Teaching At Home

Hi Gang!

Everything is going to be all right!  Everything is going to be all right!  Everything is going to be all right!  That's what I keep saying to myself OVER AND OVER AND OVER again.  Yes, I am talking about Dalton and his trip.  A whole month...out west...with the bears...without me....  Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh!  It is VERY scary and really makes me think about how I am going to feel when he takes off to something as long term as college.  I am not so worried about him flying home ALL BY HIMSELF!  I don't know what scares me so much about it.  I guess the feeling that they are out of your reach and if something did happen, you would not be there.  You guys are going to have to help me through this!!!  On the up side, Heather Flippen, the Mamma of the family he went with, is planning on blogging about their trip.  I will post a link for it as soon as I have it.  They are heading first to St. Louis to go to Six Flags, the zoo, The Westward Expansion Museum, and of course the arch.  Then they will head to Mt. Rushmore and stay in that area for 3 - 4 days and then head to Wyoming to see Devil's Tower and Grand Teton Park.  After that, they will head to Montana to stay in Yellow Stone for about a week and then head to Glacier National Park.  When they leave Montana, they are either heading to California to Red Wood Forest, Yosemite, and then on to the Grand Canyon OR they will head to Washington to visit Mt. Ranier, Mt. St. Helen's, and the Space Needle.  Either way, that will be the end of Dalton's time with them, and then he will catch a flight home.  I will keep you posted on how things progress.  EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT!!!! 

What did you guys do for Independence Day?  We went with some of our wonderful friends to American Village.  I am telling you, that is a wonderful place to be for the celebration.  We got to hear the famous "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech by Patrick Henry, dance with Eleanor Calvert Custis in the Mt. Vernon Room of Washington Hall, listen to a young girl's account of revolutionary Boston and learn about hidden messages sewn into the jacket buttons, meet and greet George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, hear a reading of the entire Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, visit the Oval Office, view an encampment, tour the Southern Living House, and listen to a wonderful jazz band and view a spectacular laser light show all for the LOW LOW price of $5 per person.  You can't beat that. 

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 debbido4@charter.net 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.  

New Resources….

• Teen Scene in Huntsville - Do I have any teens in the Huntsville and surrounding areas that would like to get together on a regular basis and hang out?  Here is the info for the Birmingham area Teen Scene, and it would be structured about the same:  Teen Scene.
  
• Sunkist is sponsoring a free lemonade stand to children between the ages of 7-12 years. In exchange for the lemonade stand, the children agree to send their profits to a local charity.  To get your stand, or for more information, visit:  http://www.sunkist.com/takeastand/ 
• 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!!!
• Gulf Shores Condo Owner looking for homeschoolers... especially in August, September and October.   Looks like a good deal:   www.vrbo.com/88476  Thanks Ruth!!!
  

• 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 area  here.
• Adventure Camp - It's Adventure Camp: Season 2 and it's going to air on the Discovery Kids Channel and BBC's Children's Channel CBBC. Four kids from the US and four kids from the UK will head to Florida for a once in a lifetime behind-the-scenes experience at Busch Gardens (Tampa) and Sea World (Orlando), along with some special Wild animal encounters. Imagine 17 days of up-close animal interactions with everything from dolphins and hippos to manatees and giraffes.  We are looking for a variety of kids with diverse backgrounds and interest, boys and girls, all ethnicities, between the ages of 12 and 14, who are willing to participate in a 17-day camp experience. Candidates must be willing to rise early and learn the realities of animal care, develop physical endurance and learn to work as a team with kids from around the country (and across the Atlantic) and with camp counselors. Of course, you must be able to handle being in front of the camera 24/7 with your cast mates, who will soon be your best buds!  http://kids.discovery.com/fansites/adventurecamp/getontheshow/getontheshow.html   
• Birmingham Zoo Homeschool Classes Registration 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!!! -
  
• Through Aug 7 - Birmingham Children's Choir Girls in grades 4-8 are invited to audition for the Bham Children's Choir at Edgewood Presbyterian Church 850 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209 at 4:00.  Each singer will be required to vocalize, sing a simple song of her choice, sight-read simple patterns, and echo-sing short melodies. Audition times will be scheduled upon request. Please call the following number and leave a message. Your call will be returned to schedule an audition date and time.

• Head to WaterMark Plaza for Birmingham Parent's Back to School Blast on August 4th! Enjoy back to school information on health, safety and education as well as great giveaways, activities and TAX FREE shopping for back to school! Visit www.birminghamparent.com for more information.

• 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. 
• 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 2 Spots just opened up!!!

 

• Through July 29 -  Between Fences in West Blocton Traveling exhibit depicting how our country developed between fences-split rail, barbed wire, picket. Also features economic, cultural, religious, other fences. Tours with experts on related subjects. 9 a.m.-noon & 2-5 p.m. most days; and by appointment.
  
• 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.
  
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• July 10 - Cuentos En Espanol E. Ingles at Springville Road Library at 10:30 a.m.  All cultures iwll enjoy this bilingual storytime.  Fun and educational too!!!
• July 10 - Catch the Fever: American Artists and the Sea at the Birmingham Museum of Art at noon. Meet in the lobby to meet Dr. Graham Boettcher of the Luce Foundation who is a Curatorial Fellow of American Art.  He will lead a tour of the exhibition Sea Fever and discuss why the ocean has proved an ideal subject for so many artist since the late 19th century.
  
  
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
  
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• 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 alchol. 

• 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 Dept. at Vestavia Library from 3:00 - 4:00pm.  Brought to you by Mad Science.  
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• July 12, 19, & 26 - Busca Una Pista En tu Biblioteca at North Birmingham Library from 12:30 - 2:30pm.  Learn Spanish at the library.  A fun introduction for ages 7 - 12.  Limited to 20 students:  226-4025
• 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 13 - New Music for Young Ears II 2-Piano Concert by the BAMA Players - Ellen Tweiten and Adam Bowles, pianists at 3:00PM at Birmingham-Southern College Hill Recital Hall, Music Building, FREE ADMISSION
  
• July 13 -JSU Campfire Talks: Cherokee Trail of Tears (Fort Payne) -  http://fieldschool.jsu.edu. DeSoto State Park Campground--Thousands of Native Americans were taken from their homelands and sent to Oklahoma on this infamous trek. JSU's Dr. Kelly Gregg will share the story of this tragic chapter in our nation's history. 8-9 p.m.
• 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 12 & 14 - Stomping the Night Away: Creek Friendship Dancing at the Birmingham Museum of Art from 10:00 - 12:00.  Learn a history of stomp dancing and listen to Native American songs and cadences. See and use handcrafted shakers made and employed by village women. These represent a 225-year evolution of unique rhythm instruments made from deer hooves, turtles, and cans. Participants can make a deer hoof necklace to take the sound home with them.
• 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.
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• July 14 - 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 14 - Young Children's Meditation Program at Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center 714 37th Street South from 10:00 - 12:00.  Various activities, including storytelling, play crafts, instruction and snacks for 3-6 year olds and parents which emphasize ways of decreasing impulsivity, familiarization with meditation and relaxation, and socializing in a manner respectful of others.
• 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 15 - Children's Meditation Program at Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center 714 37th Street South from 10:00 - 12:00.  Various activities, including storytelling, play crafts, instruction and snacks for 7-10 year olds and parents which emphasize ways of decreasing impulsivity, familiarization with meditation and relaxation, and socializing in a manner respectful of others. Meditation Instruction available for parents during program.
• 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 - 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 18 - Read Between the Lions at Birmingham Zoo at 3:30.  Join Theo and Leona from the nationally syndicated television show “Read Between the Lions” for a fun educational event in conjunction with Alabama Public Television (APT)! Theo and Leona will be performing a live stage show with puppet performances, songs, jokes and story time! There will be goody bags (while supplies last), photo opportunities with your favorite Read Between the Lions character and autographs so come on out and take part in the fun! Event is FREE with regular Zoo admission and is located in the Zoo's Auditorium.
• July 19 - Fishing For Gold: The Story of Alabama's Catfish Industry at Alabama Department of Archives in Montgomery starting at noon.  Few people are aware of Alabama’s important role in the history of the nation’s catfish industry, and it’s an interesting story that’s worth telling. Join us on Thursday, July 19, at 12 noon for the next ArchiTreats: Food for Thought program at the Alabama Department of Archives and History when Karni R. Perez will share highlights from her book Fishing For Gold: The Story of Alabama’s Catfish Industry.
• July 19 - Capitol City Shape Note Singing at Old Alabama Town in Montgomery from 9:30am - 3:00pm.  Alabama has a particularly rich tradition of shape-note singing, a unique form of a cappella harmony characterized by the singing of the notes as well as the lyrics. The singers follow a format largely unchanged in over 150 years, seating themselves in a square according to voice part and taking turns coming to the center of the square to lead songs. Though the songbooks date from the first half of the nineteenth century, many of the hymns and tunes are hundreds of years older.
• 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.
  

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Operation New Birmingham Brings You a Concert Series in Downtown Birmingham The Third Thursday of every month, July & Oct.   First event is July 19th. Located on 19th St in front of McWane Science Center Plaza between 2nd and 3rd Ave. Concert from 5:30pm 8:30pm.  Admission is FREE. Proceeds benefit the Lyric Theatre Performance by: Josephine Sweet, Frankie Velvet & the Mighty Veltones, Harold & Jim, The Charlie Soul Band. Please visit http://www.yourcitycenter.com/ for more information or questions.

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• 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 - Chinnabee Silent Trail in Talledega National Forest 9:00 with Fresh Air Family.  Day Hike and Swim with the Sierra Club. Hike one of our most popular and scenic trails near Cheaha Mountain. The trail winds through part of the Talladega National Forest and along Cheaha Creek. Enjoy a cooling dip at Devil’s Den, a swimming hole and falls at the end of the 3-mile hike. Bring lunch, water, some shoes and clothes for swimming if you wish to do so. Optional dinner after the hike. Meet Kmart Parking Lot (corner of Crestwood Blvd and Montclair Road off I-20 at Oporto Madrid/Montevallo Road) at 9 a.m.  Register for this free event at director@freshairfamily.org 

• 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 20 - 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 - Family Hiking & Camping Workshop at Whole Foods Market 3100 Cahaba Village Plaza
  off of Highway 280 Birmingham, Alabama from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Come learn from Mountain High Outfitters and Fresh Air Family about the basics of Family Hiking and Camping. Birmingham and surrounding mountains offer so many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts or just those interested in being fit and getting outside. Come learn about great local local hikes, how to camp comfortably with kids, the gear you'll need, and more. This interactive clinic is for those just getting started and for the seasoned hiker. All those that attend will receive a 15% off coupon at Mountain High to help you get out on the trail ! Pre-register at Whole Foods Market
• 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 27 - Performance on the Green in Montgomery www.montgomeryballet.com. Free admission. Blount Cultrual Park--Montgomery Ballet's premier event is the exciting culmination of the Intensive Summer Seminar, when students from around the Southeast come to the city for classes with Montgomery’s Professional Company and instructors. Gates open, 6:30 p.m.; performance 8 p.m.
• July 28 - Metro Back to School Blast at Metropolitan Church of God located at 2800 Metropolitan Way in Birmingham from 8:00 - 12:00.  Bring your kids to experience 4,000 free backpacks with school supplies, haircuts, hearing screening, spinal health screening, Kid I.D., adult health screening, inflatable rides, refreshments, and a KidStuf production featuring music, drama, video, and giveaways.  Many thanks to Cheryl for this info!!!
  
• 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 - Tuscaloosa Babypalooza & Expo at University Mall in Tuscaloosa.  Whether it's questions about nursing, nanny services, maternity fashions, prenatal massage, baby products, finding a photographer or planning the first birthday party, exhibitors at Babypalooza will have the answer," says Cecilia Pearson, Event Producer. DCH Health System will host pre and postnatal health seminars at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., they will also have several booths providing information for women's and infant health care. More than 30 exhibitors will be set up throughout the mall with products and services for the prenatal to preschool market in West Alabama. There also will be a Citywide Baby Shower celebrating expectant moms with fun and games between seminar times, a Diaper Derby, Car Seat Safety, Sampling from Buffalo Rock and Barber's Milk, and Mayfield Dairy, Product Demonstrations, and lots of giveaways. Admission is free. For more information call (205) 445-1345 or visit www.babypaloozatour.com.
• 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
• Aug 1 - Fresh Air Family at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Fresh Air Family is a local organization dedicated to raising awareness of the educational and recreational opportunities afforded by Alabama's natural environment. Verna Gates, the organization's founder and executive director, will share her insights as a long time nature advocate about the importance of introducing people of all ages to the joys and adventures of the outdoors.
• Aug. 1 - Romance of the Middle Ages The Emmet O'Neal Library's Brown Bag Lunch series meets every Wednesday at 12:30. Today we'll hear from a Brown Bag regular and crowd favorite, Nathan Glick, who will present his renderings of the Middle Ages in beautiful colors for the audience. We'll hear a talk about the life and culture of the Medieval period. Bring a sack lunch, drinks and dessert provided. For more information, contact Katie at 445-1118 or kmoellering@bham.lib.al.us
• Aug 8 - Faith Comes by Hearing at the Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Held in more than sixty different Birmingham area churches, weekly mass meetings brought cohesion and a sense of shared sacrifice to Birmingham's Civil Rights Movement. Pepperdine University historian David Holmes will explore the rhetoric of the preachers and activists who helped mold a mass movement into a revolution
• Aug 9 & 11 - Handmade Fiber and Finger Weaving  at the Birmingham Museum of Art from 10:00am - 12:00pm.  Take a short-course in Native American textiles! Start with making essential cordage from native plant fibers. Then try the art of traditional finger weaving (without a loom!) and twined bags, an important and nearly extint 18th-century Indian art.
• Aug 11 - Untamed Mountain in Collinsville at 8:00am.  A walk through Untamed Mountain, known as Tigers for Tomorrow.  Bring the entire family for a new experience, where life is wild by nature. During your visit you will get up close and personal with over thirty-five large cats, wolves and bears in a safe and natural setting. Bring lunch and plenty of film!  Register for this free event at director@freshairfamily.org 

 

 

• 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/