Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Bartlett Nature Center Homeschool Open House - September 30th



Bartlett Nature Center

FREE

Homeschool Open House

Wednesday, September 30th
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Family event – all ages welcome!

Come explore the nature center.

Activities will include: Movie about the prairie and wetland, nature hike, meet some of the nature center’s reptiles, learn about home school classes available and more.

http://www.bartlettparks.com/Nature-Center/general.asp
Location: James “Pate” Philip State Park, Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd., Bartlett
847-608-3100

Monday, September 28, 2009

Christine Thornton's "Art Studio"

Registration has begun for winter classes at Christine Thornton's Art
Studio. Class schedule and project descriptions are below. To
register your child, simply reply to this email, or if it's your
first time, please use my on-line registration form so I have your
info on file.

Thanks!

Christine
www.christinethornton.com

ART START November 2 - December 16
Classes meet one hour per week for 7 weeks and cover a wide variety
of media and subject matter. This time around, students will design
mandalas using glue lines and chalk pastels, paint self portraits in
winter coats, and create ornaments out of Sculpey clay. Tuition is
$80 for one child, and $70 for each additional sibling.

Mondays 1:00
Mondays 2:30
Mondays 4:30
Tuesdays 11:00
Tuesdays 1:00
Tuesdays 2:30
Tuesdays 4:30
Wednesdays 4:30

Saturday, September 26, 2009

A River Thru History - The Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous



Welcome to "A River Thru History - The Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous". The Rendezvous will be held on October 10 and 11, 2009 - from 10am to 5pm (4pm on Sunday) at the Columbia Woods Forest Preserve in Willow Springs, Illinois.

http://ariverthruhistory.com/

A River Thru History is an early American party with all the trimmings! Join this festive gathering of fur trappers, settlers, craftsmen, and entertainers along the banks of the Des Plaines River.

Mission Statement: A River Thru History is a living history reenactment of early American life, as it was on the Illinois frontier prior to 1848, with emphasis on our local history from the fur trade era to the canal era. The goal of this rendezvous is to be the premier event of this type in this area by creating an exciting, entertaining and educational experience for all ages. To this end, we strive to create a better understanding and appreciation of our history by allowing the public and the reenactors to mingle, both as witnesses and participants, in our event. Finally, we seek to have the most authentic and highest quality reenactors and trade goods to represent our vision of the rendezvous. This is consistent with the overall goal of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Civic Center Authority, which is to promote and enhance the historic, recreational and economic development of this new style National Park.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Regency Ball

It is our pleasure to present a Regency Ball that will celebrate the theme of Biblical Christian integrity in the midst of a culture that has rejected God and the nobility of our humanity – those made in His image.

We hope you will join us as we encourage our young people, and older alike, to commit to a life of Biblical integrity. Although the focus of Biblical integrity will particularly be on our High School age young people, this event is for families and is open to ages 13 to 100. Special consideration can be made for those under the age of 13.

We are looking forward to hosting this event!

www.regencyball.blogspot.com

Date: November 13, 2009
Time: 6pm to 11pm
Venue: Riverwoods Christian Retreat Center in St. Charles, IL

Joe and Andrea Denner
Wheaton, IL

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Northern Illinois Homeschool Monthly Submissions

Who can submit to Northern Illinois Homeschool Monthly's monthly newsletter or daily blog?

Parents, teachers, kids, teens, anyone who has an event or resource they would like other homeschoolers to know about for their homeschooling family.

What information do you need?

Details such as date, time, location, contact, etc.

Deadline for publication to the monthly newsletter is the 25th of each month.

Julie Schnepper
N.IL.HomeschoolMonthly@gmail.com
Blog: http://www.NorthernIllinoisHomeschoolMonthly.blogspot.com
Newsletter: NorthernIllinoisHomeschoolMonthly-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Online Courses - Northwestern College - Juniors and Seniors

My name is Michelle Ulland and I am the Early College Admissions Counselor at Northwestern College. I would like to tell you about a great program that we have that offers discounted online college courses to high school juniors and seniors while they are still finishing their diploma! Our online options works very well for home school students because they can complete the courses right at home and have them count for high school and college credit!!! Over half of our Early College students are homeschooled and have been able to save thousands of dollars on their college education!

We are a Christ centered college that has helped thousands of student get a jump start on their education! Please learn more about Northwestern and our PSEO program at our website www.nwc.edu/earlycollege

I would love to talk with you more about this program and possibly set up a chance to come speak with your group of parents and students! I hope to hear from you soon! Have a blessed day!

Blessings,

Michelle D. Ulland, M.S.
Admissions Counselor
Graduate and Continuing Education/Distance Education
3003 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55113
Direct: 651-628-3340
Fax: 651-628-3369
Toll Free: 888-362-8715

YLI Mock Election - October 19 - 29

Following on the success of the 2008 Mock Election in which over a million students participated, the 2009 Mock Election has something for everyone. Keep the civic education momentum alive by participating in the 2009 Mock Election taking place October 19-29. As with all YLI programs, participation is FREE!

The 2009 standard mock election ballot will include four questions for middle and high school students about balancing the federal budget and social security reform provided by our partners at Public Agenda, plus three bills written by students that passed the 2009 session of e-Congress. We are offering these referenda as there are no U.S. congressional races this fall, and we want all American students to have the opportunity to vote. As in previous years you have the ability to add and/or remove races and referenda by selecting the Customization preference when preparing for the mock election.

To be a part of this special Mock Election:
Log in at www.youthleadership.net using your username and password (if you have forgotten either of these, email us for help at ylihelp@virginia.edu or call toll free at 866.514.8389) Click on the Mock Election link in the red box on the top left of the screen Answer the four Preference Questions related to the Mock Election (just like last year)

Once you have submitted your preferences you will be automatically directed to the Mock Election homepage. This page contains everything you need to run a successful mock election in your classroom or school including a Mock Election Demo, Teacher Tools and Instructions (TTI) section and more. Please be sure to download and read the User's Guide accessible from the TTI page. This guide is your source for information on how to successfully implement your Mock Election.

We have increased our number of FREE downloadable resources including a 22x17" poster that you can download and take or email to your local office supply store to be printed. Visit the TTI page and click on the Downloadable Toolkit link to access these resources.
Due to funding constraints we are not able to provide hardcopy posters or toolkits for the 2009 Mock Election.

Thank you so much for teaching your students the importance of civic participation and your continued support of the Youth Leadership Initiative. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or comments by email at ylihelp@virginia.edu or call us toll-free at 866.514.8389.

Sincerely,
Meg and Daman
The YLI Team
www.youthleadership.net

Civics. All Year. Every Year.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Take a Child Outside Week




Take a Child Outside Week

September 24—September 30, 2009

Take A Child Outside Week is a program designed to help break down obstacles that keep children from discovering the natural world. By arming parents, teachers and other caregivers with resources on outdoor activities, our goal is to help children across the country develop a better understanding and appreciation of the environment in which they live, and a burgeoning enthusiasm for its exploration.

Going outside:
•connects children to the natural world
•helps kids focus in school
•reduces chances of obesity

So take a child outside!

On this site, http://www.takeachildoutside.org/, you can:
•pledge to take a child outside and record your outdoor experiences
•get ideas for outdoor activities
•find participating organizations in your area

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Homeschool Resource Center

Johnsburg Public Library
3000 N. Johnsburg Road
Johnsburg, IL 60051
Phone: 815-344-0077

Homeschool Resource Center (HRC)
http://www.johnsburglibrary.org/content/homeschool-resource-center

With the HRC's materials you can 'try before you buy' a wide variety of curriculum materials including Sonlight, Alpha Omega, Rosetta Stone, Singapore Math or Five in a Row and see if they are right for your family's unique needs before you start spending a lot of money on things that may or may not work.

What exactly is in the HRC?

•books and magazines about homeschooling
•curriculum materials for all grade levels and in many formats including book, video, and computer-based materials
•science equipment such as glassware, microscopes and telescopes and kits for learning about everything from DNA to optics
•math manipulatives
•educational board games, software and music
•catalogs from homeschool suppliers

Who can use the HRC?

Anyone at all! You do not need to homeschool. We do require children to be accompanied by an adult, however, because of the many small pieces and fragile items.

May I check things out?

Anyone with a valid, full service, Illinois public library card may check out items. If you live out of state, you may purchase a Johnsburg Public Library card that is valid in Illinois only at the Johnsburg Library. Contact the library director for cost information.

We do remind you though that while book items may be returned to any Illinois library, they should be returned at least 2 weeks before they are due to allow for transit time. All non-book items need to be returned directly to the Johnsburg Library.

It is also very important that you understand you are responsible for all of the pieces of any item you check out. Please count everything before you leave and again before you return it.

How long may I keep the items?

All items in the HRC can be checked out for 6 weeks. You may renew the items for an additional 6 weeks as long as there are no holds on the item.

Need Personal Assistance?
We have an educational consultant who is available for FREE one-on-one consultations at the library on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. - Noon. Although she is there most Tuesday mornings for drop ins, if you have a long drive and you have not already made an appointment with her please call the library at 815-344-0077 before you leave just to make sure she is available that day.

Friday, September 18, 2009

IL Driver's License Emergency Contact Database

Beginning this month, the State of Illinois is offering a new service connected to your driver's license. You can click on the link below and add two emergency contacts to your license data. Therefore, if you are incapacitated in some way, your license can be scanned and the emergency contacts retrieved so your loved ones can be contacted.

I've gone to the site, it only takes two minutes to complete. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this new service!

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/ecd/home.html


From the Secretary of State's site:

The Secretary of State's Emergency Contact Database allows Illinois instruction permit, driver's license and identification card holders to enter their emergency contact information into a voluntary, secure database. Starting in August 2009, in the event of a motor vehicle crash or other emergency situation where a person is unable to communicate directly, law enforcement may access this database to help them reach the person's designated emergency contacts.

If a person holds both an Illinois driver's license or permit and an Illinois identification card, the emergency contact information can be entered for both cards in one transaction. The information will only be associated with the record(s) selected by the participant.

Participants can add, modify, or delete their emergency contact information at any time by visiting this web page. Any modifications or deletions will overwrite all previously entered information. Previously entered emergency contact information will not be displayed, in order to ensure the privacy and security of the information. Participants can print the page containing their emergency contact information upon completion for their records.

Participants may select one or two persons as their emergency contacts, and are encouraged to share their participation with the emergency contacts they have chosen.

It is the responsibility of the holder of the driver's license, instruction permit, temporary visitor's driver's license and/or identification card to enter accurate data into the required fields, as well as to update contact data should any data change after initial enrollment in the emergency contact database. The Secretary of State assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the data entered by the holder of a driver's license (including commercial driver's license), instruction permit, temporary visitor's driver's license and/or identification card and disclaims any liability for damages, costs, and/or expenses, including, without limitation, consequential damages, arising or resulting from any inaccurate data or failure to update contact data.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Theatre Costume Sale on Saturday

Theatre costume sale: Saturday: September 19 from 10am-2pm in Bartlett Community Center Program Rooms 3 & 4.

Shop for Halloween early!

Includes costumes from Seussical, Lil Abner, Alice in Wonderland, and MORE!

Most things will be under $5.

All proceeds go to benefit the Bartlett Park District theatre program.

Bartlett Park District
Bartlett Community Center
700 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, IL 60103-4504
(630) 540-4834
(630) 540-4869 Fax
SFitzSimons@bartlettparks.org

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Teens - Cave Exploring

Get Down and Dirty - Cave Exploring

Hiking
Climbing
Exploring
16 Caves in a day
Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa

Conquer the deep depths of the earth and discover unique underground ecosystems.

You WILL get wet, muddy and dirty!
Wear comfortable shoes.
Bring your flashlight, water bottle and a sack lunch.
You may want to bring a change of clothes!

Sign Up Now - space is limited

Saturday, October 10, 2009
7:30 am - 6 pm
High School Freshman - Seniors
Fee: $35
Transportation from the Bartlett Nature Center to and from the caves is included in fee. Leaving from Bartlett Nature Center at 7:30 am and returning at 6:00 pm.

Register at the Bartlett Community Center or call the Bartlett Nature Center.
Registration and payment is due by October 2nd.

Bartlett Nature Center
at James "Pate" Phillip State Park
2054 W. Stearns Rd.
847-608-3100

www.bartlettparks.org

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Kids Marathon - November 1st

Passing on information about a Kids Marathon that is taking place November 1st. My children and I are participating. We have logged over five miles now:-) It can be walking or running or a combination of both. Deadline for registration is September 30th.

Kids Marathon

Date: Sunday, November 1st

Time: 1 pm.

Place: Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Woodridge (75th St and 53 or close to the 55/355 intersection if you are coming from a further distance)

Cost: $10 per participant ($5 goes towards medal/$5 to pediatric program at Marianjoy Rehabilitation hospital in Wheaton

Waiver: I am asking every participant to sign a waiver and provide health insurance info in case any has an injury. You will be responsible, not me or the forest preserve. At east one parent/adult would need to do the mile with your child. I hoped this would be a "family" project anyway.

Deadline to register: Sept 30 (to allow enough time for training

Kids are to run/walk any combination of 25.2 miles in the two months leading up to the race. They will then complete the last mile together to complete the full marathon of 26.2 miles!

Suggestions for training:
-Make a chart
-We measured our block and it is about 1/3 of a mile so we have three squares for each mile. Some days they will do one, others more. What every works best for each kid. Just help them go "slow and steady". Often kids run too fast then can not cover a certain distance.

Please email me at xersize2@sbcglobal.net to receive a copy of the waiver and payment info. I must receive both by Sept. 30 to confirm your registration.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Jen Pontoriero

Newton Knew It

Newton Knew It!

This is part of the "Roll with Motion" program. Students will be actively engaged in science exploration and inquiry. Students will learn how forces and motion relate to skating and other activities. Students will be engaged in a variety of hands on explorations at several mini-lab stations. All students will be provided with workbooks. The morning will be devoted to instruction, lunch will be provided, and then the kids will be able to enjoy some skating.

Organized by: Beacon Homeschool Group (formerly H.E.L.P.)

Date: TBD - Either November 12th or 13th

Time: 10 am - 2 pm

Location: Orbit Skate, 615 South Consumer Avenue, Palatine, IL

Cost: $12.00 per student - includes the science workshop (with workbook), lunch, and an afternoon skate.

RSVP by: Friday, October 9, 2009

RSVP to: Amy Burnham aapburnham@yahoo.com

There is a minimum of 50 students for this field trip. (Currently there are 43 interested students.) The splitting up of the grade levels will be determined by the physics instructor when we get a head count.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Bartlett Nature Center Free Homeschool Open House




Bartlett Nature Center

FREE

Homeschool Open House

Wednesday, September 30th
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Family event – all ages welcome!

RSVP: Julie Schnepper,
NorthernIllinoisHomeschoolMonthly@gmail.com

Come explore the nature center.

Activities will include: Movie about the prairie and wetland, nature hike, meet some of the nature center’s reptiles, learn about home school classes available and more.

http://www.bartlettparks.com/Nature-Center/general.asp
Location: James “Pate” Philip State Park, Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd., Bartlett
847-608-3100

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Museum of Science and Industry Educator Open House




Museum of Science and Industry
Educator Open House Tuesday, Sept. 22, 5 to 8 p.m.

Registration Now Open
Join us for a free evening event just for educators. Enjoy a cocktail reception, get a sneak peak at our new exhibit, YOU! The Experience, and learn about programs offered through the Museum's Center for the Advancement of Science Education. Parking is free.

Fill out the RSVP form: http://www.msichicago.org/education/educator-resources/open-house/

Please bring your reservation confirmation email with you to check in.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Green Hour



ABOUT THE GREEN HOUR® CAMPAIGN:


Most adults of a certain age have childhood memories of carefree days spent playing outdoors -- climbing, digging, collecting, building, and exploring the natural world around them, at their own pace, in their own way.

Those children of a generation ago are the parents of today, and you might expect such outdoor play to be part of their families' lifestyle. But today's overscheduled kids are increasingly "plugged in" to electronic devices and media and unplugged from the fundamental and formative experience of nature in their own neighborhood. Their senses --including, most sadly, their sense of wonder -- are bombarded, overwhelmed, and ultimately diminished.

Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods," refers to this nature-child disconnect as "nature deficit disorder." One of the primary symptoms is the replacement of the green space by the screen space as the occupier of children's free time. Indeed, a Kaiser Family Foundation study found that the average American child spends 44 hours per week (more than 6 hours a day!) staring at some kind of electronic screen. Studies have linked excessive television viewing to obesity, violence, and even lower intelligence in kids. Now, a growing wave of research indicates that children who spend time outdoors are healthier, overall, than their indoor counterparts

Children who regularly spend unstructured time outside:

•Play more creatively
•Have lower stress levels
•Have more active imaginations
•Become fitter and leaner
•Develop stronger immune systems
•Experience fewer symptoms of ADD and ADHD
•Have greater respect for themselves, for others, and for the environment

The National Wildlife Federation recommends that parents give their kids a "Green Hour" every day, a time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. This can take place in a garden, a backyard, the park down the street, or any place that provides safe and accessible green spaces where children can learn and play.

To give parents and caregivers the information, tools, and inspiration to get their kids -- and themselves -- outside, NWF has created GREENHOUR.ORG, a website which provides a weekly parenting publication, rich in family-friendly content. GREENHOUR.ORG also hosts a supportive virtual community where families can learn, explore, and share their outdoor experiences and backyard adventures.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Cantigny - Revolutionary War Reenactment

Cantigny Park and the
Northwest Territory Alliance
http://www.cantigny.org/

present a...

Revolutionary War Reenactment

Sat./Sun., September 12 & 13, 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday
10 am: Morning Troop
10:30 am: Flag Dedication, 1st Division Museum
12 pm: Morning Battle
12:30 pm: River Valley Fife & Drum
1 pm: Uniforms of the Revolutionary War
1:30 pm: Ladies and Their Dress
2 pm: Children’s Battle
2:30 pm: Heritage Band of Music
3 pm: Conversation with a Musician
3:30 pm: Roll the Soldier
4 pm: Artillery Demonstration
4:30 pm: Battle and Closing Colors

Please Note:
• Conversation with a Musician is an opportunity to ask questions and get
information about the Northwest Territory Alliance’s music of the 18th century.
• There will be a proper flag burning demonstration on the parade field immediately
following closing colors on Saturday evening.

Sunday
10 am: Morning Troop & Church Parade
11 am: Morning Battle
12 pm: River Valley Fife & Drum
12:30 pm: Uniforms of the Revolutionary War
1 pm: Ladies and Their Dress
1:30 pm: Children's Games
2 pm: Conversation with a Musician
2:30 pm: Heritage Band of Music
3 pm: Artillery Demonstration
3:30 pm: Battle and Closing Colors

Stop by the Giving DuPage Volunteer Booth to learn more about volunteering in our community.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

How 2 Save a Life




Placing lifesaving knowledge in your hands...

Note: There is a discounted price for homeschool groups. Please call or contact us for details.

As a home schooling parent, I'm sure you find yourself looking for classes that provide a wide range of educational experiences for your children. Do you have young children in your home? Does your teenager baby sit for family and friends? Would they know what to do in a medical emergency?

My name is Robert Niemiec and I am the director of the T.E.A.C.H. home school support group in the Oak Park, Illinois area and the father of five home schooled children. I have been a Firefighter/Paramedic for the last 18 years. I am also an American Heart Association CPR instructor and the founder of How 2 Save a Life. How 2 Save a Life was created to provide CPR and First Aid training using the American Heart Association guidelines. Because of my own personal experiences and my desire to serve home schoolers specifically, I would like to teach the adults and children of your home school group the life saving skills of CPR and/or First Aid.

The CPR instruction we offer, includes training in adult, child and infant CPR.

We will demonstrate the use of an AED or Automated External Defibrillator and teach skills needed to help an infant, child or adult who has stopped breathing, is choking or has a cardiac emergency. I will bring all the needed equipment to your location. and upon completion you will receive an AHA CPR certification card.

Classes can be scheduled for daytime, nighttime or weekends and usually last between 3-4 hours.

Our First Aid class is a great way to learn how to handle a wide variety of medical emergencies including heart attacks, diabetic emergencies, stroke, shock, trauma, environmental emergencies and more, should you ever be faced with one. As a student, you will leave this class feeling confident that you will know how to handle many difficult situations in public or at home. Each student will receive an AHA First Aid certification card at the end of class.

You may not know when you may need these skills, but you can be prepared if an emergency happens in front of you. From my own professional and personal experience, every moment counts when someone's having a medical emergency. You can be prepared. If you have any interest and would like to schedule a class or have any questions feel free to contact me.

Robert Niemiec
708-715-5766
http://www.how2savealife.net/homeschool.html

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Wheaton College Symphonic Band

I have reserved 50 seats on behalf of Northern Illinois Homeschool Monthly for the Thursday, October 8th Children's Concert (10:30 am - 11:15 am; arrival by 10 am).

I have 18 seats remaining. If you would like to attend, please send me an email with the number of seats you would like: N.IL.HomeschoolMonthly@gmail.com prior to September 7th.

Julie Schnepper
Northern Illinois Homeschool Monthly


The Wheaton College Symphonic Band's Free bi-annual Children's Concerts are Tuesday, October 6 and Thursday, October 8.

The theme for this program will be "American Faces" and I know your students will be excited about the sights and sounds they will experience during fast-paced 45 minute concert. Utilizing our projection system during the performance will provide high-resolution digital images and video to enhance our theme, as well as live footage of the band members as they perform.

Dr. Timothy Yontz, Conductor

Museum of Science and Industry - Homeschool Workshops

We are pleased to announce exciting new programs for home school students and educators at the Museum of Science and Industry. Join us for the first Home School Educator Workshop on Friday, September 18th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. There are also new opportunities for individual students to sign up for special home school Learning Labs.

Home School Educator Workshops at MSI

Get inspired by the creative teaching strategies you'll experience in the professional development workshops offered by our Institute for Quality Science Teaching. The Museum of Science and Industry is offering one-day workshops for home school educators. Workshops will include a combination of Learning Labs, lessons from our teacher professional development workshop series, exploration of Museum exhibits and information on how home school groups can use Museum resources.

Curriculum is geared for students in grades 4 through 8. The cost is $120 per parent, or $100 for Museum members. Workshops are aligned to curriculum standards and will show you how to do inquiry-based and hands-on/minds-on science and use Museum programs and exhibits to enhance your science lessons. You'll also receive materials and lesson plans to bring what you've learned to life.

Renewable Energy Workshop
Sept. 18, 2009
8:30 am to 2:30 pm
During this session, you'll take a guided tour of Smart Home: Green + Wired, participate in two Learning Labs (Renewable Energy: Cars of the Future and Testing the Waters), and do hands-on activities with wind turbines, solar cookers and more.

Register by calling 773-684-1414. Space is limited to 20 parents and participants are chosen on a first come, first serve basis. Children are not allowed to attend the workshop, so please make arrangements.

Please note: You are not registered until you receive a confirmation from us. Full payment is due immediately, in advance of the workshop.

Home School Student Learning Labs

Bring your students to the Museum of Science and Industry for a focused, facilitated, hands-on learning experience! Led by a Museum educator, labs are multi-disciplinary and align with Illinois State Learning Goals. Our website offers vocabulary and pre- and post-visit activities, along with additional resources to extend and enhance the content of each lab.

Individual students may register for these labs. The cost is $10 per student. Advance payment is required.

Register by calling 773-684-1414. Space is limited to 20 students. Parents and siblings are encouraged to walk around the Museum during the lab.

Testing the Waters
October 13, 2009
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Ages 8-12
Work as an environmental scientist to determine the quality of Chicago-area water samples. Use environmental science methods to discover the source of pollution causing a massive fish kill in the Chicago River.

Renewable Energy
October 13, 2009
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Ages 12-16
Explore new technology like hydrogen fuel cell cars and discover how some of the latest renewable energy resources work.

Thanks, and hope to see you soon!

Dustin Axe
Home School and School Programs Facilitator
Museum of Science and Industry
57th and Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60637
773-947-3132
dustin.axe@msichicago.org

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Blackberry Farm - Evening Rental (Hayrides, Campfire...)

Beginning Sept. 11, Blackberry Farm will be available for after-hours rentals from 5 to 7 p.m. on weekends and select weeknights.

Groups and gatherings of all sizes can utilize Blackberry Farm’s grounds and amenities for parties, company picnics, family reunions and Scout group outings. Rentals include rides on the train, haywagon and carousel, fishing in Lake Gregory, picnic site, picnic tables, campfire, wood and electricity.

Rentals are available through Oct. 31. For information and to make a reservation, call (630) 892-1550.

The Road to "I Do"




The Road to “I Do”

All Singles are Invited. All Singles are Welcome.

A Free One Day Conference for Singles or Single Couples Dating, Courting or Engaged Who are Thinking about Marriage and Want Answers to Real Questions:

How do I bond to someone for a lifetime? What vital elements do I need in our relationship to experience lifelong emotional and spiritual intimacy in marriage? How will my present heart condition impact our future success as a married couple? Are their biblical guidelines that can tell me to stay in or get out of this relationship?

With Bob and Cheryl Moeller, Homeschool family – Authors, Television and Radio Hosts, Married for 30 Years, Parents of 6 Kids (and one son-in-law) and Co-Founders of “For Better, For Worse, For Keeps Ministries” (www.bobandcherylmoeller.com)

Arlington Heights Memorial Library (Upstairs auditorium) 500 N. Dunton Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60004 (Please do not contact library.)

Date and Time is Saturday, September 5, 9:30 Am - 4:30 Pm CST

Conference is free. Lunch is on your own. Snacks and conference notes are free.

For info/R.V.S.P. office@bobandcherylmoeller.com.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Homeschool Open House Bartlett Nature Center




BARTLETT NATURE CENTER
http://www.bartlettparks.com/Nature-Center/general.asp
Location: James “Pate” Philip State Park, Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd., Bartlett
847-608-3100

Homeschool Open House
Wednesday, September 30th
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Family event – all ages welcome!
Cost: Free
RSVP: Julie Schnepper,
NorthernIllinoisHomeschoolMonthly@gmail.com
Come explore the nature center.
Activities will include: Movie about the prairie and wetland, hike, meet some of the nature center’s reptiles, learn about home school classes available and more.

Private Piano and Voice Lessons



Mrs. Grace Holda, a piano and voice instructor in Schaumburg, is currently accepting new students. She specializes in private instruction for beginner to early advanced levels. She is also an experienced accompanist willing to accompany for recitals and competitions.

Private Lesson Rates:
30 min. lesson........$18
45 min. lesson........$27
60 min. lesson........$36

Please call or email for an interview or for further information.
(630) 306-0728
brunettepianist@sbcglobal.net