Homeschool HUB News Update--March 11

Homeschool HUB News Update--March 11 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 March 18--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp April 14--HUB Board of Directors Meeting, 7 pm at the Niles Police Complex No HUB Game Night this month March 18--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental. GENERAL INTEREST: G 1) New at the website! G 2) New Update Format G 3) Nature Photography contest for ages 18 & up G 4) Cincinnati Homeschool Convention G 1) New at hshub.org This week we've added links and short descriptions for half a dozen new resources in the area of Language Arts - spelling, writing, grammar, and early reading. - Check it out here: http://www.hshub.org/Language_Arts.html Random Fun Stuff this week showcases a couple of fun juggling routines: http://www.hshub.org/Random_Fun_Stuff.html Summer opportunities from NASA INSPIRE program: http://www.hshub.org/Summer_Programs.html G 2) New Update Format The update is being reorganized; there will be two sections of information, one of general interest, and one for local/regional events.  This may be a work in progress for a while, so please be patient until the kinks are worked out.  As always, don't forget to check out the classifieds and the "Letting it Ride" section at the end. G 3) Nature Photography contest for ages 18 & up This contest is free to enter, and the top prize is $1,000.  Seniors, older siblings, and parents could all enter.  Entry deadline is March 31st.  For all the rules and info go here: http://www.ohio-distinctive.com/britannica/photo_contest/rules/ G 4) Cincinnati Homeschool Convention For those going to the upcoming convention in Cincinnati, or considering going, here is where to find all the info: MidWest Homeschool Convention in CINCINNATI, OH March 31 - April 2, Duke Energy Convention Center 300+ INFORMATION-PACKED WORKSHOPS! http://www.cincinnatihomeschoolconvention.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/2011-MidWest-_Cincinnati_-Schedule-of-Speakers-Topics.pdf   MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Free Jazz Concert 2) Spring College Fair 3) Homeschool Family Day at the Capitol (MI) 4) Urban Games 5) Basketball Class 6) Tillers International Plow Day April 30th 7) Field Trip Aboard the Schooner Manitou 8) The Importance of Being Earnest 9) Homeschool Book Sale 10) Tennis Class 11) Volunteer Opportunities 1) Free Jazz Concert The Bethel College Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo will perform its 13th annual Jazz Coffeehouse Concert for free on Friday, Mar. 18, at 8 p.m. in the Bethel College Dining Commons. A wide variety of jazz compositions and arrangements will be performed featuring Bethel students, including the music of  Duke Ellington, Glen Miller, Thad Jones, Tito Puente and many others.  Compositions include "In the Mood," "A Mighty Fortress," "Cry Me a River," "Gospel John," and "I Got Rhythm." Guitarist Bear Riggs, saxophonist Mackenzie Borst and vocalist Samantha Hartsough will be among the featured soloists. "I love the casual setting where people can enjoy light refreshments while listening to some wonderful music," says Director Reginald Klopfenstein, D.M. 2) Bethel to Host Michiana Spring College Fair Bethel College will host the Michiana Spring College Fair Tuesday, March 15 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. in the Wiekamp Athletic Center. More than 45 colleges/universities and organizations are expected to attend. High school students from at least six South Bend and Elkhart schools will be transported by busses provided by the 21st Century Scholars. Other sponsors and cosponsors for the fair include: Bethel College, Work One, 21st Century Scholars, Ivy Tech South Bend and IUSB. "The Michiana Spring College fair is a chance for local high school students to connect with college representatives from a variety of regional colleges and universities. Students often gain a greater desire to pursue further education by attending college fairs. This year's fair is going to be a great resource for all local high school students," says Bethel College Admission Counselor Tom Carpenter. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Tom Carpenter at 574.807.7357. 3) Homeschool Family Day at the Capitol sponsored by the Home Education League of Michigan Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 22, NOW! Your homeschool family will have a unique opportunity to observe the legislative process and spend time with elected officials at the State Capitol at HOME SCHOOL FAMILY DAY AT THE CAPITOL, co-sponsored by Senator Dave Robertson (26th District) and Representative Aric Nesbitt (80th District). The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with an optional Prayer Walk around the Capitol at 8:15 a.m. You will learn firsthand how laws are made, attend a Committee Meeting, visit your Representative and Senator, observe a Legislative Session in progress, attend workshops, and take a guided Tour of the Capitol. At a Legislative Luncheon you will hear some of our newly-elected state legislators and get the latest information from state leaders. Learn about the threat to Parental Rights, Constitutional Principles, Courts and the Rule of Law from Justice Steven J. Markman, and Prayer Strategy. Activities end at 3:30 p.m. with optional tours and special events following including a reception for homeschool Family Action Teams. Suggested donation: $6 per person, or $4 online early DISCOUNT BY MARCH 15 Optional catered lunch: add $5 each or bring your own Advance Registrations Only - Space is limited! DEADLINE March 20. PRINTABLE FLYER: http://www.homeedmi.net/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=b4XnIMzvCz0%3d&tabid=165&mid=593   4) Urban Adventure Games this summer in South Bend Sign up now (ages 13 & up) and start training.  Web site at:  http://urbanadventuregames.com/ Teams of two will travel around Downtown South Bend, Mishawaka and the Notre Dame area utilizing the streets, waterways, bike paths, and even some "top secret" modes of transportation – all while solving clues that help them move on throughout the race. Participants will criss-cross the banks of the St. Joseph River, to the Golden Dome of Notre Dame, to the heart of downtown South Bend – and everywhere in between! Date: Saturday, July 30, 2011 Location: All events will be run out of Coveleski Stadium Open Division - This original "fun-paced" race is at the heart of what Urban Adventure is all about. You'll have a blast as you traverse South Bend completing both silly and challenging checkpoints. Whether you compete for the victory, or just ride for the views, the Open Division is less about breaking records, and more about making amazing memories. Elite Division - This fierce "fast-paced" race is for the thrill-seeking Urban Adventurers. You'll test your limits as you speed around South Bend and beyond participating in a variety of physical and mental checkpoints. Time, strategy, and willpower are crucial in the Elite Division. Will your team have what it takes to become the next UAG champions? Family Division - This unforgettable "family-paced" race turns the average family into full-fledged Urban Adventurers. You'll break a sweat and bond together as you experience South Bend in a whole new way. The Family Division encourages an adult to team up with their teen (13-17). As you bike the course and conquer the checkpoints, this race is sure to bring you closer together! Junior Division - This awesome "friendly-paced" race allows young Urban Adventurers to race and keep pace with their friends. If you're age 13-17, feel the need for speed, and are willing to tackle some crazy tasks, then cap off your summer vacation with a bang. Sign up for the Junior Division - It was made especially for you. Family/Junior Division - $40 per racer ($80 per team) Open / Elite Pricing:     * Until Tuesday, April 19th - $50 per racer     * Until Tuesday, July 19th - $60 per racer     * After 7/19 through Race Day - $70 per racer 5) Basketball Class   All students ages 12 through high school are invited to participate in a 6-week basketball class.  The class is limited to 10-16 students and are taught by a certified referee.  Students hone their basketball skills, practice Christian sportsmanship, and get a huge dose of fun exercise. Classes are 4:00 to 5:30 pm on the following dates: March 22, 29 April 7, 12, 19, 26 Location is the Niles Adventist School, 110 N. Fairview, Niles, Michigan Cost is $30 per student if s/he has already taken at least one sports class at Niles Adventist School during the 2010-2011 school year.  If this is the student's first time this school year to take any class at N.A.S., the cost is $45 (includes the insurance fee).  There is a discount for 3 or more students enrolled from the same family. Anyone wishing to enroll or to ask questions, may contact Dorothea Sarli at dsarli@melwade.com or 269-684-3590. 6) Tillers International Plow Day April 30th (in Scott's, MI, southeast of Kalamazoo ) Mark your calendars, this is the day when they plow their fields using draft horses and oxen.  They will let people give it a try for free on Plow Day from 1pm – 4pm.  Teens and children can try their hands at it too.  There will also be some demonstrations – blacksmithing, and possibly timber framing too. Here is a listing of their classes:  http://www.tillersinternational.org/tillers/classes_classlist.pdf Here is their web site:  http://www.tillersinternational.org/ 7) Field Trip Aboard the Schooner Manitou Scheduled May 23, 2011 RSVP RQD by May 2, 2011 Invitation to Homeschoolers: The 7th and 8th grade classes of Our Savior Lutheran School in Grand Rapids have rented the Inland Seas Schoolship out of Traverse City on Monday, May 23 from 1:00 - 5:15 pm. Currently we have 15 students and 3 adults attending. The ship has room for twice that amount. We would like to invite you to join us. Students will be divided into groups of 5 plus one adult (each group must have at least one adult and no more than 5 students). The price for each group is $150.00 ($25./person for groups of 6). If you are interested in joining us please contact Mr. Fred Gallert (teacher) by Monday, May 2, 2011. Students become "scientists for the day" as they collect and analyze various samples from the bay, with the help of trained instructors. In addition, students become the schooner crew, as they hoist the anchor, raise the sails, and take a turn at the wheel. For more information about the program aboard the schooner Manitou, go to www.schoolship.org  and click on schoolship programs then select School Field Trips Aboard the Schooners Manitou and Inland Seas. www.schoolship.org For more information: Mr. Fred Gallert, (teacher) Our Savior Lutheran School (616) 949-0710 fdgallert@hotmail.com 8) The Importance of Being Earnest Bethel College presents "The Importance of Being Earnest" Thursday, March 24 - Saturday, March 26, 2011.  The field trip/discount performance will be Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 9:30 am.  Diane Day (269-370-4589 )has tickets reserved if you prefer or you may call Bethel directly at 574-257-3425 The price for The Importance of Being Earnest is Students $5; teachers are free. 9)  Homeschool Book Sale The Homeschool Building in Grand Rapids has an annual used book sale that is big enough to make it worth the trip, both for buying and selling.  Plus, their building bookstore stays open that night too.  Here is the info for this year: The HSB Annual Used Book Sale - June 13th Monday • June 13, 2011 • 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM TABLE REGISTRATION * 200 - Six foot tables will be available to rent * Table rental fee-$15.00 each * Each renter may have only one helper or sharer per table (limit of two people per table). * To reserve a table: fill out a rental form, send or take to the Home School Building along with required fee. * Second chance selling: After 5:00 PM when tables open up, those still wanting to sell can rent a table for half price. * Confirmations will be sent after table fee is paid. * Table reservations are NOT available by phone. SHOPPING * Sale will be open from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM * No Admission Fee * To reduce crowding, please arrange childcare for your younger children The HSB BOOKSTORE The Bookstore will be open until 8:00 pm on the day of the sale!! Another great "shopportunity"!! DONATIONS The Home School Building will gladly receive donations of books not sold. All donations need to be brought to a donation table in the gym for a bookstore volunteer to sort through. PLEASE do not leave unwanted books...the books that are not accepted by the bookstore as a donation will go back home with you. EDUCATIONAL ACCENTS Once again, Educational Accents will be selling and buying used curriculum after the sale is completed. CONCESSIONS There will be meals and snacks available for purchase during set-up time and throughout the sale. Download 2011 TABLE RENTAL FORM > http://www.homeschoolbuilding.org/Static/UsedBooksaleTableForm.pdf 10) Tennis Class Tennis anyone? We have a couple of openings for the tennis class which takes place at Lakeland Athletic Club in Niles on Wednesdays from 1-2:30. The price for the class is $136.50 and it runs from now until June 1. This is roughly half the price you'd pay normally and it is offered as a special "homeschool discount". The athletic facility also has a work-out room with machines and if any parent would like to use it the fee for that is $5 each time you use it. Or, you can talk to the staff there to set up a short term membership which would allow you to use it more than once a week. Please email farmgirlbeth@gmail.com or give me a call: 219-628-4322. The class is starting now so don't delay in calling! 11) Volunteer Opportunities A) Would you enjoy spending a few hours with Russian Icons?  Windows to Heaven brings together a grouping of historically significant Russian Icons dating from 1500 to the present. St. Nicholas and St. George, Old Testament scenes, pictorial themes centered on the life of Jesus, and images of the Mother of God are represented in this collection.    The Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph is in need of Gallery Sitters during March and April for this fabulous exhibit. Volunteer times are 10 am -1 pm and 1-4pm on Monday through Friday.  If you would like to spend 3 hours of your day in this great way, times available as early as next week!  Contact Danielle at dshepherd@krasl.org for more information or call the Volunteer Center. Thinking about spring?  Consider these volunteer options: B) Sarett's Spring Stampede is Saturday, April 9.  This unique 5k walk and run takes advantage of Sarett's nature trails.  Funds raised from the event go to provide environmental education programs.  Volunteers serve as course spotters for the event - providing direction to the runners and walkers.  If you would like to volunteer or participate in the event for more details go to www.sarett.com. C) Love to garden?  There are community gardens in Benton Harbor , Niles and other places.  What do you love to do?  Plant, maintain, harvest or all of the above?  Some of the items are provided to food pantries where they hope to include fresh veggies when families receive packaged food from their food pantry.   If you would like to teach non-gardeners or youth about the joys of gardening - that role is also available.  Or perhaps cooking is your thing and would you like to present on creative ways to use those fresh veggies.  Contact the Volunteer Center and we can connect you with a community garden near your home. D) Maintain flower boxes at the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Benton Harbor.   This is would be a great option for a Master Gardener or for a plant lover.  This is a great option for a busy person because you can make this work with your schedule.   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Check out the new links on www.hshub.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB! There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library that includes things like books, games, laptops, video cameras and other items to borrow (free, members only). 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 at www.hshub.org   MATH TUTOR Need Help With Math? (Grades 7-12, South Bend/Mishawaka area)   My name is Caleb Noble.  I'm a private math tutor (and former homeschool student) in South Bend. I have a bachelor's degree in mathematics and over two years of tutoring experience, ranging from pre-algebra to calculus. As a former homeschool student, I know the challenges that parents can face, particularly with high-school math, and I have experience with the Saxon math curriculum (both as a tutor and as a student). I can meet with you and your child in your home or at any other location in the South Bend/Mishawaka area.  To set up an initial meeting or if you have any questions, you can reach me at caleb_noble@hotmail.com or at 574-229-4657. First session's free! Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here! Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LETTING IT RIDE: Amazon.com--Please come to www.hshub.org before you shop at Amazon.  You can either shop the Associate Store listed in the Menu bar or click on the "Help the Homeschool HUB - Purchase at Amazon" link just below the Menu bar. By using this link to Amazon The Homeschool HUB will earn money through Amazon's Associates program on everything you purchase. So whenever you think "Amazon" please remember your purchase can help The Homeschool HUB. 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.