to this week's
Teaching At Home
Newsletter
October 15, 2007
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Hi Gang!
I hope everyone had a great week this week. My family surely did. We did not really celebrate Columbus Day other than watching a documentary on History Channel that was very interesting. It covered all four of his voyages and was very informative on his life and beliefs. Tuesday we headed to the McWane Center for Dae's class, which she is now enjoying tremendously. We also visited the new exhibit "Sea Monsters" while we were there. This is a really great exhibit, and I would highly encourage you to go and check it out. Thursday we opted out of Children's Theater just because we were so tired and it was not a "must" on our list. You know, sometimes you just have to do that or you will surely suffer from burn out. Friday we went to the Native American Pow Wow and had a blast. We really enjoyed the Aztec Indian and his native dress. I had heard that flutist group years ago at City Stages and thought they were just wonderful. We did not get to hear the entire presentation by the lady speaking on the Roanoke Lost Tribe, but we really wanted to. Dae got her a feather headdress and a little rag doll that was made by Little Rainbow. She in turn named the little doll Little Rainbow. I thought that to be very appropriate. We then headed over to Oak Mountain to meet up with some of our homeschooling buddies and camped out until late Saturday night. Many thanks to the Aycock family for their hospitality and such a good time! Sunday was a day of rest for me!!!
What do we have in store this week? We have painting in the park on Tuesday, McWane on Wednesday, American Girl on Saturday, and the Bavarian Philharmonic on Sunday. We are currently watching the series "Roots, the Next Generations", reading a new Disney Fairy book (Dae), Jennifer Government (Dalton) and The Red Tent (me), and listening to the Josefina series on tape. I will be talking to a lady about year books and pricing this week. Dae will possibly be joining a new Yoga class which is being offered in Graysville. We did decide to let Dalton open the MySpace account on a limited and trial basis, so we will be looking into that and working on that. At some point during the week, we may fit in a few hours to volunteer at the library but there again we will need to decide on our "must" list versus our "wish" list.
Are
any of you interested in a school year book? It is something I have
been thinking about, and if enough of you are interested, I will do
some research and see what kind of pricing I can come up with. We could even have a year book committee!!!
Make sure to check out the resources on Teaching At Home this week. 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
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...
- Erwin Brothers Motion Pictures Casting Call - We are currently preparing to film Nicole C. Mullen's next music video,
"One Touch". The song is from her current album,
"Sharecropper's Seed, Volume 1". We are looking for people who
want to be extras in the music video. We will be filming several scenes
with Nicole in downtown Birmingham
on Sunday, October 14th. We will be shutting down an entire street for the
filming of the music video. This is a great opportunity to participate in
the filming of a music video and support the music ministry of Nicole C.
Mullen. We would like to have as many people as possible there for the shoot.
Feel free to invite family and friends. If you are interested, please
contact Jackson Helms Smith at jackson@erwinbrothers.com . Date: Sunday, October 14th. Location: Downtown Birmingham
(exact location TBD). Time: 1:00PM to 8:00PM. Attire: Casual. Meals: Dinner will be provided. www.erwinbrother.com Thanks Dena and Deb!
Signing Time airs on PBS every Sat morning @ 7:30 am. Thanks Stephanie!
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Stikki Wax is a great product to adhear posters to your wall
temporarily or permanantly w/out damaging your walls, you can request a
free sample of their many different hooks and adhesives by emailing
request w/ your address to custservice@stikkiworks.com Thanks Stephanie!
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Lowes Kids Workshops are now every 2nd and 4th Sat of every month.
This month on the 13-FireTrucks will be built for firesaftey wk and
free dvds will be given out, the 4th Sat will be Spiders, all projects
are made of wood and free approns and googles are given. All Workshops
Begin @ 10 am. Thanks Stephanie!
Home Depot Kids Workshops every 1st Sat morning @ 10 am. Thanks Stephanie!
- Lockheed Martin Space Day announces its partnership with Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC - http://www.rocketcontest.org), organized by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). Students
in grades 7-12 work in teams of 2 or more to design, build and launch
their own rocket. The
goal of TARC is to promote aerospace to students to attract more young
people to careers in the industry. The contest is also sponsored by the
National Association of Rocketry in partnership with NASA, the Defense
Department, the Civil Air Patrol, and 39 AIA member companies. The
winning teams share a prize pool of more than $75,000 in savings bonds
and cash. Space Day is contributing $15,000 toward that prize, with
$5,000 going to each of the top three teams.
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ACT Test Date - The next national ACT test date students can still register for is Dec. 8, 2007. Create an account
for online registration and test date information. The regular
registration deadline is Nov. 2 and the late registration deadline is
Nov. 15. ACT offers an optional Writing Test. Find out about the Writing Test on the ACT student website, including what colleges have decided about requiring it. The website also provides test prep aids, including free sample test questions, and ACT Online Prep,
an online ACT test prep program. You'll also find test day tips, a list
of items to bring to the test, and details on what types of calculators
are allowed on the Math Test.
Children's Hospital Birmingham Volunteer Program - The goals of the program are to introduce teens to the world of work, health careers and a large complex health system. These
goals are achieved by the selection process, service placement of the
teen, and by being a part of the larger health system team. Volunteer Program Thanks for the info Nikki!
UAB Health Services Volunteer Program - Do you have an interest in working in a Hospital setting or learning
more about hospitals? Do you want to meet other teens while helping
others? If so, the Teen Volunteer Program is exactly for you. The Teen
Volunteer Program (TAV) is a summer program running from June to early
August and gives teens the opportunity to do something meaningful with
their summer and also experience many exciting careers in healthcare.
Not only do the volunteers get to work in many areas of UAB Hospital,
they also have tours and presentations that will highlight different
opportunities in healthcare. The teens will get to interact with many
other students from all over the Birmingham area and make many new
friends. Volunteer Program
- Brookwood Medical Center Volunteer Program - The Department of Volunteer Services assists the hospital in the
delivery of health care. This is done by recruiting and retaining
competent volunteers to augment and expand the services of the
hospital. Brookwood Medical Center's volunteers give freely of their
time, talents, energy and skills to provide special services to
patients and visitors. Volunteer Program
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Birmingham Paleontological Society http://bps-al.org/ is an active group of
people
who
enjoy learning about the science of paleontology, collecting fossils
for
their own private collection, assisting professionals with their
research, and being in the outdoors.
Members
have a fossil collecting field
trip once
each month, normally in
Alabama,
and sometimes visit a nearby state. The
Birmingham Paleontological Society meets at 7:00 PM on the
first
Monday of every month at the McWane
Science
Center in Birmingham, AL. Monthly
programs are related to paleontology or
geology,
and there is usually a show-and-tell. We also have workshops
on fossil preparation, casting, and cataloging. Thanks for this awesome resource Jennifer!!!
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AXIS Dance Company's mission
is to create and perform high quality contemporary dance that is developed
through the collaboration of dancers with and without disabilities. AXIS teaches
dance and educates about collaboration and disability through community
outreach and education programs. AXIS is committed to promoting and supporting
physically integrated dance, locally, nationally and internationally. This group will be offering a series of FREE education and outreach programs including a community
assembly, a dance/movement class, and a professional
development workshop for teachers and dance instructors. Please learn more about the company
at www.axisdance.org. If you’d like to reserve space for any of these
programs please contact Kimberly Kirklin at 205.934.0862!
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FREE!!! 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!
- FREE!!! October 16 - Painting for a Cause at Homewood Park on
Oxmoor Road in Homewood from noon until whenever... Calling all Rembrandts, Picassos, Van Goghs, and Da Vincis..We are looking for
up to 35 artists of all ages who would like to join us as we paint for
a cause. Canvasses and paints will be provided. Please bring easel or
blankets and brushes/sponges (fingers) etc and make sure to wear old
paint clothes that you do not mind getting messed up. Your
paintings will be hung on display in Zoe's where you or others will
have an opportunity to purchase them. All proceeds from the sales will
go to Daniel Cason Ministries (danielcason.org). You will
receive a Zoe's certificate for one adult and one kid meal for
painting!! Free! For more information or to R.S.V.P., please email
Candice at chammick@bellsouth.net.
Just think! You get to play in the park, create a masterpiece, have it
"commissioned in a gallery", free lunch, AND help a ministry. What
more could you ask? I hope to see you all there!
- FREE!!! Oct 25 & Nov 16 - Life Cycles focusing on the Mealworm at Aldridge Gardens at noon. Effective environmental education requires field experience to solidify understanding, ignite curiosity, and establish an “I can do” sense of responsibility. Effective environmental education also instills an awareness and appreciation of the complicated networks necessary to the health of any habitat. Let Aldridge Gardens enrich your curriculum with meaningful outdoor learning. Teaching At Home/Everest Academy has been asked to be the first group to attend this new field trip that is being researched by the Aldridge Gardens. This field trip usually runs $3 a person, but they have offered it to us free of charge. If you would like to attend, please email me your date of preference and number of children that will attend. Please make a commitment to attend if you sign up. I would love to be offered this opportunity again in the future. Please contact Debbi Spradlin at everestacademy1@gmail.com
- 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
- FREE Nov 2 & 3 - Camping Trip/Russian Festival in Brookside, Alabama. Meet at the Sam's Club in Irondale at 4 pm Friday or at the event. The small town of Brookside is the site of the first Russian Orthodox Church in America. The beautiful little onion dome church annually hosts a Russian festival with great food and events. The town is also re-inventing itself as a recreation destination and has invited Fresh Air Family to be their first campers. Brookside Mayor Roger McCondiche has personally invited us and is providing hot dogs, singing and storytelling. They have begun a one- mile greenway path along Five Mile Creek. This spring, a new canoe company started a business at the old ball park site. Along with canoeing, fishing, and hiking they have a new camp ground. On Saturday and Sunday, the Russian Orthodox Church will have its annual Russian Food Festival. Please click here to register for this Fresh Air Family Event: www.freshairfamily.org
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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: www.freshairfamily.org
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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
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Nov 8 - Tigers For Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. The OATHE group invites all homeschoolers to join us for a fieldtrip to Tigers for Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain in Collinsville, AL. "Tigers For Tomorrow Exotic Animal Preserve, Inc. was founded in July of 1999, for the sole purpose of creating a safe haven for exotic animals in need of a permanent home. Tigers for Tomorrow (TFT) is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization, that provides a last stop sanctuary for exotic animals, specializing in exotic cats. We specialize in exotic cats, lions and tigers but we will not turn away other exotic animals in need. TFT believes that all animals deserve the right to live in safe surroundings." The cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 3yo & up (under 3yo--free). If you would like to review their website, it is: http://www.tigersfortomorrow.org. Deadline for signup is October 29. To sign up or for more info., please contact Brianna Moore at: self-educated@earthlink.net . Please note, Bri will be out of town all of this week, so will not be responding to emails until late on 10/15/07, but please look for a reply within a few days of 10/15.

Free Stuff....
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 - Soy
Garifuna! The Garifuna are a community of Afro-descendants in Central America.
They have a unique cultural community directly descended from its
African forebears, including a unique language, history and customs.
Similar to African-Americans in the United States, the Garifuna
communities have faced challenges due to race, poverty and social
exclusion. The event will feature a video about the Garifuna community, a
presentation by young leaders in the Garifuna community, a
demonstration of traditional Garifuna dances and a brainstorming
session for ideas for building African-American and Afro-Latino
relationships in the deep South. Call 205-975-9652 for
details. Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, Room 108, 950 13th St. S. from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. is an initiative to promote dialogues and relationships
between African-Americans and Afro-descendents from Central and South
America. ¡Soy Garifuna! is co-sponsored by the University of South
Alabama Center for Healthy Communities and the Joint Studio for
Community, Strategy and Innovation.
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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.
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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.
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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 - Live @ the Library featuring Kathryn Tucker Windham is presented as an event of Samford's Homecoming weekend activities in the Samford University Library Room 235 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited. Kathryn Tucker Windham is a journalist, storyteller, historian,
all-around Alabama cultural ambassador and author of 24 books,
including the popular "13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey." A book signing
and refreshments will follow her remarks.
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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 - FREE Jazz Workshop with"Blue Lou" Marini at Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at 10:00 a.m. Lou Marini, Jr. (also known as "Blue Lou") is one of the original
Saturday Night Live Band members, and an original Blues Brothers Band
member. He currently tours with the Blues Brothers and James Taylor and
records with Steely Dan. He has been one of the top saxophonists in New
York City since the middle 70's, and has played on literally hundreds
of hit recordings (with Aerosmith, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Frank
Zappa and many others). Marini appeared in both Blues Brothers movies,
and has played on the soundtracks of countless movies. Most people know
him for his work in pop music, but his background (and first love) is
jazz. He is recognized by his peers as one of the best jazz players in
the country.
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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.
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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
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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
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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 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.
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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.
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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 - Alabama Theater presents a free showing of "Bella" at 7:00 p.m. This is an award-winning film that promotes
a family-orientated message. This movie provides a wonderful message, while
also appealing to the mainstream culture. http://www.bellathemovie.com/site/#/home/ Thanks Dena and Deb!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Oct 27 - 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. Halloween costume contest and parade followed
by entertainer Jim Aycock, John Scalisi (drum circle), storytelling,
and cloggers. Kids can paint pumpkins while adults can shop for a
quilt, honey, soap, candles, birdhouses, and plants. Raffle tickets
will be sold for a quilt and a bicycle donated by Regions Bank. A
perfect way to spend a fall morning! Come to Aldridge Gardens.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
- Nov 10 - Taqaseem: A Franco-Arabic Song and Poetry
Recital featuring an evening of Arabic songs and poetry. The event is
sponsored by The Society of Ibn Khaldun, the French Club at UAB and
volunteers from the Birmingham community. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th Street South, Birmingham, AL from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
- Nov 19 & 11 - Smith Lake Fine Arts Festival There will be an opening
Dinner Friday 11.09.2007 at 8PM in the Lakeshore Restaurant to kick off
the first Annual Festival. Events and Entertainment will be Sat/Sun
with a full Sunday Brunch Buffet available at the Inn from 11:00 AM to
2:00 PM. A special Children's exhibit of the ACSl Logo Contest and
special 'on the lawn' short exhibits of local artist sat/sun flux
hours. Interactive Pottery booth area where your child can learn how to
make their own Fine Art Pottery! Fired saturday night to take home the
next day or same day greenware. Hoping to have a visit from the
regional Historical Indian Fine Arts (will be an anticipated surprise
for all of us!) with tales of the regional treasure hunts! A truely new
and unique Fine Arts Festival!Come and Enjoy! http://www.freewebs.com/smithlakearts

Not Free but Worth Every Penny...
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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
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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 web link: http://www.kentuck.org/festival.html Many thanks to Deb Carden for this info!
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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 - Day of the Dead Festival from 3:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. A one-day festival honoring the Mexican
holiday known as el Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead. The
annual commemoration at Bare Hands Gallery combines community art
installation and procession with remembrance, creativity, performance,
music and food to highlight this rich cultural tradition yielding an
exquisite downtown art and cultural event. BARE HANDS GALLERY 109 R Arrington Jr Blvd South Birmingham, AL 35233
http://www.barehandsgallery.org $10 donation appreciated, not required
ACTIVITIES:
3 - 6 pm Children's Craft Area (paper flower making, mask painting and sugar skull decorating)
5 pm - 12 am Music, Dance and Poetry on the performance stage
8 pm Day of the Dead Procession (around the block the gallery is located on)
5 pm - 12 am Altar Installation (individuals bring altars and
memorabilia of their departed to install in the outdoor altar space)
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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
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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 reenactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers. This is the best historical reenactment I have been to!!!
- Nov
23 thru 25 - Salvation Army Coat Drive at McWane Center. Bring a new
or gently used coat to McWane and receive a free pass to Santa vs. The
Snowman IMAX movie

Links...
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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.
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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?...
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