to this week's
Teaching At Home
Newsletter

September 24, 2007

Looking for a great cover school?  Look no further!!!

Everest Academy

Find great resources at

Teaching At Home

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...

• Oct 6 - Used Book Sale to benefit The Episcopal Book Store and 55th Place (a charitable second-hand store) from 9-3 at Bluff Park Village, 2146 Tyler Rd. in Hoover.  The ad I have says it will be at ArmorSafe, near Dollar General and New China. Thanks Rachel!
  

• 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!!!

• Free Outdoor Classroom Workshops - The purpose of this workshop is to help provide technical assistance and support to educators, administrators, students and community volunteers who wish to create sustainable wildlife habitats and outdoor classrooms on their school grounds. This workshop will begin the process of training school personnel, Alabama Cooperative Extension employees, and local volunteers to work in partnership to create, use, and sustain local Outdoor Classroom sites. What is an Outdoor Classroom? An Outdoor Classroom site includes components such as bird feeders, nesting boxes, butterfly gardens, aquatic studies areas, nature trails, and other areas around the school grounds that provide habitat for local wildlife while also providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in a fun and exciting environment.  Who Should Attend the Workshop? Educators and Administrators, extension personnel who will work with the school, volunteers - parents, grandparents, local master gardeners and community members. Contact Doyle Keasal at (334) 844-6398 or keasade@auburn.edu or April Waltz at (256) 882-9322 or aprilwaltz@knology.net
• Where & When:
  September 26, Tuscaloosa County Cooperative Extension Office
  September 27, Lawrence County Cooperative Extension Office (Moulton)
  October 3, Etowah County Cooperative Extension Office in Gadsden
  October 4, Alabama Wildlife Federation in Millbrook (Elmore County)
  October 9, Mobile County Cooperative Extension Office (Mobile)
• Apprentice Ecologist Initiative - The goal of the Apprentic Ecologist Initiative is to elevate young people into leadership roles by engaging them in environmental stewardship projects.  A $500 scholarship will be awarded annually to the author of the top Apprenticehip Ecologist essay.  Current award cycle is January 1 - December 31, 2007 

  http://www.wildernessproject.org/volunteer_apprentice_ecologist

• Promote Patriotism by entering the Patriot's Pen annual essay-writing contest.  This year students in grades 6 - 8 will write essays on "Why I am an American Patriot."  The winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and a trip to Washington, DC.  Download entry forms at Patriot's Pen and submit completed forms and essays to your local VFW post.  Entry deadline is November 1, 2007.
• Silly Books uses free animated musical cartoon books to encourage children ages 3 - 13 to read.  Kids log on to www.sillybooks.net , click on a colorful book cover, and then watch and listen to the cartoon.  Hundreds of books are available, including those with lesson plans, art and music, and learning games and puzzles.  Students and adults can also submit their own stories to be features as animated storybooks on the web site. 
  
• Grammar Girls - Who said grammar isn't fun?  Grammar Girl is a free web site that takes a lighthearted approach to helping students brush up on grammar.  Students can either read the material or listen to podcasts on topics such as "like" versus "as" "good versus well" , and more.  It's all at Grammar Girls.
• The Scooter McDoogal web site uses a comic book format to teach students in grades 4 - 8 science and social studies.  The colorful site features a 12-minute video introducing Scooter McDoogal, news stories to click on and read, and two interactive games, including the Scooter State Challenge, which tests students' knowledge of the states.  www.scootermcdoogal.com
• Off The Walls, an indoor playground with inflatables and other attractions, hosts a homeschool day on the third Tuesday of every month. Off The Walls is located in Plum Tree Center and that is on the Beltline. If you are coming in on Hwy 31, turn west (towards the mall if you are familiar with Decatur). Plum Tree Center will be on your right. Off the Walls is between Fred's and Pet Depot.  Admission is $5 per student, parents and non-walking infants are free. Socks are a must. No outside food is allowed but they do have a snack bar.  They have a number of activities..inflatable obstacle course, boxing ring, velcro-stick-yourself-to-the-wall thing, and another thing or two that I don't know the names of. They also have a number of preschool/early elementary attractions--riding toys, playground equipment, dress up clothes, playhouses, and what looked like a puppet theater.
• Swimming - Barbie Wakefield has set up a homeschool swim day each Monday from 12:00 - 1:00 pm beginning Monday, September 17th. Feel free to pass this along to any area homeschooling families that you know.  Cost: $2.00 11 years and under 3.00 12 years and up Jasper Natatorium 610 10th Ave. Jasper, Al. 35501
• West Jefferson 4H - Just wanted to give you some information about a new 4-H group in the area. The next meeting will be held October 2 ,Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.  The program is located in the white building at West Jefferson High School. It is directed by Sherry Morrow. Thanks for the info Autumn!!!

                          

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!!!

Sign Up!!!...

• 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 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.
• Sep 28 - The MAiZe in Huntsville http://www.cornfieldmaze.com/sites.php?ID=&username=alhuntsville at 10:00 a.m.   Admission includes The MAiZE,  the VORTEX , various children's activities including a Hay Jump, Inflatable Moon-Walk, tricycles and your choice of two of the following activities:hay ride, corn cob launcher, or cow train.  Picnic tables are available for lunch.  Concession style food is available for sale, funnel cakes, hot dogs,chips, drinks etc.  Cost:  Over 12: $6, 6-11 $4, 5 and under 1 free with each paying adult. Please email Dorothy at seitzd@hiwaay.net by Wednesday Sept 26 if you are interested in joining us on this trip. Include your families name, number of people in each age bracket ( 12 and up, 6-11, and 5 and under) and contact information.
• 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
• FREE Oct 12 thru 14 - Camping Trip at Cloudland Canyon State Park Just Over the Georgia Line with Fresh Air Family.  Click here to register:  Camping trip!  Come camping with us at this spectacular scenic park with fistas of fall color. Forester Henry Hughes will guide us through the trees as they put on their fall finery. Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in Georgia, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail, which is an easy hike. We will also go down to see the waterfalls.  Please register and let us know if you need for us to provide a tent for you. Meals will be provided.
• Oct 13 - Hello Fall Cook Out sponsored by Huntsville Christian Homeschoolers Meetup Group at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville at 3:00 p.m.  Monte Sano has grills I will provide a couple bags of charcoal.  Please bring lawn chairs, the meat and drinks that your family wants, and a dish to share.  Also feel free to bring soccer balls, footballs, Frisbee's, ect.  When you RSVP please say what side item you are bringing and check to see what others are bringing so we don't end up with 10000 lbs of potato salad.  You can rsvp to bratley1@ix.netcom.com or http://homeschool.meetup.com/551/calendar/6389687/  As people tell what they are bringing I will send out up dated list.  There is no fee to use the picnic area; however, there is a fee to get into the park of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child.  
• 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 1 - Finding Nemo performed by Disney on Ice at BJCC at 10:30.  Cost is $12.25 per person.  This is a school performance, so you can bring drinks and food into the BJCC.  Please contact Teresa Glaze by Wed., September 26 at trglaze@bellsouth.net.  She will need a SASE to return the tickets to you when they arrive. 
  
• FREE Nov 3 - American Chestnut Tree Hike in Talladega national Forest in Anniston from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Join us as we join the President of the Alabama Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation in hiking to see one of the oldest and largest Chestnut trees still living. Did you know that at one time the American Chestnut populated forests from Maine to Florida? Did you know that they can grow to be a hundred feet tall and five feet in diameter? Wow! Unfortunately, the blight - an Asian Fungus to which our trees had little resistance, began to destroy these trees in 1904. Today, very few trees remain. It is the goal of the American Chestnut Foundation to save these trees and once again have them populate our forests.  Be sure to bring a sack lunch and plenty of water. Wear comfortable shoes/boots for walking.  Please click here to register for this field trip with Fresh Air Family:  American Chestnut Tree Hike
• Nov 3 - Amish Community in Ethridge, TN (about 2 1/2 hours from Birmingham) at 9:30 a.m.  This is the Older Amish Order and there are about 179 Amish families in the community. We will get on a horse drawn buggy and step back in time to see how the Amish live their lives on a daily basis. On the tour throughout the Amish Community we will get a little bit of history about these amazing people and their way of life. Stops will be made so we can get off the buggies and see what they have to offer us. Some might be selling rockers or porch swings while another is selling peanut brittle, jellies, or jams. They have much to offer at affordable prices. We will make about 5-6 stops while on the tour. After the tour if you want to get in your personal vehicle and go through the community again and pick up the bigger things you bought you are welcome to do so. Afterwards, they will take us back to the welcome center where they will have a buffett lunch waiting for us.  Cost: Buffet Lunch: $8:00 per adult, children are cheaper. This includes the drinks, tips, and all you can eat buffet.  Buggy ride tour: $8 for ages 12 and older - $5 for ages 11 and under - free for ages 4 and under.  Reservation deadline is Oct 25.  Please contact Cynthia Hammontree - 256-632-3680 or email - hammontree@farmerstel.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 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 - Fossil Dig and Reception at Homewood Library from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.  Reception will include free fossil dig for the kids, a hands-on fossil display, light snacks, information on paleontology and a lot of fun!  Many thanks to Rachel for this great event!
  
• 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 - Animal Camouflage at DeSoto State Park's Campfire Circle from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Join Larry Beane, Little River Canyon National Park Ranger, to learn about animal camouflage.
  
• 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 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.
• 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 12 - Creepy Critters at DeSoto State Park's Campfire Circle from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Scaly! Slimy! Ugly! Scary! Join Anniston Museum of Natural History Curator, Dan Spaulding, for an evening of LIVE ANIMALS…the creepy kind!

• Oct 13 - Drums Around the World at De Soto State Park's Campfir Circle from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Egyptian wedding drums, Chinese Paper Drums, African cymbals, and dozens more instruments will be explained, demonstrated and offered for play during this amazing drumming circle performed by Rachel Smart from the Anniston Museum of Natural History
  
• 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 - Learning by the Lake: Forest Fire  Join United States Forest Service biologists and JSU Field School experts for an interesting hour of educational fun at Coleman Lake Recreational Area in the Talladega National Forest at 7:00 p.m.  Take advantage of the beautiful location and camp for the weekend! Family friendly.
  
• 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 13 -Swedish Fest from 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.  The town of Thorsby annually celebrates its Swedish heritage through a day of events including a parade, arts and crafts, entertainment, and great food. A free booklet of information is given to visitors explaining the town's history, and a map of historical sites in Thorsby is also available. Come celebrate with us!
• 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 19 - Constellations from Lookout Mountain at DeSoto State Park's Campfire Circle from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.  An out-of-this world experience! JSU astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf will explore the science and myths of the constellations visible from Lookout Mountain.
• Oct 20 - Moon Views at DeSoto State Park's Campfire Circle from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Join astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf as she reveals the science and mysteries of our closest celestial neighbor and other moons in our solar system.
  

•   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 26 & 27 - Family Weekend DeSoto State Park (October 26-27) JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park will offer fun activities Friday night, Saturday, and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together.  Join JSU Field Schools naturalist and storyteller Renee Morrison for fun Campfire Talks on Friday night (Ghosts in the Valey) and Saturday night (My LIfe as a Hound Dog).   Register for the family hike on Saturday. For lodging information, visit www.desotostatepark.com .  A Stroll Through the Forest Join JSU Field Schools for an easy hike on the trails of DeSoto State Park. Family friendly!  Saturday, October 27, 2007 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  
• 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, 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 12 & 13 - Alabama Tale Tellin' Festival in Selma http://www.taletellin.selmaalabama.com/

• 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.

Not A Member or Time to Renew?...

Stuff to Remember!!...