Dalton is home!!!  Yea!  We went and picked him up in Nashville on Monday.  He arrived right on time.  He was starting to hit a growth spurt right before he left.  I did not even recognize him when he got off the plane.  He had grown several inches, lost weight, and his hair is long.  It really did take me doing a double take to recognize him.  He loved the flight and had a blast on his trip.  We decided not to stay the two days in Nashville.  Dalton was really ready to come home.  We did stop in Etheridge, TN at the Old Order Amish Community.  I would really encourage you to visit there.  It is a 2 1/2 hour drive from Birmingham.  You can drive through for free, but we took the horse carriage ride, and I would say it was really worth it.  The guide has been doing the tours for many years and was very knowledgeable.  He is also friends with most of the Amish families in the area.  We visited three homes, one of which was the community Bishop.  He took down our address and invited Dalton to come back when they would be harvesting and cooking the sorghum molasses.  I hope he does contact us.  That would just be really cool.  We talked to the Bishop for about 30 minutes, and he was very interesting.  I really learned a lot.  We bought candy, jams, apple butter, pickles, and relish.  We did not see any dairy cows, and there was no cheese or butter to purchase. 

The picture of the snake above is Dae's newest pet.  We found him in our recyclables in a Coke can.  We researched, and he is a Florida Brown Snake and nonvenomous.  He is called the "City Snake" because he is known to acclimate very well in urban environments.  The mother gives live birth of up to 30 babies in late summer.  We will keep him for a few days and then let him go. 

Dae is currently making Halloween costumes for her Webkinz.  She has gotten out all of her material and has designed and is making their costumes all by herself.  She has already made a hat and dress for "Buffy" the pink poodle and tomorrow will start on "Helena's" the white rabbit's costume.  It is really fun to just sit back and see what they come up with.  Every once in a while, I will ask if she needs help.  She always says no, so I just sit back and watch.  She is actually really good.  I wonder if she will be a designer some day? 

Saturday Dae and I went with Fresh Air Family to Tigers For Tomorrow.  Oh my gosh was it ever hot!  We had a great time though.  I met several new homeschoolers and saw several of you guys there.  The guide was very informative, and it was a very interesting trip.  Please check out the Fresh Air Family trips that I have listed below.  This is an awesome group of people offering an awesome service.  Please do remember though, if you sign up for something with them and cannot attend, PLEASE cancel.  In some cases, they have to pay ahead of time, and they are just out that money if you do not show up.  That money could be going toward something else, so please remember that when scheduling something.

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...

• Sep 16 - National College Fair Wondering what college is right for you? Learn about admission, and explore your college options at the Birmingham National College Fair! This free event will take place from 1pm- 4pm, 2007 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Meet one-on-one with college admission representatives from around the country. Discuss admission requirements, financial aid opportunities and more.  At the fair' s counseling center, students and parents can meet with experts to assess their individual needs. For more information about the Birmingham National College Fair, visit www.nacacnet.org.
• Sep 28 - My Favorite Poem is a community poetry reading that invites diverse members of the community to come together for an evening to share unique, personal treasures: the poems they love. Modeled after Robert Pinsky’s Favorite Poem Project, MY FAVORITE POEM gives each reader five minutes to share a favorite famous poem and tell how it is important in their lives. The event is at once unifying and electrifying as people from many different walks of life gather to celebrate the power of literature to affect all our lives.  If you are interested, please contact Irene Latham at http://irenelatham@bellsouth.net by August 15 and include your name, address, phone number, occupation, favorite poem including author and complete text and why this poem is important to to you.
  
• Oct. 27 - Nationwide ACT Testing Date  The regular registration date is Sept. 21, and the late registration deadline is Oct. 5.
  
• The Homeschool Buyers Co-op has launched a Group Buy for LEGO Education Activity Bundles.   Go to http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/14448432/  for more information.  I also saw a good deal on Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr. which are both really good sites.  Many thanks to Rachel for this resource. 
  
• Aug 14 - Christian Home Educators of Cullman, CHEC, is a cooperative group of home school parents who wish to enhance their children's education through classes, activities, and social interaction. It exists as a ministry to help encourage parents in their homeschooling journey by providing support, relationships, information, and socialization for both parent and child.  We would like to invite you to attend an informational meeting for parents on Tuesday, August 14 at 7:00 pm. We will meet at the West Cullman Baptist Association (601 Cleveland, Cullman). If you need directions, please email us at Christian-Home-Educators-of- Cullman@googlegroups.com. This group is independent of any particular cover school; it is our desire to bring together and encourage the Christian homeschooling community in our area.
• Free Laminating - Every Thursday from now until the middle of September, Office Max is offering FREE laminating for all teachers - including homeschoolers!  Check with your local Office Max to see if they are offering this...  Great resource Sandy!
• Jefferson County Library Cooperative  - September is the month to trade in your old library card or replace a lost one for a new one for FREE!  They will waive the usual $3.00 fee. 
  
• LearningExpressLibrary has over 50 practice tests including employment exams for postal worker, police officer, firefighter, EMT, nursing assistant, and more.  LearningExpressLibrary also has courses covering basic skills such as reading comprehension, mathematics, vocabulyar, and grammar.  In addition to these, a full array of practice exams for academic tests is available such as :ACT, SAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, ASVAB, AP exams, elementary, middle, and high school exit exams, as well as many others. www.learningexpresslibrary.com
• Birmingham Genealogical Society - Visit www.birminghamgenealogy.org for information on learning about your family history.  Upcoming meetings will be held at the Birmingham Public Library on Aug 25, Sep 22, and Oct 27 from 1:00 - 3:00p.m. 
  
• Counted Cross Stitch - Every Friday at Hueytown Library from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Sherry Robertson teaches counted cross stitch classes.  A list of supplies will be given out at your first visit.  No charge for attending.
  
• Books-By-Mail - Books-by-Mail is a free service provided by the Birmingham Public Library and the Jefferson County Library Cooperative. It is a unique service to residents of Jefferson County, Alabama, who are unable to go to the public library in person. Most books-by-mail users are elderly or housebound, but patrons of any age who are unable to travel to a library may use this service. No library card is needed. Materials are checked out for 4 weeks. There is a limit of 4 items. Renewals can be made over the phone. No overdue fines are charged.  http://www.jclc.org/services/booksbyma.asp
  
• Computer Classes at the Library - http://www.jclc.org/rlcc/
  
• Chess Club - Emmett O' Neal Library every Monday from 6:00 - 7:30p.m.  Ages 7 - adult. 
  

• Sep 4 - Homeschoolers Book Club at Trussville Library at 11:00a.m.  Organizational meeting for homeschooled children and their parents.  Children between the ages of 6 and 10 are invited to attend and learn about a new library program just for them.
  
• 4-H Horse Club - If you love horses, then come to our meetings at Tannehill Tails every third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.  You don't need to have a horse to be a part of the club.  We take part and host many events.  It is loads of fun.  If you have any questions, just call Lindsey Merrill at (205) 744-7701.  There are lots of homeschoolers involved in this 4-H Club.  For ages 6 - 18. 
  

Dates to Remember...

• 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 22 - Oak Mountain "No School Zone" Swim Party at the beach area at Oak Mountain around 11:00.   This will be on a Wednesday, so we should have the beach to ourselves.  We will set up camp in the grassy area at the beach.  Please bring plenty of drinks (water) and snacks for the kids.  I will bring ice and papergoods.  This is a great time to meet new friends!  I hope you all can come!  
• Sep 1 - Teaching At Home & Everest Academy enrollment due
  
• Sep 1 - JMG payment due

Sign Up!!!...

• Children's Theater - Hi Gang!  It's time again to sign up for Children's Theatre.  They have a great season this year!!!  Check here for full information: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teachingathome/355709/
• Alys Stephens Center Free Performances - This series allows the Alys Stephens Center to share the arts with area students and aspiring young artists. These one-hour performances by internationally acclaimed artists let students experience the thrill of a live performance in a world-class performing arts venue.  During these interactive presentations, artists will engage students with anecdotes about their educational and artistic training and life as a professional, touring artist. They will also offer insight into the music they will perform, as well as strategies for perfecting musical techniques. Resource materials are available for some performances.  Please look here for full details:  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teachingathome/356110/

• 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.
  
• FREE Field Trip Aug 25 - Cathedral Caverns near Grant, AL  with Fresh Air Family.  Beat the August heat in the cool 60 degrees of the cavern!  See the world's largest frozen waterfall and the world's largest stalagmite in the cathedral-like rock formations.  The cavers is cited as one of the best scenic attractions in Alabama and the South.  Bring a picnic lunch, water, and wear shoes/boots for walking.  
  Beat the August heat in the cool 60 degrees of the cavern! See the world's largest frozen waterfall and the world's largest stalagmite in the cathedral-like rock formations. This cavern is cited as one of the best scenic attractions in Alabama and the South.  Caravan will depart from the Lakeshore Dr. WalMart at 9:00 a.m.  Please register with Fresh Air Family Register Here
  
  
  
• 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.

• FREE FIELD TRIP September 22 - Ruffner Mountain's Primitive Skills Workshop in Birmingham, Alabama with Fresh Air Family.  Time: 9:00AM (until 2:00PM) Meet at Ruffner Mountain State Park.    Learn basic primitive techniques of shelter building, fire making, identification of wild edible plants and other woodland survival skills.  Please register here:  Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
  
  
• FREE FIELD TRIP  September 29  - Hick's Village Meet at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens - Birmingham, Alabama at  9:00AM.  Join us as we tour the Hicks "primitive village", 6-7 log & wooden buildings (including a general store, carriage house, schoolhouse-church & smoke house), all full of old implements, tools, antiques & household items. Amazing display!   Gordon & Cecilia Hicks host this event on their 300-acre tract on Spring Creek. We are also going to see fall color. Bring a sack lunch, plenty of water and comfortable shoes/boots for walking.  This trip is with Fresh Air Family.  Please register here:  Hick's Village in Colbert County
• Oct. 23 - Pompeii:  Tales from an Eruption at Birmingham Museum of Art at Noon.   This exhibition of 500 stunning works of art and artifacts offers a rare glimpse of life in the ancient world. It tells the stories of the final days of Pompeii and the nearby resort cities of Herculaneum, Oplontis and Terzigno following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Excavated from 1780 through current day, many of these artifacts have never toured outside Italy. The magnificence of these vibrant cities is reconstructed, with body casts and skeletons shown in the context in which they were found as the pyroclastic surges’ ash and superheated gases engulfed their world. Citizens clutched their most precious possessions including exquisitely designed jewelry, coins and the tools of their trade. The exhibition also features large-scale frescoes, mosaics, and powerful bronzes depicting subjects from Greek mythology and Roman politics. Cost is $8.00 for children and $9.00 for adults.  Deadline for reservation, payment, and cancellation is Aug. 9.  Please sign up with Debbi Spradlin. Audio Tours are included in the price of the tickets.
  
  
• 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
• Dec. 13 - Alabama Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at the Samford Wright Center at 10:00am.  While visions of sugarplums have not yet danced in your heads, the Alabama Ballet is already working towards our holiday season production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.  Alabama Ballet is currently one of six companies in the world licensed to perform Balanchine's performance.  Cost is $7 per adult.  Children free.  I know it is early for this; however, the quicker we send in our reservations, the better seating we will get. Deadline for sign up, cancellation, and payment is Oct. 15. 
  

• Fridays now through Oct 26 - Bagpipes Ryan Morrison, Alabama's only professional bagpiper and Pipe Major of Heritage Pipes and Drums, performs every Friday at noon. He is expanding his repertoire in anticipation of performing with the Atlanta Pipe Band this fall at competitions. He will be performing out front of Highlands Trading. So if you are at Five Points for lunch come on by. He will be there every Friday through the fall
• Now through September - Tour of Historic Three Caves What a “cool” tour - cool as in 65 degrees year ‘round! Located in the heart of Huntsville, rock from this former limestone quarry was used in roads for the young city becoming known as “The Rocket City.”  Mining ended in 1952 and Three Caves is developing into a natural cave, offering a glimpse into a unique geological window in time.  Visitors will see baby stalactites and smooth calcified rocks known as cave pearls.  Reservations Required at 534-5263 at least three days in advance.  For more information, please look here:  http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/calendar_of_events.htm
  
• Aug 14 - "For the Record: Stories of True Love, Blue Moons, Dumb Luck, and Fast Friends" will be a wonderful treat! Join us for this Story Concert with actress and story performer Dolores Hydock.  To be held at Emmet O'Neal Library Reception from 6:30-7:00 Story Concert 7:00-8:15 Come be part of the live audience as storyteller Dolores Hydock records material for her seventh CD of original stories. The evening's concert will include her original stories "Looking for His Luck," Everything I Know About True Love," "Different Versions," "Age Before Beauty," and other stories for the record.  For more information, please contact the library's Reference Department at 445-1121 or 445-1122.
• Aug 15 - Dealing With Drought at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Since 2000 Jefferson County has experienced three drought seasons.  Sally Lee from the Jefferson County Extension Office will explain how to deal with these dry spells.
• Aug 16 - ArchiTreats:  Food For Thought (Montgomery) - Aug 16, Montgomery ArchiTreats: Food For Thought 334-353-4712. www.archives.state.al.us. Alabama Department of Archives & History--Bring a sack lunch and participate in the Lecture Series. This month's topic, "Fallen Prince: William James Edwards, Black Education and the Quest for Afro American Nationality" presented by Donald T. Stone. 12:05-1 p.m.
• Aug 17 - Heritage Alive at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute located at 520 Sixteenth Street North in Bham from 6:00 - 8:00pm.  Heritage Alive is a Community of Readers, a new family reading initiative.  The free monthly evening program will feature reading, movies, food, and fun. This is a free event, but registration is encouraged. For registration or additional information on the program contact Sylvea Hollis at 328-9696 ext. 246 or shollis@bcri.org.
• Aug 18 - 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.
• Aug 18 - Snakes of Alabama (Fort Payne) - Aug 18, Fort Payne Snakes of Alabama 256-782-5697. Free admission. DeSoto State Park Campground--Ever wondered what use there is for all those stinging, biting, crawling, irritating critters? JSU entomologist Dr. Cole Benton will discuss the fascinating ecological role of these common animals. 8-9 p.m.
• Aug 19 - American Girls Get Acquainted Reception at Trussville Library from 2:00 - 3:00p.m.  Girls who are in grade 1 - 5 are invited to attend the reception.  Monthly meetings of the club are held in the Children's Department beginning in Sep. 
  
• Aug 21 - How to Do Business With the Government at Hoover  Library from 9:15a.m. - 12:15p.m.  Facilitated by Joe Primm from the Small Business Development Center/UAB.  Reservations required at 444-7800.
  
• Aug 22 - Alabama War Dogs at Birmingham Public Library starting at noon.  Hear the oft forgotten story of War Dogs, also referred to as military working dogs. John O'Malley tells the story of war dogs, their training, and their jobs in the military. A special emphasis is given to the dogs that accompany our armed forces in harm's way with true stories about Alabama war dog handlers and their canines companions.
• August 23 - Through the Back Door: The Music that Bridged the Bayou is part of the Alabama Humanities Foundation Road Scholars 2007-2008. They say in Southwest Louisiana that you can be a Cajun in one of three ways: by blood, by the ring (marriage) or through the back door (by befriending the culture). This program paints a portrait of Cajun and Creole music and musicians and the role that music played in allowing non-Cajuns to slip "through the back door" into the world of the spirited people of Southwest Louisiana. This presentation includes stories and anecdotes collected from more than 50 Cajun and Creole musicians as they talked about the importance of music in their own lives and the lives of their families. The stories are funny, touching, sometimes irreverent and often deeply moving. The presentation includes samples of the music itself, both in its early style and its modern-day sound. This program is presented by the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library and the Leeds Arts Council. 6:00 - 7:30
• Aug 25 - Find Fido Fast Family Fun Day  from 1:00 - 6:00p.m  Bring your whole family to Shelby Humane Society's microchip clinic kick-off event! There will be a moon walk for the kids, $20 microchips for pets and free Bud's Best chocolate chip cookies for all! Meet with local experts from the Red Cross, Animal Control, Fire Department, Police Department and DART.
• Aug 25 - Muster on the Tallapoosa, Living History (Alexander City) - Aug 25, Alexander City 8th Annual "Muster on the Tallapoosa," Living History 256-234-7111. www.nps.gov/hobe. Free admission. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park—Various activities throughout the day, living history camps of the Creek and Cherokee Indians and the Tennessee Militia, and guest speakers who offer insight into the Creek Indian War. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Aug 25 - En Fuego, a huge outdoor, all day Christian Concert in Verbena Alabama.  HUGE bands will be there.  Free admission, bring money for concessions.  (You'll want to buy lots of water!)  August 25 (Saturday).  More info?  www.enfuegoinfo.com
  Many thanks to Sue Thomas for this information!
• Aug 29 - The Imprisonment of Geronimo at the Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Please join us to hear Jackie Matte talk about Geronimo the leader of the last American Indian fighting force to surrender to the U.S. Government. Geronimo and his followers, Chiricahuas, were shipped to Fort Marion and later to Fort Pickens, Florida. After a year they group was relocated to the Mt. Vernon barracks in Alabama where were held until 1894 when they were taken to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
• Aug 30 - Newfangled Meets Old School:  Stories of Cupids, Computers, Food Fads, and Old-Fashioned Home Cooking at Springville Road Public Library from 6:30 - 7:30p.m.  Award-winning story performer Dolores Hydock presents a pair of hilarious stories that ponder whether "new" always means "improved." Find out what happens when a 1960s-era computer tries to make romantic dreams come true, and how an organic diet gets fried in a 60-year-old skillet. Not recommended for children under 12.
• Sep 1 - Butterbean Festival in Pinson from 9:00 - 4:00.  Outside event featuring live music; Tail Waggin' dog pageant; Regional Elvis impersonator competition; BBQ cookoff; Butterbean/Cornbread recipe competition; 5K and 1 mile race; century bicycle run; softball tournament; bowling tournament; golf tournament; lots of arts and craft vendors and three stages of entertainment.
  www.butterbeanfestival.com
  
• Sep 3 - Burning Man Birmingham Arts Festival brings artists and dancers together to create and celebrate art. Participation is the only rule. The art will do the rest.  Oak Mountain State Park Free with Paid Park Admission
• Sep 5 - Music of the Mines, Mills and Railroads of the Birmingham District  at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Migrants pouring into Birmingham's industrial district, whether from the cotton fields or the Appalachian hills, brought with them their own unique styles of music. Sloss Furnaces curator Karen Utz will present personal recollections of musicians and an array of recordings ranging from soulful ballads to union songs to old time fiddling.
• Sep 5 -Moonlight & Magnolias at Emmet O'Neal Library from 12:30 - 1:30p.m.  Members of the cast and crew of BFT's "Moonlight and Magnolias" appear at the O'Neal Library to discuss the play and its fascinating subject, the frantic writing sessions and production issues that constantly disrupted the making of "Gone with the Wind." This debut entry of an ongoing Page to Stage series by BFT at the library will feature the show's director and a screening of behind-the-scenes footage from the epic's troubled set. GWTW fans and movie fans, in general, will not want to miss this brown bag lunch show about the making of a legendary Hollywood picture.
• Sep 5 - How to Build a Scarecrow Seminar at the Aldridge Gardens at noon.  Learn the easy way to build your own scarecrow from expert Dawn Bowman. Dawn has won several awards for her scarecrow designs during the Gardens' "Scarecrows in the Gardens" and she will pass along her tips to you. Whether you want to enter "Scarecrows in the Gardens" or simply learn how to build a scarecrow for your own home or business, you won't want to miss this seminar.  Deadline for entering "Scarecrows in the Gardens" is Monday, September 24.
• Sep 6 - "Standing by the Fire: Living in John's Symbolic World." at Reid Chapel, Samford University 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL 35229 at 10:00 a.m.  This year's lecturer is Dr. Richard B. Hays, professor of New Testament, Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C. His topic will be "Standing by the Fire: Living in John's Symbolic World."
• Sep 6 - Copyright & Trademark Law at The Arts Council 700 Monroe St. Suite 2 Located inside the Von Braun Center Huntsville, AL 35801 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.  Alabama Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (ALAArts) along with The Arts Council are hosting a free workshop entitled Copyright and Trademark Basics. Arts and Entertainment Attorney and founder of Alabama Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts, Mr. Marcus Hunt will present information on the everyday issues that relate to those in the arts and arts organization in the areas of Copyright and Trademark Law. This workshop will benefit songwriters, musicians, writers, poets, visual artists, craftsmen, producers, actors, dancers and performers, as well as, those involved in arts organizations.
• Sep 6, 20, Oct 4 & 18 - Culture Kids at Gardendale Library from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.  Culture Kids is a super cool club for children in grades 4 and up.  Each month explore a new culture through music, dance, crafts, and food. 
  
• Sep 6 - The Tale of the Iron Man at Leeds Library at 2:00 p.m.  The Seasoned Readers, a special wing of The Seasoned Performers presents The Tale of the Iron Man by Lee Eric Shackleford. Through dramatic readings this senior adult troupe will share the ups and downs of Vulcan's first 100 years.
• Sep 7 - Prehistory Cultures of Little River Canyon at DeSoto State Park from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.  JSU's Dr. Harry Holstein will fascitnate you with stories of the Ice Age to DeSoto's 16th Century Spanish expedition.  JSU’s Dr. Harry Holstein will fascinate you with stories of from the Ice Age to DeSoto's 16th century Spanish expedition.

• Sep 8 - Spanish Exploration of Northeast Alabama at DeSoto State Park from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. JSU's Dr. Harry Holstein will take you through their amazing adventures of the first European explorers search for the ancient town of "Coosa".
  

• Sep 7 & 8 - ArtWalk Twelve city blocks from 2nd Avenue North to 2nd Avenue South between 22nd and 25th Streets will be transformed into a vibrant arts district with more than 100 visual artists within the first floor retail and loft space… Plus musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors and a great old-fashioned trolley to ride around the neighborhood.
• Sep 8 - Learning By the Lake Series:  Butterflies  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.
  

• Sep 9 - Grandparent's Day Celebration at McWane Center from 2:00 - 5:00p.m.  Enjoy an afternoon of fun and learning with your grandparents.  McWane Science Center members are invited to bring their grandparents for FREE adventure hall admission.  Present your valid McWane Science Center membership card for admission to the Grandparent's Day Reception.  Refreshments and activities will be provided for the entire family.  Please RSVP to (205) 714-8218. 
  
• Sep 10 - Birmingham Pledge Annual Teen Summit  at the Civil Rights Institute from 8:00 - 2:45p.m.  Annual conference for metro-area high school youth, on issues related to justice, cultural understanding, prejudice reduction, diversity and inclusion, and building a community that provides dignity and respect for all its members.  High-school aged youth are invited to come in small groups (3-6 students and an adult chaperone)  to participate in an active program that includes two plenary sessions and four breakout small group sessions. Since lunch is provided, pre-registration is important. Space is limited to approx. 120 teen participants. Call the Birmingham Pledge Foundation 254-3022 for further details.
• Sep 10, 24, 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. 
  
• Sep 12 - Learn to Dance Like the Stars at the Birmingham Public Library from 12:00 - 1:00p.m.  Come join us in this fun interactive brown bag program featuring the Birmingham Ballroom Dance Association. We are bringing them back for a repeat performance. You will learn some of the basic dances used in ballroom dancing. You don't have to bring a partner to join in the fun, just come in and put your best foot forward.
• Sep 12 - Mark Seymour will entertain today. He is a musician, magician, and all around entertainer. Join us today to find out what kind of magic he will make!  Emmet O'Neal Library 12:30 - 1:30 
• Sep 12 - Oh! Henry:  The Surprising Short Stories of William Sydney Porter  at Cullman Public Library from 1:00 - 2:00p.m.  Award-winning story performer Dolores Hydock presents a program on the surprising life and work of William Syndey Porter, better known as "O. Henry." The program tells of Porter's unusual professional and personal life, and includes several of his classic "surprise ending" stories.
• Sep 13 - Dog Day Birthday Bash at Zydeco from 6:00 - 9:00p.m.  Three Friends have joined their birthday's together to throw one big party for animal rescue groups. There is food by Little Savannah, the lovely Samaraya belly dancing and the talented Paul Hutchinson flamenco/classical guitar. The party is Free but please bring donations for the rescue groups. Some suggestions are: Ca$h, Wal-Mart gift cards, dog food, cat foot, litter, bedding, food bowls, leashes and pet carriers.
• Sep 14 & 15 -  Family Weekend DeSoto State Park JSU Field Schools and De Soto State Park will offer fun activities Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together.  Join JSU Field Schools Renee Morrison and Dr. Fran Romano for fun "live anivmal" Campfire Talk on Friday and Saturday nights.   www.desotostatepark.com
• Sep 16 - National College Fair Wondering what college is right for you? Learn about admission, and explore your college options at the Birmingham National College Fair! This free event will take place from 1pm- 4pm, 2007 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Meet one-on-one with college admission representatives from around the country. Discuss admission requirements, financial aid opportunities and more.  At the fair' s counseling center, students and parents can meet with experts to assess their individual needs. For more information about the Birmingham National College Fair, visit www.nacacnet.org.

• Sep 18 -NASA Discovery Program Workshop for educators to be held in Huntsville at the Educator Training Facility at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.  for  4 - 12 science educators including homeschooling parents. 
  NASA’s Discovery Program of space exploration missions, such as Stardust and Deep Impact, is conducting a Professional Development session for science educators. Come learn about these exciting solar system investigations and receive free classroom-ready materials, including curriculum, posters, bookmarks and decals, to engage your students. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.    For more information and to register, contact Shari Asplund, Discovery Program Education and Public Outreach Manager at  

  shari.e.asplund@jpl.nasa.gov  NO COST TO ATTEND – LIGHT DINNER PROVIDED
  Sep. 29 - Museum Day is a nationwide event where participating museums and cultural institutions across the country offer free admission to Smithsonian readers and Smithsonian.com visitors, allowing for one day only, the free-admission policy of Smithsonian's Washington, D.C.-based facilities to be emulated across the country.  Participants must present the Museum Day to receive FREE GENERAL ADMISSION. The Museum Day Admission Card is valid for you plus one guest and is limited to one per household. You can click on this link to find  participating venues across the U.S.  Thanks very much to Berta for this information!
• 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. 16 - Alabama Ballet at Homewood Library at 4:30 p.m.  Alabama Ballet presents highlights from their production of Where the Wild Things Are. 
  

Not Free but Worth Every Penny...

• Aug 25 - NOLA Goes Back to School at the McWane Center for ages 11 - 17  from 3:30 - 5:00p.m Fee:  A completed one-gallon baggie of school supplies (CLICK HERE for a list of required school supplies)Other notes:  Space is limited, so reserve your spot today by calling 205.714.8219 Join us for a school-supplies drive for the teen girls of New Orleans who were affected by Hurricane Katrina!  In concert with the Recovery School District of New Orleans, Girls Math & Science Program is working with museums across the country and MacGillivray Freeman Films to give girls the tools they need to go back to school and succeed.  Bring a completed baggie of school supplies* as your ticket to a free screening of Hurricane on the Bayou at McWane Science Center's

• September 19–21 - Biltmore Home School Festival is Opening Our Eyes to a World of Art.  We’ll explore the world of art—from the fine art collections of Biltmore House to traditional Southern Appalachian arts and crafts. What is art? Why is it important? What types of art exist? We’ll address these questions and more.  For more information contact Group Sales at groupsales@biltmore.com or 866-851-4661.  Cost: $19.00 per person 5 years old and up.  Dining Options: Picnic, Box Lunches, 3 Restaurants.  Accommodations:  Packages starting as low as $165 for family of 4 includes room, tickets, breakfast - 14 locations offered.  Payment: Due at time of reservation.  Thanks for the info Julie!!!
• Sep. 24 - Homeschool Day at Tennessee Aquarium - Students and their families will be offered discounted tickets to the Aquarium, the IMAX Theatre, and gift shops. Free educational and animal programs will be offered along with crafts for the smaller children. Scavenger hunts, live animal encounters and interactive programs enhance your learning experience while you tour the buildings.  Home school students may purchase tickets at a discounted education rate of $5.75 to the Aquarium and $4.50 for the IMAX. Adult Aquarium tickets are $17.95 and adult IMAX tickets are $7.25. Combo tickets (Aquarium and IMAX movie) are $9.00 per student and $22.95 per adult.  Tickets for a guided behind-the-scenes tour will be available for $5.00 on this special day and must be purchased at the ticket office.  http://www.tnaqua.org/KidsTeachers/Homeschool.asp
• Sept. 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