Homeschool HUB News Update--October 29

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 29 Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org Editor: Andrea Bikfalvy   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: Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub Nov. 5--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Free Notre Dame Concert 2) Theatre Class 3) Volunteer Opportunity - building ramps 4) Training Seminars 5) The Museum at SMC's Fall Homeschool Day 6) SCRIPPS SPELLING BEE 7) Colonial Dance and Culture Class 1) Free Concert - Notre Dame Concert Bands Sunday, November 14, 2010, 3:00 PM The Notre Dame Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Band present their fall concert. This marks the beginning of preparations for their upcoming concert in Cleveland's Severance Hall, May 17th, 2010. The concert bands tour both domestically and internationally. Recent international tours have included performances in the Sydney Opera House, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and the Beijing Concert Hall. Domestically, the band has completed concert tours through California, throughout the midwest, Pittsburgh, and most recently completed a tour of the northeast that included a performance at the world-famous Carnegie Hall. 2) Theatre for Children and Young Adults We are starting new homeschool theatre classes in South Bend on Cleveland Rd. Thursday afternoon and evening.  There will be three classes.  A Class for ages 5-10, A class for ages 8-14 and a class for 14-18 yr olds.  My website is www.theatreforchildrenandyoungadults.com Please let me know what options you have for us in getting this information to your homeschool familes. 574-514-4000 3) A volunteer opportunity to consider: Senior Services in Van Buren County is going to build a ramp in South Haven - next week, beginning Monday. If you are able to assist or would like to know more about their ramp building team, contact the Volunteer Center. They also have a couple of other ramp projects lined up for the near future. Debra Panozzo Adult and family volunteer coordinator Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan 269-983-0912 ext 303 St. Joseph 269-683-5464 ext 322 Niles www.volunteerswmi.org 4) Training Seminars Talk with an Auditor Tuesday, November 2, 2010 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Michigan Works in Benton Harbor Talk to local auditor Mike Layher of Schaffer and Layher and hear what you need to know about the new 990's and other trends in the world of finance affecting your organizations.  Lunch will be provided. Cost:  $10 Register:  volunteer@volunteerswmi.org or 683-5464. Serving on a Board 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 2 – Lake Michigan College , Benton Harbor Napier Avenue Campus Wednesday, November 10 – Lake Michigan College , Niles Bertrand Crossing Campus Tuesday, November 16 - Lake Michigan College , South Haven Campus (please note the new date) Do you want to learn about how best to contribute your time to a cause you care about by becoming a board member?  Do you have employees ready to give back to the community?  Not sure where to focus your energy?  Volunteer Center Director Doris Higgins is on hand to help!  Over the course of this two hour clinic, Doris will bring her experience and connections to help you identify issues, potential pitfalls, and some of the rewarding opportunities when you commit to make a difference in your community.  This presentation is geared towards those considering becoming a board member, but those already serving are welcome as well. Cost: Free Register:  Call 1-800-252-1562 ext. 7502 Contact the Volunteer Center in Niles 683-5464 or St. Joseph 983-0912 for more information about any of these trainings. You may also call for a complete brochure of all the services and classes offered to nonprofits by the Volunteer Center . 5) The Museum at SMC's Fall Homeschool Day December 8, 2010, 1:00pm to 3:00pm "Local Heroes:  The Pulitzer, the Pilot and America's First Spaceman" The Museum at SMC welcomes our homeschool families for an afternoon program focusing on three of Cass County's "Local Heroes": Webb Miller, Pulitzer-prize nominated journalist; Leigh Wade, pilot on the first flight to circumnavigate the globe; and Iven Kincheloe, fighter ace and test pilot.  Curricula covered include reading skills, geography and maps, and the science of flight and is designed primarily for students in grades 3-5.  (Other levels are welcome, but we do not provide alternative activities.  The program is not recommended for preschool and kindergarten students.)  Program starts at 1:00 pm.  Preregistration is required.  For more information or to reserve a spot for your homeschool student, contact the Museum Educator at 269-782-1334 or jquail@swmich.edu 6) SCRIPPS SPELLING BEE Sign up today for the Scripps Spelling Bee. Word lists are available now and there is still plenty of time to study! This is an excellent opportunity for your child to get involved in some healthy educational competition. I expect this local bee to be small around 6-10 spellers. The top 3 spellers will go on to compete in the regional competition. Dates for these events are as follows: Local Bee: January 21, 2011, 1 P.M. At LMC Bertrand Crossing Regional Bee: February 9, 2011 at Mendel Center in Benton Harbor Deadline to sign up for this bee will be December 10, 2010 Please contact Diane Day at 269-445-1900 or 269-370-4589 or you can email at joharding_20@yahoo.com if you are interested in entering your child. Word lists can be emailed so there will be no waiting. 7) Experience Eighteenth Century American Culture First-hand! COLONIAL DANCE (and culture) for guys and gals twelve years and older (parents welcome) Class time counts as "physical education" hours towards Michigan guidelines. Noel Bash, formerly of Colonial Williamsburg, will teach this three-week class (optional fourth). During our first class, Noel will present "a taste of colonial life," followed by dance instruction. Classes will meet Monday afternoons, November 8, 15, and 22, at 12:30 p.m., and last 1-1-1/2 hours. Location: Berrien Springs United Methodist Church, 310 West Mars Street, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Cost: $2.00 per participant for entire class. For more information, call Betsy French, 269-684-3362. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Mega Penny Project - visualize big numbers using pennies http://www.kokogiak.com/megapenny/default.asp ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org     Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: The Homeschool HUB is collecting used textbooks.  Contact Diane Day:  joharding_20@yahoo.com or 269-445-1900. 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 many products. 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 update supplement

Experience Eighteenth Century American Culture First-hand! COLONIAL DANCE (and culture) for guys and gals twelve years and older (parents welcome) Class time counts as "physical education" hours towards Michigan guidelines. Noel Bash, formerly of Colonial Williamsburg, will teach this three-week class (optional fourth). During our first class, Noel will present "a taste of colonial life," followed by dance instruction. Classes will meet Monday afternoons, November 8, 15, and 22, at 12:30 p.m., and last 1-1-1/2 hours. Location: Berrien Springs United Methodist Church, 310 West Mars Street, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Cost: $2.00 per participant for entire class. For more information, call Betsy French, 269-684-3362.

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 22

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 22 Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org Editor: Andrea Bikfalvy   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: Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub Oct. 29--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Corn Maze and Bonfire Homeschool Get-together 2) Blaise Pascal High School Math Competition 3) Volunteer Opportunity - goodies for the troops 4) Bethel College Chamber Orchestra Presents Free Concert 5) The Museum at SMC's Fall Homeschool Day 6) SMC Museum Fall Homeschool Day 7) SCRIPPS SPELLING BEE 8) Upcoming Plays 9) More Volunteer Opportunities 1) Corn Maze and Bonfire Homeschool Get-together The HUB is hosting a fun romp through a corn maze with a bonfire following. WHEN: Thursday October 28, 2010 6 pm WHERE:  Amazing Acres on US-12 E in Edwardsburg COST: $6.00 per person 10 years and up, $4.00 per person age 2-9, under 2 is free Bring whatever food your family would like to eat and drink.  The bonfire will be available for roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, etc. Pumpkins will be available for purchase.  Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.  This is a fun outing many have enjoyed in the past. If you plan to go, please contact Donelda at lohrgalore@juno.com by Tuesday, October 26th.  She can also answer questions. 2) Bethel to Host Blaise Pascal High School Math Competition   High school math groups can now sign up for the annual Blaise Pascal High School Math Competition to take place at Bethel College on Saturday, Nov. 20, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is free for those who sign up by Saturday, Nov. 6. Those who register after that date will have to pay a fee of $2 per student. Each school may bring up to 20 students to the competition. Home school students and students who attend schools that are not participating are encouraged to register individually or as a group. Individual and team awards will be given, some of which include substantial scholarship money. In addition, Bethel will conduct several random drawings among registered students for prizes, including iTunes gift cards. The schedule of the day includes opening remarks from Dean of the Division of Sciences Robert Myers, Ph.D., a talk from Chair of Mathematical Sciences Department Adam Hammett, Ph.D. the competition, various department displays and demonstrations and a Bethel College informational booth. The competition itself will consist of taking a 45-question test and students will be given 90 minutes to take the test. Lunch will not be provided by the school, but there are many options for dining in the area and also among Bethel's dining establishments. For more information contact Robert Myers at 574.257.3524 or by e-mail at robert.myers@BethelCollege.edu. 3) A volunteer opportunity to consider: Blue Star Mothers Of America pack boxes for the troops.  Donate Items and/or help pack them up. For more information on where you can drop off your donations please call Tammy Sebasty at 269-695-7977.    Idea: start a donation box where you work. All items donated will be packed and sent to the troops overseas.  You can volunteer at the packing event: Saturday, Nov. 6 from 1 to 4 pm, at Michigan   Lutheran High School located at 615 Marquette Woods Rd. in St. Joseph .  You can donate: Edibles:individual snacks, candy(no choc), beef jerky, slim jims, small cans of fruit in pop top cans, pop tarts, drink mixes for bottled water, tuna pouches, cereal bars, granola bars, individual size cereal boxes, cheese and cracker snack packs, peanut butter squeeze tubes, nuts of all kinds, sunflower seeds, gum, mints, suckers, pringles, small cans of soup in pop top cans, individual serving size pudding and applesause,dried fruit, microwave popcorn, hot cocoa packets, Hygienic/Personal: band aids, hand lotion, shaving cream(non-aerosol), toothbrushes, toothpaste, chapstick, ladies sanitary liners, tampons, disposible razors, nail clippers, emery boards, non-alcoholic wipes, zip lock bags, small laundry detergent packets, calenders, sunscreen, white cotton socks, tan t-shirts, foot powder, body powder, toilet paper, individual size tissues, combs, sticky fly strips, hand sanitizer Entertainment: batteries, playing cards, Sunday funnies, frisbees, puzzle books, CD's, bubbles, disposable cameras, small hand held games,ink pens, checkers, dominos, x-box games, unsigned greeting cards so the soldiers can send them to loved ones here in the states. Blue Star Mothers And Our Soldiers Thank You For Your Support! For more information or to get connected contact: Debra Panozzo Adult and family volunteer coordinator Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan 269-983-0912 ext 303 St. Joseph 269-683-5464 ext 322 Niles www.volunteerswmi.org 4) Bethel College Chamber Orchestra Presents Free Concert The Bethel College Chamber Orchestra will present a free concert to the community on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center.   Repertoire for this year's program includes J.S. Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, featuring senior Carmen Ritchie as flute soloist, and Franz Joseph Haydn's popular Trumpet Concerto, with junior Joshua Klopfenstein as soloist. Also by Haydn will be a movement of his Symphony No. 101, "The Clock." The orchestra will also perform Edward Elgar's celebrated "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1," as well as Leroy Anderson's delightful miniatures "The Syncopated Clock" and "Plink, Plank, Plunk." A different type of miniature will be a movement from Debussy's Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp, played by three members of the orchestra. Senior Caitlin Eicher will take on the role as new concertmaster and the orchestra will be conducted by assistant professor of music, Vicky Warkentien, D.D.M. For more information, contact the music department at 574.807.7575. 6) The Museum at SMC's Fall Homeschool Day December 8, 2010, 1:00pm to 3:00pm "Local Heroes:  The Pulitzer, the Pilot and America's First Spaceman" The Museum at SMC welcomes our homeschool families for an afternoon program focusing on three of Cass County's "Local Heroes": Webb Miller, Pulitzer-prize nominated journalist; Leigh Wade, pilot on the first flight to circumnavigate the globe; and Iven Kincheloe, fighter ace and test pilot.  Curricula covered include reading skills, geography and maps, and the science of flight and is designed primarily for students in grades 3-5.  (Other levels are welcome, but we do not provide alternative activities.  The program is not recommended for preschool and kindergarten students.)  Program starts at 1:00 pm.  Preregistration is required.  For more information or to reserve a spot for your homeschool student, contact the Museum Educator at 269-782-1334 or jquail@swmich.edu 7) SCRIPPS SPELLING BEE Sign up today for the Scripps Spelling Bee. Word lists are available now and there is still plenty of time to study! This is an excellent opportunity for your child to get involved in some healthy educational competition. I expect this local bee to be small around 6-10 spellers. The top 3 spellers will go on to compete in the regional competition. Dates for these events are as follows: Local Bee: January 21, 2011, 1 P.M. At LMC Bertrand Crossing Regional Bee: February 9, 2011 at Mendel Center in Benton Harbor Deadline to sign up for this bee will be December 10, 2010 Please contact Diane Day at 269-445-1900 or 269-370-4589 or you can email at joharding_20@yahoo.com if you are interested in entering your child. Word lists can be emailed so there will be no waiting. 8) Upcoming Plays This weekend Center Stage Theatre in Kalamazoo presents, "Alice In Wonderland" Tickets are $10 for more information go to http://www.cstheatre.com/tickets. Performances are Tonight 7:30, Saturday 7:30, Sunday 2 P.M. Coming up in December Homeschool Performing Arts presents, "Little Women". Tickets are not yet available for this play, but follow the update for more information. 9) More Volunteer Opportunities 1)  Do you love to dress up for Halloween and pass out candy?  Come to the Curious Kids Museum and Curious Kids Discovery Zone in St. Joseph to pass out candy during their trick or treat open house.  Volunteers do need not to be previously enrolled in the volunteer program to participate in this event.  Please show up at either museum site at 3:30 p.m. on October 30th.  Volunteers are encouraged to wear costumes, but costumes are not necessary. 2)  Berrien County Juvenile Center is looking for someone to volunteer at their front desk a few hours a week, during regular business hours.  The tasks include: answering the phones, typing, filing and serving as a receptionist.  This volunteer option would be a good way to gain experience in the field if you are a college student or as a way to keep your skills sharp as you continue to look for a paid position. 3)  American Cancer Society has a very valuable way you can serve and that is by being available to take patients to their doctor's appointments.  They are welcoming volunteers from all over southwest Michigan .  If you would like to know more about this volunteer option, please contact the Volunteer Center . Cass Counties events: 4)  Tri-County Head Start is hosting a Community Resource Event at the Federated Covenant Church located at 202 Center St , Dowagiac , MI 49047 (269) 782-5656 on Friday, November 12th 2010 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Ideally they would like volunteers to arrive about 9:30 am for a time of training but they are willing to do individual training, when you arrive to volunteer.  Volunteers will serve food, greet people, provide directions, and assist people as they move around to information booths.   5)  The Cass District Library in Cassopolis is hosting a program called Prime Time Family Reading Time on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 pm from Oct 21 to Dec. 9.  The goal of the program is to bring families, that have been unfamiliar with the library, into the library for an evening together, reading and doing activities.  Volunteers prepare and serve meals, manage the exchange of books, assist with child care or with the pre-school program or help with reminder calls.  If reading is your passion and you would like to pass on the excitement, contact Jennifer Ray at the Library or the Volunteer Center for details. 6)  Family Volunteer Day, Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Cass District Library in Cassopolis.  We will be making kitty toys, tying blankets for kids at the shelter, making cards for over seas military personnel or seniors receiving Meals on Wheels and much more.   The excitement is contagious as families come together to do volunteer activities that serve a variety of organizations. If you have questions or would like to get connected contact: Debra Panozzo Adult and family volunteer coordinator Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan 269-983-0912 ext 303 St. Joseph 269-683-5464 ext 322 Niles www.volunteerswmi.org   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Math Playground http://www.mathplayground.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org   School Pictures Fall means time for School Pictures Packages are $15.00 which includes three units of your choice A unit consists of 1-8X10 or 2-5X7 or 8-Wallets Additional units are only $5.00 each Senior pictures are welcome as well.  As this is a special time in their lives, I spend additional time with them at their choice of location and as many changes of outfits they would like.  The sitting fee is is $35 within Niles and $50 at Lake Michigan.  Units are $13.00 each with retouching. For a peek at my blog check out: www.crystalsphotography1.blogspot.com     Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: The Homeschool HUB is collecting used textbooks.  Contact Diane Day:  joharding_20@yahoo.com or 269-445-1900. 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 many products. 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.

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 15

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 15 Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org Editor: Andrea Bikfalvy   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: Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub Oct. 22--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Corn Maze and Bonfire Homeschool Get-together 2) Free Philosophy Lecture Series at Bethel 3) Project Feederwatch 1) Corn Maze and Bonfire Homeschool Get-together The HUB is hosting a fun romp through a corn maze with a bonfire following. WHEN: Thursday October 28, 2010 6 pm WHERE:  Amazing Acres on US-12 E in Edwardsburg COST: $6.00 per person 10 years and up, $4.00 per person age 2-9, under 2 is free Bring whatever food your family would like to eat and drink.  The bonfire will be available for roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, etc. Pumpkins will be available for purchase.  Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.  This is a fun outing many have enjoyed in the past. If you plan to go, please contact Donelda at lohrgalore@juno.com by Tuesday, October 26th.  She can also answer questions. 2) Free Philosophy Lecture Series at Bethel MISHAWAKA, IND., Oct. 12, 2010 - Eleonore Stump, Ph.D., will be the speaker for the "Lectures in Philosophy" series at Bethel College. The first of the lectures will be on Thursday, Oct. 21, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Miller/Moore Academic Center, room 342 and the second lecture will take place during chapel on Friday, Oct. 22, from 10 to 10:50 a.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center Auditorium. The first of the lectures is titled "Modes of Knowing: Autism, Fiction and Second-Person Perspectives. The second is titled "Job and the Problem of Evil." Stump is The Robert J. Henle Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University, where she has taught since 1992. She received a Ph.D. in medieval studies and medieval philosophy from Cornell University in 1975. Among other honors, she is past president of the Society of Christian Philosophers and the American Philosophical Association, Central Division. For more information contact James Stump, Ph.D., at james.stump@bethelcollege.edu or 574.807.7125. Both lectures are free and open to the public. Interpretation for the d/Deaf community is available upon request in advance. 3) Project Feederwatch The 24th season of Project FeederWatch begins November 13, although new participants can join at any time. Our participants share information online about the numbers and species of birds that visit their feeders between November and April. They learn about birds while helping scientists track large-scale changes in bird populations and movements from year to year--changes we would not be able to see without the massive amount of data we receive from our participants. Watching birds in your own backyard can make a difference. Project FeederWatch is a great teaching tool for homeschoolers. It encourages careful observation, independent study, and helps students explore their own questions about birds and nature. There are three ways to incorporate Project FeederWatch into your activities: Evening Grosbeak by Jane Ogilvie 1) Simply sign up to participate in FeederWatch as an indiviudal or family. You can do that on the project's website, www.FeederWatch.org, or call the Cornell Lab toll-free at (866) 989-2473. In return for the $15 project fee ($12 for Cornell Lab members) participants receive the FeederWatcher's Handbook, an identification poster of the most common feeder birds, a calendar, complete instructions, four issues of BirdScope, plus Winter Bird Highlights, an annual summary of FeederWatch findings. 2) Use The Homeschooler's Guide to Project FeederWatch. Download this FREE guide to learn more about easy homeschool activities you can do using Project FeederWatch, if you already participate. 3) Use the Cornell Lab's complete curriculum: The Science Investigators Kit for Homeschoolers offers hands-on lessons and includes participation in Project FeederWatch as well as other resources such as books and a CD-ROM. Right now we are offering a discount and free shipping on this curriculum. Visit the website or contact Lisa at (607) 254-2489 or email LD85@cornell.edu to take advantage of this special offer. I do hope we'll be able to complement your education efforts at home through Project FeederWatch. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Share your links! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org     Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: The Homeschool HUB is collecting used textbooks.  Contact Diane Day:  joharding_20@yahoo.com or 269-445-1900. 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 many products. 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.

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 15

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 15 Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org Editor: Andrea Bikfalvy   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: Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub Oct. 22--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Corn Maze and Bonfire Homeschool Get-together 2) Free Philosophy Lecture Series at Bethel 3) Project Feederwatch 1) Corn Maze and Bonfire Homeschool Get-together The HUB is hosting a fun romp through a corn maze with a bonfire following. WHEN: Thursday October 28, 2010 6 pm WHERE:  Amazing Acres on US-12 E in Edwardsburg COST: $6.00 per person 10 years and up, $4.00 per person age 2-9, under 2 is free Bring whatever food your family would like to eat and drink.  The bonfire will be available for roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, etc. Pumpkins will be available for purchase.  Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.  This is a fun outing many have enjoyed in the past. If you plan to go, please contact Donelda at lohrgalore@juno.com by Tuesday, October 26th.  She can also answer questions. 2) Free Philosophy Lecture Series at Bethel MISHAWAKA, IND., Oct. 12, 2010 - Eleonore Stump, Ph.D., will be the speaker for the "Lectures in Philosophy" series at Bethel College. The first of the lectures will be on Thursday, Oct. 21, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Miller/Moore Academic Center, room 342 and the second lecture will take place during chapel on Friday, Oct. 22, from 10 to 10:50 a.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center Auditorium. The first of the lectures is titled "Modes of Knowing: Autism, Fiction and Second-Person Perspectives. The second is titled "Job and the Problem of Evil." Stump is The Robert J. Henle Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University, where she has taught since 1992. She received a Ph.D. in medieval studies and medieval philosophy from Cornell University in 1975. Among other honors, she is past president of the Society of Christian Philosophers and the American Philosophical Association, Central Division. For more information contact James Stump, Ph.D., at james.stump@bethelcollege.edu or 574.807.7125. Both lectures are free and open to the public. Interpretation for the d/Deaf community is available upon request in advance. 3) Project Feederwatch The 24th season of Project FeederWatch begins November 13, although new participants can join at any time. Our participants share information online about the numbers and species of birds that visit their feeders between November and April. They learn about birds while helping scientists track large-scale changes in bird populations and movements from year to year--changes we would not be able to see without the massive amount of data we receive from our participants. Watching birds in your own backyard can make a difference. Project FeederWatch is a great teaching tool for homeschoolers. It encourages careful observation, independent study, and helps students explore their own questions about birds and nature. There are three ways to incorporate Project FeederWatch into your activities: Evening Grosbeak by Jane Ogilvie 1) Simply sign up to participate in FeederWatch as an indiviudal or family. You can do that on the project's website, www.FeederWatch.org, or call the Cornell Lab toll-free at (866) 989-2473. In return for the $15 project fee ($12 for Cornell Lab members) participants receive the FeederWatcher's Handbook, an identification poster of the most common feeder birds, a calendar, complete instructions, four issues of BirdScope, plus Winter Bird Highlights, an annual summary of FeederWatch findings. 2) Use The Homeschooler's Guide to Project FeederWatch. Download this FREE guide to learn more about easy homeschool activities you can do using Project FeederWatch, if you already participate. 3) Use the Cornell Lab's complete curriculum: The Science Investigators Kit for Homeschoolers offers hands-on lessons and includes participation in Project FeederWatch as well as other resources such as books and a CD-ROM. Right now we are offering a discount and free shipping on this curriculum. Visit the website or contact Lisa at (607) 254-2489 or email LD85@cornell.edu to take advantage of this special offer. I do hope we'll be able to complement your education efforts at home through Project FeederWatch. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Share your links! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org     Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: The Homeschool HUB is collecting used textbooks.  Contact Diane Day:  joharding_20@yahoo.com or 269-445-1900. 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 many products. 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.

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 8

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 8 Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org Editor: Andrea Bikfalvy   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: Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub Oct. 15--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Exploravision Contest 2) Mid-Winter Homeschool Conference 3) MCAC Wildcats Basketball 4) Upward Michiana 2011 Information 5) St Joseph Museum History Clubs for kids 6) HUB Board Meeting 1) Exploravision Contest open for team sign-ups Now is the time to start working on this in order to have your entry finished and to them by February 2nd.  ExploraVision has four entry categories:     * Primary Level (Grades K – 3)     * Upper Elementary Level (Grades 4 – 6)     * Middle Level (Grades 7 – 9)     * High School Level (Grades 10 – 12) To enter ExploraVision, students work in groups of two, three or four — simulating a real research and development (R&D) team. A teacher serves as team coach, and you can also choose an optional mentor. For homeschoolers, the teacher must be someone other than the student's parent. The mentor can be a parent. Each team selects a technology (or an aspect of a technology) that is present in and relevant to their lives.  First, the team explores what the technology does, how it works and how, when and why it was invented.  Next, the team imagines and explores what that technology could be like 20 years from now.  Finally, each team prepares an in-depth report that conveys its vision to others In each age division these are the prizes: First Prize (4 teams): U.S. EE Savings Bond worth $10,000* at maturity for each student.  Second Prize (4 teams): U.S. EE Savings Bond worth $5,000* at maturity for each student. National Finalists: An expense paid trip to Washington, DC in June for ExploraVision Awards Weekend for each national winning student and his/her parents/guardians Regional Winners: A Toshiba Camileo™ Camcorder for each student and an awards ceremony for each regional winning team at its school where the team will receive a winner's banner, plaque and other gifts 2) Mid-Winter Homeschool Conference Our Early Bird special for MWC 2011 expires on October 15, 2010. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to be refreshed in your home education vision at the time you will need it most- MID-WINTER 2011! Veteran home educators David & Shirley Quine, Carol Barnier and Nancy Costello are preparing now to inspire, encourage and bless us with messages full of humor, practical helps and fresh vision. For all their stories & details please visit each of their web sites found on our home page.   Early Bird ticket prices are $40/ attendee or $75/married couple. After October 15th the prices will be $50/ adult, $40/ teen, ministry leaders or support group leaders, $80/married couple.   Envigorating speakers, HELP session for newbies, favorite vendors, and fellowship with like minded home educators- it doesn't get any better than this!   Act now to save money!   Go to www.midwinterconference.org for registration and further details. 3) MCAC Wildcats Basketball This is the last call for anyone interested in boys' basketball.  We have elementary, junior high, and junior varsity boys' teams for this coming season. We have a few more open gyms before we officially start the season for anyone who would like to try it out and meet some of the other players. We also have a junior high boys' coaching position open. If you would like to apply for this position, we are now taking applications. Junior high boys practice with the elementary team most of the time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. The Wildcat's website is www.mcac-wildcats.com. You can email Dana DoBrodt at mcacwildcats@yahoo.com if you are interested in playing or coaching. 4) Upward Michiana 2011 Information - Boys & Girls, K5 thru 8th Grade UPWARD is a first-class sports experience that emphasizes healthy competition, sportsmanship, skill building and fun; versus the "win- at-all-costs" mentality found in many children sports leagues. We would love to have you on our team! Whether you want to play basketball or cheer; UPWARD is the league for you! All league registrations will be online at www.upwardmichiana. com or view our quicklinks at the bottom of the page. 2011 Basketball & Cheerleading Program Information: Evaluation Dates: Saturday November 6, 2010 & Saturday November 20, 2010 Visit www.upwardmichiana. com to find your evaluation location. Program Costs: All registrations online at www.upwardmichiana. com Basketball & Cheerleading are $99. Early registration discount of $19 if registered online before your evaluation date so the program cost would be $80. Optional Items: Basketball Shorts $20 Cheerleading Mock Turtlenecks: $20 Key Program Dates: Practices begin the week of January 10, 2011 First game day is Saturday, January 29, 2011 5) Homeschool History Club Attention 12 to 17 year old homeschoolers!  Join the Junior Historians of Niles!  Next meeting is October 19th - 3 to 4 p.m. at Fort St. Joseph Museum (meetings are on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.)  Sign up by calling Annette Morales, Education Curator (269)683-4702 ext. 236, or by email amorales@nilesmi.org. No program fee. New preschool program designed for 3 to 5 years olds -Little History Explorers Toddler Tuesdays!  Don't miss these fun Little History Explorer workshops on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.  Next program October 19th!   $1 per child.  See attached flyer. Annette Morales Education Curator Fort St. Joseph Museum 508 E. Main Street Niles, MI 49120 269-683-4702, ext. 236 amorales@nilesmi.org 6) HUB Board Meeting The Homeschool HUB Board of Directors is meeting Thursday October 14 at 7 pm at The Niles Police Station.  All board meetings are open to the public.  If you have ideas, suggestions, or questions - or if you are just interested, you are welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Free educational DVDs http://www.izzit.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org   PIANO LESSONS I am a piano teacher located in Buchanan, MI.  I grew up a home schooler, graduated a home schooler, and returned from college with a degree in Music Education and have been teaching private piano and violin students ever since -- mainly to homeschoolers. I currently have morning and early-afternoon slots in my studio that are available for new students and wanted to inquire whether your group had any members interested in lessons.  I have had over 10 years of teaching experience and charge $13 a lesson.  I am looking for students who are able to practice consistently and make a commitment to attending weekly lessons. For more information on my studio, you can go to my website:  www.pianobysarah.com   Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: The Homeschool HUB is collecting used textbooks.  Contact Diane Day:  joharding_20@yahoo.com or 269-445-1900. 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 many products. 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.

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 1

Homeschool HUB News Update--October 1 Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094 email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org Editor: Andrea Bikfalvy   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: Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub Oct. 8--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp HERE'S THE BUZZ: 1) Meet Rosemary Wells 2) Game Night 3) Word-Up Vocabulary Lists 4) PSAT Registration & Dates 5) Homeschool History Club 6) Bethel College Play 7) Spelling Bee 1) Meet Rosemary Wells The Open Book Family Fest Committee of the St. Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL) is proud to announce that Rosemary Wells, our headline children's author and illustrator for our Open Bookl, will be doing a free 60-minute presentation for adults only about writing and illustrating children's books.  We know that many of your teachers and staff will be excited about this opportunity.  Rosemary's presentation requires registration and spots are limited, so we encourage you to register online or call us soon at (574) 282-4607 or (574) 282-4648.   Main Library 304 S. Main St., South Bend Colfax Auditorium—Lower Level SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010 10:00-11:00 a.m. Award-winning author/illustrator Rosemary Wells talks about her life creating art and literature for children and young people. For adults only; this presentation is aimed at adult teachers, educators, librarians and interested parents. Ms. Wells' presentation in the afternoon is designed for children and families. Registration is required. Call 282-4607 or 282-4648 for more info. Open Book Family Fest program. 2) Games Night becoming a regular event The games nights are such fun that we are setting them up on a regular basis, so you can put them on your calendar further ahead.  Starting next Friday, Oct 8, games night will be the second Friday of every month in the community room at the Niles Police Station.  The time will be from 7pm to midnight.  There is no charge, just bring a snack and/or drink to share along with your favorite games.  The HUB provides the paper products.  All ages are welcome, and it is open to any homeschoolers. We have also been designating a table where people can put educational "stuff" they are through with for everyone to peruse and take whatever they find useful.  No sales, just a place to give what you are done with in order to bless someone else.  Anything not taken at the end of the night you can take back, or we will take it to Goodwill. 3) What Vocabulary Words Do You Teach? The Word Up Project teaches students words that are likely to encounter on high-stakes tests. Flocabulary's research team created these word lists by first compiling words from grade-appropriate novels and basal readers (with an emphasis on Tier 2 words). The researchers then analyzed how often these vocabulary words appeared on state tests. The words that appeared most often are the ones taught in The Word Up Project. For each reading level, our researchers looked at state tests at that level and two grade levels above. So the words taught in Level Indigo (grade 5) are those words that are both found in 5th grade reading material and are most likely to appear on state tests in 5th, 6th and 7th grade. The Complete Word Up Project Word List (organized by level) http://www.flocabulary.com/pdfs/Word_Up_Word_Lists.pdf 4) PSAT Registration & Dates If you have a student in 10th or 11th grade, now is the time to contact your local public high school to sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT test.  Students in 11th grade who score extremely well on the test (about 97 percentile and above) can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program.  It's good practice for taking the SAT, and especially important if your student usually scores well on standardized tests, because they may qualify for a National Merit Scholarship.  Students in 10th grade would be practicing and cannot qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.  They would have to take it again in 11th grade for that purpose. Here is some info from the web site at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html The 2010 PSAT/NMSQT test dates are Wednesday, October 13 and Saturday, October 16. You must sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT at your local public high school. This test is administered by high schools, not through test centers. Online registration for the PSAT/NMSQT is not available. Please note that each high school chooses only one October test date. If you would like to take the PSAT/NMSQT, contact your high school counselor or principal to find out about registering for the test, paying the test fees, and learning the correct date, time, and location that your school will give the test in October. Also, contact your guidance office for a copy of the Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT to help you prepare before test day. If you're a home-schooled student, your PSAT/NMSQT score report is sent directly to your home address. On the test day, when completing the basic information on the answer sheet, be sure to enter your state's home school code in the "school code" section. The test supervisor will provide this for you. 5) Homeschool History Club New Home school Club for 12 to 17 year olds - Junior Historians of Niles!  First meeting is on Tuesday, October 5th 3 to 4 p.m.  Flyer attached. 6) Bethel College Play Bethel College has graciously extended a homeschool discount to us for their upcoming performance of Lost in Yonkers. The date of this performance will be Thursday, October 7, 2010 @ 7PM. Tickets are $7. Lost in Yonkers is a Neil Simon play and its themes are geared primarily toward Jr, Sr High School students. Please keep that in mind when ordering tickets. Please contact me with questions or reservations. All tickets will need to be paid for by September 30. Diane Day 269-370-4589 7) Spelling Bee It's that time of year again! Scripps Cloverleaf Spelling Bee is under way. Word lists are available now. What a great oppprtunty to hone and test spelling skills. Our local competition is January 21, 2010. The regional will take place February 9. That means that the top 3 spellers will go on to compete at the regional. Sign up now. There's still plenty of time to study! Cost is $12.50 to help offset costs of entry fees. Contact Diane Day with questions and sign up. 269-370-4589 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE:   Current Events Articles and Questions for Discussion http://www.izzit.org/events/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website www.hshub.org   PIANO LESSONS I am a piano teacher located in Buchanan, MI.  I grew up a home schooler, graduated a home schooler, and returned from college with a degree in Music Education and have been teaching private piano and violin students ever since -- mainly to homeschoolers. I currently have morning and early-afternoon slots in my studio that are available for new students and wanted to inquire whether your group had any members interested in lessons.  I have had over 10 years of teaching experience and charge $13 a lesson.  I am looking for students who are able to practice consistently and make a commitment to attending weekly lessons. For more information on my studio, you can go to my website:  www.pianobysarah.com   Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: The Homeschool HUB is collecting used textbooks.  Contact Diane Day:  joharding_20@yahoo.com or 269-445-1900. 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 many products. 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.