Marianna Black Library Presents 3 'Big Read' Programs

The Big Read for this year is Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird

Friday, April 20th
5:30 pm

Join Janet Smith, local teacher and parent of a teen, as she leads a discussion with teens and their parents on Harper Lee's classic story of tolerance and justice.

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Thursday, April 26th
5:30 pm

Janice Inabinett, Recognized Story-teller and Bryson City native will lead a book discussion.

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Friday, May 4th
5:30 pm

A showing of the classic film 'To Kill a Mockingbird", starring Gregory Peck - followed by a discussion of the movie and the book.




All programs held at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City

Aces Fun Friday - BookIT!

Calling All ACES!

Meet at Pizza Hut for BookIt
on Friday (March 30th) at Noon.

A Fabulous Fun Feeding Frenzy.....

See you there!

FREE Homeschool Standardized Testing Talk- Lord Auditorium, Pack Library, Asheville

Wednesday, April 4th, at 6:30 p.m. in Lord Auditorium, at Pack Library I will present 'Testing Talk'.

This one hour discussion is open to all homeschool families interested in finding out more about end of grade testing options.

We will cover the Division of Non-Public Education testing requirements, and frequently asked homeschool testing questions.

I will address the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (WJIII), the California Achievement Test (CAT) and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (IOWA) the evening of April 4th.

Please tell your homeschool friends, all are welcome.

RSVP's are encouraged, but not required.
If you RSVP, I will have have copies of the handouts for you.

Thank you,
Tamara
--
Tamara M. Rutledge, M.Ed.
Academic Language Therapist
K-12, N.C. Exceptional Children Teacher
Fast ForWord Provider
Woodcock-Johnson Examiner/Administrator
828-654-9180
tamara.rutledge@charter.net
www.SmartTesting.net

Where do your tax dollars go?

This may be a tad off topic, but for those of you who may be studying the US government in home school, this is interesting information. This link will take you to US Government Spending.com, which breaks down 2007 estimated government spending by category. I found it useful to point out to Vance what taxes are used for, and how much.

Be sure to check out the 'Change Views' section. For example, it can display  spending by 'People', showing how much is spent on Seniors vs Education vs Defense, for example. Fascinating stuff if you are into things like this.

 - Mark

ARTS! & the Environment Weekend at Tremont

April 27-29

 

This spring weekend brings together a wide variety of adults who are interested in exploring the connection between the arts and the natural world through educational workshops. Legendary singer-songwriter BILL STAINES will kick things off with a Friday evening concert at the Palace Theater in Maryville. Concurrent hands-on sessions (see below) will run Saturday. Our annual Open Mic Night will commence Saturday evening in a relaxed coffee shop setting, giving everyone an opportunity to share their talent with others. Sunday activities are traditionally reserved for spontaneous ideas that emerge over the course of the weekend from the collective creative juices of the group.

 

Program lasts from Friday supper through Sunday lunch. Cost: $220. One hour of graduate credit is available for an additional fee. Cost for people wishing to attend Saturday sessions alone: $125 (includes meals). Group rates are available.

 

Concurrent hands-on sessions include:

 

"Ballads – Celtic & English Popular Narratives" with Bobbie Pell – Delve into the ancient stories of honor, betrayal, mystery, comedy, and true love sprinkled throughout the literary legacy of the British Isles.

 

"Songs from the Heart" with Bill Staines – You don't have to be a musician to explore your creativity through song with this legend who created "The River", "Place In the Choir (All God's Critters)" and many other memorable songs.

 

"Installation: Solar Possums" with Gerry Moll, Public artist and educator – Create a solar-powered ice sculpture in this collaborative art project that will culminate with an installation outdoors on the Tremont campus.

 

"Writing From the Outside In" with F. Lynne Bachleda,  Nashville-based author – Explore the self and the natural world through the written word.

 

"Sense-sational Snakes" with Jeff Menzer, Asheville-based artist – Invent your own personalized specie through drawing, sanding, painting, while learning some natural history about our reptilian friends.

 

"Delight Is In the Details" with Wren Smith, Bernheim Forest, Kentucky – Weaving together art, history and science this workshop offers you opportunities to hone and integrate observation skills, reflection and creation – plus a visit to the land of "fairy folks". 

 

"Following the Thread: Handwork from Fleece to Fiber" with Carolyn Rogers & Sheri Liles – Card and spin sheep's wool and other fibers. Make your own knitting needles or drop spindle and learn how to knit a simple hat or scarf so you can hand the joy of this creative experience down to our children.

 

Check out www.gsmit.org to see longer descriptions. Come join us and explore your personal creativity at the height of springtime!

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is connecting people and nature through in-depth programs designed to nurture an appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrate diversity, and foster stewardship.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
9275 Tremont Road
Townsend, Tennessee 37882
United States

865-448-6709 fax: 865-448-9250
E-mail: mail@gsmit.org
Web: www.gsmit.org

'Why do you need Algebra?' class offered

Jessica Boniface will offer a class for Jr. High and Highschool students on April 20th. The content offered will be on why the students need algebra and how it applies to everyday life. There will be no cost involved other than a lab fee. It will be held at Lifeway with a lab at Southwestern Community College.

Please RSVP to Charlotte Metz at mountainmetz@verizon.net or Joy Ellis at jumpforjoy@gmail.com . Jessica will need a headcount to know the correct number of kits to order for the lab.

Hunter Library on WCU's Campus

NC citizens not connected to WCU may register for a Community Borrowers Card !  The annual fee is $10 ~ some restrictions do apply.  For more information on Hunter Library check out http://library.wcu.edu   

Cars at MBL Library on Monday

Family Movie Day At The Marianna Black Library

Monday March 26

3:30 pm

Cars

Movies are FREE and projected onto an 8 x 10 ft. screen in the auditorium. Popcorn and refreshments provided

2nd Annual CFC (Carnival Fun Cruise) Home School Cruise

8 ­ Night Southern Caribbean on the Carnival Liberty
January 19-27, 2008


# Persons Inside Cabin Ocean View Balcony

2 1436.12 1676.12 2036.12

3 1884.18 2154.18 2544.18

4 2332.24 2632.24 3052.24


* Prices include all port fees and taxes

Itinerary:
Saturday, Jan. 19 ­ depart Port Everglades 4:00pm
Sunday, Jan. 20 ­ Fun Day at Sea
Monday, Jan. 21 ­ Fun Day at Sea
Tuesday, Jan. 22 ­ Colon, Panama 7:00am­ 5:00pm
Wednesday, Jan. 23 ­ Limon, Costa Rico 7:00am ­- 3:00pm
Thursday, Jan. 24 ­ Fun Day at Sea
Friday, Jan. 25 ­ Belize City, Belize 7:00am ­ 4:00pm
Saturday, Jan. 26 ­ Fun Day at Sea
Sunday, Jan. 27 ­ arrive Port Everglades 9:00am

Payment Terms:
1st Deposit: $50 per person due April 25, 2007
2nd deposit: $300 per person due August 1, 2007
Final Payment due November 1, 2007

Group Ammenities:
Free private Cocktail Party and $100 onboard credit per cabin, Family
Karaoke and Family Disco! Loads of fun for the entire family.


Further Information:
To find out more about this cruise or to register, call Terri DeLuca at:


JMJ Cruise & Travel * 704-888-6050 * delucajmj@netzero.net.

Welcome to readers from the Dews newsletter....

Welcome JCCHer's

Hope you like our website!

We try to have a constant stream of homeschool appropriate events posted on the site, and hope you will visit often.

If you like what you see and would like to receive email updates of events posted here, scroll down and look for the 'Receive Email Updates' box in the right hand sidebar. Enter your email address to subscribe. Once you confirm your subscription request, you will receive a daily compilation of new events posted on the site via email. There is also an RSS feed available if you prefer that method.

If you are looking for the post on the Cherokee Legends at WCU, click here


- Swain Aces

Learning for Fun – Art Workshops at WCU

Western Carolina University
presents Learning for Fun
Saturday is Art Day for Kids!

138 Camp Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723.
Phone: 828-227-7397 or visit the website at: http://edoutreach.wcu.edu/community

Western Carolina University’s Art Club and Educational Outreach are offering a series of art workshops designed to introduce children and teens to different art techniques. Held on Saturdays in Room 150 of the Fine and Performing Art Center. Pre-registration is required.

All Classes 9:00- 12:00 noon

1. Coil Pottery

• March 24, 2007 pre-register by March 16
  

2. Paper Mosaics

• March 31, 2007 pre-register by March 23
  

3. Easter Cards

• April 7, 2007 pre-register by March 30

4. Jewelry Making

• April 14, 2007 pre-register by April 6

5. Paper Stained Glass

• April 21, 2007 pre-register by April 12

6. Fimo Bead Making

• April 28, 2007 pre-register by April 20

Registration Form can be downloaded here

CHEROKEE LEGEND COMES TO LIFE AT WCU

'WCU's Theatre in Education Program (TIE) will present Dogwood's Search, a Theatre for Young Audiences.

 

Dogwood's Search is an original script based on a Cherokee legend that has previously been shared only through the oral tradition of storytelling.  This original work was co-authored by the TIE company members; WCU senior theatre major Spencer Saunders and faculty Claire Eye and Glenda Hensley; the TIE class and their Cherokee mentors, Eddie Bushyhead and Davy Arch.  The theme of the play centers upon environmental stewardship, community, and respect for the earth.  The core mission of the production seeks to build social and environmental literacy within a creative framework and through service to the community.  Dogwood's Search aims to provide entertainment paired with valuable life lessons.'

 

'Although the content is for all ages, the primary curricular connections will be appropriate for students in grades 3-8.  The one-hour performance will be followed by an actor talk-back for those interested in speaking directly with cast members '

 

Admission is $2

Two performances on Thursday, April 19th @ 10:00 and 1:00 for local students

For more information ~ reservations contact Glenda Hensley, TIE program director, GHENSLEY@wcu.edu  828-227-2469

 

Saturday performance, April 21st at 2 p.m.  WCU Fine and Performing Arts Center

 

 

This is only a Test!

Since our super-techno savvy creator/coordinator of the SwainAces blog (Mark) will be taking some well deserved time off, I am testing my abilities by posting this message. Thanks!

Happy First Day of Spring!

HERITAGE ARTS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR YOUTH

FIRE YOUR IMAGINATION!

June 11-15 and June 18-22

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Open to Youth Ages 8-14

SCC - Swain Center Campus

$87.50 per week

Register by June 4th

Call 488-3848 for more info (Nira Franklin/Hank Shuler)

'Join other youth for a week (or two) exploring old and new traditions. Giggle, mold clay, learn how to earn money, meet new friends, make puppets, have fun, and much, much, more!'

Sponsored by SCC and Swain County Cooperative Extension - 4-H Program

Update: Vance participated in this last year, and really enjoyed himself - Mark Tyson.

The Vernal Equinox is Today - March 20, 2007

The Rite of Spring

by Ann-Marie Imbornoni and Elissa Haney

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March 20, 2007, is a date that most of us recognize as symbolic of changing seasons. As we welcome spring, people south of the equator are actually gearing up for the cooler temperatures of autumn.

What Happens at the Equinox?

Far from being an arbitrary indicator of the changing seasons, March 20 (March 21 in some years) is significant for astronomical reasons. On March 20, 2007, at precisely 8:07 P.M. EDT (March 21, 00:07 Universal Time), the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. For the Southern Hemisphere, this is the moment of the autumnal equinox.

Equinox Means "Equal Night"

Translated literally, equinox means "equal night." Because the sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the world during the equinoxes. A second equinox occurs each year on September 22 or 23; in 2007, it will be on September 23 at 5:51 A.M. EDT (09:51 UT). This date will mark the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Southern (vernal denotes "spring").

Reasons for the Seasons

These brief but monumental moments owe their significance to the 23.4 degree tilt of the Earth's axis. Because of the tilt, we receive the Sun's rays most directly in the summer. In the winter, when we are tilted away from the Sun, the rays pass through the atmosphere at a greater slant, bringing lower temperatures. If the Earth rotated on an axis perpendicular to the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun, there would be no variation in day lengths or temperatures throughout the year, and we would not have seasons.

Rituals and Traditions

Modern astronomy aside, people have recognized the vernal equinox for thousands of years. There is no shortage of rituals and traditions surrounding the coming of spring. Many early peoples celebrated for the basic reason that their food supplies would soon be restored. The date is significant in Christianity because Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. It is also probably no coincidence that early Egyptians built the Great Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising Sun on the day of the vernal equinox.

The first day of spring also marks the beginning of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The celebration lasts 13 days and is rooted in the 3,000-year-old tradition of Zorastrianism.

SMCT Holding Auditions for Pied Piper

The Smoky Mountain Community Theater will hold auditions for 'The Pied Piper' on Monday, March 26th and Tuesday, March 27 at 6:30pm in the theater on Main Street in Bryson City.

Auditions are open to anyone nine years old and older. Person's auditioning for the Pied Piper must be able to play a musical instrument. Please bring your instrument with you to auditions.

The Spring Production will be May 3,4,5,6,11,12,13 and 14 at 7:30 PM. Cast includes 3 males, 6 females and 1 male/female for the lead role.

For information contact Teresa at 488-3489 or visit the website

USAF Clarinet Quartet at Swain Acts Center

You are invited to attend the US Air Force American Clarinet Quartet Concert free of charge on March 27 at 7:00 pm at Swain County Center for the Arts. They will be performing a wide variety of music that spans over 250 years. The concert will last about 1 1/2 hours and should be over by 8:30 pm. Hope you can come and bring your family to show support and to take advantage of this concert by professional musicians in uniform.

The four members of the American Clarinet Quartet are part of the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band, a 60-member ensemble based at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The quartet performs Air Force community relations music programs at such varied venues as concert halls, schools, museums, hospitals, retirement homes, churches and theaters throughout the United States. In addition to formal concerts, the quartet presents master classes and clinics at the elementary, secondary and collegiate levels.

The Incredibles at MBL Library on Monday

Family Movie Day At The Marianna Black Library

Mondays – 3:30 pm

March 19 - The Incredibles

March 26 - Cars

Movies are FREE and projected onto an 8 x 10 ft. screen in the auditorium. Popcorn and refreshments provided

Capital Fest 2007 - MARCH 27, 2007 : Downtown RALEIGH

For the last decade, the Governor has proclaimed a week in March as "Homeschool Education Week". Every two years, hundreds of homeschoolers descend on the North Carolina capital to meet and greet the legislators. NCHE has arranged a special day full of activities for NC Homeschoolers to meet their legislators, enjoy museums and special workshops on North Carolina's legislative and judicial system. We've even arranged for parking and a shuttle! The bus will run from 8:00am to 5:30pm and will pick homeschoolers up from the Farmer's Market (Google Map Link) and drop them off in front of the General Assembly on the History and Science Museum side of the street.

Box Lunches from Chick-fil-A available for preorder: $5.50

• Chicken Sandwich
• Chips
• Carrot Raisin salad
• Brownie
• Soft Drink

Please order your Chick-fil-A lunch by March 19, 2007.
Click here to go to the NCHE website

Schedule:

All sessions will meet in the auditorium in the General Assembly Building. Seating is limited so please register for those session(s) you would like to attend. Note that Session 1 and Session 5 are repeats, as well as Session 4 and Session 6

8:00am - Registration (Check-in)

9:00am - Session 1 The Three Branches of Government, Dr. Eric Root

10:00am - Session 2 History of Judicial System in NC, Judge Paul Newby

11:00am - Session 3 Group Meeting with Legislators

12:00 noon - Lunch, Meet and Greet Legislators, Entertainment

1:00pm - Session 4 Mock Legislative Committee Meeting, Joseph Wirtz

2:00pm - Session 5 The Three Branches of Government, Dr. Eric Root

3:00pm - Session 6 Mock Legislative Committee Meeting, Joseph Wirtz

12:45 to 4:00 - Tours:

Schedule tours for the Legislative Building, Capitol building, Science and History museums.
Call Jackie Parrish at 919-807-7947 for reservations.

Maps & Directions:

Raleigh

Capital area - Map showing downtown, parking and science museum

Directions

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Teaching Aids:

State Capital Resources
Welcome to the State Capital of North Carolina
NC General Assembly

Educational booklets (pdf links below)

Middle School: NC Government
Elementary: An Introduction to the NC General Assembly

NCHE Recommends:

Making it a legislative field trip day
Set an appointment with your legislator and bring a small gift, cookies.
Finding your legislators: Who Represents Me?

Attire and Conduct

Wear name tags - name, group, county.
We are representing homeschooling and NCHE: dressing up is a mark of respect for the legislators. Let's make a good impression.

Wear your NCHE pins.

RULES FOR VISITING GROUPS:

(From the Science site): Form a line outside. Group leader must register in the lobby prior to entry. Groups should not gather in front of elevators, escalators, or doors. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for the conduct of their groups.

Students must be under direct adult supervision at all times while in the building, including the Museum Store and escalators. Please use the escalators. Elevators are available for persons with disabilities. Stairs are for emergency use only.

Touch exhibits only where permitted. Never tap on exhibits where live animals are kept. Students must use "inside voices". Encourage students to listen for the many natural sounds in the exhibits (whale songs, bird calls, frog choruses, etc.). No food, gum, or drink is permitted in the exhibit halls

Other Opportunities:

NCGA - Senate Page Program

Apply through NCHE

NCGA - House of Representatives Page Program

Apply through NCHE

Leprechaun Sighting

More information on the wee folk can be found here

Top O' the Mornin'

Courtesy of The History Channel
A History of St. Patrick's Day

On Stage in NC

'FIND YOUR PASSION

Any event, anywhere, anytime, online.

If it's on stage in North Carolina, it's at

www.OnStageinNC.com  '

Flat Rock Playhouse Season Schedule

Flat Rock Playhouse Season Schedule

The Flat Rock Playhouse's season schedule can be seen at www.flatrockplayhouse.org

They are producing lots of shows for folks of all ages this season. The Hart Family will be attending The Veleteen Rabbit (April 13-22), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (November 8-18), Cinderella (June 13 - July 1), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 25-August 19) and Sherlock Holmes - The Final Adventure (Sept. 5 -30). If you are interested in carpooling let me know.

I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful theater. It has had, by far, the best productions I have seen since moving to this area. Both their amateur and professional shows are top notch. Prices for shows vary and they offer student prices and group rates for groups of 13 or over. If we have enough interest, I would be willing to handle the arrangements for a group rate. But please let me know ASAP, as I will be purchasing my tickets soon.

Thanks, Barbara Hart (pbjhart1@verizon.net)

Learning Live! at WCU

There are still tickets ($4) available for this Thursday/Friday's shows! Call Paul Lormand for more info 828-227-2505.

Wood and Strings Theatre uses the captivating and comprehensive nature of art to engage the imagination, create experiences full of meaning and provide tools to build positive solutions for life's challenges.

We awaken in people of all ages a sense of wonder, connecting them to the mystery of life and to the essential universal themes cloaked in the myriad ethnic cultures of the world.

Over two decades ago, Clarissa Lega and Leon Fuller began captivating audiences throughout the country with the magic of their high quality theatrical productions.

Video Interview
available in both realmedia
and windows streaming video

Out of a Mist a Dragon

12:30 Thurs & Friday
Recommended for ages 4^th grade and up

Using elegant reproductions of the classic Bunraku puppets of Japan, a romantic drama unfolds that reaches into the world of myth and legend to portray a young man's journey of self-discovery. His encounters with traditional folk puppets from North America, England and Indonesia give exotic glimpses of puppetry styles rarely seen in this country.

OUTREACH: An entertaining post show informance examines the various styles of puppetry and the cultures that created them.
(50 minute program)

An Irish Tale

10am Thurs & Friday
Recommended for ages K - 3^rd grade

In a wild romp and stomp during an elfin visit, two silly people show how three wishes in the wrong hands can create hilarious havoc. They learn lessons about greed they shall not soon forget. This wonderful slapstick production is performed by outlandish "larger than life" body puppets and elaborate, rod style elves, casting a spell of brownie magic only found on the Emerald Isles. Oh, be sure to keep a firm grip on your gold and a sharp eye out for the "Wee Folk!"

OUTREACH: A demonstration of how failure becomes success through perseverance.
(50 minute program)

Paul Lormand, Director
Fine & Performing Arts Center

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723

Office: 828/227.2505

Fax: 828/227.7632

Upcoming Lectures on Climate Change

Three 1-hour talks on Climate Change, hosted by the Asheville Chapter of the American Meteorological Society, will be held at the Folk Art Center Auditorium; 3:00 to 4:00 PM. The talks are free and open to the public.

For more information contact Major Paul Roelle, President Asheville Chapter of the American Meteorological Society at 828 271-4250 ext 1021

"Abrupt Climate Change: a Paleo Perspective"

March 22, 2007 3:00 to 4:00

By David M. Anderson, PhD, a nationally known paleo-climatologist from Boulder, Colorado and 2006 recipient of Arthur Fleming Award for excellence in federal service will present his work in understanding future abrupt climate changes driven by the combined influence of natural variability and human influences.

Carl Sandburg Home Update

The Aces tour of the Carl Sandurg National Historic Site in Flat Rock is Friday, March 23. Our tour time is 10:15 am, and we are supposed to arrive 30 mins early (i.e. arrive around 9:45 am)

Denise and I went to to Flat Rock last weekend for another event, and at the speed limit it takes 1:45 to get there. So everyone would need to leave around 8 am to get there on time.

Barbara Hart has offered to drive her van so everyone could carpool. Please contact Barbara at 488-3878 (or pbjhart1@verizon.net) if you are interested in carpooling.

The tour costs $5 for adults (children under 16 are free). Plan on bringing a sack lunch, and dress appropriately for walking around outside.


Did You Know? Carl Sandburg, who won two Pulitzer prizes and entertained heads of state, presidents, and Hollywood movie stars, only formally graduated from the eighth grade. He attended college classes for four years, but never received a degree.

Bye, Bye, Birdie at Swain Center for the Arts

The musical, "Bye, Bye, Birdie" will be performed at Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City 6 times starting this Friday, March 16. This energy-filled musical gently spoofs Elvis and rock and roll fans of the '50s. It is presented by SCHS Drama Classes and Vocal Ensemble under the direction of J Gilbert and SCHS Band directed by Karen Williams. Backdrops were painted by Ceana Hoffmans's SCHS 4th block art class. The production involves more than 100 SCHS students and numerous community volunteers.

Admission is $8 for Adults and $5 for Students and Seniors. You can buy tickets from students or pay at the door. Hope you can join us for at least one performance. You can go to www.swaincountyschools.com/cfta/index.htm for directions or a complete calendar of events. The dates and times for the musical, "Bye, Bye, Birdie," are as follows:

• Friday, March 16, at 7:00 pm
• Saturday, March 17, at 7:00 pm
• Sunday, March 18, at 2:30 pm
• Friday, March 23, at 7:00 pm
• Saturday, March 24, at 7:00 pm
• Sunday, March 25, at 2:30 pm

Just a reminder that due to the renovation of the gymnasium which is located next to Swain County Center for the Arts, some of the parking immediately in front can't be used. There is plenty of parking in the upper half of the parking lot, at the Alternative School, at the Stadium and on the other side of the high school. Allow a few extra minutes for parking and perhaps walking to the Arts Center from one of these parking areas.

Eugenia (Jenny) L. Johnson, Director
Swain County Center for the Arts
located at Swain County High School
1415 Fontana Road
Bryson City, NC 28713

Phone: 828-488-7843
Fax: 828-488-0523
Website: www.swaincountyschools.com/cfta/index.htm

Upcoming Events at the Mountain Heritage Center

Winter Gatherings
Old Time Music and Bluegrass Jam Series
Open Jam

Thursday, March 15
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.



Nature's Tracks for Families
Gauging the Weather


Sunday, March 18
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Summer Swim at WCU

 

---

From: sfouts@email.wcu.edu

 

Hello,

The summer swim schedule is ready. We look forward to having your child in swim class this summer. As a reminder, you may want to register early as space is limited. Also, please remember that we take the first paid registrations for the swim slots.

The brochure is on our website at:

http://edoutreach.wcu.edu/community/summerswim07.pdf

 

Also please forward to any one that you feel might be interested.

 

Thanks,

Susan

 

Dr. Susan Fouts

Director of Continuing Education

Educational Outreach

140E Outreach Center

Cullowhee, N. C. 28723

Phone  828-227-3688

Fax      828-227-7115

 

 

---

Get news, entertainment and everything you care about at Live.com. Check it out!

Needmore Cleanup on March 24th

There will be a cleanup of the Needmore Game Lands (along Needmore Rd) on Saturday, March 24th. Volunteers for the cleanup should meet at the Hightower Baptist Church at 8 am for doughnuts and coffee/juice. Wear good walking shoes/boots, and work gloves. Orange vests, bags and bottled water will be provided. A Lasagna lunch will be served at 1 pm.

Many of our ACES have participated in the cleanups in previous years, and have had a great time while helping out our community. Both the Hart's and the Tyson's have adopted sections of Needmore Road, and Cheryl Taylor is the contact person for the cleanup (828-488-3934 or mountainneighbors@verizon.net)

The cleanup is sponsored by Mountain Neighbors for Needmore Preservation, in partnership with the Little Tenn Land Trust and the NCWildlife Resources Commmission.

Hope to see you there!

Youth Soccer Registration Deadline Today!

Registration for Camp Living Water spring Youth Soccer registration ends TODAY (Friday, March 9) from 9am to 5pm at Camp Living Water on Deep Creek.

Cost is $25 per student . Contact Joe Dilillo for more information (488-5785)

Finding Nemo at Library

Family Movie Day At The Marianna Black Library

Mondays – 3:30 pm

March 12 - Finding Nemo

March 19 - The Incredibles

March 26 - Cars

Movies are FREE and projected onto an 8 x 10 ft. screen in the auditorium. Popcorn and refreshments provided.

Workshop about Online Learning at SWCC

Southwestern Community College will offer free workshops on Exploring Online Learning: How to Take an Internet Class at SWCC. 

The workshop will be offered at 6 to 7:30 pm on both Tuesday March 13th and Tuesday, March 27th. More information about online learning offerings from SWCC can be viewed here

Jackson Campus, Founders Hall, Room 126

828-586-4091 x352

Homeschool Fair this weekend in Sylva

Jackson County Christian Homeschoolers 

2007 Home Educators Fair

&

Used Curriculum Sale

SATURDAY MARCH 10

10am-2pm

Community Services Center on Scotts Creek Road in Sylva

• Open to the Public
• Free Admission
• Information on Home Schooling in North Carolina
• Information on Curriculum and Strategies for Home Schooling

 

If you are a home schooling family and would like a sale table at the fair to move out some old curriculum, please contact Tracy Ormsby at tormsby@dnet.net (828-631-3239) or Crystal Akers at crystal@copecreek.com (828-631-5282) for more information.  There will be a $5 fee this year to cover costs of renting the space.  DEADLINE for registration is Saturday March 3.  We will send an information sheet for you to complete when registering.  

If you are a business owner, vendor, or program administrator and would like to be represented at the fair, please contact Crystal Akers at crystal@copecreek.com or 828-631-5282 for more information.  For profit organizations, businesses, etc. will be asked to also pay a $5 fee to help with costs of the facility.  However, the fee for non-profit organizations will waived (if you are there to provide information, etc.).

Standardized Testing Service Offered

Homeschool Friends:

Smoky Mountain Academic Resources & Training (SMART) Testers still have a few openings in our test scheduled at Biltmore Baptist on March 16th & 30th. Testing at Biltmore and other "Group" sites is still one on one testing with students. We just bring a "Group" or a few testers to one site and set up for the day.

If you would like to be scheduled for one of the few slots still open on March 16th or March 30th, please let me know ASAP.

Thanks,

Glenna Toney
Smoky Mountain Academic Resources & Training (SMART) Educational Consultant/Tester
www.smarttesting.net

Homeschool Mom

(828) 687-7949

Fun Friday - Swimming in Waynesville

March 9th 1:30

Swimming at the Waynesville Recreation Center

See their website for prices and directions.

1st Wednesday is Free Day at Pack Place

1st Wednesday is Free Day at Pack Place Musuems (in Asheville)
Wednesday March 7, 2007
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
(This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.)

Notes:
Every 1st Wednesday from 3 to 5pm, there is free admission to all the museums in Pack Place - Art, Gem & Mineral, and Health Adventure. Hope to see you there!

Noland Creek Hike Photos

After the torrential rains of the last few days, Noland Creek was big, bold and beautiful. We had a great hike, learned a bit about identifying trees from the bark, and how to read topo maps.

A big thank you to Barbara Hart for putting this together.

Photos from the hike can be viewed here

WCU professor to offer Lunar Eclipse Viewing

Paul Heckert, professor of physics at WCU, will offer a lunar eclipse observation session this Saturday evening (March 3rd) at the Jackson County Airport.

The eclipse will begin at moonrise about 6:30pm, and will end by 8:00pm

The viewing is open to the public free of charge. Parking at the airport is limited, so carpooling is recommended.

For more information, contact Paul Heckert at 227-3677

To help learn more, here is an interesting article about lunar eclipses from the Space.com website:

Top 10 Lunar Eclipse Facts

Dulcimer Workshops at Chimney Rock

If you're the kind of person who's always looking to learn something new, we've got a great event for you! Our Dulcimer Workshops are back on March 24. Impress your family and friends with your newfound skills on the mountain or hammered dulcimer, or both.

Ken Schoewe of Mountain Music School will lead the morning session on the mountain dulcimer, "the only American instrument." Ken will show guests traditional strumming and flat picking techniques as well as share the lore and tradition of the mountain dulcimer. The morning workshop takes place from 10am to noon.

Our very own featured entertainer, John Mason, will be teaching the hammered dulcimer during the afternoon session. Not only will you learn to play the hammered dulcimer, but you'll also hear about its history and tradition. The afternoon workshop is from 1 - 3pm.

Workshops are offered individually or in combination. During the lunch break, you'll have a chance to chat with the instructors. Bring your own lunch or order a Hiker's Lunch from us when you make your reservation.
This is a popular event and space is limited, so call 800-277-9611 to reserve your spot today.

Reminder - Signs of Spring Hike on Friday

The Signs of Spring Hike at Nolan's Creek (in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) will be tomorrow - Friday, March 2nd

Meet at the trailhead at 1:30 pm

Details can be found here

Youth Wildlife Art Contest

NRA to Sponsor 20th Youth Wildlife Art Contest

The NRA is now accepting entries for its 2007 Youth Wildlife Art Contest. The contest, the 20th in the annual series, is open to students in grades 1 through 12 (including home-schooled children). NRA membership is not required. The deadline to enter is October 8, 2007.

Winners in each grade category will receive $500. Second-place finishers will receive $250, and the third-place award will be $100.

Entries may be submitted in one of four categories, based on school grade. Category I includes grades 1 through 3. Category II is for grades 4 through 6. Category III covers grades 7 through 9, and Category IV includes grades 10 through 12. Entries may portray any North American game bird or animal that may be legally hunted or trapped. Endangered species and non-game animals, such as eagles and snakes, are not eligible subjects. Call (703) 267-1531 or email artcontest@nrahq.org if you need to confirm whether a certain animal or bird is eligible.

Contestants are limited to one entry each. Entries may be in a medium of the artist�s choice (oil, water color, pastels, pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, etc.). Submissions should be on good quality bond or drawing paper, or illustration board. Preferred sizes for the image are 8-1/2" x 11" or 11" x 14"; matting is optional. Entries need not be framed. Composition must be original. Photographs may be used for reference, but artwork determined to have been traced or copied from an existing photograph or work of art will be disqualified.

Entries must arrive at NRA by October 8, 2007, and must be accompanied by a brief statement signed by the student�s parent, guardian, or teacher attesting to the originality of the work and verifying the artist�s grade level as of October 8, 2007. In addition, the artist�s name, age, home address, phone number, and grade must be printed on the back of the entry or on a note attached to the back of the entry. Entries will be judged on effort, creativity, anatomical accuracy, and composition.

Send entries to: NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Entries will be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. NRA assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged artwork, and reserves all rights to reproduce entries. The immediate families of NRA staff members are not eligible to enter. Questions regarding the contest may be directed to (703) 267-1531 or artcontest@nrahq.org, or visit www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp.

The contest is supported through a generous gift from Jim Broering, President of AcuSport Corporation, for the creation of the James and Kathleen Broering Endowment.