Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Adopt a Stream with Salamanders

salamanders

Do you like spending time in the mountains with families and friends, exploring the wonderful diversity of flora and fauna found in the woods and streams? Would you be interested in helping out the park and Tremont by taking part in a long-term study that involves salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

If so, Tremont may be able to use your services! We are looking for volunteers that can come once a month for about 3 hours to monitor salamanders found in nearby streams. Tremont established this program in 1999 to survey and monitor salamander populations found in 5 streams around Tremont. The research is particularly pertinent today because of the decline of the Eastern Hemlock, perhaps the most common tree found along mountain streams.

Because we have a relatively long-term dataset, we may be able to assess the impacts that Eastern Hemlock decline have on the diversity and abundance of salamanders living in small mountain streams. Volunteers don’t need a special background in amphibian ecology – Tremont will provide all the training you need to help in this important endeavor.
Interested? Please contact Citizen Science Director Jason Love at 448-9732 ext. 14 or Jason@gsmit.org.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Upcoming Events for Mountain Heritage Center

Winter Gatherings Old Time Music and Bluegrass Jam
Featuring the Stoney Creek Boys
Thursday, March 1
Concert 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Open Jam 8:00
- 9:00 p.m.
Come and play or listen!

Coverlet ID Day
Bring in your family’s woven coverlets to learn more about them
With Cassie Dickson and Susan Leveille
Sunday, March 4
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Arti-Facts! for children
Weaving
Sunday, March 4
2:30
- 3:30 p.m.
Reservations required.



All programs are free. Call 227-7129 for more information.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Signs of Spring Hike at Nolan's Creek

The Signs of Spring Hike at Nolan's Creek (in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) will be this upcoming Friday, March 2nd 1:30 pm - 4:00.

To locate the trailhead, take Everett Street (the main east/west road in downtown Bryson City) out of town towards Swain County High School (west). The road's name will change several times (it is called Lakeview Road in the park but many folks know it as the "Road to Nowhere"). The parking lot is on your left approximately 5.7 miles from the park entrance.

We will be looking for the earliest spring blooming wildflowers and identify trees using bark and buds. If you have maps of this area, a compass and binoculars, please bring them, as we will also discuss some basic principles of orienteering.

This hike is on nearly level terrain and is suitable for folks of nearly any fitness level. It will be lead by Barbara Hart - a plant ecologist/botanist and homeschooling mom. Please let Barbara know if you will be coming so that we will not head down the trail without you (828-488-9039 or pbjhart1@verizon.net).

A Bug's Life at MBL on Monday

Family Movie Day At The Marianna Black Library


Mondays – 3:30 pm

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

February 26 - A Bug's Life



March 12 - Monsters Inc.

March 19 - Finding Nemo

March 26 - The Incredibles

April 2 - Cars

18 seconds to change a lightbulb


This is a little off topic, but I've added a feature to the website from 18seconds.org, which tracks the number of Compact Florescent Light bulbs sold in an area since the beginning of the year. CFL's are now widely offered at many stores (Lowes and Walmart carry a wide selection).

18seconds.org is a project sponsored by Yahoo to encourage consumers to swap to CFLs, thus saving energy and reducing carbon emissions. I've setup our website to display CFL's sold in North Carolina, along with the savings in electric costs and carbon emissions.

Although the initial cost of a CFL is higher than a traditional incandescent bulb, they last far longer and use much less electricity (approximately 1/4). They will more than pay for themselves over time thru reduced electric and replacement costs.

Australia recently banned incandescent light bulbs, legislating that they must be replaced with CFLs or other low wattage options over the next three years. The state of California is considering similar legislation.

Regardless of your opinion on Global Warming, I think everyone can agree that saving energy is a worthwhile goal. Changing your lights to use CFL bulbs is a simple way (it just takes 18 seconds!) to help accomplish this goal and save yourself some money at the same time. CFL's today do not have the problems associated with older florescent lights - the harsh glare and flicker. I swapped about half the bulbs in our house and Denise never noticed the difference until I told her ;-)

- Mark

Friday, February 23, 2007

Music Man - Don't Miss!


We attended 'The Music Man' at WCU last evening, and I'm here to tell you that it was an outstanding performance. This was not your typical college level production, and was better than many professional theater productions we've seen. The performance was far, far better than what we had expected.

You can tell the Broadway background of the director (Terrance Mann) in the sets, staging and choreography. I highly recommend you attend a performance if at all possible. - Mark

Remaining Showtimes are:

      • 7:30p.m. on February 23-24
      • 3:00p.m. on Feb. 25th.

Performances will be in the Fine and Performing Arts Center of WCU.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Upcoming Events for Fridays in March

March 2nd 1:30 pm - 4:00

Signs of Spring Hike at Nolan's Creek (in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). To locate the trailhead, take Everett Street (the main east/west road in downtown Bryson City) out of town towards Swain County High School (west). The road's name will change several times (it is called Lakeview Road in the park but many folks know it as the "Road to Nowhere"). The parking lot is on your left approximately 5.7 miles from the park entrance.

We will be looking for the earliest spring blooming wildflowers and identify trees using bark and buds. If you have maps of this area, a compass and binoculars, please bring them, as we will also discuss some basic principles of orienteering.

This hike is on nearly level terrain and is suitable for folks of nearly any fitness level. It will be lead by Barbara Hart a plant ecologist/botanist and homeschooling mom. Please let me know if you will be coming so that we will not head down the trail without you ().

March 9th 1:30

Swimming at the Waynesville Recreation Center

See their website townofwaynesville.org/recreation/WaynesvilleRecreationCenter for prices and directions.

March 16th

RainForest Adventure

Please see previous posting and kindly let me know if you are interested no later than Friday March 2nd (pbjhart1@verizon.net).

March 23rd

Carl Sandburg Home - Please see previous posting and kindly let me know if you are interested no later than Friday March 9th (pbjhart1@verizon.net).

March 30th

Book It at Pizza Hut in Bryson City

Please see previous posting and kindly let me know if you are interested no later than Friday March 2nd (pbjhart1@verizon.net).

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Spring Literary Festival 2007

Note: The information posted about this event previously was incorrect - I inadvertently copied a press release from last year - Mark


WCU’s fifth annual Spring Literary Festival will feature Charles Baxter, Fleda Brown, Catherine Carter, Gish Jen, Farnoosh Moshiri, Tanure Ojaide, Nick Taylor, and R.T. Smith. .

When: March 26-29, 2007

Where: Western Carolina University

Except for Gish Jen's reading which is an LCE event, all events are free and open to the public. Most take place in the UC Theatre.

For more information, please contact the English Department at WCU (828-227-7264) or email Dr. Mary Adams

Art Workshop for Homeschoolers in Franklin

ATTENTION HOME SCHOOLERS!! The Uptown Gallery in Franklin is offering a NEW Wednesday morning class. March 14 will be "Drawing Cats". This will be a monthly class offering the same curriculum as the third Sat. workshop. This class will be offered the 3rd Wed. of every month from 9:30 to Noon starting March 14. As always, all supplies are furnished and tuition will remain at the same incredible low price of $15.00. These classes are possible because of a grant from the Community Foundation. Preregistration is required.

To celebrate Children's Art Month (March), the Uptown Gallery will hold a special exhibit of children's artwork from march 19-31. If your child has taken an art class at the Uptown Gallery, please consider their eligibility for this event. You can bring in your children's favorite/best pcs. March 15-16-17. If you live out of town, bring the artwork in next classtime.

A reception is planned for Sat. march 24.

Get excited, Pat Mennenger

Pat Mennenger
93 Poplar Grove Road
Franklin, NC 28734
828-369-0356
email: pm14034@yahoo.com
>

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Reminder - Two dollar a bag Book Sale at Library


Here is a quick note to remind all of you to take advantage of our "two-dollar-a-bag" pre-sale at the Friends Bookstore on Thursday, February 22, from 2:30 to 5:30 PM.

Open to members of the Friends of MBL only,
this is a great chance for all of us to find some really wonderful books at a low price. We are always getting new books at the Friends Bookstore, so make sure to stop by and see what we've gotten since your last visit.

And in case you can't make it on that day, there is the public sale on February 24 and March 3, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Make sure you don't miss this great sale!

Monday, February 19, 2007

14th Annual Organic Growers School


The 14th Annual Organic Growers School will take place Saturday, March 10 at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock.

Open to the public, the Organic Growers School provides practical, region-appropriate organic growing and permaculture workshops, homesteading and rural living classes, a seed exchange, a trade show, and a children's program open to kids aged 7-12. In conjunction with the Saturday school, hands-on, on-the-farm sessions take place on Sunday, March 11.

A schedule of events can be viewed here

Summer Camp at the New Classical Academy

The New Classical Academy is pleased to offer four weeks of summer fun camp this year. All sessions are one week, Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. Drop-off starts at 8:30am. If enough parents request it, there is the possibility of after-care. Camps are open to rising 1st-rising 8th graders. (Rising K may be admitted with staff approval.) Camps are led by teachers from our Weaverville school assisted by other local staff. Cost is $150/week per child, non-refundable. Please email or call to receive a registration form.

Week 1: June 18-22
Going Native
Learn about four Native American cultures: the Cherokee, Iroquois, Hopi and Sioux. We will work together to create a Native American museum. Activites include songs, games, stories and crafts of the tribe as well as creating housing and clothing models and costumes. We will also make crafts of foods representative of the tribes.

Week 2: June 25-29
Art Across the Ages
Children of all ages will be introduced to many different artists and media. Areas include Women Artists, African Art and Craft, Weird and Wacky Modern Artists, and Art Unbound- big, outdoor art. The lives and works of at least more than 15 individual artists will be examined, and participants will be able to try more than 30 different media for creating art- everything from drawing lessons to creating large outdoor sculpture.

Week 3: July 2-6
Pirates on Parade
This week will be a fun and wacky combination of two very popular themes- pirates and the Fourth of July! We will hide messages in bottles, hunt for buried treasure, and create pirate costumes and flags for our grand parade. Don't miss this opportunity to create your own pirate name, walk the plank and learn about some real-life ancient and modern pirate men and women.

Week 4: July 9-13
Harry Potter
This week is perfectly situated between the release of the final Harry Potter book on the 7th and the fifth Harry Potter movie on the 13th. Get swept up in the excitement at our camp with Herbology, Potion Making, Care for Magical Creatures and Defense Against the Dark Arts workshops as well as quidditch matches, and house competitions. We will also have a reading and discussion group and explore the Latin in Harry Potter.

Please call us at 828-658-8317 or send us an email at info@thenewclassicalacademy.org .

THE BIG READ ~ To Kill a Mockingbird




Coming to a library near you!
THE BIG READ ~ To Kill a Mockingbird

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Fun Friday - Wilderness Taxidermy in Franklin


This week's Fun Friday outing will be a visit to Wilderness Taxidermy.

This isn't your run of the mill taxidermy studio, but also offers a large display area and museum.


Come to Wilderness Taxidermy & Outfitters state of the art wildlife museum to enjoy collections of animals from all throughout the world. Our studio which has recently been expanded to over 6,000 square feet, includes our work area, wildlife art gallery, and impressive wildlife museum. Do not miss your opportunity to see quality taxidermy in a beautiful setting.


Wilderness Taxidermy and Museum is about 4 miles from downtown Franklin on NC 64 (Highlands Rd) on the left hand side of the road. (5040 Highlands Rd. 828-524-3677).

We will meet there at 11:00 a.m. Bring a sack lunch, we will picnic in a park afterwards, weather permitting.

Monday Movie at the Library - Toy Story 2

Family Movie Day At The Marianna Black Library


Mondays – 3:30 pm

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


February 19 - Toy Story 2

February 26 - A Bug's Life

March 12 - Monsters Inc.

March 19 - Finding Nemo

March 26 - The Incredibles

April 2 - Cars

Pictures from Aces Valentine's Party


The Valentine's Party was a big hit, and some great art was created by the Aces (and by a few Moms!). The art projects appealed to both the boys and the girls.

A big thanks to Jim Myers and the Myers Art Enrichment Studio. The studio is a great place for birthday parties or other group events. You can reach the studio at 828-735-3391 or flappylips1@yahoo.com



I've posted a bunch of pictures from the party for your viewing pleasure - enjoy!

Saturday, February 17, 2007

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain Jars of Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Great Value Peanut Butter

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat certain jars of Peter Pan peanut butter or Great Value peanut butter due to risk of contamination with Salmonella Tennessee (a bacterium that causes foodborne illness).  The affected jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter have a product code located on the lid of the jar that begins with the number "2111."   Both the Peter Pan and Great Value brands are manufactured in a single facility in Georgia by ConAgra.  Great Value peanut butter made by other manufacturers is not affected.

If consumers have any of this Peter Pan or Great Value brand peanut butter in their home that has been purchased since May 2006, they should discard it.

Note: This is real - a child in my mothers church in Athens, Ga is one of the people affected - Mark

 The news release on the FDA site is here:

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain Jars of Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Great Value Peanut Butter

Friday, February 16, 2007

TAASC Outdoor program in Asheville

My three homeschooled children were privileged to have experienced TAASC when there was a chapter in Black Mountain in 2001. At that time, their ages were 11, 10 and 8. The highlights were: rock climbing (blind folded!), a 5 day canoe trip in heavy downpour, wilderness first aid, caving over night, and the weekly meetings where they learned new adventure skills, worked together as a team to problem solve, or planned their next service project. Our family endorses TAASC and would recommend it to any homeschool families looking for enriching experiences for their kids. Fortunately, it is right here in Asheville now!! There is more information about the program below with contact numbers. Or feel free to contact me: Janet Hart ( jhart7@bellsouth.net)

The American Adventure Service Corps (TAASC) uses an innovative approach to youth programming.

Where else have you heard of young people helping paraplegics climb a 600 foot rock face, or kids paddling over 700 miles in two expeditions to the ocean and raising over $6,000 for Habitat for Humanity and flood relief efforts, or youth members climbing a team total of 75,000 feet to raise $4,000 for the Nature Conservancy?

The above examples and so much more are actually happening! The American Adventure Service Corps (TAASC) is an incredible opportunity for youth to learn valuable life lessons such as compassion for others, mental and physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, community service, respecting and caring for our environment, and a sense of adventure and zest for life. One of the greatest outcomes of TAASC is the continual injections of self-esteem that occur over the years to really build a solid foundation of self-confidence.

TAASC is a year-round, non-profit organization that utilizes adventure education and community service to enhance young people's development of values, character traits and life skills. It is a co-ed program for ages 8 through 18 and is open to those who are motivated and committed to active participation in a weekly meeting, one weekend adventure trip per month and a summer wilderness expedition.

Throughout the year the youth will participate in outdoor adventure activities like climbing, caving, paddling, hiking, map and compass and much more. Service projects like river clean-up, volunteering at Manna Food Bank, visiting with the aged in our community and helping the animals at Habitat for Humanity, add up to a long list of dynamic opportunities for youth to develop a strong service ethic.

TAASC has been running successfully for 10 years in Morganton, N.C and has been operating here in Asheville for the past 7 months. The Asheville program is currently looking for new members. If you are
interested please contact me for more information.

Thank you,

Greg Gillett
Director TAASC
(w) 828-299-9844; (cell) 248-346-3902;
evergreentaasc@bellsouth.net

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Roller Skating Reminder

Roller Skating in Franklin, Saturday 2/17, 1-4p.m., $4/per person.

Bring a friend!

Upcoming Events at Mountain Heritage Center

Nature's Tracks for children
Birds of Prey
Sunday, February 18
2:30
- 3:30 p.m.
Reservations required.

Appalachian Folklife Series: Telling Mountain Stories
The Queen Family and Neal Hutchinson
Tuesday, February 20
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Appalachian Cultural Lunchtime Series
Super-Scenic Motorway: A Blue Ridge Parkway History
Anne Mitchell Whisnant
Wednesday, February 21
12:15 – 1:00 p.m.

All programs are free. Call 227-7129 for more information or visit the Mountain Heritage Center Website

Mission Statement and Website Continued...

I want to clarify that the proposed updated mission statement for the Aces group isn't cast in stone, I was simply floating a trial balloon and hoping to generate some discussion. My personal thoughts are that the group should expand past our traditional homeschool focus in order to retain (and recruit) a critical mass of kids and families going forward, but I understand that not everyone may agree or feel comfortable with changing the focus.  One of the beautiful things about the web is if  we decide as a group that something else works better, it can be changed nearly instantly. So let me know what you think...

Also, about the website...for those of you who don't know, we (the Tyson's) are planning on taking another extended camping trip (this time going out west) , leaving late March and returning sometime in the early fall. While on the road, we're obviously going to be focusing on things other than events in Western North Carolina(!).... plus as we learned on our last trip, Internet connectivity is spotty at best when on the road. Therefore, once we've left, other than responding to any technical issues with the site, we won't personally be able to continue posting events in the local area. There are several other Aces families that  regularly post to the website, and hopefully everyone will feel the site is valuable enough to pitch in and post events they feel other members of the group would find interesting.

As such, I encourage everyone to feel free to contribute to the website. It's easy to post something - simply send an email to:  swainaces.homeschool@blogger.com

That's all it takes. Don't be shy ;-)

- Mark Tyson

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Movie listings now on website

I got tired of constantly having to look up the Sylva and Franklin movie listings, so I added them to the website. Just the movies are displayed, but if you click on the link for any movie it will show the times for all of them.

They are in the right sidebar down toward the bottom. Hope you find it useful...

- Mark

Friends of MBL Book Sale

 

To find out more on the Friends Of Marianna Black Library contact Jennifer (see e-mail below) or talk with a staff member next time you visit. 



From: Jenniferohly@aol.com

Dear Friends,
 
        Here is a quick note to remind all of you to take advantage of our "two-dollar-a-bag" pre-sale at the Friends Bookstore on February 22, from 2:30 to 5:30 PM. Open to members of the Friends of MBL only, this is a great chance for all of us to find some really wonderful books at a low price. We are always getting new books at the Friends Bookstore, so make sure to stop by and see what we've gotten since your last visit.
 
     And in case you can't make it on that day, there is the public sale on February 24 and March 3, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Make sure you don't miss this great sale! 
 
Hoping to see you there,
 
Jennifer Ohly
Membership Chairman


Arts & Environment Weekend at Tremont

Arts & Environment Weekend

April 27-29tremont

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:

"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 as well as other sessions as they're added in the coming weeks. Come join us and explore your personal creativity at the height of springtime!

Plug in Hybrids

For those of you who enjoyed the documentary 'Who killed the Electric Car' (it's at Ingles if you want to rent it), this is an interesting video on some work being done in California on modifying a Toyota Prius to make it run longer on pure electricity - the Plug in Hybrid concept. A good forerunner of what our cars may look like 5-10 years down the road.

Plug in Hybrid Cars

Capital Fest 2007

NCHE is sponsoring Capital Fest 2007 which will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh. The main goal is to give home educators an opportunity to meet with their Legislators, learn more about state government and tour many of the outstanding museums and visitor sites in downtown Raleigh. The best way to meet your legislator is to make an advance appointment their office for that day. In addition, NCHE plans to invite several legislators that have interest in speaking to their home schooling constituents in the auditorium of the Legislative Building. NCHE has also arranged other activities for that day to make your visit a full day event. The Capitol area visitor center has blocked off for NCHE members several time slots in the afternoon for tours. The blocks include tours at the History Museum, Science Museum, General Assembly and the Capital Building. You can call Jackie Parrish at 919-807-7947 to make your reservations. Please tell her you want to schedule a tour in the NCHE block. You will want to respond quickly. We could lose the blocks if there is not enough interest.

PLEASE NOTE: whether making reservations for your family or your support group PLEASE only reserve the number that has confirmed they are coming. Do not block off spaces for people that have not committed to come. Space is limited and we want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to participate.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Bryson Yoga

Bryson Yoga!

The next session of Yoga classes in Bryson City will begin on Thursday, March 1.

This will be a 4 week session and will meet each week at 5:30 pm at West Elementary School on Hwy. 74. (in the Little Theatre room). The cost is $30.00 for the entire session, payable on the first night of class. (providing there is an 8 student minimum)

Interested students should pre register with me by e mail : cathw@graham.main.nc.us

Please bring a yoga mat or large towel and wear comfortable clothing that allows movement.

Feel free to forward this along to anyone that you think might like to know about it.

Hope to see you there.

Sincerely,
Cathy Woods


Update to Aces mission statement

In order to reflect the current and future realities of the Swain Aces group, I've updated the mission statement on the website in order to be inclusive of students other than just homeschoolers. As our children continue to grow, our ACEs families will continue to take advantage of the increase in educational options (Charter and private schools, joint enrollments, etc...) in the area. My hope is that Aces will likewise evolve over time, continuing to provide meaningful and worthwhile enrichment to the children of Swain County and surrounding areas.

The new wording is below. Please let me know your thoughts or any suggestions for changes and improvements

Swain County ACEs (Another Choice for Education) is a group consisting of home, private, charter and public school children aged 4th grade and up (with younger sibs welcome). ACEs aims to provide educational enrichment and socialization in fun and interesting ways. We believe that differences (race, religion, upbringing, style of education, political belief, etc...) should be honored and respected.

- Mark Tyson

'The Music Man' at WCU

Broadway star and legend, Terrence Mann, is making his directorial debut at WCU with 'The Music Man' .

A friend and apprentice of Mann's, Jared Bradshaw, will guest-star as Harold Hill, the leading character and con man of the musical. Bradshaw is currently performing in the New York City production of 'Forbidden Broadway'.

The cast features WCU students, faculty and staff.

Showtimes are:

      • 7:30p.m. on February 22-24
      • 3:00p.m. on Feb. 25th.

Performances will be in the Fine and Performing Arts Center of WCU.

Tickets are on sale now at $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, and $5 for students & groups of 20 or more.

To purchase tickets, contact the Fine and Performing Arts Center box office website or call 227-2479.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Monday Movies at the Library

Family Movie Day At The Marianna Black Library


Mondays – 3:30 pm

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

February 12 - Toy Story

February 19 - Toy Story 2

February 26 - A Bug's Life

March 12 - Monsters Inc.

March 19 - Finding Nemo

March 26 - The Incredibles

April 2 - Cars

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Valentine Party Guests

Look who's coming to the ACES Valentine Party on Friday, Feb. 16th!


  • Vance Tyson
  • Cory Winchester
  • Jesse Hart
  • Trent Taylor
  • Lyndsay Taylor
  • Evangeline Nitz
  • Rowan Stuart
  • Ivey Stuart
  • Mary Allison Shell
  • Lauren Shell
  • Kellie Willcox
  • Christina Junkin

Be sure to bring a Valentine for each of your friends and a bag to carry home your loot!

Thanks to all the Moms who are bringing refreshments (Carole, Cindy, Barbara) and beverages & ice (Cheryl).

The Tysons are providing paper goods & party favors!

See you there!

Roller Skating

Roller Skating in Franklin, Saturday 2/17, 1-4p.m., $4/per person.
Come if you can! 

Friday, February 9, 2007

New Links on Website

Being as several of the Aces families have websites, I've added a 'Member's Websites' section in the sidebar of the Swain Aces websites. Right now it has links to our Have School Will Travel website, and the Nitz's NitzIt! website (which is a very well done antiques information website).

If anyone else has a website, let me know and I'll add the link to the Swain Aces site....

- Mark Tyson

The Web 2.0

Ever wonder what all the hype about Web 2.0 is? HTML, XML, RSS, del.icio.us, blogging, flikr, YouTube, etc?

This short YouTube movie does a really good job of giving an entertaining overview.

Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us



Well worth your time (if you have DSL!)

- Mark Tyson

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Reminder: Concert at Swain Arts Center

Sunday, February 11 at 2:30 pm - Swain Arts Center


Guitarist and songwriter, Tom Fisch, of Flat Rock will perform a concert of folk and country music from several genres on Sunday, February 11, at 2:30 pm at Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City, NC. Immediately following the concert, there will be a reception for artist John Speier of Bryson City, whose artwork in a variety of media, subjects and styles will be on display in the lobby of the Arts Center through the end of March.


There are samples of his music on the website if you are interested in a preview.

Reminder: Forums 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


"Climate Change 101: a Primer on Understanding Climate Change"

February 15, 2007; 3:00 to 4:00

By Thomas C. Peterson, PhD, a nationally known research meteorologist at NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) and a lead author on the U.S. Climate Change Science Panel Synthesis and Assessment Product on Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate.

"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.


"The U.S. Climate Change Science Program: the Latest Viewpoint"
April19, 2007 3:00 to 4:00

By Thomas R. Karl, PhD, the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center, and internationally renowned expert, will present the latest finding of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Fun Friday Reminder - Book IT

Don't forget your book.......

Let's Do A Book Swap!

If you have finished a book and don't mind parting with it, bring it to Pizza Hut next Friday, Feb 9th at noontime.

Maybe you really liked the book (or maybe you didn't). Bring it anyway!


You might even want to write your name on the inside flap and when you read it.

If everyone brings at least one book - then everyone can leave with a new book to read!!!

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

JCCH Homeschool Fair

The 2nd annual JCCH Home Educators Fair and curriculum sale will be

 SATURDAY MARCH 10

Hours are 10am-2pm

At the Community Services Center on Scotts Creek Road in Sylva

 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.  Attached is an information sheet for you to complete when registering.  Please make checks to JCCH (Jackson County Christian Homeschoolers).

 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.).

 Please pass along this information to anyone who is interested.

Sincerely,

Crystal Akers

960 Cope Creek Rd Sylva NC 28779

828-631-5282

crystal@copecreek.com

Homeschool Conference in Asheville on Sat

This Saturday there is a  homeschool conference being held in Asheville...go to the link below for more information.  I

 
Here's the conference web site where you can see the workshop schedule.  http://www.teach-at-home.com/HSO/?group=conference
 

1st Wednesday is Free Day at Pack Place

1st Wednesday is Free Day at Pack Place (In Asheville)

Wednesday February 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!

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Folk & Country Music Concert at Swain Arts Center

Sunday, February 11 at 2:30 pm - Swain Arts Center


Guitarist and songwriter, Tom Fisch, of Flat Rock will perform a concert of folk and country music from several genres on Sunday, February 11, at 2:30 pm at Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City, NC. Immediately following the concert, there will be a reception for artist John Speier of Bryson City, whose artwork in a variety of media, subjects and styles will be on display in the lobby of the Arts Center through the end of March.


Following the guitar concert, there will be a reception in the lobby of Swain County Center for the Arts for John Speier, whose artwork will be on exhibit through March 26. The more than 40 works of art range from realism to abstract to non-objective. A variety of media are represented including collage, serigraphs, mono-prints, woodblock prints, oil and pastel paintings and two wood-crafted tables. All of the artwork is for sale.


Everyone is invited to attend both the concert by Tom Fisch and the artist reception for John Speier free of charge. Come to Swain County Center for the Arts on Sunday, February 11 at 2:30 pm to enjoy a concert of folk and country music and meet the musician and the artist. Swain County Center for the Arts is located at Swain County High School, 1415 Fontana Road, Bryson City, NC 28713. For more information, call Jenny Johnson at 828-488-7843. Go to www.swaincountyschools.com and click on Arts Center to view the current calendar of events.


Growing up in Albany, NY, Tom Fisch won his first guitar in a raffle at a school bazaar when he was ten years old. That began a lifelong love and appreciation of music from a variety of genres. Tom says, "As the years went by, I found myself getting into singers and players like Doc Watson, James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg, Tony Rice, the Byrds, and traditional folk and country artists. My playing and writing were also greatly influenced by singer-songwriters such as Dave Mallet, John Prine, Steve Goodman, and Jonathan Edwards." Tom entertained audiences for many years throughout the Northeast at colleges, clubs, coffeehouses, festivals and fairs.

Friday, February 2, 2007

Book It & Swap It!

Okay Aces, here's and idea for recycling all those books you've been reading.

Let's Do A Book Swap!

If you have finished a book and don't mind parting with it, bring it to Pizza Hut next Friday, Feb 9th at noontime.

Maybe you really liked the book (or maybe you didn't). Bring it anyway!


You might even want to write your name on the inside flap and when you read it.

If everyone brings at least one book - then everyone can leave with a new book to read!!!

Optmist Club Essay Contest

WIN A $6000 SCHOLARSHIP!

 

COMPETE IN THE

 

2007 ESSAY CONTEST

 

 

THE OPTIMIST CLUB OF CHAPEL HILL

Affiliated with Optimist International

 


 


 

AWARDS

 

The local winner receives a $50 check.  The winner of NC East District of Optimist International receives a $650 scholarship.  The winner of the international competition wins a $6000 scholarship.

 

ELIGIBILITY :  Under age 19 as of 12-31-2006

 

TOPIC & LENGTH:

           

            "I want to make a difference because..." (400-500 words).

 

DEADLINE:   Must be received by Contest Chair by February 15, 2007

 

SUBMIT:   essay, application and proof of age to:

 

Ann Drake, Essay Contest Chair

1050 Beaver Dam Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27517-8903

 

 

INFORMATION AND FORMS:

            www. ch-optimists.org/other/Essay_Application_Rules-2007.pdf

       Phone: (919) 928-0537, Email: ann@thedrakes.net

 

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Taxidermy Trip Postponed

Considering the weather and what the roads over to Franklin may be like tomorrow, let's reschedule the taxidermy trip for Friday, February 23.

Also, is anyone out there interested in the Rainforest Adventure and/or Carl Sandburg Home trips? Please let me know so that I can proceed with planning. Thanks, Barb

Fun Fridays in February

Just a Reminder of Upcoming Events!


Feb 9 12:00


Pizza Hut in Bryson City Book It Lunch.

Bring a book to swap!!




Feb 16 1:30-4:30








Valentines Party at Myers Art Enrichment Studio - 1:30-4:30 Corner of Everett & Main in Bryson City



Feb 23 11:00

Wilderness Taxidermy (www.wildernesstaxidermy.com) in Franklin (5040 Highlands Rd. 828-524-3677).

They are about 4 miles from downtown Franklin on NC 64 (Highlands Rd) on the left hand side of the road. We will meet there at 11:00.

Pack a sack lunch.

Concert at WCU rescheduled

Rescheduled Event
at the Mountain Heritage Center
Due to inclement weather, the following event has been rescheduled


NEW DATE
"Winter Gatherings" Old Time Music and Bluegrass Jam
Featuring Cullowhee Creek
Thursday, February 15
Concert 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.                 
Open Jam 8:00
- 9:00 p.m.
Come and play or listen!