her a joy to interact with in person.  


8) Bethel College Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles to Perform Free Concert--Conducted by Vicky Tan Warkentien


The Bethel College Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles will present time-honored classics and modern gems in a free concert open to the community conducted by Vicky Tan Warkentien, assistant professor of music. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Apr. 12, in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center Auditorium on the Bethel campus.


The concert will feature a movement from a classic double concerto, "Mozart's Concerto for Flute and Harp," and another from a great triple concerto, "J. S Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5." In addition, Beethoven's "The Consecration of the House" will be performed by the full orchestra and selections from Saint-Saëns' popular "Carnival of the Animals: Zoological Fantasy for 2 Pianos and Chamber Ensemble" will highlight various combinations of instruments. Marilynn Ham, associate professor of music and artist-in-residence, will perform several of her own hymn arrangements with the orchestra, while members of the orchestra will also combine in several short works for chamber ensembles.


For more information, contact the department of music at 574.257.3393.


--PLUS--


Students Showcase Art in Weaver Gallery
 
The Bethel College department of visual arts will be hosting its Third Annual Juried Student Art Show. The students' artwork will be displayed in the Weaver Gallery, located inside the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center. The exhibit will run Feb. 20 to Mar. 22, Mon. through Sat., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
 
The event is free and open to the community. For more information, contact the department of visual arts at 574.807.7022 or visualart@BethelCollege.edu.



9) LMC Middle School Summer Robot Camp

This fun and educational camp is designed for students entering grades 5-9 in the fall.  This is a five-day fun and creative learning experience to keep kids busy during the summer.  Kids work in pairs to solve challenges by building and programming robots using the LEGO Mindstorms (RCX) Robotics Invention System.  In addition to having fun, participants learn about mechanical and software design, problem solving, and teamwork skills.  Student teams will complete several projects and mini challenges.  Build your own programmable robot!  Learn some computer programming to control your robot!

*  Minimum age is 9 (recommended for ages 9 - 14).  No previous experience required.
*  Students will have a partner for most activities, and are expected to cooperate and share well.  Each day includes structured lessons and activities to practice construction and programming skills.
*  Student need to bring their own sack lunch, and be motivated and mature enough to stay focused on robotics activities all day.

Robot I Courses:  
07/12/10 - 07/16/10      CRN 50345
07/19/10 - 07/23/10      CRN 50346
07/26/10 - 07/30/10      CRN 50495
8/02/10 - 08/06/10      CRN 50344

Time: 9am - 3pm
Location:  Lake Michigan College, Bertrand Crossing Campus, 1905 Foundation Drive, Niles
Limit:  16 students/camp
Cost:  $150
Instructor:  Meg Edwards

For information and registration call 269 695-1391
 

10) Last chance to join the jazz improv group

The jazz group will meet again Saturday, March 13, from 11am - 1pm at the LMC Bertrand Crossing campus.  This is only the second meeting, so you can still jump in if you want.  They covered a lot of theory the first time, and will do more jamming from now on.

11) Charlotte's Web at Bethel College- The field trip performance on Thursday, March 25 @ 9:30 am has sold out.  Bethel has kindly added a special admission matinee for Saturday, March 27 @ 2:00 pm.  There are also evening performances.  Please call Bethel directly for more information.  574-257-3425

Mendel Center presents, "Are You My Mother?" Diane Day has reserved seats for this play for the 10 am performance on March 22.  Tickets are $3 each. Please contact Diane Day to confirm your seats.  T

Diane Day
269-445-1900
269-370-4589 (Centennial/AT&T)


11) I am offering private lessons for classical or jazz saxophone in all levels from beginner to professional at my home in Jimtown (near Elkhart). I have a B.M.E. and a Masters in Music in Saxophone performance.  I have been playing for 33 years and teaching music in public schools since 1989. 

Lessons are $15 for 1/2 hour and $30 per hour. 

I can be reached at cell 574-220-1756 or at bucharts@verizon.net

Thank you very much,
Dean Swihart


12) Volunteer opportunities: 

*Sarett Nature Preserve is looking for volunteers: Sarett's Spring Stampede is April 10.  Celebrate spring with a run.  They are seeking course spotters for the event. 

 
*Earned Income Tax Coalition: Greeters are needed at the various sites in southwest MI.  Volunteers do the taxes of lower income people - so they can put more of their tax return to good use.  Greeters welcome people as they come in and have them sign in to meet with the volunteers, who do the tax returns.


*Silver Beach Carousel in St. Joseph : Do you enjoy helping kids of all ages to have fun?  The Carousel is open when the kids have days off of school and on the weekends.  They also need assistants during evening fund raising events, from 7 to 9:30 pm - when the adults have fun on the carousel.  They also are looking for popcorn sale assistants from 10 am to 1:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5 pm. 


*Volunteers are welcome to join the Comcast employees for their annual Comcast Cares Day event that is taking place on Saturday, April 24.  They have partnered with the local veterans group called, Lest We Forget, but also have incorporated the Blue Star Mothers of Berrien County and the Benton Harbor VFW Post 1137 on Napier.  The goal is to gather at the VFW Post at 7 am to start the day.  All volunteers must sign in when they arrive.  If you register in advance by March 29, you will receive a free t-shirt.  Volunteers are being asked to sign waivers forms to participate by April 16 and so they can finalize the count for lunch. 
The color guard and kick off ceremony begins at 7:30 am with elected officials and leaders from each nonprofit speaking.   Group photo at 8 am and dispersing to pre-assigned work assignments.  Some volunteers will:
- replace ceiling tiles, paint walls and super clean the VFW post itself.
- gather with the Lest We Forget leaders in the VFW parking lot to assemble American Flags on PVC pipe posts for an upcoming veterans event in St. Joseph.
- work with the Blue Star Moms inside the post assembling care packages for deployed soldiers using donated items.
- disperse to the homes of 4 veterans to perform yard cleaning and general upkeep projects.  Names provided by Dan Stice of the Berrien County Veterans office.


The volunteers will re-gather for lunch at the VFW post at 1 pm and then are done.  Contact the Volunteer Center for additional details.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
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): 


Weekly educational travel column: www.TripsWithATwist.com


Travel tips for large families: www.sixsuitcasetravel.com


Good quote: If you give a child a fish, you feed him for a day. 
If you teach a child to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.
But if you teach a child to learn, you feed him for a lifetime 
and he doesn't have to just eat fish.


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.