September 17

to this week's
Teaching At Home
Newsletter

September 17, 2007

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Hi Gang!

We had a great week this week. Dae started her McWane classes but had mixed reviews. She was so excited to be going, but when she came out she said she was disappointed because she was thinking it would be all hands on and she thought it was more "work sheety". However, laying in the bed last night, just out of the blue she started telling me about classifying animals, so it must have stuck with her. I hope she has a better time next time now that she knows what to expect. I would really love for her to enjoy these classes as she was so really excited about them. Dae and Dalton have both decided that they are ready to start a musical instrument. Dalton wants to play the guitar and Dae wants to play the piano (keyboard for now). I got Dalton a book at the library, but I have not seen him look at it yet. Dae, however, has spent every spare moment at the keyboard and asking questions. She can already play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "Old McDonald", "Yankee Doodle" and part of "Joy to the World". She has already discovered how to read the very basic music and is really pumped about it.

We are really looking forward to next week. We will be leaving Saturday, Sep. 15 and returning Saturday, Sep. 22 to go relax on the beach in Gulf Shores. We are meeting up with several homeschooling families on Tuesday, so that should be a lot of fun. We also have plans to visit the Gulf Coast Exploreum if we have a yucky weather day, the Bon Secour Wild Life Preserve, and the Sea and Native American Musuem if we get time. I can't wait. I have not been to the beach in 2 or 3 years. The last time we were there, we left the day before the mandatory evacuation for Hurricane Ivan.

I have a request from a fellow homeschooler who is in need as I am sure we have all been at one time or another. She is looking for any and all curriculum for 1st and/or 7th grade that you can spare in all subjects. She is looking for free or very inexpensive materials and would even appreciate a loan of materials if you are not ready to sell. If you can help her out, please contact her at cynthiadh@charter.net . Thanks guys!

Does anyone have any of the American Girl dolls that they are ready to sell? I would like to buy Dae one. She is particularly interested in Kaya, but I would love to know about any that you would like to sell.

Also, I have started a new blog with my daily ramblings... This is just stuff that goes on around my house and with my kids.. Sometimes it will be very interesting, and sometimes just plain boring, but I hope that you will tune in and check us out!!! Live and Learn

Please remember that all the new information or changed information is in BLUE!!!

I hope you enjoy your week Teaching At Home, and I hope to see you all soon!

Deb Spradlin

Homeschool Directory

Please contact me directly at everestacademy1@gmail.com if you would like to be included. Please include your information in this order: county, your name, area, contact information, children's year of birth, and any other information you would like added. Please consider adding your information here! This could be SUCH a great resource for you!

New Resources...

Martin Hames Mentoring Program - The Alys Stephens Center has developed an Arts Mentoring Program to introduce middle school students to the arts. Local artists and arts educators will serve as volunteer mentors and will be paired with students to attend specific performances throughout the Alys Stephens Center’s 2007-2008 Season. Students will participate in facilitated group discussions (“Talk Backs”) immediately following each performance, and on occasion will have the chance to meet the guest artists. This unique arts learning experience is designed to create a safe environment in which to discuss and share ideas, values, and feelings, which the arts stir, and to encourage leadership and critical thinking. In addition, the group discussions enable students to interact with professionals in the field. This year-long program will culminate in a final event for participants, parents, and mentors. For more information, call (205) 934-0862. Here is the list of performances that they will get to attend FREE!!! The Original Blues Brothers Band Fri, October 19; 8:00 p.m., Axis Dance Company Sun, November 18; 2:30 pm, Sister’s Christmas Catechism Sat, December 15; 2:30 pm, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra w/Irvin Mayfield Sat, January 26; 8:00 pm, Cirque-Works Birdhouse Factory Sat, February 23; 3:00 p.m., and Rachel Lee, violin Sun. March 9; 2:30 p.m. Don't miss this!!! We participated last year, and it is an awesome opportunity!!!
September 22 - Girl Scout Sampler at St. Mark United Methodist Church from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. All girls and parents are invited! Girls will participate in activities while parents and leaders meet to place girls in existing troops and form new troops. For more information, call Nikki Robinson, 823-4077, Carol Moats 823-5729 or Carole Cash, 980-4750 Ext 120. Many thanks to Amy O'Dell for this resource.

Weather Wednesdays with FOX 6's David Neal beginning Sep 12 through Dec 12 from 11:00 - 12:00 at McWane Science Center. Mark your calendars and not that David Neal from WBRC - FOX6 will be presenting weather programs open to the public every Wednesday this fall. Join one of Birmingham's most knowledgeable and entertaining meteorologists as he educates visitors about the equipment used to capture live weather data in the Weather Station or his personal journeys tracking hurricanes and other data using the 6 ft floating globe called Science on a Sphere. Visitors of all ages will enjoy his enthusiasm and expertise. Free with paid admission to the McWane Center. Thanks much to Lisa McAnnally for this resource!
Playstation Skate Day at Trussville Playstation (right off Hwy 11 in Trussville, beside the Post Office) on the 2nd Friday of every month (starting this Friday, 9/14/07) from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Cost: $3.00 per skater which includes regular skate rental (parents not skating don't pay) [$5.00 per skater for inline/speed skates] http://www.trussvilleplaystation.com Many thanks to Bri Moore for this awesome information!
Devyani Homeschool Classes - Devyani Dance Center 2621 Crestwood Blvd. Irondale, AL 35210 (205) 956-3384 Contact Megha Cavin
Drama Kids Classes at Devyani Studio on Thursdays from 1:30 - 2:30. Cost is $35.00. For information, please see www.dramakids.com
Children's Dance Classes at Devyani Studio taught by Michell Conaty. 2:00 - 3:00 Girl's Homeschool Class, 3:00 - 4:00 Boy's Tumbling Class, and 4:00 - 5:00 Girl's Dance Class. I don't know what day this is. Cost is $35.00 per month, 2nd child $10.00 per month, additional siblings are free.
Homeschool Art Classes at Devyani Studio pending with Julie Walters.
Charlotte Mason Meeting the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Madison. The contact person for that is Karen Smith at mkbsmith@bamawisp.com . Thanks for this info Esther!
Central Alabama Family Educators (CAFE) would like to invite all homeschoolers to Game Day! We will be hosting an activity day on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. This month the theme will be Game Day. It will be this Wednesday, September 12th, from 10:00am-12:00noon. It is open to all homeschoolers and will be in the gym at Community Presbyterian in Moody Directions to Community Presbyterian from I-20: Take Moody exit 144, you will be heading north on Hwy 411, go approx. 1 1/2 miles on 411, turn left on Oak Blvd and the church is right there (you can see it from the road). The gym is on the right hand side of Oak Blvd (behind Complete Healthcare) Please bring board games, jump ropes, balls, etc. for your child to play with and to share with others who might want to play! If you would like more information, please contact Cherie Scogin at hspurplemom@windstream.net .

* One of the children in our group has a life threatening allergy to nuts. His mother carries 2-3 epi pens and an inhaler with her at all times. He can have a reaction, from contact with someone who has eaten anything that has nuts as an ingredient. Peanut butter is especially a problem because children (and adults) can easily have residue on their clothing, hands or face after eating it. So if you plan to attend, please do not eat nuts or peanut butter that day. We also ask that people do not bring snacks to eat. (This does not include water and soft drinks.) If there is a special circumstance that someone would need to bring a snack, please make sure it does not contain nuts or nut traces. Many products contain traces of nuts and could also be a danger to him. Some examples of items that should be safe if needed would be fresh fruit, or cheese. Kashi and Frito Lay are very good about labeling if a product has nuts in it, so items with those brand names should be safe it it doesn't have nuts listed as an ingredient.
McWane Center Outreaches at the Lamb of God Church (corner of Valleydale Road and Hwy 31 - 1 mi. from Hwy 65 - across from Hoover Services building).... Contact is Mitzi Howard pianomom@mindspring.com Many thanks to Brandy Dahlen for this awesome resource!
If you're interested, the cost will be $5/child (with 17 participants) for each class. You can come to as many or as few as you want. (Dates and programs are subject to change based on response.) If your child(ren) attend 6 classes, the sixth class is free. Some programs will last 30 minutes; others will last 1 hour.

Thursday, October 4th @ 1:30 - 2:45 pm
1 :30 pm - Science with a Bang - 3rd - 5th grade - Heat up the classroom as we explore the science of combustion. Students get fired up about science with a series of experiments that demonstrate the differences between explosions and combustion, the elements of the combustion triangle and some unexpected materials that make good fuels.

2:20 pm - Amazing Animals - K-8th grade - Invite our awesome animals into your classroom. Their unique habits and characteristics will captivate students.

Thursday, November 15th @ 1:30 - 3:00 pm
1:30 pm - Biome Breakdown - 5th - 8th grade - Why are some areas deserts and others rain forests? Discover the science behind biomes and explore the features of our own place on the globe!

2:30 pm - Body Works - K - 2nd grade - What happens inside your body when you do a physical activity? Discover how your heart, lungs and blood keep your body working and what role a balanced diet plays in all this.

Thursday, February 21st @ 1:30 - 3:00 pm
1:30 pm - Plant Power - 3rd-5th grade - Explore the role of plants in our lives and in the environment and learn how we can treat them right!

2:30 pm - Light Bright - PreK - 1st grade - Light and shadow, heat and chill. Yong scientists will investigate the phenomenon of our sun's effect on the seasons, weather, and life on Earth. Students will also experiment with the effects of illumination on shadows and become artist of light.

3:30 pm - Enlightening Electricity  - 2nd - 6th grade - What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator? How does a circuit work? Students will study the difference between static and current electricity and so much more.

Thursday, April 17th @ 2:30 - 3:30 pm
1:30 pm - A World in Motion: Jet Toy - 3rd-5th grade - Designed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the World in Motion (AWIM) is an innovative, hands-on physical science activity with fun and challenge as the two main ingredients. AWIM makes challenges of math and science exciting by bring authentic engineering design challenges to your classroom.

2:20 pm - Environmental Explorations  - K - 2nd grade - Explore how people use the environment and learn how to help protect the environments that we share with other livings things!

Dates to Remember...

Sep 28 - Adamsville Park Day I hope to see you all at Adamsville Park on Spring Street from noon until whenever!!! Please do come! Bring kids of all ages - our teens love to get together as well!

Directions:

I-59 to Hwy 78/Arkadelphia Rd exit (#123) north.

Go approximately 9 miles to the Adamsville McDonald's and turn left

Go approximately 2 blocks to stop sign and stay straigt

Go approximately 2 blocks and come to area where you can go left or right - go right (left will take you over railroad tracks and is the wrong way)

Go approximately 2 blocks to stop sign - Go straight or left - either way will bring you into the park

Of Note: If it is a bad weather day, we meet at Adamsville McDonald's!!!

Sep 15 thru 22 - I will be in Gulf Shores relaxing on the beach. I will begin returning messages on Sep. 23.

Sep 21 - Tiempo Libre at Alys Stephens Center at 10:00. Please meet in the lobby no later than 9:45 a.m.

Sep 24 - Seed 2 Plate Field Trip.

Book It! Program - Do you need a reading incentive? How about a free Personal Pan Pizza at Pizza Hut? If you are interested in signing your children grades K5 - 6th (their rules, not mine) in the Book It! Program, please send me a SASE, and I will send you 6 coupons for free Perosnal Pan Pizzas from Pizza Hut for each child you have in grades K5 - 6th. OR better yet, come to the Adamsville Park Day on September 28, and I will make sure to bring them with me. These are a really good incentive, so please think about signing your child up!

Sep 24 - Seed 2 Plate $8 per student Please click on the link above for more information about this field trip. The 10:00 - 12:00 time is ideally for K - 3 and the 12:00 - 2:00 is ideally for 4th and up. This trip will include a hefty snack but not enough to consider as lunch, so you can bring a lunch if you would like. Also, parents are free UNLESS they plan to participate. If you want to participate, please pay the $8 as well. If we do not have enough children to meet the minimum amount required, we will attend the 10:00 time slot. Please make sure when you email in to tell me which time slot you will need. Students will arrive at JVUF 30 minutes ahead of time. JVUF staff will provide students with an introduction to the farm; including our history, safety-guidelines, and the program objectives. Students will break into small groups and rotate through a series of stations, each focusing on aspect of organic food production. These stations will include soil preparation, seed propagation, compost production, weed and pest management, and harvesting. Students will learn about each subject while actually participating in the activity. Once each group has moved through all the stations, students will take the harvested produce to the 'mobile kitchen' provided by the Culinard. Staff from the Culinard will work with students to prepare the produce and cook lunch. Student will again learn about the Culinary Arts while actually assisting the chef. The students will help set the tables at the farm for a feast and serve their own food. While eating lunch, a nutritionist from UAB's Dieticians program will provide fun interactive ways for the students to see why the food they are eating is different from the food they usually eat for lunch. This will include information on the benefits of eating fresh organic produce, the benefits of eating 'lightly' cooked or raw food, and finally on how to translate these benefits back to their home. Students will leave with publications about good eating habits, contact information for their parents to get involved with the farm or community gardens in their neighborhood, and seedlings to start their own garden. In addition, parents will be given $10 produce vouchers that they can reimburse for JVUF produce at either the farmers market or the farm stand. Finally, students will be asked to keep a food journal for the week following the fieldtrip. Please sign up for this fieldtrip with Debbi Spradlin.
Sep 26 - Oakville Indian Mounds featuring the largest 2,000 year old Woodland Indian Mound in Alabama; an early settlers cemetery with false crypts; a Copena Indian Burial Mound; Black Warriors’ Path; and an 8,000 square foot Cherokee Council House containing a 12-foot statue of Sequoyah and thousands of artifacts dating as far back as 10,000 B.C. Butch Walker, an expert in the area of Celtic/Native American history in the Southeast, will be speaking. Arrival time is 10:00. Cost is $2.00 per person. Please make reservation with Angela Broyles at Angela.Broyles@gmail.com or 256-762-7153.

FREE FIELD TRIP September 29 - Hick's Village Meet at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens - Birmingham, Alabama at 9:00AM. Join us as we tour the Hicks "primitive village", 6-7 log & wooden buildings (including a general store, carriage house, schoolhouse-church & smoke house), all full of old implements, tools, antiques & household items. Amazing display! Gordon & Cecilia Hicks host this event on their 300-acre tract on Spring Creek. We are also going to see fall color. Bring a sack lunch, plenty of water and comfortable shoes/boots for walking. This trip is with Fresh Air Family. Please register here: Hick's Village in Colbert County

Oct 1 through 3 - Camp McDowell The Huntsville Christian Homeschoolers are going to Camp McDowell. You don't have to be a member to join us! Our target age is 4th grade-7th grade. Our classes and evening programs will include: canoeing, pond, compass skills, team adventure, woods walk, Native Americans and Earth, Night Hike, Alabama neighbors. We will learn team skills, communication skills, about animals, reptiles, birds of prey, the water cycle, and lots more! We will have a parent meeting on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 6:30 PM. If you are even slightly interested, please come! You may attend this camp with your child(ren). You will have to pay the same price...$116.20. This includes 2 nights lodging, meals and snacks, and all the wonderful classes and experiences! Please contact Jennifer Cullars for more information at: 256-527-1198
jvcullars@hotmail.com

Oct 5 - Sharitt Petting Farm in Hayden at 10:00. Cost is $5.00 per person and that includes interaction with all the animals. They bring them up one at a time and talk about each one and let the kids pet them. They only schedule one trip per day, so you can take your time They have a place where you can have a picnic. Now if the kids want to ride an animal it would cost more--$1.00 for a horse, donkey, or pony ride. If there are little ones they let them ride on their miniature horses while being guided. Then there is Clem the camel--you can ride him for $10.00, but it is so much fun. Deadline for sign up, cancellation, and payment is October 1. For more information or to sign up, please contact Trisha Jones at rtojones@bellsouth.net

Oct. 12 - 10:00 a.m.
Tannehill Native American Festival

Closing ceremony at 7:00pm $2.00 per person. The Native Alliance Teaching Indian Values and Education (N.A.T.I.V.E) along with Tannehill Trails presents the Tannehill Trails Indian Festival at the Tannehill Trails arena. Come for a day of delicious food, arts and culture demonstrations of traditional basket weaving, beadwork, archery, blacksmithing, storytelling, and powwow dances and songs. Sign up, payment, and cancellation deadline for this event is Oct. 5. Please sign up with Debbi Spradlin

Oct 26 -Dismals Canyon http://www.dismalscanyon.com/index.html Time: 12:30 noon The tour will take about 3 hours.It is about one and half miles long. Please eat before the tour and bring a snack along with your water. Fees: 1st-6th Graders $4.75 each, 7th-12th graders $7.00 each, and parents are $7.50 each. Please contact Angela Broyles to make reservations at 256-762-7153 or Angela.Broyles@gmail.com

Nov. 26 - 30 - Disney World Trip Teaching At Home will be going to Disney World in Orlando again this year. We went last year and had a blast. You can check out the information from last year here: Disney Trip 2006 . The trip will include a 5-day hopper pass to all four parks plus two visits to either Blizzard Beach or Disney Quest. We visited Typhoon Lagoon and Disney Quest last year and had an absolute blast. These tickets will also include one Y.E.S. Program for the students. These are absolutely wonderful programs, and my kids are still talking about the one they attended last year. The rest of the time is your's to spend as a family. Disney Information

Dec. 13 - Alabama Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at the Samford Wright Center at 10:00am. While visions of sugarplums have not yet danced in your heads, the Alabama Ballet is already working towards our holiday season production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Alabama Ballet is currently one of six companies in the world licensed to perform Balanchine's performance. Cost is $7 per adult. Children free. I know it is early for this; however, the quicker we send in our reservations, the better seating we will get. Deadline for sign up, cancellation, and payment is Oct. 15. Sign up with Debbi Spradlin at everestacademy1@gmail.com

Free Stuff....

Sep 24, Oct 8 & 22 - Character Club at Gardendale Library from 3:30 - 4:30p.m. Character Club is a new fun interactive program for kids K-3rd grade. Ms. Janet uses character development through games, scrapbooking, stories, movies, and more.

Sep 11 through Nov 13 - The Alpha Course is a great way to learn about the basic concepts of Christianity. If you are interested in the Christian Faith or have basic questions such as "Who was Jesus?" and "Why did Jesus Die?". This is a very practical course that is presented in a straighforward manner. Course is held worldwide and originated in England. Includes Free Dinner and Childcare. Trinity UMC 1400 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Sep 18 - UAB Foreign Film Series at UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th Street South, Birmingham, AL starting at 8:00 p.m. The UAB Foreign Film Series presents "Russian Dolls," a French film with English subtitles. The event is free and open to the public. Plot: Xavier is a struggling writer trying to deal with family and romantic encounters. Then he is obliged to continue his work in London and St. Petersburg, journeys that will finally allow him to reconcile work

Sep 18 - Peace Corps Party You are cordially invited to a fun event. Please come to a most enjoyable party, reception and recruitment function--all in one evening. Discover exciting opportunities in countries like Samoa, El Salvador, Ghana and Thailand. The function is sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Returned Peace Corps Volunteers at the Smolian International House, 1600 Tenth Avenue South on the UAB Campus in Birmingham on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Sep 18 - Tech Tuesdays at the Birmingham Public Library at noon. Do you love to listen to the radio, but tire of all the non-stop ads? Join David Blake as he introduces the vast world of internet Radio. There are a few to no commercials interruptions and settings are available to customize your listening enjoyment - all just a click away. This program will be simulcast at the Five Points West Library.

Sep 20, Oct 4 & 18 - Culture Kids at Gardendale Library from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Culture Kids is a super cool club for children in grades 4 and up. Each month explore a new culture through music, dance, crafts, and food.

Sep 20 - ArchiTreats: Food For Thought 334-353-4712. www.archives.state.al.us. Alabama Department of Archives & History--Bring a sack lunch and participate in the Lecture Series. This month's topic is "Was There a Religious History of the American Civil War?" presented by George C. Rable. 12:05-1 p.m

Sep 20 - Get Downtown at Plaza at McWane Science Center on 19th St between 2nd & 3rd Avenues North from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. Join us after work for free performances by some of Birmingham hottest local bands. Peforming this month: Peanut, Glen Tolbert, Lost in the Ozone and Flying Jenny. Admission is free but we'll be accepting donations to help restore the historic Lyric Theatre. Free tours of the theatre will be available during the event. Also enjoy a display of vintage an contemporary Corvettes by the Mid-Alabama Corvette Club and Celtic Dance peformances.

Sep 20 - ONE Campaign to Make Poverty History The ONE Campaign seeks to raise public awareness about the issues of global poverty, hunger, disease and efforts to fight such problems in developing countries. Guest Speaker: Derreck Kayongo of CARE Brock Forum 1st floor of Dwight Beeson Hall Samford University 800 Lakeshore Drive Homewood, AL http://www.one.org

Sep 21 - Black & Gold Senior Preview Day for Prospective Students at Birmingham Southern Named for the college's colors, the preview event gives high school seniors a sampling of campus life, which includes academic program information, a tour of the campus, and a complimentary lunch. Students also will have an opportunity to attend class, listen to student panels, and learn about scholarships and financial aid.

Sep 21 - Invisible Wonders of Little River Canyon JSU microbiologist Dr. Benjie Blair will explain how the creatures you can't see affect you every day. Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm at DeSoto State Park's Campfire Circle.

Sep 22 - Piney Woods is a family oriented event that has been a community tradition for the past 23 years. The festival serves as a major fundraiser for the library, to help to continue the adult and children programs in the community and also raise community awarenes. Offered at the festival will be art and craft vendors, local vendors from different venues, food and a used book sale. Entertainment will include Mayor David Frings' Exotic Animals, Shelby Remote Airplanes, Thompson Jazz Ensemble and local dance troops. Children's Area will feature inflatables, games, crafts, face painting and a book mark contest offering a chance to win a $20 Books A Million Gift Card. Also available for the kids to enjoy will be Pony Rides. Albert L. Scott Library 100 Ninth Street NW Alabaster, AL 35007 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Sep 22 - Family Fun Day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 10:00 - 4:00 Celebrate the colors of the season at the regions most diverse and beautiful outdoor attraction, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Children's activities include Origami, scavenger hunts, popcorn growing, leaf printing and more! Other activities will include a variety of arts & crafts on display in The Hill Garden, music, and snacks; along with hands-on activities that compliment our Discovery Field Trips for area students that includes a Tropical Rainforest tour; harvesting cotton, peanuts and sweet potatoes in the Dr. George Washington Carver garden; learning about the unique ways Native Americans survived off of the Earths natural resources; exploring the Alabama Woodlands to learn how plants need animals and animals need plants: the interdependency message; and the Japanese Garden will be filled with numerous cultural activities sponsored by the Japan America Society.

Sep 22 - Dayhike in Bankhead Forest This is an absolutely gorgeous hike. The scenery is some of the prettiest we have seen in Alabama. We'll walk along a lovely, shallow creek and see hemlock trees, high cliffs and the start of beautiful fall colors. The trip is rated moderately strenuous since there are several ups as well as downs, most of the hike is off trail, and participants will be required to cross Capsey Creek by rock-hopping several times. Carefully-supervised, well-behaved children age 10 and older welcome. Bring a picnic lunch and water. Also bring wading shoes with substantial soles (old sneakers are very suitable), a small towel to dry your feet and a plastic bag with twist tie in case we need to actually wade to cross the creek in places. Showers available after the hike. Optional dinner after. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Kmart Green Springs. Info: Dan Frederick, 631-4680

Sep 22 - Parasite of Little River Canyon Dr. Benjie Blair of JSU returns to talk about more creepy crawlies that would like to make a home...inside of you! 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at DeSoto State Park's Campfire Circle.

Sep 23 - Poetry in the Park 2007 at Linn Park at 3:00 p.m. Poetry In The Park 2007 hosted by Knuumba Nia Omari, Founder and Organizer is an annual event. The theme is "Artists in Support of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Awareness." This event features live music by "Culture Dred (Reggae Band) and New Jazz Messengers (Jazz Band)in collaboration with some of the most talented poets in the city of Birmingham, such as Obeah, Mojo Mama, John Paul and many, many more. This year's Featured Poet is Shawn Judah.

Sep 23 - How To Fish at the Aldridge Gardens from 2:00 - 4:00 Kids 4-12 can learn about knot tieing, casting, choosing bait and general fishing tips. Class size will be limited to 30 children and each must be accompanied by a parent. Reservations at (205) 682-8019 are required by September 19.

Sep 23 - Alabama and Florida Hummingbirds at Petals from the Past in Chilton County from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Fred Bassett, a certified bird bander who has worked with hummingbirds for over 15 years will discuss ruby throated hummers in our area and overwintering western birds.

Sep 23 - Fall Container Gardening with Linda Askey at The University of Alabama Arboretum in Tuscaloosa from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. The demonstration will take place at the Arboretum, and admission is free. Askey will discuss and demonstrate such topics as container and plant selection, soil preparation, watering techniques, and proper feeding.

Sep 24 - Guest Lecture Recital at Samford Brock Recital Hall at 7:30pm ST Kimbrough is the author and performer of "Sweet Singer," a one-person musical drama depicting the life and work of Charles Wesley.

Sep 24 - American Girls Club at Trussville Library from 6:30 - 7:30pm. Meet Kaya, a fictional young Nex Perce girl who in 1764 dreamed of becoming a courageous leader for her people. Reservations required at 655-2022.

Sep 25 - Girls Night Out at Gus Mayer in Brookwood Mall from 5:00 - 8:00 Join us for martini's and appetizers. Drawings every 15 minutes. Complimentary make-overs and skin care consultations. This would be great to teach Tween and Teens about skin care and makeup application.

Sep 26 - Tailgating: Keeping it Fun and Safe at Birmingham Public Library from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. During football season, where there's smoke, there's usually tailgating. Join us for a presentation by Ms. Angela Treadaway, Regional Extension Agent from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. She will share food safety, preparation, and preservation tips for Game Day cooking.

Sep 26 - Marketing Your Business - Everyone talks about the importance of a business plan, but how many people have a marketing plan? Hutch Cole of SCORE discusses the planning and execution of a marketing plan and explains the importance of outlining your objectives and the strategies you'll use to achieve those objectives. Brenda Cox of the UAB SBDC addresses how to market and sell your company's products or services to departments and agencies of the federal state, and local governments. Learn how to identify the best customers for your business and successfully focus your marketing. This is the first in a three part Small Business series. Birmingham Public Library from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Sep 24 through 26 - Diane Ferlatte is at the forefront of the multicultural renaissance of the oral tradition as she augments inventive stagecraft with the actor´s skill at expression, gesture, and intense emotion, to create multiple characters for each story. Embracing her role as a traditional preserver of folk history, culture, and values, she weaves tales from many cultures, while naturally many of her stories have African, Southern, and African-American roots. In her performances, the multi-talented Ferlatte sings, signs (American Sign Language), uses percussive instruments, and is frequently accompanied by Erik Pearson on banjo and guitar. With a repertoire of hundreds of stories and songs, she tells folk-tales, fables, legends, historical, contemporary, and personal stories for all ages. Sep 24 at Bham Public Library 10:30am, Sep 25 North Avondale Library 1:00pm & Springville Library at 6:30 pm, and Sep 26 Emmett O'Neal Library from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Sep 26 - Samurai Animanga Club at Homewood Library for grades 6 - 12 from 3:30 - 4:30pm. Anime episodes, snacks and discussion of this month's theme.

Sep 27 - Ms. Arawana Hayashi, a master teacher of dance, meditative movement and mindfulness meditation, will speak about the relationship of the creative arts and accessing our intrinsic spiritual wisdom. Ms. Hayashi is a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage, and has a long history of involvement in western and asian dance genres. UAB Honors House at 7:00 p.m.

Sep 27 - Firemen and Their Tools at Springville Library at 4:00pm. Celebrate Fire Safety Month with firemen and their equipment for a fun and educational afternoon!

Sep 27 - National Public Lands Day at Conecuh National Forest in Andalusia at 9:30AM at The Conecuh District Shooting Range. Join the US Forest Service and help clean and beautify the Conecuh National Forest. Be sure to bring your gloves and hardhats. Enjoy a day of free food and activities! Contact Ben Battle at 1-334-222-2555 before September 19th if you can attend.

Sep 27 - Dreamers and Deadbeats: Favorite stories from American authors Award-winning story performer Dolores Hydock brings classic characters from American authors to life in this story concert sponsored by the Friends of the Vestavia Hills Public Library. Coffee and refreshments at 10 a.m.; story concert begins at 10:30 a.m. Free and open to the public. Not recommended for children under 12.

Sep 28 - My Favorite Poem is a community poetry reading that invites diverse members of the community to come together for an evening to share unique, personal treasures: the poems they love. Modeled after Robert Pinsky’s Favorite Poem Project, MY FAVORITE POEM gives each reader five minutes to share a favorite famous poem and tell how it is important in their lives. The event is at once unifying and electrifying as people from many different walks of life gather to celebrate the power of literature to affect all our lives. If you are interested, please contact Irene Latham at http://irenelatham@bellsouth.net by August 15 and include your name, address, phone number, occupation, favorite poem including author and complete text and why this poem is important to to you.

Sep 28 thru 30 - Gulf Shores Alabama Open Invitational 850-206-2519. www.alabamaopen.net. Free. Gulf State Park—Geocachers of all levels from around the country will gather on the beach for a weekend of fellowship, geocaching and fun.

Sep 29 & 30 - Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival The festival, free to the public, is a tribute to all of the great jazz musicians who hail from Birmingham. The Taste of Fourth Avenue Jazz Festival is a dynamic event featuring local and internationally renowned jazz artists. Taste's Jazz Festival is a community event providing first class entertainment on one huge stage, jazz artists, commercial booths, children's activities, and a diverse selection of food vendors.

Sep 29 - Museum Day is a nationwide event where participating museums and cultural institutions across the country offer free admission to Smithsonian readers and Smithsonian.com visitors, allowing for one day only, the free-admission policy of Smithsonian's Washington, D.C.-based facilities to be emulated across the country. Participants must present the Museum Day to receive FREE GENERAL ADMISSION. The Museum Day Admission Card is valid for you plus one guest and is limited to one per household. You can click on this link to find participating venues across the U.S. Thanks very much to Berta for this information!

Sep 29 - Creek Cleanup Southeastern Outings is pleased to offer to its members and friends the opportunity to participate in the 8th annual Shades Creek Cleanup organized by Friends of Shades Creek. Every year this cleanup is a better event. It is not just about picking up trash but more so about taking a walk in the creek and seeing the creek and the world from a different perspective. Depending on the number of participants SEO people will have the opportunity to clean a section of the creek as a group or by joining with other volunteers. At the end of the morning you will feel a sense of accomplishment and feel differently about the creek. This is a great opportunity to lead by example. A large turnout gives the creek a stronger voice. As a participant you have the choice of getting in the creek (i.e. getting wet) or staying on the creek bank or the path along the creek (i.e. staying dry). No charge. Wear old clothes and sneakers, something you do not mind getting wet or dirty if you choose to get wet or dirty. Meet 8:30 a.m. inside the West Gate to Samford University on Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. Reservations not required. Bring a friend or many. Information: Contact Hans Paul 807-7357 cooterp@mindspring.com or Michelle Blackwood 879-6866 mkblackwood@earthlink.net

Sep 29 - Getting Started Researching & Writing Your Family History at Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia at 10:30 - Family history research is similar to becoming a detective. You will learn more than you could ever dream about research skills while digging into history on a level you never thought possible. You will soon be addicted to finding the next missing link or piece of information. We are going to look at how to research family histories using the steps below to local history and preserving it through the written word for the future generations. Bring a notepad, pencil, and an open mind; we are going to have fun! For more Information, please contact Coldwater Books 256-381-2525 or Angela Broyles 256-762-7153

Sep 29 - Ghosts on the Mountain at Cheaha State Park Join Renee Morrison, storyteller for JSU Field Schools, for a fun family friendly storytelling night on the highest mountain in Alabama. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Sep 30 - Free Zoo Day at the Birmingham Zoo from 9:00 - 5:00 Join us for a FREE DAY at the Zoo. Free admission to the public, complimentary Wildlife Shows and free fish food (while supplies last). PLUS, visit our newest arrivals: Lipz, an orangutan & Star, Spangle & Banner, the red river hogs.

Sep 30 - Discovery and Adventure: Meet the Authors Dr. Doug Phillips, Ecologist-Educator, Discovering Alabama, APT Roger Reid, Co-Writer/Producer, Discovering Alabama, APT Birmingham Botanical Gardens Ireland Room Birmingham, Alabama from 2:30PM - 4:00PM with light refreshments FREE Event - Registrations required Members of BBG and the general public are in for a special treat at BBG! Season after season you have enjoyed Dr. Doug Phillips and his faithful dog Turkey on Emmy nominated Discovering Alabama on Alabama Public Television. They have hiked through Alabama woodlands, exploring our state's highest peak to our southern gulf coast. Dr. Doug and Roger Reid, co-writer and producer of Discovering Alabama, will be making two presentations for your afternoon pleasure: Adventure Just Outside and Discovering Alabama Forests. This is our chance to get up close and personal with two amazing authors. Following their presentations, each will be signing their recently published books. Bring your copy for a book signing or purchase your books at BBG during the event. You may also check out Discovering Alabama DVDs and videos from our BBG Library. See their website at www.discoveringalabama.org.

Sep 30 - Guitar Shorty Booked for September 30th Phelan Park series (4th Street & 15th Avenue South – across from Dreamland Barbecue) from 3:00 - 6:00.

Oct 2 - Getting Started with Blogs at Birmingham Public Library at noon. Are you looking for a fun, creative way to communicate with others online? If so, a blog may be just the thing for you. Blogs can be used for a variety of purposes including corresponding with family and friends, promoting activities of your business, organization, or church: or sharing your personal interests and ideas with fellow bloggers around the world. Join us for a look at how to locate and use blogs that relate to topics that interest you. This program will be simulcast at the Springville Road and Five Points West Library.

Oct 2 - Curse of the Golden Flower at UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th Street South, Birmingham, AL starting at 8:00 p.m. The UAB Foreign Film Series presents "Curse of the Golden Flower," a Chinese film in Mandarin with English subtitles. The event is free and open to the public. Plot: Set in the 10th century, an emperor is slowly poisoning his unfaithful wife.

Oct 3 - The Storied Past of Rickwood Field at the Birmingham Public Library from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. David Brewer shares the storied past of Rickwood Field and the continuing restoration of America's Oldest Professional Baseball Park.

Oct 3 - Protecting Your Business at Birmingham Public Library from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Chances are you need people to help you in your business. Every business owner needs to be familiar with the employment laws governing personnel related issues. Terry Price of SCORE reviews some of the most common employment issues ranging from creating the employment relationship to terminating it. Growing companies frequently need a financial team, too. Coffee Colvin of SCORE tells you what to consider when choosing the people to help protect your profits. This is the second seminar in a three part series.

Oct 5 - Sloss Furnace Iron Pour Birmingham-Southern College 900 Arkadelphia Road Box 549004 Birmingham, Alabama 35254 Art Plaza, Kennedy Art Center/ Azar Art Studios, outside from 5:00 - 8:45 p.m.

Oct 6 - Creek Wade This one will be exciting, scenic and lots of fun! Those who participated in this outing last year found it to be one of the most beautiful natural areas we have ever seen anywhere! There are numerous (about twelve) beautiful, small falls in Quillan and various side creeks. We can actually walk up and right through two extensive, gently sloping cascades easily. Quillan Creek is located in a heavily-forested area with hemlock trees and high banks alongside. Participants on this hike must: be able and willing to walk at least 4 ½ miles off trail over rugged terrain including wading 1 ½ miles in a creek which is sometimes knee deep, wear hiking boots and long pants to hike to and from the creek, and bring and wear shorts or swim suits and wading shoes for the creek wade. Sturdy foot protection is required. Old sneakers work fine, but please no bare feet, flimsy beach shoes, flip flops or loose slip-ons! Please don't come if you are unwilling to get wet! Also please do bring a plastic bag with twist tie or Ziploc to put your wet shoes in and a hand towel to dry your feet before putting your socks and hiking boots back on for the walk out. Please bring picnic lunch, drink, daypack and change of clothes (dry underwear also advised) for optional dinner. Rated moderately strenuous due to the entire hike being off trail, some elevation gain, and the need to walk in the creek a good portion of the time. Children age 10 and over welcome. Optional dinner after. Showers available before dinner Please come with us October 6 and enjoy helping count waterfalls. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Kmart Green Springs or 9:30 a.m. at Jacks Double Springs. Info: Dan Frederick, 631-4680 or seoutings@bellsouth.net

Oct 6 - 44th Annual Bluff Park Art Show from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Bluff Park Community Center in Hoover This year's show has over 130 artists from 12 states. In addition to the outstanding art, the event features hands-on art fun for children and music for all. The Hoover Lions Club cooks BBQ on site and the women of Bluff Park United Methodist Church sell home-made cakes and sweets. This event is the final event of the " Year of Alabama Arts". Free Parking and free shuttle

Oct 6 - Babypalooza and Expo held at the Galleria from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Whether it's questions about nursing, nanny services, maternity fashions, prenatal massage, baby products, finding a photographer or planning the first birthday party, exhibitors at Babypalooza will have the answer," says Cecilia Pearson, Event Producer. Brookwood Women's Medical Center will host pre and postnatal health seminars at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., they will also have several booths providing information for women's and infant health care. More than 80 exhibitors will be set up throughout the mall with products and services for the prenatal to preschool market in the metro Birmingham area. There also will be a Citywide Baby Shower celebrating expectant moms with fun and games between seminar times, a Diaper Derby, Car Seat Safety, Sampling from Barber's Milk and Mayfield Dairy, Product Demonstrations, and lots of giveaways. Admission is free. For more information call (205) 445-1345 or visit www.babypaloozatour.com.

Oct 6 - Birmingham Bravo Arts Festival held at Caldwell Park/Virginia Samford Theater from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Designed as a "season sampler" to showcase Birmingham's best performing and visual arts talent, BRAVO! will feature live performances from outstanding community arts groups. The aim of this event is to demonstrate the wide variety of arts offerings available during the upcoming performance season. BRAVO! also allows each participating art group the opportunity to market their organizations to the public.

Oct 7 - Walking Tours of the Persimmons and Kiwis at Petals From the Past in Chilton County from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Dr. Arlie Powell will talk about growing kiwis and persimmons and introduce you to some of the varieties available.

Oct 9 - The Art of the Novel: Open Forum Series for Writers at Barnes & Noble The Summit Shopping Center off Highway 280 Summit Boulevard Birmingham, AL starting at 7:00 p.m. The Open Forum Series for Writers, sponsored by Writing Today, presents Dr. Peter Donahue, associate professor of English at Birmingham-Southern, where he teaches creative writing and journalism. He is Conference Chair for the 2008 Writing Today Conference and will speak about writing novels.

Oct 9 - Where the Wild Things Are Alabama Ballet will give a sneak preview at Alabama Ballet Center for Dance
2726 1st Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35223 from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. Our 2nd Tuesday Series is an informal performance and "studio chat" with our Artistic Director. This Tuesday, enjoy a sneak preview and behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming production, Where the Wild Things Are. Free and open to the public, we invite you to join us for a glass of wine, refreshments, and a behind the scenes look at our 2007-2008 season.

Oct 10 - Just Chillin' Pumpkin Lab 3:30 - 4:30 in the Teens Department of Homewood Library for grades 6 - 12. Decorate a pumpkin! Snacks and pumpkins provided.

Oct 11 thru 13 - Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival located at St.George Melkite Greek Catholic Church 425 16th Avenue South Birmingham, Alabama 35205 from 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. On October 11th, 12th and 13th, our Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival sponsored by St. George Melkite Church will bring a taste of the Eastern Mediterranean to Birmingham.We offer traditonal delicacies, music and dance in colorful regional costumes. The Festival is the major fundraiser for St. George Church. Tours of our Byzantine Church are also on the agenda. Sample Menu:

The Nile:
Baked Kibbee, Spinach Pie, Rolled Grape Leaves, Green Beans & Rice, Arabic Salad, and Bread
(Humos on request for all dinners)

The Oasis: same as Nile except One-half baked chicken instead of Kibbee

The Mediterranean:
One-half Baked Chicken, Rice & Beans, Arabic Salad, and Bread

The Arabian (Vegetarian):
Two Spinach Pies, Arabic Salad, Rice & Beans,Humos, and Bread

The Desert Classic:
Baked Kibbee, Rice & Beans, Arabic Salad, and Bread
Some side order and ala carte items will be available: Falafel and Kibbee Sandwiches, Meat Pies, Baklawa & other tasty pastries, and Arabic coffee.

On Friday Night and Saturday afternoon and evening, a live band will be performing traditional Middle Eastern Music along with our children and teens performing folk dancing. Tours of our beautiful Byzantine Church will be on the agenda.

Oct 13 - Dayhike at Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a 413-acre, privately-protected scenic natural area located in the Little Mountains region of Colbert County, Alabama. It is open to the public year-round at no charge. Eleven miles of hiking trails provide routes to many of the scenic sites on the preserve. There are several maintained camping sites and many spots for picnicking and wading in the creeks. The main canyon and many of the tributary canyons were carved by moving water cutting down through a resistant sandstone layer. This hard rock layer helps create the waterfalls, rock shelters, and giant boulders found on the preserve. More than a hundred species of trees are found here. The preserve is maintained as closely a possible to it natural state, and visitors are advised that this commitment to "naturalness" offers potential hazards that must be considered for safe, enjoyable visits. Please come with us to visit this unique preserve which SEO will visit for the very first time on October 13. Children age 10 and over welcome. Optional dinner after hike. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Kmart Green Springs. Info: Brenda Cummings, 256/714-0771

Oct 13 - Homeschool Educator Appreciation at Barnes & Nobles at Summit Blvd in Bham from 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. All homeschool educators and their families are invited for a chance to win fantastic gift baskets, a $500 gift card and lots of other prizes.

Oct 14 - Moss Rock Preserve Hike at 2:00 p.m. Come and explore the wilder side of Hoover. Did you know that there is a lovely 250-acre nature preserve located within the city limits of Hoover? We'll experience the preserve's diverse natural features which include longleaf pine forests, huge boulders, streams, grassy areas, outstanding views and, when it rains, some beautiful waterfalls. Come and see it all with the Southeastern Outings on Sunday, October 14. This moderate walk will be 2-4 miles in length, much of it uphill on Shades Mountain. Bring plenty to drink. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age seven and up able to walk the distance and complete the hike without complaining are welcome. Meet 2:00 p.m. at the Moss Rock Preserve parking lot on Patton Chapel Road. Info: Lynne Remke, Lynne Remke, 822-6282

Oct 14 - Layer Cake Container Just Add Water at Petals From the Past in Chilton County from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Linda Askey will show you how to put together some of the neatest containers with a few surprises. A very enjoyable program.

Oct. 16 - Alabama Ballet at Homewood Library at 4:30 p.m. Alabama Ballet presents highlights from their production of Where the Wild Things Are.

Oct 16 - You and YouTube at Birmingham Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Come and learn about one of the hottest websites on the Internet - YouTube. YouTube is a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. Learn to search and view videos, and even upload and share your own videos. This program will be simulcast at the Springville Road and Five Points West Library.

Oct 17 - Financing Your Business at Birmingham Library from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Financing Your Business - Understanding how much money is coming in and where it is going is critical in every business. Bill Ringler of SCORE helps you avoid the financial pitfalls of other start-up companies by explaining the essential points of small business accounting and financial reporting including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Finding lenders and obtaining financial assistance can be confusing. Joe Primm of the UAB SBCD covers the basic requirements necessary to qualify with a lender, including the preparation and presentation of the loan application documents. He also outlines the role of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the types of financial assistance available. This is the third seminar in a three part series.

Oct 17 - Pompeii: Tales From the Construction at Birmingham Library at noon. Terry Beckham, Head Exhibition Designer, has produced exhibitions for the Birmingham Museum of Art since 1984. He will give a master designer's perspective of installing an exhibition of the scale of Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption. From knocking down walls to perfecting the lighting, learn how 10,000 square feet of space were transformed into a classical Roman setting.

Oct 20 - Meet Maud Lindsay & Her Many Beautiful Children Books at Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia, AL. Miss Maud seems to be best known for her work at the First Free Kindergarten. But there is so much more to learn about her! Who was this Miss Maud Lindsay? Born to the Winston family and daughter of Alabama's only foreign-born governor, she also had uncles who were Alabama and Mississippi Governors. Miss Maud could have chosen a life of self but instead gave her life to serve children. We can still see Miss Maud’s impeccable character and precious imitation on the pages of her many children's books. Come meet the legacy of Miss Maud Lindsay. You will love her and the lovely children's story's we will have available for your family’s enjoyment. For Information, please contact Coldwater Books 256-381-2525 or Angela Broyles 256-762-7153

Oct. 31 - Southern Ghosts at Homewood Library from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Join Alabama author Karen Zwiefel for spooky Southern ghost stories for 6th grade and up.

Not Free but Worth Every Penny...

Sep 22 - Destination Pluto at Robert R. Meyer Planetarium at Birmingham Southern at 2:00. Cost is $2 per adult and $1 per child.

Sep 22 - Primitive Skills Workshop at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Learn basic primitive techniques of shelter building, identification of wild edible plants and other woodland survival skills. Reservations required. Cost is $12.

Sep 24 - Homeschool Day at Tennessee Aquarium - Students and their families will be offered discounted tickets to the Aquarium, the IMAX Theatre, and gift shops. Free educational and animal programs will be offered along with crafts for the smaller children. Scavenger hunts, live animal encounters and interactive programs enhance your learning experience while you tour the buildings. Home school students may purchase tickets at a discounted education rate of $5.75 to the Aquarium and $4.50 for the IMAX. Adult Aquarium tickets are $17.95 and adult IMAX tickets are $7.25. Combo tickets (Aquarium and IMAX movie) are $9.00 per student and $22.95 per adult. Tickets for a guided behind-the-scenes tour will be available for $5.00 on this special day and must be purchased at the ticket office. http://www.tnaqua.org/KidsTeachers/Homeschool.asp

Sep 22, 2007 through Jan. 6, 2008 - It's BIG...Really BIG...and it's coming to Anniston Museum! A T. REX named Sue, appearing exclusively at Anniston Museum of Natural History. Never before in Alabama. This tour was created by The Field Museum of Chicago and made possible through the generosity of McDonald's Corp. For tour info or reservations, call Jennifer Smith @ 256-237-6766, or e-mail tourcoordinator@annistonmuseum.org

Oct 3 thru 6 - Moundville Native American Festival $7/student and $9/adult but if there is a group of 10 or more it's $7/person and needs to be paid in a lump sum. We've been going since Zac was 8 months and we always get something out of it. They have all sorts of things for the children to do including Native American sports, Native American crafts, participating in Native American ceremonies.... Here's the web link: http://moundville.ua.edu/festival.html Thanks again Deb!

Oct 4 - Homeschool Day at Stone Mountain in Atlanta. Stone Mountain Park is the perfect classroom for your home school students. Home School Day Price: $15.00 per person ages 3 and up. That's up to a $9.00 savings per person! http://www.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=30

Oct 5 thru 7 - Homestead Hollow Harvest Festival in Springville, AL from 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. Original works of fine art. One of a kind handmade and hand decorated crafts. Recreated pioneer village with demonstrations of candle making, blacksmithing, soap making, open hearth cooking, and more. Home of the only licensed, operating, moonshine still in the state of Alabama. Children's activities including, petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides and more. Live entertainment. Delicious food. Visit our General Store for some jams and jellies.$6.00 adults, $3.00 children ages 3 to 12, ages 2 and under FREE.

Oct 7 - Salsa in the Garden Family Party at Aldridge Gardens from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m Love to dance? The Pavilion at Aldridge Gardens is the place to be on Sunday, October 7. Carlos Otalora of Latin Soul Productions returns with two dance instructors and plenty of hot Latin music for an afternoon dance party. A dance lesson at 2pm and another at 5pm will teach basic Salsa steps. The Cuban Grill 280 and KoKo Bubble Tea will sell food and beverages. During the dance lessons, children will have a pinata party and build a scarecrow. $8 for members, $10 nonmembers, $1 for children

Oct 8 - Robert R. Meyer Planeteraium: Stars & Constellations at 2:00 p.m. at Birmingham-Southern College 900 Arkadelphia Road Box 549004 Birmingham, AL 35254 Cost is $2 adults and $1 children

Oct 21 & 22 - The Kentuck Art Festival is $10/day or $15 for the weekend. Children under 12 are free and there is TONS for them to do. They have a children's section where they can do all kinds of activities--most are free and some have a small charge (carving sandstone is like $3-$5 and tie-dying a shirt is maybe $10 but they can tie dye a handkerchief for free). There are storytellers, musicians, and all kinds of interesting things. Here's the weblink: http://www.kentuck.org/festival.html Many thanks to Deb Carden for this info!

Oct 31 - Bodyology at the Alabama Theater at 10:00 a.m. presented by Slim Goodbody, the costumed “health crusader” who appeared for years on Captain Kangaroo and PBS. Bodyology is a show for children in grades K-4. Bodyology uses music, movement, fanciful props, and a large rear screen projection unit to lead youngsters on an incredible journey within. It provides an opportunity for audiences to understand how their bodies work, and inspires them to be the best they can be. Tickets are $6.50 and you can book online at their website: www.slimgoodbody.com.

Links...

Free Rosetta Stone - Rosetta Stone is an online language library that offers a powerful method for fast and effective language learning online. This award-winning program uses recorded voices of native speakers and thousands of real life photographs to recreate the natural process of language learning. There are 29 complete two-year language courses offered here for free!!! http://www.jclc.org/

APTPLUS and Discovery Education– As you may know, Alabama Public Television is pleased to offer the K-12 educational content of Unitedstreaming free of charge to every teacher in Alabama through APT’s free educational, multimedia website, APTPLUS. The Unitedstreaming content is owned by Discovery Education, and Alabama Public Television is leasing the content from Discovery. Contact Libby Davis at ldavis@aptv.org to sign up. Please include the name of your school district and cover group with which you are affiliated as well as your preferred e-mail address for enrollment purposes. This is an awesome resource with over 4,000 educational programs for classroom use. The subscription for this is $1,500 per year, but for Alabama teachers it is FREE!!!! The website for APT is http://www.aptv.org/Learning/APTPlus/ , and there are lots of free resources here as well.
Discovery Education Science Connection - As you all know, APT has paid for all educators in the State of Alabama to have access to United Streaming (If you don't know, look here: United Streaming ). Now they are providing us with a 45 day free membership to Discovery Education Science Education, which is a new online multimedia toolkit specifically for middle-grade science instruction. The info can be found here: Discovery Education Science Connection.

Check out my favorite
Educational Links
!!!!!

Not A Member or Time to Renew?...

Well! We can help you with that! What is Teaching At Home? Teaching At Home is a resource group located in the Central Alabama area for those who desire to home educate their children. You will receive a weekly newsletter FULL of quality resources and activities. We would be happy to send you four free newsletters to see if this group will benefit you. All subscriptions expire August 31 regardless to when joined. There is no proration of fees.

Fee Schedule
$25.00 - Through August 31, 2008.
$20.00 - Through August 31, 2008
FREE - Everest Academy Families

Stuff to Remember!!...

If you need to make payments for anything:

Mailing address:
Debbi Spradlin
1521 3rd St SE
Graysville, AL 35073

or

Paypal
everestacademy1@gmail.com
(no debit/credit cards)

I hope to see everybody soon!
Deb Spradlin
(205) 674-6030