Homeschool HUB News Update--July 29

Homeschool HUB News Update--July 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 Aug 2--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp Aug 5--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp August 19--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental. GENERAL INTEREST G1) New at the website G2) Congrats to the Homeschool "Boggers"! G1) New at hshub.org Added to the website this week: College JumpStart Scholarship For students in grades 10 – 12, as well as college students.  Based on a 250 word essay.  First prize - $1,500, second - $750, third - $250.  They run it twice/year with deadlines of Oct 17 and April 15. Get more information here: http://www.hshub.org/College_Scholarships.html G2) Congrats to the Homeschool "Boggers"! "Boggers" win recognition for their great work!  Kudos to this great group of students! Check it out by going to this link and clicking on Michigan on the map: http://www.wecanchange.com/middle-school/about-challenge/2011-challenge-winners/2011-middle-school-state-finalists/ MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Homeschool HUB Annual Picnic Coming Soon! 2) Niles Riverfest Celebrates 19th Season 3) Debate Camp 4) AMERICORPS VISTA position available 5) Volunteer Opportunities 1) Homeschool HUB Annual Picnic Coming Soon! The Annual Picnic and Info Meeting will be coming up in August and will take place at Fuller's.  Date and Time TBA  Stay tuned for more info!. 2) Niles Riverfest Celebrates 19th Season Niles Riverfest 2011 has been one of Southwestern Michigan's most popular family festivals for 20 years. It will be held from Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 7, in downtown Niles, Michigan at Riverfront Park along the St. Joseph River.  This fun-filled event is free to all who attend. People of all ages can come to enjoy the variety of recreational activities and events, entertainment, great food, craft booths, kids games and more.  See www.nilesriverfest.net for more info. 3) Debate Camp GOOD NEWS!  Ethos is holding the "early registration" price to allow more families to get in on Debate camp in Niles, MI August 22-26.  Please check out all the information at,http://www.ethosdebate.com/seminars/registration-niles-mi/ .  This is a day camp with prices at $180 for the first student in a family, $130 for the second and $80 for the third.  Staffing can change but we are pleased to plan on having Isaiah McPeak and Tim Snyder for our trainers for this camp.  You can read their bio's here;http://www.ethosdebate.com/about/staff/ .  If you're looking for a great experience please consider joining us.  This will be a smaller camp being our first year holding one so there will be lots of opportunities for connection with the trainers and personal attention, no need to feel intimidated or overwhelmed.   We will be having optional meals available; we'll send information to those registered about 1 week prior to the camp. We are also trying very hard to place anyone who needs host housing, so, though we cannot guarantee it feel free to inquire.  Niles is just North of South Bend Indiana and would be less than an hour commute from Kalamazoo, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Elkhart etc…  For hotels in Niles you would have the Niles Inn and Comfort Inn but any of the hotels on North 933 in South Bend would be about 10-15 minutes away as well.   For questions or more information, check out the Ethos website, and for information on housing, meals, or the Niles area, contact Gina Reynolds reyncg1@aol.com or 269-684-8253. 4) AMERICORPS VISTA position available The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan currently has an opening for an AmeriCorps VISTA.  This is a volunteer position with a small living allowance and some health insurance coverage.  This is a full-time (40 hours) per week service position with the Volunteer Center 's youth volunteer program.  Qualified applicants must not have additional employment, but may be part-time students; applicants will be largely based out of the Volunteer Center 's St. Joseph office, but will spend at least one day each week in the Volunteer Center 's Niles office.  A successful candidate in this position will be expected to build capacity for youth volunteerism as part of the Volunteer Center team.  He/she will be involved in creating, planning, and coordinating new and ongoing activities that promote youth volunteerism and that create youth volunteer service opportunities and  projects throughout the Volunteer Center 's service area of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.   The candidate will focus on youth service projects that seek to alleviate and address poverty-related issues.  It is suggested that serious candidates check out the AmeriCorps VISTA resources found at: www.nationalservice.gov and www.americorps.gov.  Interested and qualified candidates should email cover letter and resume to: Callie Campbell, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan: youth@volunteerswmi.org.   5) Volunteer Opportunities A) Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency has a commodity program where they receive food items and then pack it into boxes for people who are low income who have signed up to receive a box of food.  It varies each time, with a jar of this and a can of that.  The boxes then go out across southwest Michigan to drop off points, like the local senior centers.  They need help packing the boxes.  You can volunteer for a couple of hours on one day or volunteer each day for the next week.  They have a large delivery to make next week Thursday, August 4, so they are especially looking for volunteers to prepare boxes.  This is ideal for individuals, groups, or families (younger children are welcome, along with an adult.) WHERE:           Southwest MI Community Action Agency warehouse 331 Miller Ave , Benton Harbor, off of Paw Paw Ave. , a few blocks off of Main Street . WHEN:             Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, with a break from 12 - 12:30 pm for lunch.  You can bring a brown bag lunch if you like or grab lunch at a local restaurant. WHY:                Help feed your neighbor with a box of healthy food.  It will extend their food dollars. You can just show up ready to pack food.  Or call Jim Frank, the warehouse 934-8251 with questions. B) The History Center at Courthouse Square will have a booth at the Berrien County Youth Fair and are looking for volunteers to help manage their booth. Description: The History Center at Courthouse Square is seeking volunteers to staff their booth at the Berrien County Youth Fair. Selling local and regional history books as well as items from the Museum Store. The funds generated from the sales directly support the History Center . Dates:  Aug 15, 2011 - Aug 20, 2011 Hours Needed:  There are three 4-hour shifts per day. 11-3, 3-7, and 7-11. Location: 9122 Old US 31, Berrien Springs , MI 49103      Contact Info: Kristen Patzer Umphrey Volunteer Coordinator 269-471-1202 kpatzer@berrienhistory.org http://www.berrienhistory.org C) Niles Riverfest volunteers needed.  What floats your boat?  Gather a team, build your boat and have fun.  If you would like to volunteer for this event check out their web site for details: www.nilesriverfest.net D) River Rescue is a community effort to help clean up trash out of our waterways throughout Van Buren and Berrien County .  Non-organic trash is a problem across our state, it is not only isn't appealing to see but it is also harmful to our water quality and wildlife. Van Buren County Volunteer opportunity: This year's River Rescue will be Saturday, August 6th from 9am-1pm.  There are several locations around Van Buren County so the easiest thing to do is to call the Van Buren Conservation District office at 269-657-4030 x 5 to find out where the sites are so everyone doesn't come to one location. WHERE:  Almena Township , 28th Street and Hamilton Township , 55th Street are perfect sites for those that would like to clean up on foot.  There are also a few sites where people that are interested in volunteering on the water in kayaks and/or canoes (must have own boat and life preserver) and paddle down river and clean up as they go. The Conservation District provides all the essentials; bags, gloves, water, snacks, volunteer gift.  Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants and closed toed shoes. Interested Van Buren County volunteers can call AJ (Alison) Brucks at 269-657-4030x5.  www.vanburencd.org   Berrien County Volunteer option:   WHERE: Hays Park , Watervliet.  Time and volunteers permitting, also covering Flattery Park , across M-140 to another section of the Paw Paw River . If construction prevents easy entrance to Hays Park it can also be accessed by   East Parsons Ave just past the Hays Park Entrance. WHEN:  Saturday, August 6 from 9 am to 1 pm WHY:   Stream cleanup project on the Paw Paw River to pick up trash along the banks and in the park. BRING:  Bug spray or sunscreen if desired. WEAR:  Dress expecting to get your clothes dirty and  possibly wet shoes. THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPPLIES:  Drinking water, gloves, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, and a small gift for each volunteer. Interested volunteers can call Nancy Carpenter, 269-471-9111x5 Or for more info, 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: If anyone has a favorite site or interesting link for homeschoolers, please share!  Just send it to homeschoollhub@yahoo.com with "update" or "newsletter" in the subject. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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.

Homeschool HUB News Update--July 22

Homeschool HUB News Update--July 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 July 26--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp July 29--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp August 19--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 This is in the interesting category -- barefoot poor women learning to be solar engineers....inspiring too. See it here: http://www.hshub.org/Random_Fun_Stuff.html MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) 2011 Jazz Series at Stony Gardens 2) Volunteer Opportunities 1) 2011 Jazz Series at Stony Gardens Wednesdays, July 20, July 27, August 3, and August 10 8:00 - 11:00 pm Stony Gardens 4055 South Franklin Michigan City, IN 4636 $10 ticket at the door. Proceeds benefit the Indiana Youth Institute.  To RSVP, please go to www.iyi.org/rsvp.  Thanks to our sponsors: The Center of Workforce Innovations, WorkOne Northwest Indiana "Where jobseekers and employers meet."  Questions?  Contact Stephen Gill, Northwest Indiana Field Staff Representative at sgill@iyi.org or 866-426-6568.  The Indiana Youth Institute promotes the healthy development of Indiana children and youth by serving the people, institutions and communities that impact their well-being. 2) Volunteer Opportunities A) Senior Services, based in South Haven, is looking for donations of fans and air conditioners to provide to seniors struggling in this heat wave.  Or they are receiving monetary donations to make purchases. B) Coming up: August 20 from 9 am to 6 pm the Van Buren United Civic organization in Covert will host SUMMER FEST.  Funds raised that day go towards funding the community center, serving seniors in Covert.  They will have food and carnival like activities for both adults and kids. Volunteers will: - serve food (cat fish, chicken & ribs - they are looking for monetary donations to make purchases, side dishes will be prepared by members) - man the activity booths - Auctioneer - set up and clean up C) Have a few minutes this Saturday?  Want to make a difference in the life of someone serving in the military?  (Where they often work in difficult weather conditions) Stop by and make a card for a troop at the Volunteer Center .  All supplies will be provided.  Bring your creativity. WHEN:     This Saturday, July 23rd, from 11am to 1pm WHAT:      Make all-occasion cards for troops in association with the Blue Star Mothers.  Card that are made will be used for various occasions and holidays throughout the upcoming year WHERE:   Right in front of the Volunteer Center office in St. Joseph, 605 Pleasant St .  (turn by the BP gas station, going towards the lake) WHY?       Do something great for someone in the armed forces. Just show up.  Great option for youth, adults, families, friends, anyone! D) Coming Saturday, July 30 in downtown Village of Three Oaks, the Inside Out Summer Festival from 9 am to 7 pm with a Live Performance Stage • Michael Kennedy and the Concerns, Venitia Sekema • Ol' Style Band • James the Magician • Drumming, Jane Pellouchoud • Jim Partrick – organ-grinder • Stewart's Music Zoo, Radio Harbor Country WRHC 106.7fm - Live Broadcast • Artist Demos, Sandcastle Building • Farmers Market • Culinary Tastings, Games • Arts & Crafts • Followed by Music in the Park Want to get involved? -Volunteers will be assisting children with the crafts and building drums (participating in the drumming circle is optional) between 11 am and 7 pm -  2 hours minimum. -Valuable volunteers will do festival set up from 7 to 9 am and take down from 6 to 7:30 pm.  You can read more about the festival at www.threeoaksvillage.org If you would like to volunteer or would like additional info contact check our web site: Volunteer Center : Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan Posted By: Village of Three Oaks For more info, 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: If anyone has a favorite site or interesting link for homeschoolers, please share!  Just send it to homeschoollhub@yahoo.com with "update" or "newsletter" in the subject. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 correction

Niles Track and Field Day has been postponed.  Future date to be announced.  Please contact Gail Bliss if you have further questions. 574-340-1025

Homeschool HUB News Update--July 15

Homeschool HUB News Update--July 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 July 19--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp July 22--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp August 19--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 Here is a dog anyone would want!  Thanks to Diane Day for sending us this one. http://www.hshub.org/Random_Fun_Stuff.html MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Michiana Track & Field Day 2) Fort St. Joseph Events 3) Volunteer Opportunities 1) 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 attached for details and registration. 2) Fort St. Joseph Events Hello, The attached are flyers for upcoming events associated with the Fort St. Joseph archaeology season.  The lectures are weekly and held in the Community Room of the Niles District Library.  The archaeology open house, August 13 & 14, is a great event for the whole family.  I hope to see you at these events! Carol Carol Bainbridge, Director Fort St. Joseph Museum 508 E. Main St. Niles, MI 49120 269-683-4702, ext. 212 cbainbridge@nilesmi.org 3) Volunteer Opportunities A) The Gateway Softball Marathon , Friday & Saturday, July 22 & 23.  Much more than softball: fun for a good cause!   WHAT:           You can volunteer for an hour or two or for the whole event. WHEN:          Friday:  4:30-9 pm, Saturday, from 7 am to help with set up or 8 with the start of the games, with the games ending 9 p.m.; Sunday is tear down: TBA. TASKS:         Some possible volunteer tasks include: handing out programs, kids zone, concession, and various help with the softball games. WHERE:        Plangger's Field in Benton Township , near exit 28 off of I 94.  Going north, turn left at the first street between the gas station and the car dealership.  Go past the hotel and turn left, following the road to where the field is located. Details from their press release: This year the Gateway Miracle Softball Marathon will celebrate its 25th year in Berrien County   on July 23 and 24 at Plangger's Field in Benton Harbor and plan the best year yet. Last year's event raised over $20,000 for vital Gateway programming and enjoyed a renewed spirit as almost 1,000 spectators came out over the weekend to support their favorite new and returning teams. Skill level is not an issue at the Gateway Miracle Softball Marathon. Participants and spectators are allowed, and even encouraged, to bribe celebrity umpires for runs, to buy outs, have opposing players run the bases in flippers or make opponents take their 'at bat' with tennis rackets or golf clubs; all bribes accepted count as a tax-deductible donation to Gateway. Proceeds raised from this event are used to create new programs, enhance equipment, and further the opportunities available to children and adults with special needs. Funds raised also provide Gateway with the seed money needed to create several new, desperately needed programs for current populations and will increase availability of its services to a wider population of disadvantaged persons. Teams this year include Whirlpool, St. Joe/Benton Harbor Rotary, The St. Joe Lions Club, Michigan Works, The Berrien County GOP, Bridges to Digital Excellence, UPS, Signature Automotive, Young Life, Sherwin Williams, AEP, ServePro, Knights of Columbus, Lakeland, Signature Lawn Care, Midwest Family Broadcasting and The Herald Palladium. We encourage the community to come out, support their favorite team and get in on the bribing. This year some new activities have been added to the softball grounds such as a  kid's zone with games and inflatable jumpers to keep kids active while their parents are playing softball and a 4th inning 50/50 raffle at each game and the beer truck this year will feature Oberon on tap. Lemon Creek Winery has offered to set up a tent for those interested in tasting their award winning wines. Raffle tickets will be available for $1 each all weekend for those wanting to win prizes donated by area businesses such as Silver Beach Pizza, Broad Street Bagel, Sparkle Car Wash, Curious Kids Museum, Captain Mike's Fun Park, Jimmy Johns and lots more. The Gateway Softball Marathon is sponsored by AEP, Mid West Family Broadcasting, MI Works!, Whirlpool, Gast Manufacturing, Lemon Creek Winery, Lakeland Health Care, Stadium Graphics, JES Vending, Mailmax, Chemical Bank and Abonmarche. For more information contact Tammy Jackson at Gateway: tjackson@gatewayvro.com or call Gateway at 269-471-2897 ex 13.  Batter up! 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--July 8

Homeschool HUB News Update--July 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 July 12--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp July 15--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp July 15--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental. MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Michiana Track & Field Day 2) High School Musical Jr. Performance 3) Outdoor Summer Jam Festival with the Pistons 4) Michigan Youth Policy Summits - IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP!! 5) Bethel to Host Community Health and Wellness Expo 6) Summer Art Camps 7) Volunteer Opportunities 1) 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. 2) High School Musical Jr. Performance I would like to invite area families to come see High School Musical Jr., a live show.  It will be held Friday, July 29th and Saturday, July 30th at 7pm at the Dowagiac Performing Arts Center (57028 Riverside Dr., Dowagiac MI,  49047).  Tickets are only $5.00.  I think this would be a fun activity that families could do that is inexpensive also. Families can buy tickets at The Red Raven in Dowagiac (201 South Front St.), Majerek's Gift Shop in Niles (213 East Main St.) or at Niles Scrapbooking in Niles (2830 S. 11th St. or 31 or 933 depending on what you call that road).  They could also email me at mmbakerson@yahoo.com for tickets or buy them at the door.  It is reserved seating and all of the seats at the performing arts center are great. You won't have to worry about being able to see or your younger child being able to see.  It a beautiful center, seating 843 per night. I have attached a poster with all of the information on it as well.  We hope that you come and see the show and support area children in their hard work over the summer.  Thank you so much.   If you have any questions please email me at mmbakerson@yahoo.com. Thank you, Michelle Bakerson 3) Outdoor Summer Jam Festival with the Pistons The Detroit Pistons and Medical Weight Loss Clinic are hosting a Summer Jam Camp Day from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. This interactive event includes activities, entertainment and special appearances by Strength and Conditioning Coach Arnie Kander and additional Pistons personalities. The cost of the event is $10 and includes access to all activities and a complimentary ticket for a future Pistons' home game. The outdoor event tips off in the parking lot of The Palace and youth activities include: inflatable games, a sport court, balloon animals made by Palace Patrol, basketball shots on the Pistons' Year Round Hoops truck and live music. The Auburn Hills Police and Fire Departments will be in attendance, showcasing their vehicles to the youngsters. The event culminates with an indoor pep rally on the Pistons' basketball court including appearances by Pistons' mascot Hooper; Flight Crew; Palace Patrol; live music by DJ Earl; and a basketball clinic on the court with Pistons' School Assembly Director Coach Aaron Smith. Additionally, Arnie Kander will demonstrate fitness techniques and discuss how to maintain a healthy diet. This fitness-driven pep rally is in support of the NBA Fit initiative, which is the league's comprehensive health and wellness program that encourages physical activity and healthy living for children and families through grassroots programs and events. More than 1,500 children are expected to attend and there is still space available to sign up. "This is the first year the Pistons have hosted a Summer Jam. We are very excited about the opportunity to have some fun with the community during the off-season and celebrate Pistons basketball," said Ryan Bertschman, director of group sales and premium events at Palace Sports & Entertainment. Employees of both Palace Sports & Entertainment and Medical Weight Loss Clinic will be onsite to provide support and to facilitate activities throughout the day. It's not too late to order tickets for this great event, please pass this along to any of your families and have them contact me at 248.377.8638 if they would like to attend.  See attached form for more info. Have a great day! Michelle : ) 4) Michigan Youth Policy Summits - IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP!! As some of you already know, we had to make some last minute program changes to our 2011 Michigan programs. This is our last (promise!) campaign to reach out to our broad circle of MI contacts and try to recruit some final student participants. We are accepting individual student participants, as well as teams with or without chaperones.  Students can now choose 1 of 2 YPS programs on Great Lakes Water Resources: v  Kalamazoo: Western Michigan University. July 10-15. v  Midland: Northwood University. August 7-12. Both of these options are overnight programs. Students receive full food and lodging for the week-long program for the student commitment fee of $50 (scholarships are available). Please pass this information along to your high school student contacts. YPS is truly a unique, fun and exciting opportunity, and we so appreciate your help connecting students to YPS this summer. Thank you, Jessye Crowe-Rothstein Program Manager Youth Policy Summit The Keystone Center 1730 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Suite 509 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-452-0139 Fax: 202-452-113 www.youthpolicysummit.org 5) Bethel to Host Community Health and Wellness Expo Author, speaker and celebrity Chef Mark Anthony will bring his vegan-eating message to the Community Health and Wellness Expo at Bethel College on July 10. The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center. Admission is free, but an offering will be taken to help offset costs. Sponsored by Bethel College, Sodexo Inc. and the First Seventh Day Adventist Church of South Bend, the Expo will feature a cooking demonstration with Anthony, along with sampling and stunning fruit and vegetable displays.  For more information, call 574.807.7618. To learn more about Anthony, visit his website at www.chefmarkanthony.com. 6) Summer Art Camps There are still opportunities to enjoy the activities that make this time of year one of learning in a different way. I am still looking for interested students for the July art camps. We had an awesome Hobby Lobby Camp! The boys especially enjoyed it! The painiting classes are for adults, so if you have wanted to learn to paint, this class is for you! Gloria Seitz Art instructor Gloria Seitz, a certified K-12 art teacher, will be teaching art camps at Hobby Lobby in Mishawaka and Community Evangelical Free Church in Niles. The camps will run for 90 minutes each day and consist of a variety of projects, using materials such as paint, clay, scratch art, and metal tooling. The theme for the younger art camps will be ART AROUND THE WORLD. ADULTS, HERE'S THE PAINTING CLASS YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TAKE: Older students, age 12 through adult will be doing a painting of their choice and will need to purchase a 16 x 20 canvas and bring a large photo or copy of a masterpiece or an art book (at least 8x10": calendar or magazine photos work well as well as personal photos and bringing several choices is a good idea). Having your own personal brushes is also preferable. Pick a subject based on what you like and not on how difficult or easy it looks to paint!!! CLASSES WILL BE HELD at Community Evangelical Free Church in Niles, MI from July 19-22. Ages 6-10 will meet from 10-11:30 a.m. Ages 9-13 will meet from 12:30 -2 p.m. Older students and adults will meet for a painting class from 2:30-4 p.m. CLASSES WILL BE HELD on the south side at the Oaks, 16323 Roosevelt Rd. Mishawaka on July 26-29. Ages 6-10 will meet from 10-11:30 a.m. Ages 9-13 will meet from 12:30 -2 p.m. Older students and adults will meet for a painting class from 2:30-4 p.m. The cost is $55 for the six hours of instruction and includes all materials except a sketchbook and pencil. Save $5 on the cost if you send in payment. Please call Gloria at 574-271-8069 by July 12 for the Niles classes and by the 18th for the Oaks classes or email her at seitzhome@sbcglobal.net .  Check out the website. www.newcreationsart.com   Classes do fill up, so be sure to get your registration in early.   7) Volunteer Opportunities A) NEW BUFFALO CITY BEACH SWEEP! The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan's Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) is privileged to lead and facilitate a series of six beach clean-up at New Buffalo City Beach beginning on Monday, July 11th, from 8-10 a.m.  All youth and families are invited and should contact Callie Campbell to participate.  Parent or guardian signatures are required on both photo releases and parental release forms, available upon arrival.  Beach parking fees are waived for volunteers who participate in this project.  Youth will earn community service hours that may be applied toward school, employment, and personal development. The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan seeks to achieve four fundamental goals for youth volunteerism: to engage young people in service projects that are challenging, rewarding, and educational; to serve the unmet needs of the community and its residents; to promote among young people a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of their community; to promote a lifetime of service among young people.  Youth interested in volunteering with the clean ups should contact Youth Volunteer Coordinator Callie Campbell at: youth@volunteerswmi.org, 1-269-983-0912 or 683-5464 for more information. B) Volunteer at Fernwood Info Afternoon If you have ever considered volunteering at Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve, this is your opportunity to check it out, with no obligation, and see if they have a volunteer option that is right for you. You can meet Fernwood's new volunteer coordinator Judi Jason and discuss the details.  www.fernwoodbotanical.org If you have wondered whether Fernwood has volunteer opportunities just right for you, here is your chance to learn more. Drop by from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 10, to enjoy refreshments and visit with Judi and our staff about volunteerism at Fernwood. We will answer any questions you have about available opportunities, what is required, and the benefits derived from volunteering at Fernwood. Staff will show you around and explain each volunteer opportunity, so you can find the right fit for you! Already a volunteer? Stop by and say Hi to Judi and let us say thanks once again for volunteering your time to Fernwood. Volunteers are a vital part of the Fernwood team. More than 250 people volunteer at Fernwood each year, contributing thousands of hours of service. If you are not currently a Fernwood volunteer and would like to join our volunteer staff, this is a good time to consider it, but there is certainly no obligation. Make an afternoon of it and enjoy the WAUS Second Sunday Concert at 4:00 pm, with Carla Trynchuk performing on the violin.    Volunteer Opportunities Railway Garden The railway garden is open for it's third season and is perhaps one of the most fun places to be at Fernwood. Kids get excited to see the G-scale trains and butterfly cars zipping around the track. Adults enjoy the whimsical buildings of the Roadside Attractions theme this year, as well as our local buildings, all made of natural materials. Volunteers greet visitors and answer questions about the exhibit. Several shifts are available. Take a weekly shift or sign up whenever you can. Farmers' Market Fernwood has a booth at the Buchanan Farmers' Market each Saturday again this summer, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. We are looking for volunteers to staff our area, where we offer plants and gift and garden shop items. Fernwood staff will set up and take down, and volunteers are needed to make sales and hand out Fernwood newsletters and flyers. A great place for someone who likes to visit with people and spread the good word about Fernwood! Saturday Member Morning Greeter We invite our members to enjoy an early morning walk, birding, or photography on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings at 7:30 am, through fall. We ask these early morning visitors to check in at the Visitors Center , so we currently need a volunteer to greet these visitors on Saturday mornings. Staff unlocks the door at 7:30, and volunteers are asked to stay until the front desk staff arrives between 9:00 and 9:30. Then enjoy your own walk! Front Desk Reception Area Weekend Support Volunteers are needed at the front desk on weekends to greet visitors and take admissions, answer general Fernwood questions, orient visitors with maps and directions, and answer phones. It's fun to see where our visitors come from and to make their visit to Fernwood a great experience. Nature Center Do you enjoy the outdoors and sharing the wonders of nature with children? Consider joining our Volunteer Educator Corps (VEC) to help teach students about plants, animals, and habitats. Training is provided. Volunteer opportunities also are available for trail maintenance and Nature Center tasks. Gardens and Grounds Work alongside a staff gardener or consider adopting an area of the garden to maintain during the green season. Consider joining us on Wine and Weed Wednesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Do you have carpentry or mechanical repair skills? These skills are gladly welcomed in our buildings and on the grounds. Other Volunteer Positions Our Board of Directors are all volunteers, and our committees are chaired by volunteers. We can use the talents of volunteers to write grants, enter computer data and do Internet research, help with bulk mailings, and park cars and monitor trails during special events. We have a busy summer ahead with many exciting things happening. We couldn't do the great work we do without our volunteers. Please consider giving your time and talent to Fernwood in any way you can. If you are unable to attend the event on Sunday, July 10, email Judi Jason for more information, or download a volunteer application and bring it to Fernwood on your next visit. Thank you! Contact Us: 269.695.6491 www.fernwoodbotanical.org info@fernwoodbotanical.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: 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--July 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 July 5--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp July 8--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) MI Statewide Math Competition G1) MI Statewide Math Competition Thousands of Michigan's elementary and middle school students will come to Cobo Hall in Detroit on Saturday, November 5, 2011 to compete in an intense math competition called MathFest.  The MathFest Competition capitalizes on the students' natural affinity to compete and play, in order to develop strong programming which stimulates and improves achievement in math.  MathFest is one of the largest programs advancing student excellence in math. It is a math competition for 1st-8th grade students in public, private, charter, and home school programs. We focus on national math standards, provide individualized math prep, and bring parents and students together to improve math skills.  This alternative teaching strategy, which is sweeping across the country, generates tremendous interest and enthusiasm for math while reinforcing existing mathematics curriculum.  We have attached a MathFest Flyer in PDF Format for your parents.  For more information, visit us on-line or contact Dr. Boykins at 404 391-0249 or ronboykins@gmail.com MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Help Foster Kids 2) Volunteer Opportunities 1) Help Foster Kids Have you started your Christmas shopping yet for this year? If not, consider sponsoring a Foster Child as your first purchase of the year! In the spirit of the season, the Foster Care Staff at the Department of Human Services, will again hold a special holiday party in early December for the children receiving services. This year; however, they would like to do things a bit differently, but they need YOUR help!  Operation Good Cheer is a program sponsored by Child and Family Services of Southwest Michigan. Through this program, the Department of Human Services can pay a $30 fee to have a child sponsored; in return, this child will receive three gifts, each gift valued at up to $60. In past years, the sponsored foster children have received one gift at the holiday party with a value of $25.   The challenging part of accomplishing this awesome opportunity for our kids…..the sponsorship fees are due September 2, 2011, leaving us just about two months to raise $6,000! We are confident that this can be done with your help. If you, your staff, your family, your friends, your church or organization, or any group that you may be affiliated with are interested in sponsoring a child and making a wish (or three!) come true this holiday season, please pledge your commitment by July 22, 2011. Your donation is due by August 8, 2011. It's as easy as responding to Shireen Hall, Community Resource Coordinator by email: HallS4@michigan.gov or calling her at (269) 934-2184 to pledge the number of children you would like to sponsor.  Ms. Hall will come to you to collect your money at your location.   No shopping, wrapping, or transporting required! If you have questions or would like to donate, please contact: Shireen Hall, Community Resource Coordinator, Berrien County Department of Human Services, email: HallS4@michigan.gov or phone: 269-934-2184. 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 2) Volunteer Opportunities A) There are some final volunteer slots to be filled for the Krasl Art Center 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 could 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 experiences 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.   For info: Danielle Shepherd   Krasl Art Center   dshepherd@krasl.org  Ph: 269-983-0271  Cell: 269-876-9475 www.krasl.org B) Which animal is your favorite to ride on the carousel?  Or do you love to eat the popcorn and watch all the kids having fun? The Silver Beach Carousel is looking for volunteers take tokens, pop the popcorn and make sure the kids are safe.  For more details as to volunteer options and days/times go to: www.silverbeachcarousel.com 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.