Homeschool HUB News Update--May 13

Homeschool HUB News Update--May 13 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 May 20--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp May 20--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental. GENERAL INTEREST: G1) Petition to Help Libraries G2) Free High School US History Course G3) TV Special about FIRST Robotics G1) Petition to Help Libraries On March 7, 2011, the publisher HarperCollins instituted an expiration policy on eBooks that are licensed to libraries. Under this new arrangement, eBooks would "self-destruct" after being checked out 26 times. This would require libraries to re-purchase the ebook if they wanted to continue to make it available. Libraries across the country are boycotting future purchases of HarperCollins ebooks, but our voices alone will not change their policy. We need your help. By day, Andy Woodworth is a mild-mannered librarian. By night, he's still a librarian, just less mild-mannered.  Andy is kind of famous in the librarian community, mostly for getting *the Old Spice guy* to do a video about how great libraries are, and unsuccessfully campaigning to get Ben & Jerry's to create a flavor called the "Gooey Decimal System." (If you don't get the pun, just ask someone ten years older.) Oh, and now he's helping lead the charge in a fight against NewsCorp, one of the world's most powerful companies. See, more and more libraries are beginning to buy ebooks, like those read on a Kindle or similar device. They're programmed to be like normal books--lent out to one reader at a time, returned, and downloaded by another reader. It's simple, and especially great for working parents or the disabled who have a hard time making it to a library. But publishing giant HarperCollins (owned by NewsCorp) is trying to force libraries to only buy ebooks that **literally self-destruct after the 26th reader** in an attempt to maximize profits. Having to repeatedly buy the same book will be a financial and logistical disaster for libraries, one that could force a few to close their doors. Even worse, there are signs that other publishing companies may soon follow the lead of HarperCollins, which could devastate libraries all around the world. Andy's petition demanding an end to self-destructing ebooks has a goal of 100,000 signatures.  Please join us in voicing your opposition to this policy of self-destructing eBooks.  Sign the petition and get more info here:  http://tinyurl.com/3n6b6ab To see if libraries are still boycotting HarperCollins, you can visit the website http://boycottharpercollins.com/ G2) Free High School US History Course Apply to beta test (for free) a rigorous online history course next school year  Ethics in Education is offering an opportunity to a limited number of highly qualified high school level home schooled students to participate in the final field-test for a new on-line A.P. prep United States History course. Instruction begins on August 22, 2011 and ends May 4, 2012 Tuition is FREE and all required learning materials are FREE Further details can be found at www.ethicsineducation.com   G3) TV Special about FIRST Robotics   Greetings Friends of FIRST®! I am pleased to announce the airing of a TV special scheduled for this coming weekend on CNN entitled 'Education in America: Don't Fail Me,' hosted by Soledad O'Brien, which prominently features three FIRST ® Robotics Competition (FRC®) teams as they navigate the 2011 FIRST season. I have seen a preview of this special and it is very thought provoking about the future of education in this country and how you, as a part of FIRST, can help for the better. I hope you will join with me in watching this incredible special. Please mark your calendar and tune in to CNN, Sunday, May 15 at 8 PM ET/PT. (Check your local listings for channel info and broadcast times.) Regards, Jon Dudas President, FIRST MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) 28th Annual Home Education Convention - Lansing, MI 2) Japanese Benefit Concert for Earthquake Victims 3) Free Classical Education Practicum 4) Free Bowling for Kids this Summer 5) Volunteer Opportunities 1) 28th Annual Michigan Home Education Convention Registration is now open at www.inch.org.  Join us Friday & Saturday, May 20 - 21, 2011.  Michigan's largest homeschool event of the year is coming soon to the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing! Are you coming, too?   YOU ARE INVITED Bring your whole family (children, teens, and grandparents, too!), friends interested in finding out more about homeschooling! Come be encouraged, educated, and equipped for your homeschool journey as you listen to dynamic speakers, chose from almost 100 workshops; shop the exhibit hall full of amazing resources; meet the homeschool graduates 2011; network with homeschooling friends new and old, and so much more!  Lansing Center Building - 333 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing OUR HEADLINING KEYNOTES this year are: Dr. Voddie Baucham and Eric & Leslie Ludy 2011 FEATURED SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Heidi St. John - "The Busy Homeschool Mom" Phillip Telfer - Media Talk 101 Shirley Solis - Lifetime Books & Gifts   Woody Robertson - CollegePlus Mercy Hope - Wisdom's Gate Michelle Miller - Truthquest History ELLudy Cropped Eric & Leslie Ludy Melinda Boring - Heads Up! Special Needs Products! Plus, over 20 more wonderful workshop leaders! Close to 100 workshops offered in our 12 diffrerent 'tracks': CHECK OUT OUR AFFORDABLE FAMILY RATES!    For less than the cost of one more individual, you can bring not only your spouse, but all of your children age 13 and up and interested grandparents, too!     * Children ages 4 and under, we ask you to please find child-care off-site... except for nursing babies, of course!       * Children ages 5-12 are encouraged to attend our Children's Conference, held at the adjoining Radisson Hotel this year. There will be two age groups: 5-8 and 9-12. This programming takes place during all workshop times and keynotes. However, keynotes are optional so parents can decide if they prefer to have children sit with them during these times or remain engaged in Children's Conference activities.     * Teens & Young Adults age 13 & up are invited to attend with parents at the 'Family Rate' and take advantage of our teen track, including Friday morning's special teen sessions with Eric & Leslie Ludy. In The Sacred Code of Honor, young men will be introduced to Biblical masculinity & catch a vision for becoming a Christ-built "warrior-poet." In Set Apart Femininity, young ladies will gain a vision for God's sacred intent for their lives: being set-apart for Christ.     * Register online at www.inch.org!! Cost: Special Note: Early bird registration deadline is MARCH 31. Pre-Registration continues through May 15. After that, at-the-door pricing applies.                                   Individual     Couple/Family    Children's Conf Regular (4/1-5/15)          $55             $85                   $25 per child At the Door (5/16- 5/21)  $65            $95                   $30 per child One day "Shopping Only Passes" will be available for purchase at the door - no preregistration required. These can be purchased on either Friday or Saturday and will allow attendees entrance to the exhibit hall any time during the hours it is open on the day of purchase. (No workshops or keynote sessions.)  NOTE: Cost for the day is the same regardless of what time you arrive. Individual One Day Shopping Pass - $20.00       Family One Day Shopping Pass - $30.00 2011 SPECIAL FEATURES! CHILDREN'S CONFERENCE... Sessions run congruent with adult workshop sessions  2011 Theme: Ride the Waves! Run by Children's Conferences International, our exciting children's program will be held in the attached Radisson Hotel this year, allowing for more space.  The children will be broken into two age groups: 5-8 year olds and 9-12 year olds (though sibling groups can be together if requested.)Available during all the workshop times, this allows families to come to Convention together!  You can shop, eat, and attend keynote sessions together.  Then attend age-appropriate teaching times from 12:45-5:45 on Friday, 9:45-12:15 and 2:45-5:15 on Saturday. Look for all the details about this fun Scripture-based "Surfin' Safari" at www.childrensconferences.com. TEEN TASK FORCE... Calling all young adult volunteers willing to serve: Come to convention for FREE!  Work a little, learn a LOT, and have some fun time, too! Benefits of the Teen Task Force include: special Friday morning sessions with Eric & Leslie Ludy, leadership development opportunities, training in public speaking and many other areas of service!   Don't just attend convention, be a part of making it happen! HOMESCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS OF 2011 We would like to honor Michigan's 2011 homeschool grads at our opening keynote on Friday evening.  Reserved seating up front for the graduates and their families.  We'll recognize and bless them, while inspiring all the young homeschool families with this powerful testimony of those who have "fought the good fight and finished the race." We need to know ahead of time if your graduate plans on joining us for the ceremony so please RSVP soon! NOTE: Graduates are invited to wear their cap and gown. THURSDAY PRE-CONVENTION OFFERINGS USED CURRICULUM SALE... Thursday 3-7 pm  Admission: $1/person at the door. Looking for books, curriculum and other resources at prices you can afford?  Then don't miss this popular annual Used Curriculum Sale  This is the PERFECT place to see if you can find what you need used- before spending the money to buy new!  We sort the books and provide lots of signs to help you find your way to those special items you're looking for! Have used items you'd like to sell? Box it up and bring it to the Lansing Center! Drop off is Thursday morning from 9 to 11 am. You must get a Seller Number first by contacting Miriam Woods at resource@lansinghomeschoolers.com.  Complete seller instructions are available at www.lansinghomeschoolers.com. LEADERSHIP SUMMIT... Thursday 1-4 and 5-7 PM  Beginning at 1:00 pm on Thursday afternoon, we have special sessions for those in roles of leadership within the homeschooling community. We appreciate you and want to encourage, update, & thank you for all your sacrifice and service to Michigan's home educators! Sessions onFamily Homeschooling in Michigan in 2011, Being a Homeschool Missionary, Balancing Family and Ministry, and Starting and Running a Successful Homeschool co-op. Concludes with dinner and a dessert "Meet n' Greet" with some of our elected officials. FREE "TASTE OF HOMESCHOOLING"... Thursday, 7-9 pm   Just starting out or maybe still considering the idea of homeschooling? Then this is for YOU!  Come hear helpful hints for "Getting Started" from some of our experienced and knowledgeable speakers, ask all your questions and get a sneak preview/guided tour of the exhibit hall.    2) Japanese Benefit Concert for Earthquake Victims Dear People, I'm, Yuriko Cooper,Japanese lives in Three Oaks MI.  Me & My husband,Rick Cooper help to organaise & support for " UMEKICHI Charity Concert " at Acorn Theater in Three Oaks MI Sunday, May 29. All benefit of this concert donate to Japanese Earthquake via Japanese Red Cross.  Could you please join us for to support for Japanese Earthquake.  "UMEKICHI" is very close our friend & she is the best shamisen(like a Japanese Banjo) player in Japan.  Usualy she plays at the National Theater in Tokyo, but she comes to U.S.A for this Charity concert.  She sings a GEISHA's song with playing Shamisen & Japanese traditinal dance in KIMONO. Absolutely you will be fascinated her elegance & charming performance. www.acorntheater.com www.satoh-k.co.jp/ume  Acorn theater's cash bar serves "Special UMEKICHI Sake Cocktail"(Recipe made by Rick) I attache the information. Also Could you please release this charity concert information to all member of your mailing list ? Because we would like to involve lots of peple who lives in Soiuth West MI area.  If you have a question, any time ask to us feel by free, please. Regards  & We are waiting for you at "Acorn" with "UMEKICHI". Yuriko Shimizu Cooper & Rick Cooper Beverage Marketing Consultants, LLC 211 S Elm st, Three Oaks MI 49128 Tel 1-269-756-9642 yurikofleurdelis@comcast.net 3)  Free Classical Education Practicum Classical Conversations Parent Practicum season will be here soon. There will be a practicum in Grandville, Michigan on June 14th-June 16th. Please join other classical home schoolers as we refresh our minds for the new school year, and be encouraged by others on the same journey. It is a free event for all parents. The three day practicum will be held at Trinity Christian Reformed Church 60 Port Sheldon Road Southwest Grandville, MI 49418-3306. Please go to www.classicalconversations.com and click on the events page to register.     Come & Discover the classical method of learning and how Classical Conversations can impact your home school. Classical Conversations, an education services company, that supports home schooling families, invites you to learn more about how Laura Ingalls Wilder and other one-room schoolhouse teachers used the classical method of learning to teach children of all different ages from the same material at the same time. We have three flagship programs: our Foundations Program for k-6th grade which focuses on the grammar stage method of learning; the Essentials Program, which is a language arts program geared towards 4th through 6th graders who are moving into the dialectic stage; and our Challenge level programs, which are Christian, classical, college-prep programs, for junior and high school aged children utilizing dialectic and rhetorical skills. Classical Conversations exists to aid parents in their pursuit of a home school, classical education in an environment where the purpose of the education is to know God and make Him known. Additional services besides the Foundations, Essentials, and Challenge Programs include book sales, standardized testing, certification services, academic intensives, and Parent Practicums. We have wonderful kids camps for only $11 per day! There will be a nursery for 0-2, a play camp for 3-5, a geo draw camp for 6-8, and an IEW camp for 9-14. If you would like to bring your kids, please sign up soon. The camps are filling up quickly. Please register yourself even if you won't be bringing your children. We need to keep a count of how many people will be attending. Go to www.classicalconversations.com and click on the events page to register. You may contact Classical Conversations Michigan State Manager at cpfeifer@classicalconversations.com for more information Serving Christ through Home Centered Education, Crystal Pfeifer Michigan State Manager CCScribbleCCC-transparent cpfeifer@classicalconversations.com www.classicalconversations.com www.classicalconversationsbooks.com 4)  Free Bowling for Kids this Summer www.KidsBowlFree.com/Strikes This is a program through Strikes & Spares in Mishawaka. You can sign up your kids (up to age 18) for free bowling for the summer. The kids can bowl 2 free games per day all summer. Check the website for more details. 5) Volunteer Opportunities A)  HOPE'S DOOR MINISTRY, INC. in Dowagiac, Michigan is searching for 2 key skilled volunteer positions: web manager and someone to assist with accounting.  Hope's Door provides transitional housing for women in recovery.    B)   City of Benton Harbor - volunteer and provide assistance in the office with projects like the City Wide Community Unity Cleaning & Beautification project on May 21. C)  Curious Kids Museum is hosting a fundraiser for Alex Mandarino on May 19 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Discovery Zone in the Silver Beach Center, St. Joseph.  The format will be a fun carnival and volunteers will assist in monitoring the games along with staff from the Curious Kids Museum.  What will work with your schedule?  WIN FOR ALEX is an effort to raise funds for a little boy fighting a big disease. D)  Community Garden Meeting on Tuesday, May 10 in the evening, where Harbor Habitat and the Out Center are partnering to create a new community garden in Benton Harbor .  Join the group as they stake out the garden, make the row markers and continue to plan.  If you cannot make tomorrow's meeting, the garden will be planted on Sunday morning May 22, from 8 am till noon. E) Do you love garage sales?  Why not volunteer and keep a look out for bargains? Where?  New Buffalo, 601 West Buffalo Street When?   Saturday, May 28, 10 am to 4 pm                 Sunday,  May 29, 10 am to 4 pm Volunteer shifts: 9 am to 2 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm Who benefits?  Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor and the Robert Mc Cormick Boys & Girls Club of Chicago The Designers Guild of Southwest Michigan is hosting the garage sale with friends from the Chicago area.  You can shop for furniture, fashion, collectibles, decorative accessories and fine art from the world's leading designers, retailers and manufacturers.  All items will be available at a faction of the traditional retail cost. F) Silver beach Carousel Assistant - volunteer this Summer Description:  Assistants work with the carousel operator to admit riders at the turnstile, explain safety rules, help riders mount and dismount when needed, observe the carousel in operation for safety issues, answer questions, count tokens at the end of the day and help with minor cleaning & maintenance. Sign up on-line at http://www.silverbeachcarousel.com/volunteer Silver Beach Carousel For more details contact: Debra Panozzo Adult and family volunteer coordinator Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan 269-983-0912 ext 13 St. Joseph 269-683-5464  Niles www.volunteerswmi.org   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINKS TO SHARE: Check out the new links on www.hshub.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a group?  Join the HUB!  We need you/,,,,! 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   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.