Photography Challenge

My name is Derek Schnepper. I am 15 years old and counting the days until I turn 16 in March. I've always been homeschooled. And, yes, I like it.

I'm issuing a monthly photography challenge to anyone who wants to join me.

First, set up your own Shutterfly account. Ask me to join: http://www.DerekSchnepper.shutterfly.com. Shutterfly pictures can easily be downloaded for printing and to your Facebook account.

Challenges will begin February 1, 2010 and run monthly ending January 31, 2011.

February's challenge:
Black and white photos

If you are a homeschooling teen in the Chicagoland area, check out EON Teens on Facebook. It's a group designed to network with other teens in the area.

InHome Conference - Registration is Open

Registration is OPEN!

Registration has begun for the
13th annual InHome Conference

March 18th – 20th
Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, St Charles, IL

Go NOW to www.inhomeconference.org to register online!

*****
Featured Speakers:
John Taylor Gatto, Resa Steindel Brown, Jim Weiss, Blake Boles

*****
The InHome Conference features hundreds of workshops for children, teens, adults, and families! You’ll be amazed at the variety! KIDS LOVE IT!

*****
Fun Events include Meet & Greet, Talent Show, Family Dance, Teen Dance, Children’s Craft Fair & Flea Market, & Imaginarium Fair

*****
Hotel Amenities include an Indoor/Outdoor Pool (swim outdoors in winter!), On-site Dining, Lobby Bar, Terrace Cafe, Bourbon Street, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream

*****
And don’t forget about our Exhibit Hall with free admission, daily raffle prizes, and great vendors!

Hurry – You don’t want to miss this conference!

Beat that late-winter slump by coming to the InHome Conference –
being surrounded by hundreds of like-minded homeschoolers is
the best pep talk you can get!

Join our Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/inhomeconference/ to ‘meet’ and chat with other conference-goers.

Shakespeare "The Tempest" at Wheaton College's Jukebox Theater

Jukebox Theater stages Shakespeare drama “The Tempest”

Wheaton College’s Jukebox Theater is staging “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare, March 24 -27. Shakespeare’s play is a comedic romance of the highest caliber, filled with comic characters and vengeful villains, strange creatures and hapless sailors, a powerful wizard and his lovely daughter.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. and take place in Barrows Auditorium, located in the east wing of the Billy Graham Center at 500 College Avenue in Wheaton. Jukebox Theater is a student-run theater company at Wheaton College. Tickets are $3 and are available at the door. For more information, call 630.752.5015 or email jukebox@wheaton.edu.

Homeschool Gymnastics Class

Hello fellow homeschool group leaders! I’m just passing along some info about a potential new homeschool gymnastics class at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, IL. They already offer this daytime class for homeschoolers in Batavia, and if we can create enough interest they will bring a class to St. Charles! Please pass this along to all the local homeschoolers you know and ask them to contact Amy directly with their interest (Amy’s e-mail address is at the bottom of this message).

Thanks!
Kris Besic

Positive Connections Homeschoolers
http://www.meetup.com/Positive-Connections-Homeschoolers/


From: Positive-Connections-Homeschoolers On Behalf Of Amy
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2010 10:44 PM
To: Positive-Connections-Homeschoolers
Subject: Homeschool Gymnastics Class!!

Hi everyone,

We've been doing gymnastics classes through Excel Gymnastics in Batavia. I was talking to one of the managers after class today and he said they would open up another class to homeschoolers in their St. Charles location if there was enough interest. I told him that I would contact members of our group to see if there is any interest. We love these classes and the coaches (at the Batavia location) are fabulous. We have done gymnastics classes through the park district and other locations and our experience at Excel far surpasses these other classes. This is a great opportunity for exercise and I have even seen boosts in my kids self esteem since starting these classes. They offer classes for preschoolers at the same time, which is very nice for families with younger kids as well. Benjamin is in the homeschool class and Gabi does the preschool class.....it works out great and they both love it. So, here is what they are proposing to offer to homeschool families:

Existing class is on Thursdays from 11:00-12:00 for kids ages 6 and up. They also have preschool classes (3-4 years) and a Kindergym (5 year olds) at the same time (the preschool class is 45 minutes long). The class is at Excel Gymnastics in Batavia (2301 Main St., Batavia).

New Class: Suggested day/time is Wednesdays at 11:00-12:00 at the St. Charles location (3N800 Peck Road, St. Charles). Coach Tony said that there would be a preschool class (45 minutes) at the same time and that they could also combine 4 & 5 year olds for a Kindergym class as well. The homeschool gymnastics class would be for kids ages 6+.

The new session starts next week, but they said they could start the new homeschool class anytime (eg, if families were not ready to start next week). They need only 4 kids to start the class! Please email me ASAP if you would be interested in this class for one or more of your kids. Please let me know how many kids and their ages....and which location you would be most interested in. A note on location.....We live out in Carol Stream, and for us (according to Map Quest) there is a 3 minute difference between the St. Charles and Batavia location. If you live further east of St. Charles there may not be much difference in travel time to either location. If there is enough interest to get a new class going I will contact Coach Tony at Excel and let him know so that they can move forward with making these arrangements.

Thank you!

Amy Sebastian
asebas0900@sbcglobal.net

Wonder Capes

http://www.wondercapes.com/index.html

At Wonder Capes we are looking to spark the imagination of children everywhere. With a little bit of creativity & magic we can create a whole wide world of wonder for kids of all ages. Won’t you join us?

For every 10 Wonder Capes sold, 1 Comfort Cape will be donated to a child at a Children's Hospital.

Comfort Capes are made with soft flannel fabric, for hospitalized children. The goal is to be soft to the touch. Something they can snuggle with. Keep them warm. Whatever they need or want their Cape to be.

Or you can choose to donate a Comfort Cape. Honor someone special, celebrate a special occasion, or give in memory of a loved one by making a donation to Comfort Capes in their name.

Field Trip: Field Museum March 5th

FIELD TRIP: to the Field Museum on Friday 3/5/2010, meeting at 9:30am with entry at 10am to the Diamond Exhibit. All ages welcome and you are able to stay all day until 5pm.

If interested, please email me your name, no. of adults/students, and cell phone number. RSVP by 2/15/10!!

Then send check in my name to 2413 W. Algonquin Rd., #420, Algonquin, IL 60102.

FEE: $4.50 per student; $20.75 per adult ($13.50 if adult does not want to do the Diamond Exhibit). NO REFUNDS if cancelled less than 14 days prior to fieldtrip.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: www.fieldmuseum.org/plan_visit/parking.htm

LUNCH: on your own, brown bag or restaurants on location.

Meet at EAST ENTRANCE 9:30am sharp!

Margaret Sladek
cell 708/721-1207

Field Trip: Cantigny and Robert R. McCormick Museums

Field Trip: Cantigny and Robert R. McCormick Museums

Address: 1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189

Coordinator: Julie Schnepper, Northern Illinois Homeschool Monthly

Cell Phone: 630-457-8361

Date: February 5, 2009

Time: Noon - 2:30 You MUST arrive at the visitor center by 12:00. If you are late, you will not be permitted to join the group.

Cost: Free

Age: Grade 4 and 12 (No children under grade 4 are permitted on school field trips at any time.)

Maximum number of participants: 20 students and 10 parents

We will split into two equal groups for the tours.

12:30 Group 1 Robert R. McCormick Museum; Group 2 First Division Museum
1:30 Group 1 First Division Museum; Group 2 Robert R. McCormick Museum

RSVP via email no later than Friday, January 15th: Mahaza@wowway.com

Ice Harvest - Kline Creek Farm - Additional Information

Dear Julie,

Thanks for posting about our upcoming Ice Harvest event at Kline Creek Farm on your Northern Illinois Homeschool Monthly blog! We are proud to serve many of our area homeschooling families and count quite a few homeschoolers among our volunteers.

I thought your readers may be interested a bit more information about the ice harvest and would recommend to you our educational video about ice harvesting on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1zcRe_ilp8 Of course, it’s much more fun to help run the saw, pull the lift ropes and use the pike poles in person than to watch it.

There is also a set of photos from our 2009 ice harvest on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/klinecreekfarm/sets/72157612284845057/

We have a lot of other events that I’m sure your readers would enjoy throughout the year, and the vast majority are free! If I can offer you any additional information please feel free to ask. Or you can keep up on our events via our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Chicago-IL/Kline-Creek-Farm/50709666597

Thanks again, and I hope we will get a chance to serve some of your readers soon.

Sincerely,

Chris GingrichHeritage
InterpreterOffice of Education - Kline Creek Farm
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
(630) 876-5903
www.dupageforest.com
www.dupageforest.org

Ice Harvesting - Kline Creek Farm

Ice Harvesting

Kline Creek Farm

Janary 21, 23, 24, 28
1:30 – 3:30 pm

Learn the importance of ice before refrigeration. See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools, and peek into the icehouse to see how families stored blocks that lasted into summer. Weather permitting, help cut and transport ice from the lake. Free. Registration not required.

http://dupageforest.com/calendar.aspx?location=Kline+Creek+Farm

REDUCED: For Sale: 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan - Hampshire, IL

Update

JUST REDUCED - $2,500

For Sale: 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan - Hampshire, IL

See Previous Post for details/pictures.

Frosty and Friends Ice Skating Event

FROSTY AND FRIENDS ICE SKATING EVENT

Bring the family to Rockford Park District's Carlson Ice Arena for an afternoon of indoor recreation fun at the "Frosty and Friends Skate" public ice skating session, Sunday, January 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Activities will include free skating lessons with professional instructors, music by a live DJ, and giveaways from U.S. Figure Skating, in celebration of National Skating Month.

Admission including skate rental is $5.00; free for ages 2 and younger. (No discount coupons accepted for this event.) Carlson Ice Arena is located at 4150 N. Perryville Rd., Loves Park. For more information, call 815-969-4069. For information on accessibility and adapted equipment for skaters with disabilities, call 815-987-8800.

Winterfest - Dog Sleds

Winterfest

Saturday, February 13; noon – 4 pm

Experience the prairie in winter and forge a new snow shoe trail! We will paint the snow! Dog sledding, snow or no snow, the dogs are still ready to go! Adopt-A-Husky will be at the Bartlett Nature Center with their teams of Siberian Huskies and sleds. Come watch as they run our 1/2 mile trail and learn about the history of dog sledding and the equipment they use. To ensure a safe and fun environment, please leave your own dogs at home. This demonstration and event is free and requires NO reservation or registration.

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

For Sale: 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan - Hampshire, IL

2000 Dodge Grand Caravan, silver, recent brakes and tires, is in great shape, well maintained, very clean 131K, everything works, no noises, drives great and steers tight, starts everytime always, interior very clean nothing broken, pwr windows, pwr locks, pwr mirrors, built in child seats, seats in great shape, carpet in great shape, clean and washed professionally monthly, great vehicle! 3100.00, come take a look. We love the Caravan but don't need the third car anymore. Cash only, no trades, no checks, email me a phone number or email address and I will get back to you quickly. 3100.00

Contact: Tim, 847-683-7923

Free For Better For Worse For Keeps Writing School

This Saturday, January 9
8:30 Am (Registration) and 9:00 Am - 3:30 Pm (Conference)

Free For Better For Worse For Keeps Writing School, Led by Bob and Cheryl Moeller, co-founders of For Better For Worse For Keeps Ministries. Bob, D.Min. is a pastor for marriages, conference speaker, TV/radio host, and author of 12 books. Cheryl, M.A.R., homemaker/homeschool mom of 6, co-author or author of eight books, publisher, syndicated humor columnist, and former literary agent.

Location: Bethany Baptist Church, 6700 W. Gunnison, Harwood Heights, IL 60706.

Lunch is on your own. We will be going to Baker's Square, if you want to join us. Snacks and conference notes are provided free. No childcare. Conference is free (no admission charge) and a freewill offering will be taken for For Better For Worse For Keeps Ministries.

This conference is for aspiring writers, high school homeschool students, people who are curious about blogging or publishing, people who want to take their project up to a new level, people who want their writing analyzed for possible publication, people wanting new ways to get the word out about their ministry, and people between jobs looking for new skills. You are welcome to submit 1,500 words for review by Cheryl after the conference by telephone. For more info and R.S.V.P. to cherylmoeller@comcast.net

Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition

ILLINOIS SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION

JANUARY 20-23

The 24th Annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition presented by Rasmussen College is scheduled for January 20-23, 2010, in Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. Thirty-one teams of sculptors – 16 state teams, 13 high school teams, and an exhibition team – will create frozen works of art. State teams begin Wednesday, January 20 at 9:30 a.m., and high school teams begin Thursday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m. The exhibition team is the winner of last year's event, and will also be competing in the national competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in February. Work on competition sculptures for all teams continues through 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 23. People's Choice voting will take place Saturday from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the awards ceremony Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Sinnissippi Park maintenance building. If conditions prevent the competition from being held January 20-23 as scheduled, postponement dates are scheduled for January 27-30, 2010.

This is a free event, and park visitors are welcome throughout the competition to see the snow art in progress; the sculptures are lighted for night viewing. The event is presented by Rasmussen College and co-sponsored by Area Erectors, Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), City of Rockford, Holiday Inn Express, Rockford Park District, Stockholm Inn, SwedishAmerican Health System, WIFR-TV Channel 23, and William Charles Construction. For more information, visit www.snowsculpting.org or call 815-987-1603 or 815-987-8800.

Unschooling Conference - Madison, Wisconsin

The Unschooling Conference 2010

Will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2010
In Madison, Wisconsin
at The Goodman Community Center

visit our website: www.unschoolingconference.com
for additional information and registration

We are particularly privileged this year to welcome:
John Taylor Gatto
as our keynote speaker! This will be John's first public appearance in Madison, and a huge honor for us to have him at the conference, as he has limited his public appearances in recent years.

For those of you who have yet to hear John in person, prepare yourself for a real treat! John's latest book is Weapons of Mass Instruction: A Teacher's Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling. Please visit the conference information section for a complete bio and bibliography of John's work.

While the majority of John's work has been to craft and disseminate a scathing critique of our country's broken school system and not directly on the subject of unschooling, he has been an outspoken advocate for the efficacy of homeschooling and why it works where education as an institution has failed. His scholarly work on the history of schooling has had a profound effect on mainstream notions of what constitutes education in this country, as well as all over the world.

Our theme for this year will be:
Playing in the Circle of Life: Experience the Joy of Unschooling

Come prepared to participate in a day of play, and deep thinking about the importance of this essential human activity. We will discuss many questions relating to this topic including the value of play in child development, the natural role play has in the lifestyle of an unschooling family, the effect of structured play on the development of our children's imaginations, and how the loss of unstructured play affects learning.

Science Fair in Rockford on March 27th

Science Fair

Open to all Homeschooling families in Northern Illinois on your newsletter.

Our workshops start Sat. January 9th and a second workshop is scheduled for March 6th both in Rockford.

The science fair is Saturday March 27th at The Radisson in Rockford. You can go to our website for registration information.

www.ilregionalsciencefair.org

Also, Dr. Jay Wile will be speaking at a special seminar for homeschool families on Friday night at The Radisson. It is free to all those who have students registered in the science fair, $10/family for those who are just coming to the seminar.

Thanks so much,
Dawn Boyer

InHome Conference Online Registration begins January 9th

InHome Conference

Calling all Homeschoolers!

Join us in St. Charles, Illinois, for the 13th annual InHome
Conference!

The InHome Conference is non-sectarian and style-inclusive and features hundreds of workshops for children, teens, adults, and families!

Our wide variety of workshops are sure to inspire and entertain all members of your family. Included in the conference are other fun events such as Thursday night's Meet and Greet, the Children's Fair & Flea Market where kids can buy and sell their wares, a Family Dance and a Teen Dance for ages 13 and up, the Imaginarium Fair, and the ever-popular Talent Show on Saturday night!

Another conference highlight is our Exhibit Hall, filled with homeschool-friendly vendors and open to the public.

Online Registration opens January 9th! Register online
by visiting www.inhomeconference.org

Also, get in touch with other conference-goers and learn more by joining our Yahoo Discussion Group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/inhomeconference
This is a new feature, so jump right in and say hello when
you join!

InHome Conference
March 18-20, 2010
Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, St. Charles, IL