Homeschool HUB News Update--March 30
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
To subscribe to this newsletter, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HUBnewsletter/ OR send an email to the following address: HUBnewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (You can also sign up on the home page of our website hshub.org--just type your email in the box!)
Yes, you are welcome to forward the newsletter to anyone who might be interested! :-)
ON THE CALENDAR:
Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub
April 2--Club BLUE Martin's Cafe in Niles 7 pm
April 3--Homeschool Hangout at Clay Church Firehouse Youth Center 2-3:30
April 6--Bowling at Chippewa Bowl 10:00-12:00pm. $1.50/pp per game
April 6--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp
April 12--HUB Board of Directors Meeting, 7 pm at the Niles Police Complex
April 20--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental
May 10--Homeschool Showcase 6-8 pm LMC Bertand in Niles
GENERAL INTEREST
G1) Free On-line Homeschool Convention
G2) Great Blue Heron Nest Cam and Red-tailed Hawk Nest Cam
G1) Free On-line Homeschool Convention
This site offers an "online homeschool convention." It is still under construction and seems to be mainly focused on different curricula, but the info might be helpful. There is a two-minute video on "homeshooling 101."
http://www.homeschoolconvention.com/hedua/convention/
G2) Great Blue Heron Nest Cam and Red-tailed Hawk Nest Cam
A Great Blue Heron nest in a massive white-oak snag outside the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's office is our newest live-streaming nest camera. We'd like to invite you to watch along with us as these magnificent birds begin their nesting activities for the year.
The Great Blue Herons have nested in this snag for the last four years. We can see the nest from our staff lounge, and in years past we've enjoyed guessing when the eggs would hatch, watching for the day the chicks' little beaks first appear over the nest rim, and following them as they grow to four-foot tall adolescents. This year you'll be able to watch their progress from virtually inside the nest.
The herons returned to the nest in mid-March and soon began courting: bringing twigs, standing side by side in the nest, clattering their bills, and nipping at each other. To get good views of these large birds, we've installed two cameras that stream simultaneously, one from above the nest and the other at nest level. The lower camera can record even in dark conditions and streams all night long.
Last night at around 7:30 p.m., the heron laid her first egg! Tune in to keep watching for the next eggs. Great Blue Herons typically lay eggs every two days, sometimes three, until the clutch is complete. After that it will be 25–30 days before the chicks hatch, and they will spend another 7–8 weeks in the nest before they fledge. We hope you'll join us as we watch this all unfold!
As with our Red-tailed Hawk nest camera (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=2422), we've put the heron camera onto a temporary page at All About Birds so you don't miss the early action. The site will be live 24 hours a day and the upper camera's video can be streamed in HD. You can also watch on mobile devices such as smartphones and iPads. A full-featured BirdCams site will launch in late April with more birds.
We've enjoyed having these herons outside our windows in years past, and we hope you enjoy them too!
www.allaboutbirds.org/cornellherons
MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
1) Homeschool Showcase!
2) Silverhawks Fundraiser Available
3) Art Contest for K-5 MI Students
4) NACHS Used Book Sale
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
To subscribe to this newsletter, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HUBnewsletter/ OR send an email to the following address: HUBnewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (You can also sign up on the home page of our website hshub.org--just type your email in the box!)
Yes, you are welcome to forward the newsletter to anyone who might be interested! :-)
ON THE CALENDAR:
Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub
April 2--Club BLUE Martin's Cafe in Niles 7 pm
April 3--Homeschool Hangout at Clay Church Firehouse Youth Center 2-3:30
April 6--Bowling at Chippewa Bowl 10:00-12:00pm. $1.50/pp per game
April 6--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp
April 12--HUB Board of Directors Meeting, 7 pm at the Niles Police Complex
April 20--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental
May 10--Homeschool Showcase 6-8 pm LMC Bertand in Niles
GENERAL INTEREST
G1) Free On-line Homeschool Convention
G2) Great Blue Heron Nest Cam and Red-tailed Hawk Nest Cam
G1) Free On-line Homeschool Convention
This site offers an "online homeschool convention." It is still under construction and seems to be mainly focused on different curricula, but the info might be helpful. There is a two-minute video on "homeshooling 101."
http://www.homeschoolconvention.com/hedua/convention/
G2) Great Blue Heron Nest Cam and Red-tailed Hawk Nest Cam
A Great Blue Heron nest in a massive white-oak snag outside the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's office is our newest live-streaming nest camera. We'd like to invite you to watch along with us as these magnificent birds begin their nesting activities for the year.
The Great Blue Herons have nested in this snag for the last four years. We can see the nest from our staff lounge, and in years past we've enjoyed guessing when the eggs would hatch, watching for the day the chicks' little beaks first appear over the nest rim, and following them as they grow to four-foot tall adolescents. This year you'll be able to watch their progress from virtually inside the nest.
The herons returned to the nest in mid-March and soon began courting: bringing twigs, standing side by side in the nest, clattering their bills, and nipping at each other. To get good views of these large birds, we've installed two cameras that stream simultaneously, one from above the nest and the other at nest level. The lower camera can record even in dark conditions and streams all night long.
Last night at around 7:30 p.m., the heron laid her first egg! Tune in to keep watching for the next eggs. Great Blue Herons typically lay eggs every two days, sometimes three, until the clutch is complete. After that it will be 25–30 days before the chicks hatch, and they will spend another 7–8 weeks in the nest before they fledge. We hope you'll join us as we watch this all unfold!
As with our Red-tailed Hawk nest camera (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=2422), we've put the heron camera onto a temporary page at All About Birds so you don't miss the early action. The site will be live 24 hours a day and the upper camera's video can be streamed in HD. You can also watch on mobile devices such as smartphones and iPads. A full-featured BirdCams site will launch in late April with more birds.
We've enjoyed having these herons outside our windows in years past, and we hope you enjoy them too!
www.allaboutbirds.org/cornellherons
MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
1) Homeschool Showcase!
2) Silverhawks Fundraiser Available
3) Art Contest for K-5 MI Students
4) NACHS Used Book Sale
5) Black Education Conference (starts tonight!)
6) Free Concert Band Performance
7) Free Gospel Concert and Fashion Show
8) Free Jazz and Percussion Concert
9) Homeschool Science Classes 2012-2013
10) Volunteer Opportunities
1) Homeschool Showcase!
Has your homeschool student done something great this year? Learned something interesting he or she would like to share? Projects, science experiments, artwork, musical performances, skits, speeches, whatever it is, we want to give you a chance to share. The HUB's annual Homeschool Showcase will be held Thursday May 10th from 6-8 pm at Lake Michigan College's Bertrand campus in Niles. You do not need to be a member of the Homeschool HUB to participate. All homeschoolers are welcome. Contact Diane Day for info or to arrange for a display/performance/speech/skit, etc. 269-370-4589 or joharding_20@yahoo.com.
2) Silverhawks Fundraiser Available
The HUB is here to support all area homeschoolers.....this opportunity is available to any homeschool group or organization. Adults and students ages 16 and up can work at the South Bend Silverhawks baseball game concessions stands this spring and summer. We arrive about an hour before the game starts and work until it ends. The Silverhawks donate $35/worker to the HUB. We will pass the money along to any homeschool group or organization (sports team, Girl Scout troop, support group, robotics team, etc.) minus 10% for the HUB. So a group of fifteen could work one evening and bring in almost $500 for their cause. The first time you work you must purchase a baseball cap to wear....the cost is $5, and it comes out of your reimbursement check. Also, a few day games and holiday games pay $40 instead of $35. The first game is April 1st. If you are interested call to get a schedule of available dates emailed to you. Kathy Joyce 269 362-0651.....or email at kathyjoyce@yahoo.com.
3) Art Contest for K-5 MI Students
We are proud to announce the 2012 My Green School Art Contest! We had great participation last year and we expect even more entries this year. Thanks to our many sponsors, the Green Living Festival and ecoSTORE USA will proudly display the winning entries for many people in our community to see and appreciate.
The attached flyer has all of the information you will need. Please feel free to distribute it to anyone or any group. Please let us know if you have any further questions by contacting Connie Lilley at connie@ecoprgroup.com.
Please remember, the deadline is fast approaching on April 22nd!
4) NACHS Used Book Sale
Niles Area Christian Homeschoolers will host a used book sale Saturday April 14 from 9 am to 4 pm. Any homeschooler interested in selling used books or educational materials can contact Kim Anglemyer at 269-476- 1338 for info and a seller number. Admission: $1.00 per adult. To be held at Community Evangelical Free Church 127 E. Bertrand Rd, Niles, MI 49120 Concessions will be available for Breakfast and Lunch.
6) Free Concert Band Performance
7) Free Gospel Concert and Fashion Show
8) Free Jazz and Percussion Concert
9) Homeschool Science Classes 2012-2013
10) Volunteer Opportunities
1) Homeschool Showcase!
Has your homeschool student done something great this year? Learned something interesting he or she would like to share? Projects, science experiments, artwork, musical performances, skits, speeches, whatever it is, we want to give you a chance to share. The HUB's annual Homeschool Showcase will be held Thursday May 10th from 6-8 pm at Lake Michigan College's Bertrand campus in Niles. You do not need to be a member of the Homeschool HUB to participate. All homeschoolers are welcome. Contact Diane Day for info or to arrange for a display/performance/speech/skit, etc. 269-370-4589 or joharding_20@yahoo.com.
2) Silverhawks Fundraiser Available
The HUB is here to support all area homeschoolers.....this opportunity is available to any homeschool group or organization. Adults and students ages 16 and up can work at the South Bend Silverhawks baseball game concessions stands this spring and summer. We arrive about an hour before the game starts and work until it ends. The Silverhawks donate $35/worker to the HUB. We will pass the money along to any homeschool group or organization (sports team, Girl Scout troop, support group, robotics team, etc.) minus 10% for the HUB. So a group of fifteen could work one evening and bring in almost $500 for their cause. The first time you work you must purchase a baseball cap to wear....the cost is $5, and it comes out of your reimbursement check. Also, a few day games and holiday games pay $40 instead of $35. The first game is April 1st. If you are interested call to get a schedule of available dates emailed to you. Kathy Joyce 269 362-0651.....or email at kathyjoyce@yahoo.com.
3) Art Contest for K-5 MI Students
We are proud to announce the 2012 My Green School Art Contest! We had great participation last year and we expect even more entries this year. Thanks to our many sponsors, the Green Living Festival and ecoSTORE USA will proudly display the winning entries for many people in our community to see and appreciate.
The attached flyer has all of the information you will need. Please feel free to distribute it to anyone or any group. Please let us know if you have any further questions by contacting Connie Lilley at connie@ecoprgroup.com.
Please remember, the deadline is fast approaching on April 22nd!
4) NACHS Used Book Sale
Niles Area Christian Homeschoolers will host a used book sale Saturday April 14 from 9 am to 4 pm. Any homeschooler interested in selling used books or educational materials can contact Kim Anglemyer at 269-476- 1338 for info and a seller number. Admission: $1.00 per adult. To be held at Community Evangelical Free Church 127 E. Bertrand Rd, Niles, MI 49120 Concessions will be available for Breakfast and Lunch.
5) Black Education Conference (starts tonight!)
Clergy, Parents, Educators, and Business Owners! The National Council on Educating Black Children believes YOU have the answers our community needs. Join your South Bend neighbors for the 4th annual Indiana Statewide Conference where members of THIS community will gather to institute change. in collaboration with the South Bend Community School Corporation and Bethel College, the National Council on Educating Black Children will conduct their 4th Annual Statewide Conference at Bethel College March 30-31. See attached file for more info.
According to Dawn Jones, South Bend Community School Corporation Board Member, "The purpose of the conference is to bring awareness to the issues we face as a corporation in regard to educating African American students, specifically black males."
6) Free Concert Band Performance
The Bethel College Concert Band, under the direction of Michael Kendall, Ph.D., will perform its annual spring concert on Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center – Auditorium.
The concert will feature chamber works for brass choir, brass quintet and clarinet choir. The Concert Band will perform a number of Latin American works, including H. Owen Reed's "La Fiesta Mexicana," "Symphonic Dance No. 3: Fiesta" by Clifton Williams and Alberto Ginastera's "Danza Final." Featured soloists for the evening are Jessica Risinger (harp) and Jacob Grabill (marimba).
Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Bethel College music department at 574.257.3393.
7) Free Gospel Concert and Fashion Show
(As Part of Bethel College's first Intercultural Festival)
Bethel College's center for intercultural development has planned its first intercultural festival set to take place on April 2 and 3. Included in the festivities are a gospel concert and fashion show that are free to the public.
"When various students brought up the idea to have an intercultural festival, we jumped right in," says Alex Gonzalez, campus coordinator/center for intercultural development. "This is in line with our mission here at the college — to become more culturally competent in every area."
In the future, Gonzalez says he not only wants to establish a welcoming community on an everyday basis at Bethel, but he would like to spend an entire week celebrating all the different cultures on campus.
Schedule
April 2
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. International chapel – Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center – Auditorium
April 3
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Village Trust silent auction – Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center – Great Hall
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Heritage meal – Dining Commons
6 – 7:30 p.m. Gospel concert and fashion show – Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center – Auditorium
For more information, contact Alex Gonzalez at Alex.Gonzalez@BethelCollege.edu.
8) Free Jazz and Percussion Concert
Bethel College will present a Jazz and Percussion Night on Friday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center – Auditorium. The concert will feature the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo and Percussion Ensemble under the direction of professor of music, Reginald Klopfenstein, D.M.
The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo will perform a wide spectrum of music including "Funky Cha-Cha," "A String of Pearls" and "I Hear Music," featuring vocalist Rachel Wilkins. The Percussion Ensemble will perform "El Bodeguero," "One O' Clock Samba" and the novelty work "Brush-Off."
Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Bethel College department of music at 574.257.3393.
9) Homeschool Science Classes 2012-2013
Each year the Homeschool HUB News has listed the high school homeschool science classes I do so I am attaching the Registration and information form for those classes that will be starting this coming August.
Thanks so much,
Randy Graves
10) Volunteer Opportunities
A) Exit 23 Road Clean-up
We have "company" coming to town for the Senior PGA event - it is time to get ready! Sponsored by Lincoln Township Volunteer Corp (You don't have to live in Lincoln Twp to join the group.)
WHO: Youth 13 and older must be accompanied by an adult.
WHEN: Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m.
WHERE: Volunteers will meet at the Township office at 9 am for instructions regarding safety, assignments, etc. Come to 2055 W. John Beers Rd. behind the library.
GOAL: Pick-up trash at the I-94 Exit 23 and beautify the gateway to Business Loop 94.
WEAR: Volunteers must wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, leather shoes, gloves and hat.
BRING: Since you will be working as a team, no ear phones for music or listening devices will be permitted.
DO: Volunteers should be mobile and be able walk on uneven terrain. Volunteers must be able to walk, stoop down to pick up trash and place in plastic bags.
Water will be provided. Want to sign up? Go to: http://www.volunteerswmi.org and link to Lincoln Township to sign up.
B) If you are cleaning out your garage this weekend - FOUND! A home for your half-full paint cans:
Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. and 6 Degrees Resale store is beginning Phase II at their new location at 205 W. Main Street Benton Harbor (former Kitchen Mart Building). They will be bringing Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. Administration into the office space, thus, providing a central hub for Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. and 6 Degrees Resale store.
They are asking for donations of your half-full paint cans, paint supplies and/ or time to complete painting the office area by June. They are not fussy about colors!! As always they appreciate everything the community does to support all efforts to fulfill the goal of "preventing and ending of homelessness in Berrien County ."
C) April 7, 2012 Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor\. Easter Egg Hunt! Want to help? Respond to this email.
D) Postal Food Drive in Niles Be a part of the nation's largest one day food drive. To see all other dates and times for this opportunity Saturday, May 12, 2012 9:00 AM-6:30 PM - You can volunteer for a shift within the day - or all day. What will work for your schedule? Volunteers will:
1) Pickup food along with the poster carriers (you follow in car and pick up food - while they drop off mail - they don't have room in the vehicles to do both)
2) At the Niles Post Office dock receive food from other volunteers and donors stopping by the post office.
3) Deliver food to the Niles Salvation Army pantry.
4) Sort and put away the donations at the Salvation Army located at 424 N. 15th Street .
Want to connect? Go to www.volunteerswmi.org, log in as a volunteer and link to the Salvation Army of Niles and the Postal Food drive volunteer option.
E) Community Clean Up Weekend! May 18 & 19, 2012
During the Senior PGA Championship presented by Kitchen Aid in May 2012, Michigan 's Great Southwest is going to host visitors from all over the world giving us the opportunity to showcase our community and all it has to offer as a great place to live, work and recreate. Conservative estimates are that 8,000 to 12,000 people will be visiting the community each day.
A group of volunteers called the "Community Showcase Committee" have come together to make preparations to ensure that the community is clean and businesses are prepared to guarantee our guests a pleasant experience. While every effort is being made to create a world-class experience for our guests, we know that a single committee cannot do it alone, and we are hopeful that everyone in Michigan 's Great Southwest will assist us in our efforts.
One particular area that will require a lot of "manpower" is the community cleanup effort. The major transportation routes have been identified and volunteers are being sought to help clean up these targeted areas during a "Community Cleanup Weekend", which will take place from 9am to 5pm, Friday, May 18th and Saturday, May 19th.
We are fortunate to host the Championship in 2012 and 2014, and we are confident that it will be a catalyst for long-term opportunity for Michigan 's Great Southwest! Our efforts to showcase the community will encourage visitors to return each year; potentially entice homeowners to relocate or purchase second homes here; or even expand their businesses in our community. Want to connect? Go to www.volunteerswmi.org, log in as a volunteer and link to Cornerstone Alliance and the Community Clean Up volunteer option.
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
"The Volunteer Center promotes, supports and connects volunteers working to build a strong, caring community."
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LINKS TO SHARE:
I've dedicated a free blog site to reading and writing for homeschooled boys. A published author currently teaching writing at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, I believe it's necessary, at times, to go around a fixed curriculum in order to discover the way back in for some reader/writers. It may take a variety of exercises and drills to tweak a boy's interest in word play. You know your student better than anyone else. I invite you to sort through the range of writing prompts and study guides I offer to find the perfect fit for your son or daughter.
Joe Novara
http://joenovara.wordpress.com
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CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED:
Wanted: Switched on Schoolhouse for 4th grade. I am interested in Math & Language only but will consider any and all components. text or call 269-370-4589 or email Diane Day joharding_20@yahoo.com.
Looking for a group? Join the HUB! We need you.
The HUB is a volunteer organization. Without the support and participation of homeschool families, we can't function effectively. 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. 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! (Advertisements stay in for two weeks unless we work out something else in advance)
Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too. It's free!
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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 functions that we have. Thank-you!
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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.
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