Homeschool HUB News Update--June 24

Homeschool HUB News Update--June 24 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 June 28--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp July 1--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp July 7--HUB Board of Directors Meeting 7 pm, Niles Police Complex July 15--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental. GENERAL INTEREST G1) New at the website G1) New at hshub.org Random Fun and Interesting Stuff: Check this 11 year old homeschooled boy out. He is just amazing...good speaker...good info...and in front of a huge audience of VIPs. Here is a guy with amazing juggling and basketball tricks. See them both at: http://www.hshub.org/Random_Fun_Stuff.html    m MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Art and Culture Class 2) Unique Volunteer Opportunity 1) Art and Culture Class Here is a great opportunity to develop resources and activities that integrate area museum resources, the arts, and culture. Take a look at the attached files and register this week  - the registration process will take several days if you are not a current IUSB student, and the course will close on July 1, 2011 if there are not enough students registered. Kind Regards, Marsha Marsha L. Heck, Ed.D. Associate Professor of Secondary and Foundations of Education IU South Bend School of Education 1700 Mishawaka Avenue, G200 South Bend, Indiana 46634-7111 Office: (547) 520-4857 Fax: (574) 520-4550 2) Unique Volunteer Opportunity A) Volunteer to help families with lead-based paint If you are a college student at home this summer….are looking for a meaningful volunteer option with high impact and are considering a career in health, education or environmental studies…or do you just want to make a difference in the life of a child….please read on.  If you are between careers and are looking to gain experience in a health or children field, this may also be a good fit for you. The Berrien County Health Dept has a program called Healthy Homes where the goal is to prevent lead poisoning in children.  Benton Harbor is a target area because of the age of homes and the use of lead based paints before it was discontinued.  Part of prevention is to cover the old lead paint with new paint but another important part of prevention is using appropriate cleaning techniques. The side effects of lead poisoning are learning disabilities, lowered IQ, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing, Attention Deficient Disorder, speech delay, and even brain damage.  So this effort is very worthwhile, since proper cleaning techniques can prevent lead poisoning in children. Volunteers will be trained to provide direct outreach to families with children who have a documented elevated blood lead level.  These will not be "cold calls" because the families have been working with the staff at the Health Dept to reduce the lead levels in their home.  Volunteers will provide a free cleaning kit and provide education to an adult in the home.  For example: cleaning the window sills and window wells because small children sometimes put their mouths on the window sills while looking out or play with a toy in the window well and then put their fingers in their mouths, transporting dust that may have lead in it. This experience would be a great addition to your resume.  The Health Dept will be holding an information session to answer questions and to fill out volunteer forms.  If you would like to attend the information sessions or have questions contact the Volunteer Center . 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 QUICKBOOKS AND/OR ACCOUNTING HELP SOUGHT The treasurer of the Homeschool Hub is looking for a little volunteer help with Quickbooks and/or Accounting.  If you have knowledge of either or both and have a little free time, I would be willing to bring it to you! Once you show me, I can take it from there. Approximately 1 hour. I have open availability! Call Diane Day 269-370-4589. 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.

Homeschool HUB News Update--June 17

Homeschool HUB News Update--June 17 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 June 21--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp June 24--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp July 7--HUB Board of Directors Meeting 7 pm, Niles Police Complex July 15--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental. GENERAL INTEREST G1) New at the website G1) New at hshub.org Random Fun and Interesting Stuff: Talk about camouflage skills!! If you can get on facebook, check this out: http://www.hshub.org/Random_Fun_Stuff.html MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Debate Camp for Teens 2) Colonial Dancing (English Country Dancing) 3) Midwest Ox Drovers Association Gathering 4) St. Joseph River Paddlefest 2011 5) Summer Internship with Stipend 6) Niles Extended Communitity Program is online 7) 2011 Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts 8) Michiana Track and Field Day 9) Volunteer Opportunities 1) Debate Camp for Teens A great opportunity is coming right here to Niles, MI!  Ethos is putting on a summer debate camp for homeschool students right at Community Evangelical Free church on August 22-26th.  This is a great opportunity for your students age 13+ to learn everything they need to know and gain some great communication skills to last a lifetime.  Registration is open at http://ethosdebate.com so check it out today.  We took 3 students to this camp in Ohio last year and I highly recommend it for current and new students considering debate.  This could easily be a large part of your communications credit for high school whether or not you decide to debate in the fall.  For more questions contact Gina Reynolds, reyncg1@aol.com.  Early registration prices end July 1st. 2) Colonial Dancing (English Country Dancing)   Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 pm. Location:  Peace Lutheran Church, 3590 Lincoln Ave, St. Joseph. Michigan.   Come dance and have fun.  Please forward this to anyone who might be interested. No experience and no partner required. Bring a snack to share if you'd like. Wear comfortable shoes! For more information, contact Noel Bash at bash5849@sbcglobal.net 3) Midwest Ox Drovers Association Gathering Tillers International Hosts Annual Midwest Ox Drovers Association Gathering June 24-26--Focus on Practical Use of Oxen on Organic and Small Farms On Friday through Sunday June 24-26,Tillers International will host the annual Midwest Ox Drovers Association gathering. The gathering is free and open to the public.  Come see oxen at work! On June 25, oxen of various breeds and ages will perform farm and field work, including plowing, cultivating and hay making, plus advanced skills in competition courses. This is a great time to see what oxen are capable of doing in the fields on a farm.  There will also be a variety of educational sessions being held during the day including snow removal with oxen, moving hay bales with oxen, incorporating cattle manure into your garden, manure management, and others. For one session, Tillers Construction Coordinator, Rob Burdick will be discussing his dump cart design and inviting the MODA gang to brainstorm on design issues. For a bit of amusement, participants will test their throwing skill by playing cow patty bingo. June 26 will feature a Parade of Breeds and Ox Walk Wagon Train tour of Tillers grounds. The event concludes with a drawing for the first place raffle prize, a pair of started Brown Swiss calves. Other prizes will also be presented.  The best times for the public to visit will be 1 pm Saturday for the Oxen competition and 9 am Sunday for the Ox Walk and Wagon Train Tour of Tillers grounds. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. Proceeds benefit the association. Participants do not need to be present to win. For more information about the event, see www.midwestoxdrovers.com/2011_Gathering.html Tillers Internationals mission is to preserve, study and exchange low-capital technologies in order to increase the sustainability and productivity of rural communities. 4)  St. Joseph River Paddlefest 2011   I hope you will be able to come out to St. Pat's Park and participate.  Please register on-line at www.paddlefest.org.  Fee for most races is $15 per person, which includes t-shirt and lunch.  On-line registration closes on Thursday the 24th.   This will be our 10th annual Paddlefest and we are looking forward to another great day of both fun and competitive paddling at St. Patrick's County Park on the St. Joseph River in South Bend, Indiana.  As always, we have races for every kind of paddler:   * 2 mile "Fluid Fun" Fun Race * 8 mile "Half Marathon" * 16 mile "Marathon" (with prize money for solo paddlers!) * Memorial Hospital "Duathlon" (3 mile run, 2 mile paddle) * South Bend Tribune "Youth Pond Race" (ages 5-12)   Races begin at 9:00 am Sunday morning the 26th, with a mandatory race meeting at 8:30.  Please arrive early to get your boat number and to set up!!  Park gates will be open by 7:00.  All participants get a Paddlefest 2011 t-shirt and lunch after the race; we will host an awards ceremony at about noon.  See our website for details (www.paddlefest.org).   Please spread the word to your friends and family.  Visit us on Facebook and "like" us to receive event updates and tips: http://on.fb.me/kHLyT0?r=bb   And if you would rather volunteer than paddle, please be in touch! The Paddlefest Organizing Committee info@paddlefest.org   =====================================================   This year Paddlefest is joining "On The River" to help sponsor "In The River" on Saturday, August 6th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.  This non-competitive, "200 Boat Float" aims to get as many paddlers as possible on the St. Joseph River near Howard Park in downtown South Bend, in order to promote recreational paddling and the long-term health of the St. Joseph River.  We're encouraging everyone, young and old, to come on down and put their canoes, kayaks, and rafts in the river right downtown! "On The River", on August 5-6, turns a vacant lot in downtown into a full-fledged beach, complete with 2,000 tons of sand, palm trees, tiki huts, a giant main stage, great food & beverage and thousands of people who love to have fun in the sun.   On the River 2011 is actually three distinct events. Friday is Teen Night, complete with a Battle of the Bands competition, live DJs, volleyball, cornhole, fireworks and other fun games. Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. is Family Day, and will include children's activities and games, face painting, balloon artists, bounce houses, and a volleyball clinic. Then on Saturday night from 3 p.m.-11 p.m., the 21+ Beach Bash features a 6-on-6 volleyball tournament, cornhole tournament, hog roast, a great menu of food & beverages, a great lineup of bands, and a spectacular fireworks display.  Bring chairs and blankets and come enjoy the beach in downtown!   Visit www.ontheriverfest.com for complete event information. 5) Summer Internship with Stipend Revolutionize how technology helps volunteers connect to volunteer opportunities in Southwest Michigan!  The Volunteer Center is offering an 8 week summer internship, with a stipend, to assist with the launch of Hands On Connect. The Volunteer Intern will clean up existing data and get ready for transfer to new system, test the new system and assist with developing training materials.  The volunteer intern will need to work independently under the guidance of the implementation team and have a high level of computer and internet skills. For more information and to submit a resume please contact: Sharon Davaran at volunteermi@volunteerswmi.org or at 983-0912 extension 12. 6) Niles Extended Community now online! Here is where you can go to get info on the Niles Extended Community Program: http://nilesschools.schoolwires.net/212620428164940510/site/default.asp They will be adding more detailed class descriptions and information as things become set.  Also, in the Community Resource class area, the Video Production class will be one they offer. They haven't added the Equine Science class yet because they are still ironing out some insurance issues, but it's 90% certain it will be offered. It will be added as soon as it's confirmed. You can put this class down on the regista=;oprion form if you are interested--put a backup class in case it doesn't happen or in case it fills up.  If you only want to participate if that class is available, note that on the form. 7) 2011 Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts Free plays in the park!  Family-friendly plays Heidi and The Sound of Music will be offered.          * Wednesday, July 6:  Children's play "Heidi": 5:30pm; "The Sound of Music": 7:00 pm     * Thursday, July 7: Children's play "Heidi": 5:30pm; "The Sound of Music": 7:00 pm     * Friday, July 8: Children's play "Heidi": 5:30pm; "The Sound of Music": 7:00 pm     * Saturday, July 9: Children's play "Heidi": 4:30pm; "The Sound of Music": 6:00 pm     * Sunday, July 10: Children's play "Heidi": 4:30pm; "The Sound of Music": 6:00 pm All Performances are FREE!  Lawn Seating: Bring a Blanket or a Lawn Chair.  Kindleberger Park is in the Kalamazoo area.  More info at: http://www.kindleberger.org/theatre.php 8) Michiana Track & Field Day Family Fun Opportunity!  All Home School families, Indiana and Michigan, are invited to participate in the Michiana Home School Track and Field Fun Day.  This event is for ages 3-14 and will take place on July 23rd from 9-noon at Niles High School Football Stadium.  Events will include; broad jumping, long jumping, softball throws, and various races which will include a "Chicken Relay".   Please see the attached for details and registration. 9) Volunteer Opportunities A) Krasl Art Fair Krasl Art Center is celebrating this summer with their 50th Annual Art Fair.  The place to be is going to be on the bluff in St. Joseph on the weekend of July 9 and 10.  Do you have a few hours to volunteer, before or after you visit the fair? Tasks looking for volunteers include: 1)  Booth sitters: cover the booth for an artist while they take a break. 2)  Krasl Kids Zone Helpers:  Activities for kids: show them how to do it, supervise, restock supplies, etc. 3)  Water Sales:  Water will be for sale - benefits the Krasl Art center 4)  Visitor Survey Helpers:  survey the visitors as to their Art Fair experience. 5)  Parking and Operations:  provide directions as to parking for both visitors and art fair participants, tend to the behind the scenes details required to make the event go smoothly. The volunteer coordinator with the Krasl Art Center will be able to provide you with details as to slots and tasks that are open - to see if it fits your schedule.   Danielle Shepherd   Krasl Art Center   dshepherd@krasl.org  Ph: 269-983-0271  Cell: 269-876-9475 www.krasl.org Or 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 QUICKBOOKS AND/OR ACCOUNTING HELP SOUGHT The treasurer of the Homeschool Hub is looking for a little volunteer help with Quickbooks and/or Accounting.  If you have knowledge of either or both and have a little free time, I would be willing to bring it to you! Once you show me, I can take it from there. Approximately 1 hour. I have open availability! Call Diane Day 269-370-4589. 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:

Homeschool HUB News Update--June 10

Homeschool HUB News Update--June 10 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 June 17--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp June 17--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental. GENERAL INTEREST G1) Online Summer Class--Green Technology G1) Online Summer Class--Green Technology Looking for something fun and educational for summer?  GREEN TECHNOLOGY is a hands-on science class designed for students age 8 to 108.  The younger students will need a little help with simple mathematics and vocabulary, students 12 and up can work on their own. Starts June 20, register today!   www.QuickStudyLabs.com  See attached flyer for more info. MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Homeschool Beach Days on Tuesdays 2) Scholarships Available for Lego Robotics and Design Camps at LMC Bertrand Crossing Campus 3) Homeschool Discounts on Christian Concerts this Summer 4) Youth Summer Serve 2011 5) Volunteer Opportunities 1) Homeschool Beach Days on Tuesdays Fuller's Resort and Campground in Buchanan still offers Homeschool Day at the Beach. This year it will be on Tuesdays, all day, with no rules about what time you have to check in.  Come for the day and pay only $1 per person. Just check in at the gate or in the store and tell them you would like the Homeschool Day at the Beach rate. There is a volleyball court on the beach, ice cream and fast food for sale, and a playground. The beach is calm and the water will be warm enough to swim in.  Rentals are available of tubes, kayaks and paddleboats. www.fullersresort.com (directions and campground information) 2) Scholarships Available for Lego Robotics and Design Camps at LMC Bertrand Crossing Campus      Lake Michigan College's Bertrand Crossing Campus is offering three robotics camps and two digital fabrication and invention camps this summer for students entering grades 5 through 9. The educational yet fun camps are designed to help students explore their abilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. The five-day collaborative and creative learning experience camps will help the students to develop their skills and expertise in design, prototyping, problem solving, and project management. Participants will learn about mechanical and software design, problem solving, and teamwork skills. Student teams will complete several projects and mini challenges. The cost for each camp week is $200. Scholarships are available but limited, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No previous experience is required. The recommended ages for camps are 9 to 14, with a minimum age of 9. Students need to bring sack lunch daily, and must be motivated and mature enough to stay focused on robotics activities all day. Robotics Camps Students work in pairs to solve challenges by building and programming robots using the LEGO Mindstorm NXT. Students will building their own robot and learn computer programming to control it. Dates offered for the robotics campus are: Robotics I: June 13-17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Robotics I: June 20-24, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Robotics II: June 27-July 1, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Digital Fabrication and Invention Camps Students learn digital fabrication, making both artistic and practical designs using laser and vinyl cutting technology. LMC's Bertrand Crossing is one of only 50 fabrication laboratories, known as fab labs, in the world. Fab labs began at MIT at the Center for Bits and Atoms and are now spread globally, bringing technology and skills to anyone who ever dreamed of making something. Dates offered for the digital fabrication and invention camps are: Digi Fab Camp: June 13-17, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Digi Fab Camp: June 20-24, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. To register for camp, get the scholarship application, or request more information, call (269) 695-1391. The LMC Bertrand Crossing Campus is located at 1905 Foundation Drive in Niles, Michigan. 3) Homeschool Discounts on Christian Concerts this Summer DTE's music theater will have three Contemporary Christian music concerts this summer and offers discounts for homeschool families.  June 26 Steven Curtis Chapman with Jars of Clay, Francesca Battestelli, and Caleb;  August 14 Michael W. Smith and Third Day with Chris August;  September 18 tobyMac with Peter Furler, Mandisa, and Jamie Grace.  See attached form for more info. If you have any questions please feel free to call or email:  . Michelle Van Zweden | Group Sales Event Coordinator Palace Sports & Entertainment/Family Shows mvanzweden@palacenet.com 248.377.8638 direct l 248.370.5938 fax Palace Sports & Entertainment 6 Championship Dr. | Auburn Hills, MI 48326 4)  Youth Summer Serve 2011 Just in time to kick off the summer season, the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan is proud to host its summer youth volunteer recruitment program, 'Youth Summer Serve.'  Now in its fourth year, Youth Summer Serve connects young people, middle school through high school age, with volunteer opportunities in communities in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.  Last year, 13 youth each completed 40 hours of volunteer service at area nonprofit agencies and generated over 800 volunteer service hours! Each youth will volunteer 40 hours from June 20th-August 12th at the nonprofit organizations and service projects of their choice.  Youth who complete the program are recognized for their contribution of service with a certificate of recognition. Youth volunteers receive valuable experience that can go toward leadership development, resume building, school requirements, and career pathway exploration.  Communities benefit from youth volunteerism because nonprofit service organizations can continue and expand their services. Contact Callie Campbell, Youth Volunteer Coordinator at 983-0912 x15 or 683-5464 or youth@volunteerswmi.org for more information and assistance in finding volunteer opportunities.  Be sure to check out all area nonprofit agencies and volunteer opportunities listed on our website at www.volunteerswmi.org. The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan promotes, supports, and connects volunteers working to make a strong, caring community.  The vision of the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan is that "everyone volunteers!"   The Volunteer Center is a United Way agency affiliated with the HandsOn Network and Youth Volunteer Corps. 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 5) Volunteer Opportunities A) Safety Day in Bridgman Description: This free event will host a series of safety day activities such as water safety, bicycle safety, farm safety, with special appearances by Andy the Ambulance and Elmo the Drug Dog. This is a free event with games and refreshments as well. When: Sunday, June 12, 2011 from 2 to 4 pm.  What:  Volunteers will help set up, clean up and assist with activities. Where: Toth Park, Bridgman , MI 49106 Contact Info: Suzann Flowers Other Program Coordinator 269-925-1137 flowerss@swmpc.org http://www.swmpc.org B) Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph supports all of the arts. Their multi-use arts center includes artist studios, galleries, a performance stage, classrooms, Art Shop and more.  The two floors of the 55,000-sq-ft building have been devoted to the arts since 1995 when members of the Berrien Artist Guild, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, purchased the historic (c. 1903) Williams Brothers Paper Box Factory.  It is free and open to the public: 10am to 4pm Mon-Sat, and 1 to 4 pm on Sun. Volunteers serve as greeters, providing information regarding the artists and exhibits or upcoming events.  Do you have free time this summer to serve for a shift, either 10 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 4pm.?  They are looking to fill slots on weekdays and weekends - you can check your schedule with their volunteer coordinator to see if it is a fit for you.  Volunteers facilitate gift shops sales. Because the Box Factory hosts concerts, theatre presentations, films, book talks and readings, volunteering is a great way to be the first to discover what is going on and what you may want to attend.  (Admission fees vary for each event with reservations required for some.) C) Volunteers with knowledge of flowers/gardening The City of Benton Harbor is collaborating with First Church of God in St. Joseph in their 1000 volunteers/50,000 hour community outreach initiative. On, Sunday, June 12th; 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., approximately 70 volunteers from First Church will assist the City of Benton Harbor in a beautification project.  They will be creating flower beds, clearing existing beds, planting, etching, mulching, etc.  The project area will be City Center Park , (near the BH Public Library) and includes BH City Hall and Police Station.   Registration will be in City Center Park . They are in need of individuals with gardening expertise to provide assistance/direction for project volunteers. Come join the fun and excitement!  Please contact Sandra Dudley (269 519 9928) or e-mail at sdudley@bhcity.org, if you are interested in participating or contact the Volunteer Center for more info. If you would like to volunteer in the future , if you need more info or would like to get connected, 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.

HUB Newsletter Update correction

Kids on the train: One child aged 2-13 rides free with an adult over 21 except on peak hour trains (those leaving Millennium station in Chicago from 3:30 to 6:30 pm).  Otherwise, kids 2-13 ride at half price.  So, the price for all kids 2-13 during peak hours is half price, no free kids.  The price for kids 2-13 not matched with an adult is half price (no matter what time). I hope that makes sense.  :-)

Homeschool HUB News Update--June 3

Homeschool HUB News Update--June 3 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 June 10--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp June 17--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental. MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY/ADLER/FIELD MUSEUM FIELD TRIP 2) Volunteer Opportunities 1) MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY/ADLER/FIELD MUSEUM FIELD TRIP TUESDAY June 7th we will have a HUB Field Trip to Chicago to visit The Museum of Science and Industry and/or Adler Planetarium and/or The Field Museum and/or The Museum of Contemporary Art.  All of these museums have a free admission day on Tuesday June 7th, so there is no charge to enter.  You can choose which one(s) to visit.  We will meet at the South Bend Regional Airport at 8:15 AM and take the train to Chicago, so no driving, no worries about the cost of gas, etc.  Yay!  Children under two ride free on a lap.  One child 2-13 rides free with each person over 21.  Other children 2-13 ride for half-price (except on rush hour trains).  One-way adult fare (ages 14 and up): $10.50 to Museum of Science and Industry, $11.15 to the other museums.  If we get enough people going, we will get a group discount.  Pack a lunch or purchase at the museum or elsewhere.  Feel free to invite family and friends.  Everyone is welcome.  Contact Andrea Bikfalvy if you plan to go or if you have questions:  writermom@surfbest.net or 269-240-6094.   2) Volunteer Opportunities A) Berrien County Council for Children Description: The Berrien County Council for Children is looking for volunteers to help with a 5K walk to raise awareness of child sexual abuse. The walk will start at Lions Park in St. Joseph on Saturday, June 4, 2011. Registration starts at 9:00 am, the walk will begin at 10:00 am. We need volunteers to help with kids activities (games, face painting) as well as directing walkers throughout the route.  Volunteers should be at least 15 years old. When: Arrive at Lion's Park at 9:00 am Saturday June 4th. We should be finished with the walk and any activities by 12:00 noon.   Contact: Mary Seekins Volunteer Coordinator 269-556-9640 info@berrienchild.org Alternate Contact: Jamie Rossow Executive Director 269-556-9640 jrossow@berrienchild.org http://www.berrienchild.org B) Pack Food for those in need Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency receives food through a federal government commodity program.  Volunteers pack the food at the warehouse in Benton Harbor , into smaller boxes, to be delivered to individuals through out southwest Michigan .  (For example, dropped off at the various senior centers.)  Individuals qualify in advance to receive the box of food - a bag of this, a box of that, various canned goods, etc. and it helps them stretch their budget each month. The warehouse is in need of help packing this week and next, especially - so if you have a couple of hours they would welcome your assistance.  Bring your older kids and do it as a summer project next week.  They are located at 331 Miller in Benton Harbor and are open for packing, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to noon, taking a break for lunch and continuing from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. If you would like to volunteer in the future , if you need more info or would like to get connected, 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 YARD SALE Huge Multi-Family Yard Sale and Homeschool Book Sale-Thursday, June 2- Saturday, June 4th- 9:00am- 4:pm- PLEASE no early birds.  1281 Grayhaven Lane Brighton MI 48114  N. off Hyne W of Pleasant Valley, East of Old 23  Homeschool Supplies from over 12 years of Homeschooling- 500 PLUS books  Plus many more items!!! 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.