Homeschool HUB News Update--August 26

Homeschool HUB News Update--August 26


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

September 2 --Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp
September 16--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental.


MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

1) Thank you!
2) Lowe's Build and Grow
3) Family-friendly Movie and a free lesson plan
4) Local Partnerships with School Districts--MI
5) Volunteer Opportunities


1) Thank you!

A BIG thank you to everyone who participated in the Homeschool Information Night and to all the guests who attended.  A HUGE thank you to LMC for hosting it!  Did you see the fabulous FabLab?  Did you catch the robots going up and down the hall?  Lots of great information was gathered and exchanged.  Look for another Info Night next year!


2) Lowe's Build and Grow
 
Lowes in Niles & Elkhart offer Kid's Clinics on Saturday mornings.  They are called Build & Grow and are offered every other Saturday.  Kids build small projects that they can take home. Go to Lowes.com for details. The next clinic is Saturday, August 27th, but there is still time to sign up.  Not signed up? Sometimes they have extras!  Just show up. 10 am.


3) Family-friendly Movie and a free lesson plan

The family-friendly movie Game Time: Tackling the Past plays on NBC at 8 pm Saturday September 3.  Moms 4 Family TV has created free activities and lesson plans to go along with the family-friendly movies sponsored by Walmart and Proctor and Gamble.  A free lesson plan is attached, but you can find more at http://www.moms4familytv.com/


4) Local Partnerships with School Districts--MI

Right now, there are three local school districts with some sort of program partnering with homeschoolers. These programs are run by school districts in the state of Michigan, so students must be residents of Michigan to participate.

Berrien Springs info (grades 1-12): http://www.homeoftheshamrocks.org/   
Niles Info (grades 1-12):  http://nilesschools.schoolwires.net/212620428164940510/site/default.asp  
Bradywine is also introducing a virtual high school option through Job Skills Technology.  You can call the school 269-684-7150, or JST at 800-783-5780 for information.


5) Volunteer Opportunities

A) Lest We Forget

There is a local group called Lest We Forget that has a goal to remember and honor the efforts of veterans and to educate the community.  They have done a variety of events and projects - check out the details at their web site:  http://www.lestweforgetswmi.org

Volunteer request: they have been receiving stories from veterans from WWII, Korean War , Vietnam War, etc.  Some of the stories are handwritten by the veteran or written down by a family member on paper.  They are looking for volunteers to transcribe these stories from paper to computer and so they can put the stories in their next book.  You could do this volunteer option from home and on your schedule.  If you are interested in volunteering or have questions contact Debra Panozzo (contact info below).
 
B) Volunteer on August 30th in Benton Harbor

You are cordially invited to celebrate the success of the Benton Harbor Inner-City/AmeriCorps Neighborhood project in Benton Harbor on Tues., August 30, 2011.  The event will honor local law enforcement officials, the MI Dept of Corrections, partners in national service and returning citizens who are working to reduce crime and build stronger neighborhoods.

The project, a statewide public safety and national service project of the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency and the MI Dept of Corrections was launched in 2010 in Benton Harbor , Detroit , Grand Rapids and Saginaw .  Using an approach that integrates pro-social engagement, community service, transitional employment, collaborative case management and strategic planning with local law enforcement, returning citizens are meeting some of the most critical needs of their neighborhoods, including: neighborhood and park clean-ups, raising urban gardens, and volunteering at local non-profit organizations.

In the spirit of national service, participants at the event will also perform a variety of city-wide service projects to revitalize Benton Harbor , cleaning up a park and neighborhood.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a kick off, an agenda for the day will be emailed to you upon confirming your attendance to Barbara Bell at 269-983-3395 or email: bbell@miccd.org

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


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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


VOICE LESSONS

Alyssa Barber graduated with a degree in vocal pedagogy May 2010 from Northland International University. She grew up performing solos and with ensembles at First Baptist Church of Mishawaka and a few other churches in Indiana. She discovered her passion for singing and teaching while at college and participated in a pedagogy internship her senior year. In addition to the internship she traveled with the college's small ensemble as a member and soloist. Now she is located in Mishawaka offering private voice lessons and continuing to minister with music in local and not so local churches.

For information about lessons email: thesingingbarber@gmail.com


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 Information Night tomorrow!!

Trust me, you do not want to miss this!  Here is your chance to learn about many of the opportunities available to area homeschooolers.  Do want to talk to the gentleman who organized and teaches those science classes at Andrews?  Are you interested in Drama?.....Academy of Arts in Indiana and Theater for Children & Young Adults and Kids on Stage, both in Michigan, will be there.  Learn about the programs and classes for kids and families at Fernwood.  If you want to learn about horsemanship lessons, driver's training, senior pictures, the Partnership Programs, piano lessons, art lessons, children's choir, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, photography classes, and more....come on out on Thursday night.  One really interesting one -- check out Bertrand Farms, near the MI/IN border, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVYSwxYQYTE This just in...Library and Educational Services will be there!  They offer homeschool materials at WHOLESALE prices.  They are located in Buchanan and ship throughout the world, but homeschoolers in this area are lucky to be able to go there and shop instead of having to only see things in a catalog.  They support us locally by sponsoring the Homeschool Spelling Bee.  Last year our winner, Cameron Haynes, went on to win at the regional level and compete in the national spelling bee in Washington DC.  Come when you want; leave when you want; get informed!  Refreshments will be served.  A special "Homeschooling 101" info session will take place at 7:15 and 8:15 for anyone interested in homeschooling or wanting to know more. This is for the curious, vetrerans, and newbies!  If you have any homescool-, family-, or education-related supplies or materials you want to give away, bring them along.  There will be a spot for that. Thursday 7-9 pm Lake Michigan College Bertrand Crossing campus in Niles, MI.  Be there.  And feel free to bring friends.  This is a family-friendly event.  Kids are welcome.

Homeschool Information Night Thursday

Don't forget to come to the Homeschool Information Night Thursday at LMC Bertrand in Niles, MI.  Come and find out about local Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, piano teachers, photography teachers, nature centers, classes, driving schools, FabLab, Robotics, etc.  Invite your friends.  You don't have to be a homeschooler to attend.  Everyone is welcome.  Niles and Berrien Springs partnership programs will be there.  7-9 pm Thursday night at LMC Bertrand.

"Homeschooling 101" meetings will take place at 7:15 and 8:15.

Refreshments will be served.  

Come when you want; leave when you want; get informed!

Feel free to pass this along to anyone who might be interested. 

oops--attachments! Homeschool HUB News Update--August 19

I forgot these!

Homeschool HUB News Update--August 19

Homeschool HUB News Update--August 19


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

August 19--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp
Aug 23--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp
August 25--First Annual Homeschool Information Night, LMC Bertrand, 7-9 pm
September 16--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental.


MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

1) Participants Welcome--Homeschool Information Night
2) Homeschool Information Night
3) On-site Registration for Niles Homeschool Partnership Program
4) Soccer Academy
5) Colonial Dance
6) Ice Cream Social at T.C. Steele
7) Local Partnerships with School Districts--MI
8) Volunteer Opportunities


1)  Participants Welcome--Homeschool Information Night

We still have room available.  Pass the info along to any teachers or tutors or people you know--file attached.  Calling all teachers, tutors, Scout leaders, museums, nature centers, homeschool groups, etc.  Do you have something to offer homeschoolers?  Want to get the word out?  Want some more students?  Come and promote yourself and your services to local homeschoolers.  It's free!  Piano teachers, math tutors, martial arts teachers, we want YOU!  Contact Andrea by Monday August 22 to reserve a spot.  writermom@surfbest.net or 269-240-6094  The Information Night will be August 25th from 7-9 pm in Niles, MI.  See attached file--and share it if you wish!


2)  Homeschool Information Night

Don't miss this.  It will have something for everyone.  Here are just SOME of the groups that will be there:

Boy Scouts, Fernwood Botanical Garden, Niles Extended Community Program, Berrien Springs Parent Partnership Program, Bittersweet Stables, Theater for Children and Young Adults, Marazita Driving School, art teacher Gloria Seitz, Gracing the Arts Fine Arts Center, Michiana Children's Choir, Music Academies/Valerie Rumpf, piano and photography teacher Katie Bolinger

EVERYONE is welcome to come and check out the great stuff at the First Annual Homeschool HUB Homeschool Information Night!  August 25th from 7-9 pm, join us at LMC Bertrand in Niles, MI.  There will be "Homeschooling 101" meetings at 7:15 and 8:15 to help get you started and inform you about homeschooling, too.  Mark your calendars now!  See attached file and pass it along to friends.


3) On-site Registration for Niles Homeschool Partnership Program

Niles Extended Community Schools homeschool partnership program will have on-site registration August 22-26 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Administration Building located at 111 Spruce Street, Niles.  Registration may be done online or through the mail, but there may be some who would like to do so in person.  Please feel free to stop by and ask questions, drop off forms or pick up registration forms.  For more information please contact Gail Bliss at 269-683-0439 of 574-340-1025.


4) Soccer Academy

This came in from one of our homeschool dads.  The program looks good, but a bit pricey.  Check it out if you have kids who are soccer players.
 
Pablo Rodriguez is a Bethel alum and a good Christian brother. He has a soccer program and he asked if I could make home school students in the area aware of his program. Below is information about his training program. If it is appropriate, please share with the area home school community as you see fit.
 
Here is some info about my soccer academy. Feel free to forward it members of the association who would like to play soccer.
Thanks again.
 
We are excited to bring the World's # 1 Soccer Skills Teaching Method to Granger, IN
 
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY AT HERITAGE SQUARE
September 12--October 26
Boys and Girls ages 5-14
To register go to http://www.coerver.com/indiana/indiana or send e-mail to coerverindiana@hotmail.com
 
Pablo Rodriguez-Director Coerver® Indiana
Omar Gallo -Coaching Director
 To learn more go to http://www.youtube.com/user/CoerverCoachingUK?blend=21&ob=5


5) Colonial Dance

Colonial Dance this Saturday, August 20, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, at the former Buchanan Senior Center. The address is 131 S. Oak Street, Buchanan, MI.
 
Wear comfortable shoes. Bring a snack to share and something to drink if you'd like. You are welcome to come a little early to help move tables and chairs.
 
Directions: The facility is one block south of Front Street in Buchanan. If traveling on Front Street, a person would turn south onto Oak Street where there is a gazebo and the police station on the southwest corner of Front and Oak. The facility will be on the left or East side of Oak Street and there is a big parking lot just in front or north of the building.
 
Hope to see you all there! Feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested - "watchers" are welcome. Bring friends!


6) Ice Cream Social at T.C. Steele

T.C. Steele State Historic Site continues the Steeles' tradition of sharing music, special tours and old-fashioned activities and games with friends and neighbors.  The Ice Cream Social, the final program in the Sunday at Home Summer Series, is a celebration of community then and now.

Hand-crank your own ice cream and enjoy an afternoon of old-fashioned family fun, crafts for the kids, special traditional music programs—and did we mention ice cream?—for everyone, on Sunday, August 21, from noon to 4 p.m.  Admission to the event is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5 to 12, free for children under 5. Admission includes guided tours of the historic buildings.
Homemade ice cream will be the highlight of the early afternoon, compliments of Fearrin's Ice Cream & Yogurt Depot and your own muscle-power.  Do you have a favorite ice cream recipe or other summer treat, maybe with a story to accompany it?  Bring it along for a recipe swap and reminiscences.  But that's just part of the fun.

Twy Bethard and John Paolillo of "Entwyned," and Bill Baus of the Bloomington Old Time Music & Dance Group, will be on hand in the Large Studio from 1:30 to 2:30 for old-time music and a contradance program.  At 3 p.m. "Early Music in Motion" will present a special program, "Music from the Village: Traditional Line-dance and Jigs."  Tom Lozano and Clancy Clements of the group "Daily Bread" will perform music from France, Spain, Italy and Ireland using rarely seen traditional instruments.  Be prepared for audience participation (and put on your dancing shoes!) for both programs.

The Ice Cream Social is part of the Sunday at Home Summer Series. The series is sponsored by the Friends of T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Inc., in cooperation with Early Music in Motion, Inc.  Ice cream ingredients are donated by Fearrin's Ice Cream & Yogurt Depot in Nashville.

T.C. Steele State Historic Site is located on Hwy 46 just west of Nashville in the heart of artistic Brown County. Part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, a division of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the site is where nature's beauty meets the artist's canvas. The home, studio and gardens of this noted Hoosier artist still provide inspiration today through site tours, outdoor painting competitions and artist-in-residence programs. For more information, call 812.988.2785 or visit indianamuseum.org/tc_steele


7) Local Partnerships with School Districts--MI

Right now, there are three local school districts with some sort of program partnering with homeschoolers. These programs are run by school districts in the state of Michigan, so students must be residents of Michigan to participate.

Berrien Springs info (grades 1-12): http://www.homeoftheshamrocks.org/   
Niles Info (grades 1-12):  http://nilesschools.schoolwires.net/212620428164940510/site/default.asp  
Bradywine is also introducing a virtual high school option through Job Skills Technology.  You can call the school 269-684-7150, or JST at 800-783-5780 for information.


8) Volunteer Opportunities

A) Volunteer on August 30th in Benton Harbor

You are cordially invited to celebrate the success of the Benton Harbor Inner-City/AmeriCorps Neighborhood project in Benton Harbor on Tues., August 30, 2011.  The event will honor local law enforcement officials, the MI Dept of Corrections, partners in national service and returning citizens who are working to reduce crime and build stronger neighborhoods.

The project, a statewide public safety and national service project of the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency and the MI Dept of Corrections was launched in 2010 in Benton Harbor , Detroit , Grand Rapids and Saginaw .  Using an approach that integrates pro-social engagement, community service, transitional employment, collaborative case management and strategic planning with local law enforcement, returning citizens are meeting some of the most critical needs of their neighborhoods, including: neighborhood and park clean-ups, raising urban gardens, and volunteering at local non-profit organizations.

In the spirit of national service, participants at the event will also perform a variety of city-wide service projects to revitalize Benton Harbor , cleaning up a park and neighborhood.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a kick off, an agenda for the day will be emailed to you upon confirming your attendance to Barbara Bell at 269-983-3395 or email: bbell@miccd.org

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.

Reminder: Picnic Today!!

Don't forget that he HUB Picnic is today.  Noon.  Fuller's on Clear Lake in Buchanan.  Bring a dish to pass and whatever meat you might want to grill.  EVERYONE is welcome.  If you have any books, games, software, or anything else you want to pass along, there will be a spot for giveaways.  Donate what you don't want and take what others don't want. Charcoal, paper products, and drinks will be provided by the HUB. There will be a $1 per person charge to get into Fuller's--this is their special Homeschool Beach Day rate. Stay as long as you like to enjoy the beach.  Come and have fun.  It's a gorgeous day! --Andrea

Reminder: Picnic Today!!

Don't forget that he HUB Picnic is today.  Noon.  Fuller's on Clear Lake in Buchanan.  Bring a dish to pass and whatever meat you might want to grill.  EVERYONE is welcome.  If you have any books, games, software, or anything else you want to pass along, there will be a spot for giveaways.  Donate what you don't want and take what others don't want. Charcoal, paper products, and drinks will be provided by the HUB. There will be a $1 per person charge to get into Fuller's--this is their special Homeschool Beach Day rate. Stay as long as you like to enjoy the beach.  Come and have fun.  It's a gorgeous day! --Andrea

Homeschool HUB News Update--August 12

Homeschool HUB News Update--August 12 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 16--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp August 16--Homeschool HUB Annual Picnic, Fuller's Resort, noon August 15--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. August 25--First Annual Homeschool Information Night, LMC Bertrand, 7-9 pm MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Homeschool HUB Annual Picnic Tuesday 2) Participants Welcome--Homeschool Information Night 3) Homeschool Information Night--FAHHHIN! 4) Tennis Class in Niles 5) Classes for IN homeschoolers 6) Children's Choir Auditions 7) Fort St. Joseph Open House 8) Harvest Fest at Tiller's 9) Local Partnerships with School Districts--MI 10) Volunteer Opportunities 1) Homeschool HUB Annual Picnic Tuesday August 16 Don't miss it!  The Homeschool HUB Picnic will be At Fuller's Beach and Resort starting at noon on Tuesday , August 16.  Activities like swimming, kayaking, beach volleyball, inner tubing, etc. will be available.  Please bring a dish to pass and your own meat to grill.  The HUB will provide paper products, charcoal, and drinks.  Snack items and ice cream, etc., are available at the Fuller's camp store.  If you have any books or games or other items of interest to homeschoolers that you would like to donate, a table will be available for giveaway items.  Come and connect with local homeschoolers.  Find out about homeschooling and the opportunities in the area, etc.  It will be a fun time.  Fuller's will charge the special homeschool beach day rate for each person, which is $1.  More info on Fuller's:  www.fullersresort.com 2) Participants Welcome--Homeschool Information Night Calling all teachers, tutors, Scout leaders, museums, nature centers, homeschool groups, etc.  Do you have something to offer homeschoolers?  Want to get the word out?  Want some more students?  Come and promote yourself and your services to local homeschoolers.  It's free!  Piano teachers, math tutors, martial arts teachers, we want YOU!  Contact Andrea to reserve a spot.  writermom@surfbest.net or 269-240-6094  The Information Night will be August 25th from 7-9 pm in Niles, MI. 3)  Homeschool Information Night--FAHHHIN! Thinking of homeschooling and don't know where to start?  New to the area?  Wanting to find out how to join or start a partnership program in your area?  Or are you a seasoned homeschooler looking for new opportunities?  Just curious?  EVERYONE is welcome to come and check out the great stuff at the First Annual Homeschool HUB Homeschooling Information Night!  Or should I just say FAHHHIN?  It's going to be FIIINE and FUUUN!  :-)  August 25th from 7-9 pm, join us at LMC Bertrand in Niles, MI.  There will be "Homeschooling 101" meetings at 7:15 and 8:15 to help get you started and inform you about homeschooling, too.  Mark your calendars now!  Don't miss it. 4) Tennis Class in Niles I am trying to arrange a beginner's tennis class for 6 to 9 years old at the Lakeland Tennis Club in Niles. The classes were once a week for 8 weeks at about $65. My hope is that this would continue throughout the year. We may be able to get a reduced rate if this is the case. Please also forward to anyone else you think might be interested. Thanks. Hope to see all of you soon. Juliet 574-217-7653 julietgcollins@yahoo.com 5) Classes for IN homeschoolers The classes for Michiana Covenant Academy are posted on our website, michianacovenantacademy.org. We have included a short summary page that may help you select appropriate classes for your child. Please let us know if you have any questions. Registration begins on August 17, from1-3 pm at the Academy, and on August 18 by mail. We will be available at the Christian HOME Open House on August 22. Classes start on September 28.   Thank you, Sally Hanson Administrator 6) Children's Choir Auditions Auditions for the 2011-12 season of the Children's Choir of Michiana will take place at First United Methodist Church, 333 N. Main St. in South Bend on Tuesdays, August 23 and 30. Children entering grades 4-10 this fall are invited to audition. This choir is sponsored by Musical Arts Indiana (sponsors of Vesper Chorale and several other groups) and is directed by Wishart Bell (wishartmusicservices.com). For more information and to schedule an audition, call 574-229-2247. There are two locations for weekly rehearsals--either at First United Methodist Church in South Bend or in Dowagiac. Join us now and be a part of our concert tour to Washington D.C. in June of 2012! 7) Fort St. Joseph Open House Hello, I hope you will be able to attend the archaeology open house this weekend.  It will be a great event for the whole family, and there's no charge, so please attend!  See the attached flier for details. Carol Bainbridge, Director Fort St. Joseph Museum 508 E. Main St. Niles, MI 49120 269-683-4702, ext. 212 cbainbridge@nilesmi.org 8) Harvest Fest at Tiller's If you are looking for pleasant activities for autumn, come join us at the SW MI Community Harvest Fest! It's a great time to come see Tillers, learn about what's happening with local foods in southwest Michigan, enjoy some great local music and just have a great day. The fest is Sunday September 18 from 11:30-6:30 pm. The entry fee is still only $10 per car-load so everyone can come! For more information on activities at the fest, check out the website at www.swmiharvestfest.org. 9) Local Partnerships with School Districts--MI Right now, there are three local school districts with some sort of program partnering with homeschoolers. These programs are run by school districts in the state of Michigan, so students must be residents of Michigan to participate. Berrien Springs info (grades 1-12): http://www.homeoftheshamrocks.org/    Niles Info (grades 1-12):  http://nilesschools.schoolwires.net/212620428164940510/site/default.asp   Bradywine is also introducing a virtual high school option through Job Skills Technology.  You can call the school 269-684-7150, or JST at 800-783-5780 for information. 10) Volunteer Opportunities A) United Way is looking for volunteers to help with a project for the next couple of weeks.  United Way is running pledge cards for the Whirlpool divisions and need help folding and stuff the forms in envelopes.  Hours would be Monday through Thursday anywhere from 8 am to 3 pm.  Please contact Dawn Schroeder at dawn.schroeder@uwsm.org or call the number below. Dawn Schroeder Administrative Coordinator United Way of Southwest Michigan 2015 Lakeview Ave P.O. Box 807 Benton Harbor MI 49023-0807 Office 269-982-1700, extension 16 Fax 269-982-1701 www.uwsm.org B) THE FIRST ANNUAL HARBOR VISION FESTIVAL What: The first annual Harbor Vision Festival takes place August 12th, 13th, and 14th at the Benton Harbor City Center , adjacent to the award winning Arts District and just a few shorts blocks to the magnificent Harbor Shores Golf course, and Lake Michigan . (On the Corner of Main St & Pipestone) The festival includes a main stage showcasing Benton Harbor 's finest artists and entertainers, will feature Benton Harbor centric food vendors and a diverse selection of music, artists, and dancers.  Pause at the animal petting zoo.  Connect with local organizations or play in the Kids' educational arts & craft area.  Look for the ROLL BOUNCE parking lot for kids and adults to roller skate. When: Every day from 2:00pm - 9:00pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday August 12, 13, 14 Where: City Center, Corner of Main St. & Pipestone, Main St. & Pipestone, Benton Harbor, MI, 49022 volunteers: Set up on Friday, clean up at the end of each day, serve food, set up games for the kids, assist with the music, or be available for tasks to be done. GO:  Go to the Hospitality Booth to check in as a volunteer and to receive your assignment. phone: Questions? Call Mike Holton 269.861-5519 C) Do you know anyone who would be interested? It would be great for a future teacher, social worker or anyone going to school part time.  It would also be great for a young retiree or someone unemployed willing to do a year of service while they figure things out.  It can be someone of any age or life stage.  The important thing is that it needs to be a firm commitment to a year – if they leave we lose the slot.  We need to identify a high quality candidate in the next 3 weeks or lose the opportunity…. Thanks for your help in getting the word out.   AMERICORPS VISTA 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.  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--August 5

Homeschool HUB News Update--August 5 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 9--Homeschool Beach Day at Fuller's $1/pp Aug 12--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp August 16--Homeschool HUB Annual Picnic, Fuller's Resort, noon August 19--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental. August 25-First Annual Homeschool Information Night, LMC Bertrand, 7-9 pm GENERAL INTEREST G1) Homeschool Conventions for 2012 G1) Homeschool Conventions for 2012 Save the Date! 2012 INCH Convention May 18 & 19! Lansing, MI Unschoolers' Waterpark Gathering will be January 23–27, 2012  This coming year's theme: CAKE!!!!!! The gathering will once again be held at the amazing Sandusky, Ohio Kalahari Indoor Waterpark Resort.       The SouthEast Great Homschool Convention March 22–24, 2012 TD Convention Center (Greenville, SC) The Mid South Great Homschool Convention April 12–14, 2012 Memphis Cook Convention Center (Memphis, TN) The MidWest Great Homschool Convention April 19–21, 2012 Duke Energy Convention Center (Cincinnati, OH) The California Great Homschool Convention May 24–26, 2012 Long Beach Convention Center (Long Beach, CA) The NortheastGreat Homschool Convention June 14–16, 2012 Hartford Convention Center (Hartford, CT) MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 1) Homeschool HUB Annual Picnic Tuesday, August 16 2) First Annual Homeschool Information Night August 25 3) Football / basketball class 4) Fall Art Classes Offered 5) Local Partnerships with School Districts 6) Volunteer Opportunities 1) Homeschool HUB Annual Picnic Tuesday August 16 The Homeschool HUB Picnic will be At Fuller's Beach and Resort starting at noon on Tuesday , August 16.  Activities like swimming, kayaking, beach volleyball, inner tubing, etc. will be available.  Please bring a dish to pass and your own meat to grill.  The HUB will provide paper products, charcoal, and drinks.  Snack items and ice cream, etc., are available at the Fuller's camp store.  If you have any books or games or other items of interest to homeschoolers that you would like to donate, a table will be available for giveaway items.  Come and connect wiht local homeschoolers.  Find out about homeschooling and the opportunities in the area, etc.  It will be a fun time.  Fuller's will charge the special homeschool beach day rate for each person, which is $1.  More info on Fuller's:  www.fullersresort.com 2) First Annual Homeschool Information Night August 25 The Homeschool HUB will sponsor the First Annual Homeschool Information Night Thursday, August 25 from 7-9 at Lake Michigan College Bertrand campus in Niles, MI.  If you are a tutor, teach a class, run a club, or offer a product or service of interest to homeschoolers, you are welcome to come and spread the word.  There is no cost.  Contact Andrea at writermom@surfbest.net or 269-240-6094 to reserve a spot.  Homeschoolers, come and find out about piano teachers, local parent partnership programs, nature centers, museums, tutors, classes, Scouts, and other things.  There will be an informational meeting to help get you started and inform you about homeschooling, too.  Mark your calendars now!  Don't miss it. 3) Football / basketball class All students ages 12 through 17 are invited to participate in a 12-week sports class including flag football and basketball.  Students learn the game rules, hone their skills, practice Christian sportsmanship, and get a huge dose of fun exercise. Classes are 4:00 to 5:30 pm on the following dates: September 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 November 7, 14, 28 December 5 Location is the Niles Adventist School, 110 N. Fairview, Niles, Michigan.  Cost is $75 per student.  There is a discount for 2 or more students enrolled from the same family.  Anyone wishing to enroll or to ask questions, may contact Dorothea Sarli at dsarli@melwade.com or 269-684-3590. 4) Fall Art Classes Offered Dear Parents, Students, and friends of New Creations, Summer is winding down, and I am thinking about the amazing time we are going to have this fall as we explore DRAWING PEOPLE AND COMICS. I wanted to give you ample time to consider these classes.  In each level, students will learn to draw comics, focusing on expression, creativity, and details used to create a comic character and tell a story. Self portrait and realistic drawing of facial features, hands, and body will be focused on as we learn to realistically portray the human body. A variety of mediums and materials will be used. I am excited to offer this drawing class. Blessings, Gloria Seitz Art Instructor New Creations Offers 2011 Fall Art Classes in the Michiana Area for Students in Grades 1-12. Adults and home schoolers welcome! Gloria Seitz, a certified K-12 art teacher, will be teaching classes on the topic of  DRAWING PEOPLE AND COMICS. In this seven week class, students will be covering self portrait, body features and proportions, the human body in action, gesture drawing, and creating comic strips and characters. A variety of mediums will be used. Classes will begin on September 13, 14, and 15th and run for seven class weeks. (We will be off the week of October 18-20th.) The art festival will be held on Friday, November 4th. Tuesdays, classes at Community Free Church in Niles are as follows:  Ages 6-10 will meet at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 9-13 meet from 11:45 -12:45 p.m. and 7th -adult meet from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday classes meet at Trinity Free Church in South Bend. Ages 6-10 will meet at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 9-13 meet from 11:45 -12:45 p.m. and 7th -adult meet from 1-2 p.m. Thursday classes meet at Hobby Lobby in Mishawaka at the following times:  Ages 6-10 will meet at 11:30-12:30 AND at 12:45-1:45 p.m.. Ages 9-13 will meet at 2-3.  7th through adult will meet from 3:15 -4:15. 8 through 13 year olds will meet from 4:20 -5:30 p.m. (Extra time at end of day to allow for cleanup!) The cost for the seven week classes is $65 for the first child and $5 LESS  for each additional child.  You will save $5 on the total cost if you pay by September 6.  Cost includes supplies (except sketch book, erasers, pencil, rulers, and folder:  These you will need to purchase), room rental, and Art Festival.  You may sign up and print out a registration form on line at www.newcreationsart.com.  Classes do fill up, so be sure to get your registration in early.  You may reserve your spot by calling Gloria at 574-271-8069 even before sending in your reservation. If you want to view more photos of the classes, check out New Creations Art Classes on Face book. 5) Local Partnerships with School Districts Right now, there are three local school districts (that we know of) with some sort of program partnering with homeschoolers. These programs are run by school districts in the state of Michigan, so students must be residents of Michigan to participate. Berrien Springs info (grades 1-12): http://www.homeoftheshamrocks.org/     Niles Info (grades 1-12):  http://nilesschools.schoolwires.net/212620428164940510/site/default.asp    Bradywine is also introducing a virtual high school option through Job Skills Technology.  You can call the school 269-684-7150, or JST at 800-783-5780 for information. 6) Volunteer Opportunities A) Olympic Field Day for Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club is `seeking volunteers.  350 kids are excited about Field Day August 12 - want to volunteer?  Sign up at the web site listed below.   They want to know how many are coming so they can plan.  http://bit.ly/see-olympic-day-2011 for info and http://bit.ly/sign-up-olympic-day-2011 to volunteer. 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.