to this week's
Teaching At Home
Newsletter
October 1, 2007

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Everest Academy



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Teaching At Home


Hi Gang!

We have had a full week this past week.  We had the Seed 2 Plate field trip on Monday, which Dae loved, and I thought was great.  It was really odd to be in the middle of the city in this huge garden of vegetables and flowers.  The kids got to pick veggies and then make a snack.  They discussed the food pyramid, healthy food choices, etc...  It was a really good experience.  Tuesday Dae had her McWane class which she enjoyed much better than last week.  The topic was health which played in beautifully with the Seed 2 Plate trip.  She is also enjoying visiting with her new friends.  Wednesday we pretty much spent at home and running errands and setting up the crabitat for the new hermit crabs.  I ordered several books from the library about the hermit crabs which Dae has been pouring over and informing me of all of the intricacies of the nature of the mystical hermit crabs.  Dalton volunteered Thursday at the library for four hours.  He had to bring all of the "store" books downstairs, sort them into genres, and then load them on the shelves.  He is really enjoying his time at the library.  Friday we spent on the go.  We had an "Appreciation Day" to attend at the library, then Park Day, and then laser tag with Teen Scene.  Here is the link to the Laser Tag Photo Show.  It was a loooooooooong day to say the least.  This weekend we were about as lazy as could be...  It was time for a break. 

Next week doesn't seem to be as full as last week.  We have American Girl on Monday, McWane on Wednesday, maybe Culture Kids at Gardendale Library on Thursday, and our regularly scheduled Yoshukai Tuesday and Thursday evening.  Dae's birthday is on Friday, so who knows what this weekend will hold? 

Make sure to check out the resources on Teaching At Home this week.  I added a ton of resources in almost every category. 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...

  • Post-It - post-it.com/kids get a free sample of post-it sight words, join post-it perks club for free and recieve free samples in the mail
  • Free Scholastic Books - P&Cconnects@scholastic.com sign up to do surveys for the Parent and Child Magazine and receive a free scholastic book for every survey you complete
  • Wisdom Literature: A Study of Proverbs - Tuesday Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4, and 11 from 10:00 am - noon at 1919 1st Avenue South  Irondale, AL  35210.  No charge.  Please sign up at 951-3103.
  • Microsopes - The Homeschool Buyers Coop is having a group buy for microscopes from Bolden Instruments.  It expires 10/17.  Here's the link:  https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/index.php?option=com_epp_offer&Itemid=255  Thanks Rachel!
  • Acting Out Theater Workshop - Know a child who is seriously interested in theater or just loves to be on stage for fun? The Alys Stephens Center and Make It Happen Theatre Co. have joined to present “Acting Out Theatre Workshop,” an exciting new theater experience for children ages 8-14. The workshop is part of the Alys Stephens Center’s “Arts in Action” education and outreach program.  “Acting Out Theatre Workshop” is a fun, intense eight-week experience that shares with children the mechanics of acting and performance. Classes will be Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S. Class dates are Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3, 10 and 17. Each eight-week session is $95 per student.  Participants will learn theater games, improvisation, warm-up and concentration exercises, voice and diction, theater terminology, character development and minimal musical theater basics through a variety of classes. Best of all, the children will get a chance to show off their new skills in the workshop’s grand finale: a showcase production open to all parents and friends on the last day, at noon Saturday, Nov. 17.  Alicia Johnson-Reed will instruct the workshop along with other professional performance instructors. The classes are programmed for students who are seriously interested in performance, as well as for those who just want to have fun.  A spring session also is planned. To enroll your child in the fall workshop, or for more information, contact Kimberly Kirklin at the Alys Stephens Center. Contact Kirklin at 205-934-0862 or kkirklin@uab.edu.     
  • UAB Foreign Language Conversation Table -  These are weekly opportunities to practice your foreign language skills with others.  They are free and open to the public.  Foreign Language offered include:  Arabic, Chines, Russian, Spanish, French, and Italian. For more information, look here:  http://www.uab.edu/foreignlang/languagetables.html
  • UAB Foreign Film Series - These films are offered at UAB and are all free and open to the public.  Please use discretion and research the film before attending.  http://www.uab.edu/foreignlang/Foreign-Film-Series-2007-8.html  The movies that we will be presenting are foreign films shown in a foreign language with subtitles. Some of the movies deal with more than one culture. Some deal with important historical, demographical, and human events such as immigration, exile, spirituality, unemployment, intolerance, precarity, military violence, solitude, and tolerance around the world and humor.




Dates to Remember...
  •   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!  New for Park Day....Kids Yoga!!!  Ms. Vesta Bidwell will be teaching a short yoga class for kids beginning Oct. 26.  Participation is OPTIONAL...  Thanks Ms. Vesta!!!
    •
  • 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!!!...



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



Free Stuff....


  • 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 - Sierra Club Hike at Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham starting at 9:00 a.m.  Ruffner Mountain is a 1011 acre nature preserve in the heart of the city. This will be a 5.5 mile, moderate hike with a 1000 ft elevation gain. The trails we will hike are the five mile trail(3.8miles), the quarry loop (1.2 miles), and the ridge trail (1.4miles). Thick forested areas, cool flowing streams, scenic overlooks, and a quarry with fossil remains of ancient sea life are but a few of the characteristics of theses trails. For more information call Sonja at 205-556-3330 or smath2casa@aol.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 - Whatever Remembers Us: An Anthology of Alabama Poetry at  Mountain Brook Village at 2:00 .  Various Alabama poets will read from "Whatever Remembers Us: An Anthology of Alabama Poetry" at Jonathan Benton, Bookseller on Sunday, October 7 at 2 p.m. The collection features over 150 poems and was edited by Sue Brannan Walker, Alabama's state poet laureate, and J. William Chambers. Please join us and learn more about our state's rich poetic culture.
  • 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 - Arts and Music on the Green at Ross Bridge in Hoover from 8:00 - 5:00 showcases the region's most sought-after artistic talent and the area's hottest bands. Food, beverage, and fun activities for the kids! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the day!
  • 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 - Homeschool Educator Appreciation Reception at Barnes & Nobles at the Summit from 10:00 - 12:00.  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 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 - Fiesta 2007 will be held at Linn Park from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Fiesta is comprised of many diverse components including: The Main Music Stage, the Birmingham Museum of Art / Alabama Power Arts village, The Food Village, The Soccer Village, the Health & Wellness Village, and Tell-A-Bration.  The mission of Fiesta is "To organize and manage a yearly festival that celebrates and educates the public on the diverse cultures within the Hispanic community in Alabama." Fiesta's goal is "to educate the mainstream public about the many different Hispanic countries and cultures through the best of art, music, dance and food." Simply stated, Hispanic music is more than Ricky Martin "Living La Vida Loca." The food is more than tacos with salsa. The dance is more than a Mexican Hat Dance. And the history is surprising to many. Hispanics aren't really newcomers to this country. In fact, Hispanics arrived in this country more than 500 years ago on the shores of America. It is up to the Hispanics in Alabama to passionately tell our stories and share our rich cultures and traditions with Alabamians of all ages. And while sharing our stories, it allows us to learn even more about ourselves and how we can best weave ourselves into the communities where we live. What better way to do this than through an event like Fiesta? The success of the first Fiesta in 2003 was confirmation that this festival was something that the community not only needed but embraced. A total of 7,000 Latinos and non-Latinos enjoyed the first year event and the numbers continued to grow. The 2004, 2005, and 2006 Fiesta events drew over 10,000 people each year. Fiesta is excited about the new addition of Tell-A-Bration, a Hispanic storytelling component. Tell-A-Bration will feature world renowned Hispanic storytellers and is sure to be a fresh and interesting new part of Fiesta.

  •   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 21 - Private Eye Investigations:  Creepy, Crawly Creatures Family Seminar  at Aldridge Gardens from 3:00 - 4:30.  You will create a change of scale drawing as well as create an analogy poem unique to you. Begin to wonder and discover the natural world around you. All are welcome. Presented to you with support from Legacy, Inc. Partners in Environmental Education.  Ages 5-105
  • Oct 24 - Men of Men: Stories of Courage at Birmingham Public Library 12:00 - 1:00.  John O'Malley will share the stories of the Medal of Honor recipients with ties to Alabama and based in part, on the book Men of Men: Stories of Courage. The program covers a unique selection of the 29 Medal of Honor recipients with ties to Alabama, the search for a photo of historical importance, many stories and facts of interest.
  • Oct 25 - Anne Frank Goes East:  Holocaust Borrowings in the Post-Civil War Alerian Novel lecture at UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th Street South, Birmingham at 3:00.   ALUAB Assistant Professor Lamia Zayzafoon, Ph.D., will present a free, public lecture, "Anne Frank Goes East: Holocaust Borrowings in the Post-Civil War Algerian Novel." The event is sponsored by the Arabic Lecture Series and organized by the UAB Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.
  • 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 27 - Hike in Northwest Georgia along the highly scenic rim trail around this lovely canyon in Northwest Georgia and then down into the bottom of the canyon itself. The rushing stream in the bottom of the canyon has two good-sized waterfalls which we'll view close up. Lunch will be on a large, flat rock outcropping from where one has beautiful, panoramic views across the canyon. Fall color should be at its peak. Parents, be aware that there are very high, steep cliffs with no guard rails adjacent to the rim trail. Optional dinner afterwards. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age ten and up welcome. Meet 8:30 a.m. at Applebee's Trussville.
     Info: Ron Burkett, 967-6639
  • Oct 27 - Orbix Hot Glass Fall Open Studio at Orbix Hot Glass 3869 County Road 275 Ft. Payne, AL 35967 from 9:00 - 6:00.  This all-day event features glassblowing demonstrations hourly, as well as a chance for folks of all ages to blow their own ornament with the assistance of other glassblowers. The work of Cal Breed and Orbix Hot Glass is also on exhibit and for sale in the adjacent gallery.
  • 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.
  • Oct 31 - Enclosing Sacred Places at Birmingham Public Library from 12:00 - 1:00.  Stories and traditions have long revolved around the places of the dead. Dr. Alan Brown will guide us on a journey into Alabama's countryside and into the origins of surrounding cemeteries with fences. Along the way, Dr. Brown will share some ghost stories from Alabama focusing on the consequences of entering a cemetery at night.
    •



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 12 & 13 -  Birmingham Oktoberfest 
    The 31st Annual FDSK German Club Birmingham Oktoberfest! Great German food, German beer, imported German gifts and wonderful entertainment with Lovelei und Schatzi. FDSK German Club, 2318 2nd Ave. North. 5pm- 12 midnight. Admission is $5 per day for adults. Children 12 and under free. (205) 324-5949/ (205) 923-6564. www.fdskgermanclub.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...

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