Teaching At Home

Hi Gang!

Well, plans have changed.  I still recommend the swim team at Underwood, but Dalton will not be participating, at least not this year.  Why?  Because he has been offered an awesome opportunity to travel out west this summer and will not be here for the swim metes.  He will be visiting Mt. Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Park, Red Wood Forest, etc, etc, etc...  This has changed all of our plans for the summer.  First of all, he will be leaving sometime in July, but he has to earn the money to go, so until he leaves I will be escorting him from side job to side job (all in the family).  He will also have to test for his next Yoshukai belt before he leaves, so that has been put on the front burner.  Algebra has been put on the back burner.  Of course, we will be doing lots of research in the interim as well as planning for the trip.  I think it is an awesome opportunity. 

Speaking of opportunities, we went to visit a wonderful family in Auburn this weekend.  Thanks so much to the Masha, Lori, and Everette Johnson for their hospitality.  They gave us a wonderful tour of the college including the veterinarian school where Dalton would ultimately like to attend.  It is truly a beautiful campus and seems to be a very friendly town. 

I am going to try seeing how sending the newsletter this way will work.  I am hoping that it will be easier for some of you to read and receive and hopefully solve the problem of being flagged as spam.  Please let me know if you have any trouble viewing it.  Also, although I backed up my e-mail addresses, when I restored my computer this week, I lost them all, so please drop me a line so that I can re-enter your e-mail address.  Sorry for the trouble.  Also, if you sent me info this week that I did not include, please send it again as that was also lost.  Thanks!!!  Many thanks to Lisa McAnnally for taking the time to send me last week's newsletter so that I could do this week's newsletter.  Please note that some of the formatting is quirky, but I will get that worked out with trial and error.   

 

Please remember that we are approaching renewal time for the Teaching At Home subscriptions.  Please pay your subscription fee by August 31.  The fee schedule is at the bottom of this newsletter.   

 

 

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

Deb Spradlin

Homeschool Directory...

You can view what I have gotten done here:  Homeschool Directory  .  Please contact me directly at debbido4@charter.net if you would like to be included.  The only difference I would say between what you see posted and what you should send in is not to state your child's age but the year in which they were born.  That way the ages are correct no matter how many years we add to the directory.  If you have been added to the directory, please check your posting for accuracy. 

New Resources….

• New Alabama Homeschooling Forum - Free and easy to use board. Polls, member messaging, and more!  Ask questions, find answers, activities, buy and sell curriculum, recipes, and more!  Private, unlisted, and invisible forums available upon request to members for their groups.  All info will be held strictly confidential.  This Forum is for YOU! The Alabama Homeschooler! Join your friends and Make yourself at home!  Www.alabamahomeschooling.net  Click the RED forum link.  Thanks for setting this up Dena!!!
• Anatomy & Physiology Class - Taught by Steve Howe and open to all high school homeschoolers.  Class will be held on Tuesdays from 12:00 - 1:20 from fall until completion.  Cost is $50 per month or $300 for entire course.  Please call Steve at 664-9783 with any questions.  Thanks to Wendy for this info!!!
• Government & Economics Course - Dr. Cleveland is a homeschool dad and very knowledgeable and a wonderful teacher.  Dr. Cleveland’s site is www.boundarystone.net .  Thanks to Anne Boyd for this info! 
• Free Summer Movies - Summer is the time for free movies!  Free is always good, especially with gas prices at an all-time peak. I will list new listings in the newsletter for free movies, but look here for a complete listing of free movies in and around town. 
• Jasper Theatre Free Movies - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10 a.m.  Doors open at 9:30.  The movie varies every week - call (205) 221-2022 for movie of the week  Thanks Lisa!!!
• Chelsea Movies Under the Stars! Free Movies - Eddleman Properties, Inc., will launch its first season of Movies Under the Stars on a giant inflatable movie screen at the outdoor venue of Chelsea Park, on Highway 280. The movies begin at sunset and attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic dinner.  Chelsea Park Free Sunday Screenings:  Sunday, June 24- Shrek, Sunday, July 29- Charlotte's Web (the new version), Sunday, August 26- The Goonies.  
• Swim Team & Swim Lessons – There are 17 pools located throughout the Birmingham area.  Swim lessons are $3 for a two-week session.  Each session has 8 classes of two hours each and sponsored by Red Cross.  I asked if this was just for beginners, and they said it went from beginners to advanced swimmers.  Each pool has its own swim team, which you can be part of for free.  http://www.informationbirmingham.com/park/pools.htm .  Dalton has joined the team at Underwood, and I have been very impressed with the staff, facility, cleanliness, parental involvement, and the children involved. 
• Birmingham Zoo Homeschool ClassesRegistration begins June 18 at noon.  Register online!  The Birmingham Zoo Education Department has home school science classes for children in 1st-12th grade. We also offer home school art classes and day classes for 2nd-12th grades.  Pre-registration and payment are required for all programs. Thanks for the reminder Lynn!!! - 
• Saturday Jazz Greats - The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame presents our Saturday Jazz Greats program which offers free Jazz lessons to students ages 8yrs old and up every Saturday morning at the Carver Theatre. Classes run all year long and are taught by professional Jazz musicians. All skill levels are welcome. Students must contact the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at (205)254-2731 and come by and fill out an application. Practically every instrument is covered except piano & violin.
• Southeastern American Indians of Alabama ArchiTrunk, an Alabama history teaching kit. This teaching kit was developed in consultation with Alabama teachers, and represents a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teaching resource. All activities are geared toward the Alabama Course of Study standards for the 4th Grade, and are hands-on and age-appropriate. It includes: Artifact reproductions, books, videos, maps, lesson plans, activity sheets.  Kits will be shipped via UPS for a one-week period. No rental fee is charged; only the cost of shipping the kit to the school and returning the kit to the Archives. Kits may also be picked up and returned to the Archives by the teacher. Kits are reserved on a first-come first-serve basis. Call today to reserve the kit for your classroom. The reservation form is available as a PDF document, and as a Word document. For more information contact Sherrie Hamil, 334-353-4712, or email Sherrie.Hamil@archives.alabama.gov

• The Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) is pleased to announce the following new Saturday activities:  Museum Gallery Tours - visitors to the ADAH  have the option of touring the museum on their own or joining a guided tour provided by museum staff. Guided tours will begin in the first-floor lobby at 2:00 p.m. Every Saturday and are provided at no cost to the public. Archives staff members will lead the tours and explore the vast array of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Alabama history. Guided tours are also available by appointment on weekdays.

• Children’s Story Time - Children visiting the ADAH  have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of children’s stories read by volunteers in the Hands-On Gallery. Located adjacent to the second-floor lobby of the museum, the Hands-On Gallery includes Grandma’s Attic, Discovery Boxes, and a variety of other activities for children of all ages. Story sessions will be presented 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. On the first Saturday of each month. Families are encouraged to participate. The Alabama Department of Archives and History is located at 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama directly south of the Alabama State Capitol. The ADAH is open to the public 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday - Saturday, and is closed on Sundays and all state holidays. The Research Room is also closed on Mondays. For more information or to reserve a tour, please visit the ADAH website or call (334) 242-4364.

• June 26 - American Girl meeting at Birmingham Museum of Art at 1:00.  We will meet in the Creek Indian section and let the girls do crafts and explore the exhibit.  Ruth is trying to arrange for a tour through the other Native American areas.  We will have a snack afterwards so just bring whatever snacks to share.  I will bring a couple of drinks, cups, and ice.  This is for the girls in the American Girl Club.  If you would be interested in joining us, please check the information out here:  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teachingathome/288903/ .  We are currently reading the Kaya series.  Thanks Ruth for hosting this month!
• June 27 - Teen Scene at Vestavia Bowl at 11:00 a.m.  We will be doing the "Open Bowl" so as to keep things loose to accommodate those who can or can't come on the day of the event. Therefore, no reservations will be needed. Just come and have fun if you can!  We will be doing the "lunch special" which is $10 per person and includes 1.5 hours of bowling, shoe rental, and lunch (Cheeseburger and French Fries, Philly Cheese Steak and French Fries, Chicken Fingers and French Fries, Turkey Sub and Chips, Half Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza; all meals include a 24 oz soft drink or Sweet Tea; all food is made to order).  If you don't want to do the lunch special, you can just pay by game which is 2.99 per game. Shoe rental is 3.19.  Don't worry  if you don't know how to bowl!  This is strictly for fun!  Younger siblings welcome!  Please contact me at debbido4@charter.net if you would like to attend.  Please look here for more info about Teen Scene .  Thanks very much to Robin for hosting this month!!!

• Ballroom Dancing in Adamsville - I have been talking with Wendy of  http://www.curtnwendy.com/ and they have agreed to teach a homeschool ballroom dance class if we have enough interest.  I am just now in the "feeling it out" stage so the details are rather sketchy.  The details are as follows: Ballroom Dance Class in Adamsville (about 15 minutes NW of Bham)  Weekly class to be held during the day starting either this summer OR in September for grades 7-12 (Six months of classes count as 1/2 credit in either Phys. Ed. Or Fine Arts) Either $20/month per child (with half-price for additional siblings in the family) paid at the first class each month, OR $5/class paid weekly for each of the first two kids in a family with any additional siblings at no charge. Let me know if this is something you think you might be interested in, and we will get things underway.
• Aug. 18 - Mom's Night Out!!!  Would you like to join me at the Alabama Theatre for a 7:00pm viewing of "Gone With the Wind"?  If you have not ever been to the Alabama Theatre, it is breathtaking!!!  You can take a virtual tour of The Alabama as well as read it's history here:  http://www.alabamatheatre.com/AboutTheAlabama/TourtheAlabama/tabid/62/Default.aspx .  This would be the perfect place to view "Gone With the Wind"!!!  Tickets are $6 a piece and payable at the door.  We can go to dinner before or after if you would like to!  Please R.S.V.P. To debbido4@charter.net . 
• Aug. 31 - Spring Valley Beach Homeschool Day in Blountsville from 10:00am - 6:00pm.  Cost is $10.00 per person (ages 2 and under are free) to get in.  You will pay at the door.  You can bring your own food and drinks.  I am going to rent a pavilion if enough show an interest.  We went last year and had a blast!  This is a very family friendly place.  www.springvalleybeach.com  Please R.S.V.P. And let me know if you would like to attend with Teaching At Home, and I will arrange for us to have a pavilion. 
• September - Jr. Master Gardeners will restart the second Wednesday in September at the Aldridge Gardens for children in grades 3 - 9 (older as long as they realize they will be working with younger children).  Class will be held second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 2:00 - 4:00pm running from September - May.  Cost will be:  $23 per child plus $17 if you would like to purchase the JMG book.  The book will be to do activities at home in order to earn certification.  If you are not concerned with certification, you do not have to order the book.  There are only 10 spots available for this class.  Contact me at debbido4@charter.net to sign up. 
• Dec. 13 - Alabama Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at the Samford Wright Center at 10:00am.  While visions of sugarplums have not yet danced in your heads, the Alabama Ballet is already working towards our holiday season production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.  Alabama Ballet is currently one of six companies in the world licensed to perform Balanchine's performance.  Cost is $7 per adult.  Children free.  I know it is early for this; however, the quicker we send in our reservations, the better seating we will get. 
• Nov. 26 - 30 - Disney World Trip Teaching At Home will be going to Disney World in Orlando again this year.  We went last year and had a blast.  You can check out the information from last year here:  Disney Trip 2006 .  The trip will include a 5-day hopper pass to all four parks plus two visits to either Typhoon Lagoon or Disney Quest.  We visited Typhoon Lagoon and Disney Quest last year and had an absolute blast.  These tickets will also include one Y.E.S. Program for the students.  These are absolutely wonderful programs, and my kids are still talking about the one they attended last year.  The rest of the time is your's to spend as a family.  Disney Information
• March 31 - April 4, 2008 - Dauphin Island Sea Lab 5-Day Camp This is going to be awesome.  We have been on the waiting list for two years for this trip.  We have a maximum of 35 who can attend, so sign up quick!!!  For full information, please look here:  Dauphin Island Sea Lab 

 

• June 26 thru 29 - Freedom Story: The Quest for Civil Rights at Carver High School in the Arthur Means Arts Center. Freedom Story: The Quest for Civil Rights is a dramatic production featuring area students in a performance of drama, music, and dance that explores the journey of African-Americans in their quest for justice. The production features acts on Juneteenth, Negro League baseball players and the Civil Rights Movement. The performances are recommended for audience members 8-years-old and up. Registration is required at (205) 328-9696, ext. 249.  Thanks for the info Lynn!!!
• June 26, July 10, 17, 25 - Family Read at Springville Road Library from 6:30 - 7:30pm.  This 8-week seminar is for adults who have or work with children.  Discuss various picture books and how they may be used with children of various ages.  Participants' children will be in a simultaneous program in the Children's Department.  Registration for adults is required and due by May 31 at 226-4081.
• June 26, July 10, 17, 25 - A Series of Fabulous Events for Families at Springville Road Library at 6:30pm.  An evening of books, crafts, and games. 
• June 26 - The Basement If you want to come to the crunkest club in town, The Basement is it. If you haven't heard we have moved to a new location at Cathedral of the Cross in Center Point. Da Burnin Bush is back in town and ready to bring down the house. DPB will be there, as well as DJ Slimz to lead us into an intense time of worship. To finish it all off, Matt Pitt will fire you up so much that you can't help but tell someone Jesus' story. So meet me at The Basement, 'cause it really is what's goin www.theofficialbasement.com , www.myspace.com/theofficialbasement
  
• June 26 & July 31 - Beginning Genealogy Classes at the Birmingham Public Library from 10:00 - 11:00 and July 8  from 2:30 - 3:30pm.  Southern History Department staff discuss how to begin genealogical research. 
• June 27 - Make Mugs with Painted-by-U in the Teens Department at Vestavia Library from 3:00 - 4:30pm.  No charge; limited to 25 - reistration required at 978-0155.  Ages 11 & up.
  
• June 28, July 12, 19 & 26 - Busca Una Pista En Tu Biblioteca at North Birmingham Library from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.  Learn Spanish at the Library!  A fun introduction fro ages 7 - 12.  Limited to 20 students:  226-4025

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• July 29 - Smithsonian Exhibit: "Between Fences" in West Blocton at the Cahaby Lily Center.  Traveling exhibit depicting how our country developed between fences-split rail, barbed wire, picket- Also include economic, cultural, religious and other fences. Tours scheduled with experts on related subjects. Sponsored by the Alabama Humanities Foundations.
  

• June 28 - A Thousand and One Nights at Emmet O'Neal Libarary at 3:30pm.  UAB touring play for grades 2 - 6. 
• June 28 - Graphically Mysterious at Trussville Library in the Teens Department at 2:00pm.  You can learn to draw Manga with graphic artist, Nikki Hall. 
• June 28 - Jack Sacco  Author will speak and autograph books at 7 p.m..at Pell City Public Library. Sacco is the author of “Where The Birds Never Sing,” a memoir of his father, who was a war veteran.
• June 29 -  Alabama Sports Festival 25th Anniversary Opening Ceremony at BJCC from 6:30 - 8:30pm.  Alabama's Olympic-style multi sport event's Official Opening Ceremony that includes the Parade of Athletes, Oath to the Athletes, Lighting the Flame, and music by the Gardendale First Baptist Choir & Orchestra and the Alabama Sports Festival All-Star Band. The event will have special a presentation honoring Alabama service personnel from operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Any military personnel who served in these operations should check the website and sign-up to attend.
  Join us to celebrate and recognize the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and partners who have contributed to our 25th Anniversary State Games. 
• June 29 & 30 - Wild West Blocton Days 205-938-7304. Free admission. Main St.—A fish fry, street dance, Western-related activities and old-timers ballgame. Fri., 4-10 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

• July 7 - Southeastern Outings - River Float, Picnic, Swim, Short Dayhike Easy river float on the Locust Fork River. Float and walk in the river from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls. We'll view and then drive through a genuine, old wooden covered bridge. Then we'll float under the bridge and further, about a mile and a quarter, downstream to the waterfalls. We'll also view the sheer cliffs that rise about 60 feet above the river. So enjoy a flowing river, covered bridge, high rock bluffs and two waterfalls--all along a one mile stretch of this river. Bring a picnic lunch, drink, sunscreen and something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float or air mattress. Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best. Pack your lunch, sunscreen, towel and drink in 2 plastic garbage bags with twist ties, one bag over the other. Then put the bags in your daypack and strap the pack to your back. This keeps your things dry and prevents them from floating away. Wear swimsuit and sturdy foot protection.  Lunch will be on the huge flat rock in the middle of the river by two waterfalls. Have fun swimming in the pools at the base of the rock, diving and jumping into the larger pool, climbing up and down or just sitting in Powell Falls. We will walk back to the bridge on a trail along the river. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and up welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. Bring a friend or several if you wish. Meet 9:00 a.m. At the Chevron Service Station at AL Highways 79 and 160 in Cleveland, AL.  Info: Dan Frederick, 631-4680 or seoutings@bellsouth.net  My family went on this last year and had a blast!!!!
• July 9 thru July 27 - Camp Bonito Bama at Space One Eleven 2409 2nd Avenue North Birmingham Monday - Friday from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M for children ages 8 - 13.  Get your creative juices flowing, grab some lunch, and join in the fun along with other area youth ages 8-15 years of age in Space One Eleven's FREE annual summer arts enrichment camp - Camp Bonito Bama. This six week camp will be built around a Latin-American theme, which will focus on blending the beauty of Latin-America's artistic history and culture with our own beautiful Alabama. Four professional visual artists will work with youth campers in SOE's professional studios -exploring a variety of mediums including: ceramics, painting, drawing, and mixed media/collage. Students will also have the opportunity to explore drumming, dance and printmaking from various visiting artists during the camp's sessions.  ENROLL TODAY! Enrollment is made through: City of Birmingham Mayor's Office Division of Youth Services - (205) 320-0879.  
• July 10 - Teddy Bear Picnic at Vestavia Library from 11:30 - 12:30.  Bring your favorite teddy bear for a picnic; lunch provided.  Ages 18 months and up. 
• July 10 - Cuentos En Espanol E. Ingles at Springville Road Library at 10:30 a.m.  All cultures will enjoy this bi-lingual storytime.  Fun and educational too!
• July 11 - The Rebirth of the UMWA in Alabama, 1933 and Beyond at the Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Clark Atlanta University historian Robert Woodrum will discuss efforts to rebuild the United Mine Workers of America in the Alabama coalfields during the Great Depression and the union's legacy in the region.
• July 11 thru 25 - The Journey Home at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at 10:00am and 12:00pm.  The JCCEO YES Ambassadors is a theatrical youth group that delivers socially uplifting messages through music and drama. The Journey Home is a powerful musical drama that takes an inside look of a typical family facing the challenges of a community under siege by gang membership, criminal activity, drug/alcohol abuse and early death by suicide.
  
• July 11 - Library CSI in the Teens Department at Gardendale Library 1:30 - 3:30.  Grades 6 - 12.  Real techniques of forensics investigators. 
• July 11 - Detective Science in the Teens Department at Vestavia Library from 3:00 - 4:00pm.  Brought to you by Mad Science. 
• July 12 - Science Cafe - Trans Fats: What's the Big Deal?  Cambridge Coffee; Patton Creek Shopping Center 160 Main Street Hoover, AL 35244 at 8:00 p.m.  Join us for a Science Cafe gathering, an informal opportunity to hear scientists present on topics and ask questions. This presentation will be given my Dr. Jamy Ard and Dr. Craig McClure from UAB, followed by an open forum and opportunity for discussion. Coffee and snacks will be provided for participants.
• July 13 - Game On! Video Game Tournament at Emmet O'Neal Library from 4:30 - 6:30pm.  Pizza, snacks, and the Ultimate Video Gaming Tournament!  For grades 7 - 12.  Registration is required at 445-1101.
July 14 - The Dismals Canyon with Fresh Air Family in Phil Campbell, AL (Near Florence) at 8:00pm  Join us for a unique opportunity to see the Dismalites. This is a larvae stage in the insect called a Fungus Gnat. They emit a bright blue-green hue to attract food. We can see this light at night and it lights up the sky as though a thousand stars were present. This is an evening event and we'll be camping nearby.  Register for this free event by Emailing director@freshairfamily.org or calling Natalie at 205-401-0245

• July 14 - Cherokee Trail of Tears at DeSoto State Park Campground from 8:00 - 9:00pm.  Thousands of Native Americans were taken from their homelands and sent to Oklahoma on this infamous trek.  JSU geologist Kelly Gregg will share the story of this tragic chapter in our nation’s history.
• July 14  - Forest Ecology 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. Take advantage of the beautiful location and camp for the weekend! Family friendly.  7:00 p.m.
  
• July 14 - Southeastern Outings Short hikes and Long Swims   Join us for three short, moderately easy hikes to several waterfalls on South Caney Creek and Kinlock Falls on Hubbard Creek. We'll swim at all three of the falls, so bring your river shoes, swimsuit and towel along with your picnic lunch and water. These falls are very lovely. There is a safe, natural rock waterslide at Kinlock Falls.  After the outing we are planning to go to the Lakeshore Inn Restaurant on the shore of Smith Lake for an optional dinner. For $2 you can shower and change clothes at a campground near the restaurant. If you would like to shower and/or clean up and have dinner with us at the restaurant, please bring a change of clothes for dinner and your shower things. No charge to use the campground rest room just to wash up and change clothes. If you wish to shower, please bring $2.00 exact change cash.  Well-behaved, properly-supervised children age 9 and over welcome. 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
• July 16 thru 19 - EOL Theater Workshop at Emmet O'Neal Library from 1:00 - 3:00.  Four day program on play production culminating in a live performance.  Grades 2 - 6.  Must register at 445-1101 for all four days. 
• July 16 - Geologic History of Little River Canyon Join geologist Kelly Gregg at DeSoto State Park Campground (Nature Center in case of rain) from 8:00 - 9:00pm to learn about the ancient inhabitants of Little River—sharks, corals, ferns, ancient trees, and even giant salamanders. 
• July 16 - 20  - Attend a FREE Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Camp. From 8:00a.m. - 3:30p.m. At Jefferson State Community College on Carson Road.  Interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math? This One-Week Camp Is For You!  Explore exciting careers in robotics, manufacturing, automotive technology, veterinary technology, healthcare, computer science, and many more. Hear from industry leaders about what they look for in potential employees and the types of jobs they have available. Tour one of Alabama’s automotive assembly plants.  The camp is for students entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in Fall 2007 with an interest in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math.   Http://www.jeffstateonline.com/news_stories/07/stemCamp/Default.htm
• July 18 - Lights! Action! Iprov! Pizza! At Vestavia Hills Library Teen Department from 11:30 - 2:00.  Join Jim Aycock for an Improv Workshop with pizza lunch.  Ages 11 & up.  Limit 20 - Registration required at 978-0155. 
• July 19 - Science Workshop at Leeds Library from 2:00 - 4:00.  Winfield and Elinor Burks present a science workshop for Grades 3 and up highlighting ideas with hands on experiments using everyday household items. 
• July 21 - Ecology of the Canyon for Children An evening program geared toward introducing children to local environmental issues. Topics will include rare plants and animals, clean water, and more. National Park Ranger Larry Beane will entertain children and adults with his knowledge of Little River Canyon's special qualities.  Event will be held at DeSoto State Park Campground (Nature Center in case of rain) from 8:00 PM – 9:00. 
• July 21 - Chess Tournament at Emmet O'Neal Library from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Swiss style chess tournament for ages 7 through adult.  Preregister at 445-1101. 
• July 21 - The 5 Points Worship service of Highlands United Methodist Church will offer three concerts throughout the summer featuring the 5 Points Worship Band. The music played will range from blue-grass to rock, jazz to gospel. All concerts will be held on the front lawn of the church, right behind the famous fountain of 5 Points South. Bring your lawn chairs and your blankets to this family-friendly event taking place in the heart of 5 Points South, and enjoy an evening full of great music, fellowship, and fun. Complimentary bottled water will be served at each concert. This event is free and open to the public. Call or go online for more information. 933.8751, ext. 229. www.5pointsworship.org  Concert will be from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. 
• July 21 & 22 - .EWTN Family Celebration Because of the overwhelming response we received to last year's twenty-fifth anniversary event, we've decided to invite our EWTN Family back this summer for another EWTN Family Celebration. This free event will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday July 21st and Sunday July 22nd, 2007. This year's Celebration will focus on the theme of Eucharist: Body of Christ. 
  
• July 22 - Fishes of Little River You might be amazed at what's swimming down in the Canyon! JSU biologist Dr. Mark Meade will have you hooked on the diversity and lifestyles of the fishes of the Little River.  Event will be at DeSoto State Park Campground (Nature Center in case of rain) from 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM. 
• July 24 - Juggling Workshop & Pizza at Vestavia Hills Library Teen Department from 12:00 - 1:30.  Join Ron Anglin for a Juggling Workshop with pizza lunch.  No charge.  Registration required at 978-0155, ages 11 and up. 
• July 25 - Daisy Cow and Her Milking Machine at Springville Road Library at 10:30 a.m  Watch Daisy, all hooked up to her milking machine.  Cookies and milk will be provided.  An educational program brought to you by the Dairy Farmers of Alabama. 
• July 28 - Math & Science Fun Day at Five Points West Library from 12:00 - 4:00 PM.  For grades K - 12.  Remote control cars, a dissected pig, snakes, explosions, and more! 
• July 28 - Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, AL with Fresh Air Family at 10:00AM at The Falls (Bham caravan will meet at 9:00am in the Barnes & Noble Parking Lot at The Summit)  Join us as we visit these cool, misty falls which cascade 90 feet over Lookout Mountain Ledge into a lush ravine. The park is also home to the Gilliland-Reese covered bridge, botanical gardens and a pioneer homestead. We'll spend the day visiting the falls and park. Be sure to ear shoes or boots for walking. Bring a sack lunch, snacks and plenty of water to drink.  Register for this free event at director@freshairfamily.org 
• July 28 - Short Dayhike and Glorious Swim Moderately easy walk on a road through the woods in the upper section of Little River Canyon National Preserve to a rather secluded, quite large and very lovely pool on Little River itself in the woods above Little River Falls. This will be only the second time we have visited this particular swimming area. Time permitting, we may also visit the 102-foot DeSoto Falls in the early evening. Optional dinner after. Please bring picnic lunch, water, swimsuit, river shoes and floatation device of your choice. Hot showers available before dinner. Bring shower things and change of clothes if you wish. Meet 8:00 a.m. At Applebee's Restaurant Trussville.
  Info: David Freeman, 655-9172
• July 28 - The City of Southside's 50th Anniversary Celebration in Etowah County from 10:00am - 10:00pm will host a number of fun and exciting activities for the whole family. Our evening concert will include Billy Joe Royal, Ballyhoo, and Rick and Tad.
  

 

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