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Teaching At Home
Newsletter
October 8, 2007

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Everest Academy



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Teaching At Home


Hi Gang!

Friday was Ms. Daisy's 9th birthday.  She had a great day.  She woke up to Pearl (the Hermit Crab) having finished molting and having moved into a huge shell.  This shell is three times the size of her old shell.  We went to Ed's Pet World and bought 5 new shells for Pearl to try out.  She did try each one on, which Dae got to watch her do, and then she ultimately went back to the big shell.  She seems to be happy in it, albeit a little slower than usual.  I did see Violet (the other Hermit Crab) walking around in the crabitat last night, so she must be getting ready to change shells as well.  She has been buried for several days molting. 

Dae and I started watching "Anne of Green Gables" the movie.  It is funny to "see" a book and compare it to what you had imagined.  It is good so far, but it skips a lot.  Dae said she was glad she read the book first.  That has been a problem for us in the past.  If she saw the movie first, then she had no interest in the book.  I hope that this shows her that the movie does not come near to encompassing all that the book has to offer. 

Dalton is about half way through reading the 7th Harry Potter.  He said it was worth it to go back and read all of the other ones again.  It had been years since he had originally read them.  He also worked on his bike with his Dad and they also went on a nighttime trip in the woods to explore the night life.  We have been giving him a lot of time to play on the game since he got back from his trip, and he has taken full advantage of that.  I don't see how that is so interesting.  It would drive me crazy to sit that long in front of a game.  He said he is getting tired of it, so I am hopeful that he will move on to something a little more productive.  He explained to me that this is a borrowed game so he wants to beat it, return it, and then take an extended break from the game.  I am good with that.  He said it would take just a few days.  I am glad he is getting it out of his system.  

Dae has been doing Yoga lately.  She had mentioned to Ms. Vesta that she wanted to learn Yoga, and so Ms. Vesta is going to start doing a short (optional) class at park day for the kids.  I also had a couple of books for her to look at and have ordered several "Yoga for Kids" books from the library.  In the meanwhile, we discovered on Video on Demand about 20 full Yoga classes.  She has done one of those for about 4 days.  We also found out that the Graysville Community Center offers free Yoga classes to its members.  I am going to go and check that out and see if there is an age limit.  If not, we may look into doing that. 

Oh yes!  I almost forgot!  Dae has opened a restaurant for her Webkinz.  It is called Groovy Loovy Cafe.  She worked for a long time today on a menu.  She has an assortment of drinks, entrees, side items, deserts, and soups.  We had a great time putting that together.  It was interesting watching her do this on her own, when if I would have asked her to do it, it would have been like pulling teeth.  She sat for about an hour coming up with items, prices, spelling, and neat handwriting all on her own accord.  It is amazing what they will do for "fun"! 

Dalton has asked to open a My Space account.  I am leery of this and plan to research it this week so that I can make an educated decision.  Do any of you or your children have My Space accounts (or have had in the past) that you can offer an opinion or experience on this subject.  I would like to hear the good and the bad.  Thanks ahead of time on this! 

I am very disappointed to pass on this information.  This is posted on the Jefferson County Library website:  In December 1, 2006 the public libraries of Jefferson County first offered Rosetta Stone Online to all Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC) cardholders. With over 20 different languages to choose from, this has been a very popular product. Unfortunately, Rosetta Stone has made a business decision to no longer allow public libraries to subscribe to their online products. JCLC’s contract with Rosetta Stone will end November 30, 2007. We hope to have a comparable online language product in place by then. Please contact your local library if you have any questions.


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...

  • Emergency Management Preparedness Drills for Children's Hospital - Children's Hospital in Birmingham is looking for students to participate in an emergency drill on Thursday November 15th in the morning hours starting about 8:00.  To participate, please contact Charles Gooch at 205.939.9985 or email charles.gooch@chsys.org.  Students would be playing the part of injured victims in the drill. Parents also can participate during the exercise.
  • Free Sample of Liquid Graphite Technology Pencils - janisv@jakk.net you can email or call 310-455-6331 Janis Van Tine and request a free sample of the new liquid graphite technology pencils, for teachers , students and parents. I recieved a 3pk of the new pencils retail $3.99 . Never sharpen a pencil or break a lead again with pentech liquid graphite pencils.  Thanks Stephanie!
  • New Path Learning - www.newpathlearning.com call 1-800-507-0966 and request a free sample game from grade 1-6 in language arts, mathematics or social studies. You simply give them your name, email and cover school name and grade along w/ sample game you would like to receive.  Thanks Stephanie!
  • Word Up! - As part of One County - One Book, we are holding Word Up!, a spoken word contest for high school students (grades 9-12). The students will write and perform an original work inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird.The participants in the WORD UP! spoken word contest will be the winners from each school. Each school is responsible for holding its own contest, including lining up judges. The judges will select a winner and a runner-up. Depending on the number of schools that elect to participate, we may ask each school to send only the top winner OR the winner and runner-up to Word Up!.  The winners of each school's contest will compete at Birmingham Museum of Art March 29, 2008, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  For more information, click here http://www.jclc.org/onebook/wordup.html  Please note:  A preliminary contest is being held for homeschoolers.  E-mail Irene Latham irenelatham@bellsouth.net for information by December 7, 2007
  • LETT - Free Tennis Lessons http://www.lettonline.org/  Since 1998, the Birmingham Area Tennis Association (BATA) has provided tennis and academic opportunities to youth while improving their health and keeping them productive when out of school. BATA’s mission is to improve children's lives through tennis and education so that they can learn discipline and positive social skills, increase their self-esteem, and improve their physical fitness. This program teaches children life skills such as personal responsibility, cultural awareness, nutrition, and conflict resolution, and also measures and works toward improving the fitness level of the participants. Tennis provides a way to exercise, learn sportsmanship, and teamwork; it is the hook that motivates children to participate in other program activities. One goal is to keep the same children involved for three years so there is a better chance of having a positive impact on their lives.  Currently the LETT programs offer year round instruction reaching over 10,000 youth a year. We offer beginner-level tennis instruction all the way to USTA Youth Team Tennis competition. LETT has all the equipment necessary to introduce the game of tennis to any youth wanting to play. To get involved in LETT please email or contact us for participating locations in your community.

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 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 - Viva Italia at Hoover Library at 6:30 p.m.  Join us as we celebrate the culture of Italy with a sampling of Italian cuisine and music!  For all ages! 
  • 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 18 - Italian Art: Fresco at Hoover Library at 6:30 p.m.  Make your own fresco with the Birmingham Museum of Art and enjoy a tasty Italian treat:  pizza!   Call to register by Oct. 17 at 444-7800. 
  • Oct 18 - A Look at Pompeii at Hoover Library at 6:30 p.m.  Learn about the ancient civilization of Pompeii from a Birmingham Museum of Art Ambassador.  Italian desserts served!  Call to register at 444-7800.
  • Oct 18 - Italian Art: Mosaic at Hoover Library at 6:30 p.m  in the Teens Department.  Make your own mosaid and enjoy tasty Italian treat: pizza!  Call 444-7800 to register.  
  • 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 - Ancient Roman Festival at Hoover Library at 10:30 a.m.  Wear your toga to this fun-filled peek into Italy's past.  Call to register by Oct. 19 at 444-7800. 
  • 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 22 - American Girls Club at Trussville Library from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m  Meet Molly, a fictional nine-year-old girl living in America in 1944.  Reservations at 655-2022 are required. 
  • 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 24 - Samurai Animanga Club at Homewood Library in the Teens Department from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.  For Grades 6 - 12.  Anime episodes, snacks, and discussion of this month's theme. 
  • 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 25 - Spiders Presentation at Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Join Fresh Air Family and Dr. Mike Howell of Stamford University as he shares with us his discovery of a new species of spider found at Ruffner Mountain State Park. Please RSVP at www.freshairfamily.org 
  • 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 - Cathedral Caverns Grant Fall Festival 256-728-8193. www.tourjackson@scottsboro.org. Free admission. Cathedral Caverns State Park--Enjoy spooky cave tours, games, haunted hay rides, food and drinks. 5 p.m. until.
  • 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 & 28 - Alabama Renaissance Faire 256-768-3031. www.alarenfaire.org. Free admission. Wilson Park, downtown--Thousands of people in period attire help to recreate the atmosphere of a Medieval/ Renaissance trade fair featuring entertainment, food and crafts of the era. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
  • 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 27 - Covered Bridge Walk in Blount County from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  The Friends of the Locust Fork River (FLFR) will lead their annual river walk as part of Blount County’s Covered Bridge Festival. The hike goes from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls and back. The fall foliage is usually glorious and you can look forward to some informed commentary from FLFR’s trip leaders. The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes about 3 hours round trip. Be prepared for the weather and bring a snack as well as fluids. Meet at Pardue’s Restaurant in Cleveland at 9 am (come early for breakfast) or at Swann Bridge at 9:30. For more information call Stephen at 205-919-6231.
  • Oct 28 - Harvest Celebration at the Aldridge Gardens in Hoover from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Enjoy pumpkin painting, costume parade and contest, folk artist demonstrations, entertainment and food vendors.
  • 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.
  • Nov 3 - Taste of Asia Fall Festival Not only will there be many varieties of cuisine from various Asian countries available to purchase, but there will also be a silent auction of Asian art and other fine items, Asian performers presenting traditional dances from various cultures, and tours to the proposed Chinese garden site (which is nearby) after a presentation and viewing of a model to be built to the Suzhou design. (A design team from the Suzhou Institute of Landscape Architectural Design in Suzhou, China, will be in Birmingham September 24-29 to design a classical Chinese Garden on a proposed 2.92 acre site at George Ward Park.)  The Chinese cultural highlight of the event will be an exhibition of reproductions of what have been designated "National Treasurers" by the Chinese government, 10-15 of the earliest known color photographs taken in China (in 1945) by an American Army doctor in Kunming, China. His son, Dr. Gregg Millett, will be present and will make two presentations on his father's work and the exhibitions of the originals in Kunming and Beijing (where the originals are now permanently on display). Included in the display will be several "then and now" pictures of people and places as they were in 1944-5 and again in 2004, and Mr. Millett's account of how this addition came about. (For a preview see www.greggmillett.com )  : Cedars Club 301 Green Springs Avenue South (two blocks east of I-65 at Green Springs Avenue exit) in Birmingham, AL from 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
  • Nov 4 -  Jewish Food Festival from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  The Levite Jewish Community Center presents the 5th Annual Jewish Food Festival. Enjoy great food, music, crafts, and family entertainment!  You don't want to miss our 5th Annual Jewish Food Festival! If you haven't tried Jewish food before, then you're in for a treat! Our recipes have been passed down through generations and are the pride and joy of our volunteer chefs.  What could be better than an afternoon spent with friends enjoying wonderful home-cooked food and shopping early for a few holiday gifts? So, work up your appetite and grab a bunch of friends & family to join us! http://www.bhamjcc.org
  • Nov 4 - Of Fire and the Forge: Vulcan, Vesuvius, and Tales from an Eruption at Vulcan Park at 2:00 p.m.  Lecture with Timothy B. Smith, Assistant Prof. of Art History, Birmingham-Southern College.  Join Dr. Smith as he explores the intriguing mythology and imagery of the Roman god Vulcan, including his ancient connections to volcanoes and the area of Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.
  • Nov 3 & 4 - Moss Rock Festival: Celebrating Nature, Open Spaces & Eco-Ideas through ART & DESIGN   10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.  http://www.MossRockFestival.com This unique AL festival featuring 5000 juried works of art with a nature focus; an outdoor design & installation competition; eco-friendly ideas, products & organizations; live music; kids' studios; geo-location game; guided hikes; eats & drinks; & more
  • Nov 6 - Tech Tuesdays: Social Bookmarking at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  How often do you find a great website that you would like to share with friends, neighbors and family? Social bookmarking sites make it easier for you to share your sites and see what other people have found interesting. Come and learn and about these sites and how you can share your favorites. This program will be simulcast at the Springville Road and Five Points West Library.
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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 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.

  • Nov 2 thru 4 - Homestead Hollow Christmas in the Country in Springville from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 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. Santa will be here to visit with the children.  http://www.homesteadhollow.com
  • Nov 7 thru 10 - Fort Toulouse Pioneer Days in Wetumpka from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Re-enactment of Alabama's frontier days from French Colonial times to the early American period. Includes Native American re-enactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers.  This is the best historical reenactment I have been to!!!
    •

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