Swain Aces

Bill for additional Library Funding

2008-05-16T09:24:00.001-05:00

I’m forwarding the information about the new House Bill that’s just been introduced to provide additional state funding for public libraries. If passed, this will mean at least $10,000 for Fontana Regional Library to buy books, magazines, movies and computer software.

Please contact Representative Phil Haire or Representative Roger West (he represents the far western part of Macon County). I’m including a link to both of their pages on the General Assembly website for contact information.

Phil Haire: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/members/viewMember.pl?sChamber=House&nUserID=162

Roger West: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/members/viewMember.pl?sChamber=House&nUserID=267

Please share this with other members of your Friends groups, Library Boards, staff or anyone you know who cares about public libraries

Now is the time to contact your legislators in the House and urge them to sign on to HB 2090 bill.

House Bill 2090

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2007

H D

HOUSE DRH50795-LG-662 (4/23)

Short Title: Funds for Public Libraries. (Public)

Sponsors: Representatives Crawford and Jeffus (Primary Sponsors).

Referred to:

1 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

2 AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE STATE'S PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 SYSTEMS FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY COLLECTIONS.

4 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

5 SECTION 1. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the

6 Department of Cultural Resources the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) for the

7 2008-2009 fiscal year. These funds shall be allocated to all public library systems

8 eligible to receive funds from the Aid to Public Library Fund and used for public library

9 collections. The funds appropriated in this act are not to be considered or distributed as

10 part of the Aid to Public Library Fund. Each public library system shall receive the

11 following:

12 (1) A base grant of $10,000; and

13 (2) A portion of the remaining funds based on the population of the library

14 system's service area.

15 SECTION 2. This act becomes effective July 1, 2008

David M. Paynter, Director

New Hanover County Public Library

201 Chestnut St.

Wilmington, NC 28401

910/798-6309 910/798-6312 fax

dpaynter@nhcgov.com

We've been hacked

2008-04-30T08:33:00.002-05:00

The Swain Aces blog had an unauthorized post yesterday, which I have deleted. I believe the entry came thru an email posting feature to the blog which is available to some of the homeschool parents who used to post here regularly. I believe the post was a random event by a someone who used a spamming feature to blast the email out to a bunch of email addresses - this blog's just happened to get caught up.

If this continues to be a problem, I'll lock down the security on the site a bit tighter. There haven't been all that many posts lately, but it's still a useful mechanism to publicize events.

I'm sorry about the spam, hopefully it won't happen again.

- Mark Tyson

Mountain Landscapes Initiative - Looking for input

2008-03-29T10:35:00.004-05:00

The Mountain Landscapes Initiative is an effort, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Western NC and the Southwestern Commission, to create resources that can help communities throughout the mountains of western North Carolina address growth and development challenges. The first phase of this initiative, which is being carried out in 2007-08, is aimed at designing a growth management “toolbox” for Region A—the area encompassing the state’s seven westernmost counties and the Qualla Boundary. The toolbox will equip local governments, developers, and landowners to guide development in ways that foster economic prosperity while stewarding environmental and cultural resources.

In order for the Region A Toolbox to be useful, it must reflect the values, concerns, and visions of the region’s citizens. Therefore, the project team is soliciting public input during a series of Community Forums. At each Forum, participants will view a documentary video based on interviews conducted around the region. Then they will have a chance to share their own vision for the region's future. The dates of the forums are as follows:

Macon: Th, April 3 / Community Facilities Bldg / drop in 10am – 6pm; meeting 6:30pm – 8pm

Haywood: Tu, April 8 / Waynesville Rec Center / drop in 10am – 6pm; meeting 6:30pm – 8pm

Swain: Th, April 10 / SCC (Old Almond School) / drop in 10am – 6pm; meeting 6:30pm – 8pm

Clay: Sa, April 19 / Courthouse / drop in 10am – 2:30pm; meeting 3pm – 4:30pm

Cherokee: Tu, April 22 / Murphy Library / drop in 10am – 6pm; meeting 6:30pm – 8pm

Qualla Boundary: Th, April 24 / EMS Building / no drop in; meeting 5pm – 8pm

Graham: Sa, April 26 / Community Building / drop in 10am – 2:30pm; meeting 3pm – 4:30pm

Jackson: Tu, April 29 / Community Services Bldg / drop in 10am – 6pm; meeting 6:30pm – 8pm

These forums are a great opportunity for you to have a say in how our region grows; we hope you will participate. All participants will have the chance to win a free ride over the region in a small plane, courtesy of SouthWings!

Also, save the dates for the charrette (public workshop) at which the Region A Toolbox will be designed: May 13-20.

For more information: www.mountainlandscapesnc.org Gabriel Cumming, Outreach Director: gabriel@ncperspectives.org, 919-260-1891 Ben Brown, Communications Director: benbro@earthlink.net, 828-508-5002

15th Annual Organic Growers School

2008-02-12T16:15:00.000-05:00

Note: We attended this last year, and really enjoyed ourselves. Vance participated in the Childrens program, and made a scarecrow which is still standing in front of our garden area! - Mark Tyson

Getting ready to kick off the 2008 growing season?

Registration for the 15th Annual Organic Growers School is now officially open!

This year's tracks will include: Beginning Gardening, Back by Popular Demand, Nurturing Healthy Soils, Fruit Production, Commercial Grower, Sustainable Energy Options, Livestock, Homesteading, Pest Management, Sustainable Landscaping, Herbs, Urban Growing, Cooking, Sustainable Forestry and new hands-on, half-day workshops.

Here is a sampling of some of the 69 classes we offering this year: Growing Heirloom Tomatoes, Introduction to Organic Beekeeping, Drought-proofing Your Garden, Soil Science 101, On Farm Composting, Minimal Tillage, Beneficial Insects, Solar and Wind Energy Systems, Transitioning to Organic Production, Food Safety Issues, Pastured Lamb Production, Backyard Egg Production, Herb Kitchen Gardens, Stonescaping for Your Yard, Landscaping with Native Plants, Passive Solar Greenhouse Design, Tailgate Marketing, Sustainable Forestry, Home Orcharding, Organic Inputs that Work, Local Food Traditions, Wild Foraged Foods, and Food Preservation.

Half day hands-on workshops this year will include: Honey for Medicinal Use, Mushroom Production, Draft Horses, Fruit Tree Grafting, Dry Stack Stone, Native Plants, Food Preservation, Goat Cheese Making, and Organic Home Brewing.

Early Bird Registration ends February 28, 2008 at 5PM, so register now and save!

For more information, or to register, visit our website: www.organicgrowersschool.org

Businesses interested in participating in the school as a food vendor, exhibitor, or sponsor, should contact Organic Growers School Coordinator Meredith Leigh McKissick at meredith@organicgrowersschool.org, or call (828) 450-7996.

4th Annual Children's Program

The Organic Growers School is proud to offer its 4th annual program for kids.

The OGS Children’s Program seeks to convey the importance of agriculture and the environment by guiding kids through numerous, hands-on activities that involve plants, animals, insects, and food. This supervised, full-day event is open to children ages 7-12 years old, with a registration limit of 30 children. Cost is $30.

Click here for more information about the Children's Program.

Chocolate Cook Off at Library on Sunday

2008-02-09T08:38:00.000-05:00

The Friends of the Library invite you to sample the area's best chocolate confections at our Chocolate Cook-Off on Sunday, February 10 from 2-5 in the Library auditorium.

This event will help raise money for the Library. Entry tickets are $5 and include samples from all participants and a chance to vote for the People's Choice award. Refreshments will be available for $1.

At last count, there were 14 different entries into the contest. Come support the library this Sunday, and satisfy that sweet tooth at the same time!

Community Youth Forum Sponsored by 4-H*

2008-01-29T17:03:00.000-05:00

Swain County youth, voice your opinion!

"In Jonesboro, Georgia, Illai Kenney made her first public speech at the age of nine, founded Georgia Kids Against Pollution when she was 12, and was internationally recognized for her environmental and social activism long before she turned 18."

What are the youth in our community doing? What do they want to be doing? What do Swain County youth need to become the leaders of tomorrow? What are teens in our community thinking about? What inspires them? What can our community do to help?

Swain County 4-H is sponsoring a Youth Forum to find out! This forum is part of a series being held around the Southeast in conjunction with the Southern Growth Policies Board. The Swain County Youth Forum will be held Tuesday, February 5th from 6:30 - 8:30pm at the Middle School Library. Youth ages 12 - 18 are invited to participate in this discussion that will be facilitated by members of the Cherokee Youth Council. The information gathered at this Forum will be included in the Southern Growth Policies Board annual Report on the Future of the South.

"In Mabelvale, Arkansas, 16 year old Chauncey Holloman started her own greeting card company when she had trouble finding the right birthday card for a friend. Within three years she had landed contracts with national chains - and launched a clothing line."

Youth have much to offer but there are issues that need to be addressed. Information from the Southern Growth Policies Board highlights the following trends:

Many communities, especially those in rural areas, are losing their "best and brightest." Between 2000 and 2005, more than one in four 25 to 29 year olds with a professional or graduate degree and more than one in six of those with at least a bachelor's degree left the South.

As a whole, Southern youth are not as engaged in community and civic life as youth in other regions of the country. Nine of 13 Southern states fall below the national average in youth volunteer rates and young adult voting rates.

So, let's see what we can do right here in Swain County. First we need to hear from young people. This should not be a problem that adults plan and tackle. We should assist. We should support. We can help youth learn the skills they need to be productive citizens and lead the
rest of us into the future.

Please spread the word to the young people you know. Talk with your own family members, mention it at church, spread the word to the friends of your children, and suggest it to the people you work with. Encourage young people to attend the Forum on February 5th. Please contact me at 488-3848 or nira_franklin@ncsu.edu if you would like additional information or if you would like a flyer or two to post.

"As we look for ways to ensure future prosperity, we need to think of youth development efforts as economic development," emphasizes the Tennessee Commission on children and Youth. We need to seek out, encourage and inspire the talents and passion of the young people in Swain County. Join us at the Youth Forum. Youth, come voice your opinion. Adults, help spread the word.

--
Nira C. Franklin
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Swain County
NC Cooperative Extension
(828) 488-3848
http://swain.ces.ncsu.edu

Free Rice

2007-11-10T22:48:00.001-05:00

Want to improve your vocabulary and do some good at the same time?

Check out the Free Rice website. For each word you get right, Free Rice donates rice thru the United Nations. It is funded by the advertising on the site. Seems to be on the up and up, and the words can be tough.

Give it a try!

"The Smallest Elf" Performance

2007-10-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

Ã¢ÂÂœThe Smallest ElfÃ¢ÂÂ Performance

TOP HAT Talented Young Performers - Homeschool Acting Troupe invites you to a FREE performance of our first production, "The Smallest Elf", a Christmas story for the whole family. The Smallest Elf, Elwyn, just can't get any of the toys she makes right. Now, there is a little boy named Luke who doesn't even want a Christmas because his parents are too busy. Santa wants to make him happy for Christmas and has given the elves a challenge to make the perfect gift for Luke by Christmas Eve. Will Elwyn be able to make him a gift that doesn't fall apart? Will Luke be happy for Christmas? Come find out! The touring schedule is: Wednesday, November 28 - 11:00 AM - Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, Waynesville. Friday, November 30 - 11:00 AM - Henderson County Library, Hendersonville. Monday, December 3 - 11:00 AM - Hendersonville Little Theatre, Hendersonville. Friday, December 7 - 11:00 AM - Pack Memorial Library, Asheville. Tuesday, December 18 11:00 AM - Asheville Community Theatre, Asheville. Please RSVP to cary@3dkarting.com for a seat count. Some locations have a limited number of seats and we would like to know how many people to expect. TOP HAT is a new theatre troupe in the Asheville area comprised entirely of home school students. Our cast for this show ranges in age from 7 to 16. They have all worked very hard rehearsing this show, learning lines, and creating their own costumes and set. Come out and see a great show at a location near you while you get to support fellow homeschoolers and the price is right! The show lasts about 40 minutes and will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

Rwandans Come To SCC

2007-10-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

Southwestern Community College (JACKSON Campus) will be hosting the Mizero
> (Hope) Children of Rwanda Tour, on Tuesday October 23 from 10:00-11:40 in
> Myers Auditorium.
>
> The tour is coming to the States to perform at two UN sponsored events,
> one
> in Montreal and one in New York City. We are able to host the group
> because
> one of the tour group coordinators is a former SCC graduate.
>
> The person leading the tour is Jean Paul Samptu, an internationally known
> musician. In addition to Jean Paul, the group is composed of 12 boys and
> girls ages 9-15 who are either orphans of the genocide of 1994 or AIDS.
> The
> group brings a message of how real reconciliation can come from the world,
> even when it arises out of the worst possible trials.
>
> The 90 minute performance consists of an educational component, some
> testimonies by the children, traditional drumming and dancing.
>
> In addition to seeking support to stay on the radar screen of the world,
> the
> kids are also attempting to raise money to provide basic housing for the
> boys - they live in a bank parking lot when they are home in Kigali,
> Rwanda.
> If they don't get to their parking lot by the time it is locked up at the
> end of the day, the police pick them up an put them in jail, which is both
> unsanitary and unsafe.
>
> Performances like this happen upon us much too infrequently. I hope you
> will seriously consider including this performance in your educational
> offerings.
> If you have any more questions, please give me a call at 800-447-4091 ext.
> 245.
>
> Cheryl
>
>
> Cheryl Contino-Conner, Director
> Student Support Services
> Southwestern Community College
> 447 College Drive
> Sylva NC 28779
> (800) 447-4091, ext. 231
> cheryl@southwest.cc.nc.us

We're on our way home

2007-10-12T00:56:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! We're winding up our out west trip - at present we are in Nebraska, working our way back east. Our target is to arrive back in Bryson City around Oct 20th. Although we are way behind on the website (http://www.HaveSchoolWillTravel.com), we've stayed busy the last month and a half - visiting Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. We have just wrapped up a couple of weeks in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Vance is very anxious to see all his friends, and it will be great to catch up with everyone.

See you soon!

Mark, Denise and Vance Tyson

Self-Paced Courses

2007-10-04T20:59:00.001-05:00

Check out...

www.fridaycenter.unc.edu/cp/catalog

for info on self-paced courses

Paging all Jane Austen Fans!

2007-10-01T15:54:00.001-05:00

Those interested in joining a library-hosted Jane Austen Book Club call Miss Christine at the Marianna Black Library, 488-3030 x30.

MHC events

2007-10-01T10:30:00.001-05:00

Upcoming Events
at the
Mountain Heritage Center
October 3
Appalachian Lunchtime Series
Tim Barnwell
On Earth's Furrowed Brow: The Appalachian Farm in Photographs
Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium
12:15 p.m.

October 4
Exhibit Opening
Southern Stews: Traditions of One-Pot Cooking
Gallery B

October 7
Arti-Facts!
The History of Photography
Children's program – for reservations please call 227-7129
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

October 7
Book Signing
Victoria A. Casey McDonald
The African Americans in Jackson County
Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

October 9
Living with the Land Folklife Series
Tom Sheridan
Wilderness & Working Landscapes: Putting People Back in Nature
Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

For more information please call 227-7129.

Great Smoky Mountains Book Fair

2007-09-30T08:56:00.001-05:00

Saturday, November 10th

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sylva First United Methodist Church

www.gsmbookfair.org

Adult Tickets $5 ~ kids free

Teachers' Night at City Lights Bookstore/Sylva

2007-09-30T08:53:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, October 30th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Join children's bookseller Jenifer Ross for an evening devoted to teachers (home school parents have attended).

She will present the newest books for children of all ages, K - high school.

Please note that this event is geared toward adults and is not intended as a parent/child activity.

For more info www.citylightsnc.com 828-586-9499

High School Options Forum

2007-09-28T19:21:00.001-05:00

> Hello all.
>
> This is an advance notice / request for RSVP / plea for
> help for a HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS forum being planned
> for next month.
>
> It will be on Tuesday, October 23rd, from 7-10 pm,
> at the Friends Meeting House on Edgewood Road.
> If you plan to come, please RSVP (tahani@charter.net)
> by October 9th. The Meeting House is not huge, and
> we'll need time to find a bigger space if necessary.
>
> We are hoping to find a parent/student pair to represent
> each of the options listed below. Each pair will be
> asked to speak briefly to these general questions:
> What else did you consider?
> How was the transition from homeschool?
> What are the pros and cons?
> How has the academic experience been?
> How has the social experience been?
> And then will have a few minutes to answer questions.
> Unfortunately, to keep the forum from lasting into the
> small hours, we can only allot 10 minutes to each pair.
> There will be an hour of free mingling and munching time
> at the end to informally discuss things further.
>
> We plan to have a table with any literature we've gathered
> about the programs/places, but no "presentation" talks.
>
> Here are the options we've come up with. If we've missed
> anything, please let me know. If you would be willing to
> represent any of these, or have ideas of whom we might ask,
> PLEASE let me (tahani@charter.net) know. We do of course
> have leads for some -- others are wide open.
>
> * distance learning high schools (Laurel Springs, what else?)
> * internet AP classes
> * Asheville High
> * Asheville School
> * Carolina Day
> * New Classical (only 9th grade so far)
> * AB Tech Early College program
> * NC School of Math & Science in Durham
> * NC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem
> * AB Tech concurrent enrollment program
>
> We'll send out another announcement closer to the date,
> but mark your calendars and RSVP!!! (or you'll be relegated
> to the porch, lipreading through the windows).
>
> Thanks!
>
> Tahani S.

Explore the seven wonders of the world Learn more!

Downtown Trick-or-Treat

2007-09-28T04:45:00.001-05:00

Bryson City's Downtown Trick-or-Treat will be Oct 31, from 3:30-6:30 P.M.

Candy is being collected at various places around town; Mountain Discovery Charter School, Swain County High School, and Swain County Chamber of Commerce to name a few.

Happy Halloween!

Love and Logic Conference in Asheville

2007-09-26T11:59:00.001-05:00

Laugh the day away as you learn simple and practical techniques to raise responsible kids!

Jim Fay from Love and Logic Institute

Monday, November 5, 2007

8:30 -2:30 p.m.

$99.00

Crowne Plaza Resort

Asheville, NC

828-254-3211

visit the website for more information www.loveandlogic.com

Bryson Yoga

2007-09-24T09:13:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Just a note to let you know that I will begin another 4 week session of Bryson Yoga at Lakeview on Oct. 3 - 24. Class will meet from 5:30 - 6:30 pm, in the Yoga studio at Lakeview Resort and Spa, off of Hwy. 74.

The cost will be $30.00 for the entire session, payable the first night of class. Eight student minimum.

Please pre register with me via e mail or by phone if you plan to attend, 479-9373.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement, bring a yoga mat or borrow one of the studio mats.

Feel free to forward this along to any one who might have interest.

Hope to see you there.

Namaste,

Cathy Woods

Anne Frank Library Programs

2007-09-19T09:56:00.001-05:00

These are all at Pack Memorial Library, in downtown Asheville,
during the month of October. There are actually several more
programs.

==========================================

Anne Frank: Her Story, Our Story
Thursday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library Children's Department
This evening performance brings Anne Frank's thought provoking
legacy alive in a contemporary context for children and adults.
- Readers' Theater of The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
performed by local youths.
- "I Remember" a musical performance based on "The Diary of Anne
Frank" presented by the Keowee Chamber Music Players.

==========================================

Design Your Own Journal!
Thursday, Oct. 11 from 6-7:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library Children's Department
Learn to create your own artistic journal with laurie Corral from
BookWorks! The program is free, but registration is required.
Please register by calling the Pack Library Children's Department at
250-4720 by October 4. This program is for ages 10 and up.

==========================================

The Art of Journal Writing
Thursday, Oct. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library Children's Department
Using Anne Frank's words as inspiration, we will practice the art of
journaling ina creative and encouraging atmosphere. The program is
free, but registration is required. Please register by calling the
Pack Library Children's Department at 250-4720 by October 11. This
program is for kids ages 10 and up.

============================================

__,_._,___

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Stained Glass classes offered by Jim Meyers

2007-09-19T09:54:00.001-05:00

All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

This message may contain confidential and/or proprietary information, and is intended for the person/entity to whom it was originally addressed. Any use by others is strictly prohibited.

In compliance with federal law, Swain County Schools administers all state-operated educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability, or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.

MYERS ART ENRICHMENT STUDIO

19 Everett Street, Bryson City NC

ART CLASSES

WHAT: Stain Glass Classes

WHO: Adult Classes (4 weeks, 12 hours total )

WHEN: Every Monday or Thursday (you pick the night)

Starting September 24 and September 27th 2007.

TIME: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, but you can come and leave as your schedule allows.

COST: $60 per person-this will include your materials, all tools will be provided by the studio. Call to register for classes.

OVERVIEW: This class will introduce you to the history, materials, and the tools of the ancient art form of stained glass. Artists will be able to bring their supper or snacks into class. This will be a relaxing time to enjoy the pleasures of art, and to share good times with old friends and some new ones.

Questions? Call Jim Myers at 735-3391/488-3963 or email him at flappylips1@yahoo.com to sign up. Classes will be limited to size, please make checks payable to Jim Myers.

I look forward to sharing the joy of art with you !

Kick back and relax with hot games and cool activities at the Messenger Café. Play now!

MHC

2007-09-06T18:49:00.001-05:00

Mountain Heritage Center Events

September

9 - Arti-Facts! - Making Apple Head Dolls. Mountain Heritage Center 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

10 - Exhibit Opening - Let the Thunder Roar: A Pictorial History of African-Americans in Jackson County, NC.

11 - Living with the Land Folklife Series: Dave Cooper - The Hidden Destruction of the Appalachian Mountains. Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium 5:30 p.m.

16 - Nature's Tracks - Stream Exploration! Mountain Heritage Center 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

29 - Mountain Heritage Day

30 - Exhibit Closing: Bartram's Journey

October

3 - Appalachian Lunchtime Series: Tim Barnwell- On Earth's Furrowed Brow: The Appalachian Farm in Photographs. Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium 12:15 p.m.

4 - Exhibit Opening: Southern Stews: Traditions of One-Pot Cooking

7 - Arti-Facts!: The History of Photography. Mountain Heritage Center 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

7 - Book Signing - Victoria A. Casey McDonald - The African Americans in Jackson County. Mountain Heritage Center 3:00 p.m.

10 - Exhibit Closing: Let the Thunder Roar: A Pictorial History of African-Americans in Jackson County, NC.

11 - Living with the Land Folklife Series: Tom Sheridan - Wilderness & Working Landscapes: Putting People Back in Nature. Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium 5:30 p.m.

21 - Nature's Tracks: Gourds! Mountain Heritage Center 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

28 - Southern Stews exhibit presentation: Kay Moss - Harvest to Table. Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium 2:30 p.m.

For more information, please call 227-7129

Discover the new Windows Vista Learn more!

Tennis Lessons

2007-08-07T14:44:00.001-05:00

Tennis Classes Offered for Homeschooled Children

My name is Michael Baer and I am a teaching tennis professional. I am
proudly mentoring 18 homeschooled children in Henderson County. The groups
I teach are of different sizes and skill levels. The age range has been
from 7 – 16. My intention is to expand my homeschool tennis teaching into
neighboring communities.

The classes offered for an hour, during weekdays between noon and 3 pm have
been popular! The cost ranges between $10-15 per student depending on class
size and length. I will form the classes considering student availability,
age, and skill level.

I draw upon my experience of over thirty years as a tennis instructor and
seven years as a parent. I enjoy being a part of and am committed to the
overall development of each one of my students. I am very fortunate and
blessed to have what I love doing be so well supported by local homeschool
families.

I look forward to hearing from interested families at either 697-0953 or
e-mail at michaelbaer@bellsouth.net. Several of the parents whose children
I teach have gladly agreed to be references.

Messenger Café — open for fun 24/7. Hot games, cool activities served daily. Visit now.

Dance Classes in Sylva

2007-08-07T14:43:00.001-05:00

> > Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy in Sylva is offering homeschool
> classes this fall. The classes are on Thursdays. They are:
>
> Beginner Ballet (ages 8-15): 1:00-2:00 pm
>
> Beginner Tap/Jazz (ages 7-10) 2:00-2:45 pm
>
> Intermediate Tap/Jazz (ages 11+) 2:45-3:30
>
> Go to www.ttpaa.com for more information.
>
>

Be Free Yoga and Dance

2007-08-04T14:40:00.001-05:00

Something new to Bryson City!

http://befreeyogaanddance.com/

Perseid Meteor Shower

2007-07-29T23:14:00.001-05:00

Sunday, August 12

Storyteller Gary Carden to be a Franklin Library August 2

2007-07-24T16:19:00.001-05:00

All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

This message may contain confidential and/or proprietary information, and is intended for the person/entity to whom it was originally addressed. Any use by others is strictly prohibited.

Storyteller,Gary Carden of Sylva will be at Macon County Library in Franklin on August 2, 2007, at 7:00 pm. Check out the news release below. Please direct any questions to the Macon County Library. Their contact information is below press release.

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

Phone: 828-488-7843
Fax: 828-488-0523
Website: www.swaincountyschools.com/cfta/index.htm
Email: Jenny.Johnson@swaincountyschools.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursdays at the Library presents local storyteller Gary Carden at the Macon
County Public Library on Thursday, August 2, 2007 at 7:00 pm.

Gary Carden is the winner of the North Carolina Folklore Society's 2006
Brown-Hudson Folklore Award and author of several books and plays including
'Mason Jars in the Flood and Other Stories' and 'The Prince of Dark
Corners'.

Brought up in Sylva, North Carolina by his grandparents in a "house filled
with the past," Carden was steeped from birth in mountain culture, lore and
language. Carden relates telling his first stories to his grandfather's
leghorn chickens when he was six years old. Later he would retell community
happenings and funny stories to his fellow students at school. His
saturation in the culture was soon complemented by an insatiable appetite
for literature, ultimately leading him to an unlikely education at Western
Carolina University. >From such beginnings Carden has become the vehicle of
the region's oral heritage.

This program is free and open to area residents and visitors. Please join
us for an evening of storytelling.

Thursdays at the Library is an eclectic mixture of programs by authors and
musicians on topics designed for enjoyment and education. All programs are
sponsored through the generosity of the Friends of the Library and the Macon
County Public Library. For more information, please call the library at
524-3600 or check out our website at www.fontanalib.org.

Tracy Fitzmaurice (tfitzmaurice@fontanalib.org)
Assistant County Librarian
www.fontanalib.org
819 Siler Road
Franklin NC 28734
Voice 828-524-3600
Fax 828-524-9550

Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!

Music Programs Planned for MBL

2007-06-26T13:57:00.001-05:00

Frank Lee (July 26th)

Karen Barnes (August 9th)

David Russell (August 23rd)

Larry Barnett & George Krashaar (August 30th)

Call the Library for more info, 488-3030, or better yet STOP BY!

Shape Note Singing and Basic Music Theory Class!

2007-06-14T20:17:00.000-05:00

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

July 9th ~ 26th

5:00-6:30 P.M.

9 Classes

$50

Class will meet at Swain County East Elementary, Auditorium

Adults and Children Welcome

Taught by Rachael Lewis

488-2606 or 788-1179

Class will cover history of Appalachian shape note singing, using shape note singing in the classroom, singing with shapes in four part harmony, understanding key signatures, reading rhythms and reading on the treble clef.

Useful in the elementary class! CEU credits possible.

Mountain Heritage Center Events

2007-06-12T12:23:00.001-05:00

Mountain Mysteries Summer Camp
June 18 - 22
8:30 – 12:00 p.m.
MHC, HFR Building

Mini-Camp for Middle Schoolers
June 26 - 28
8:30 – 12:00 p.m.
MHC, HFR Building

A few spots remain in both the Mountain Mysteries Camp (for rising 4th and 5th graders) and the Mini-Camp for Middle Schoolers (rising 6th and 7th graders). Activities for both will include historic crafts, artifact exploration, field trips to historic sites in Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties. Charge is $25 per child.

Please call 227-7129 or visit http://www.wcu.edu/2401.asp for more information, or go straight to Educational Outreach's website for the registration form. http://www.wcu.edu/90.asp

Asheville Nature Center

2007-06-10T06:43:00.000-05:00

Nectar Day

The nature center in Asheville has a butterfly exhibit Saturday, June 30th
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. activities include getting your face painted,
making arts and crafts, and learning how to attract butterflies to your
garden.
takes place in a 15' by 40' mesh greenhouse.
regular admission fees, friends of the nature center and members free.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reptile Beauty pageant

Saturday, July 21st 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. register you talented reptile
pet in the annual reptile beauty pageant. all reptiles (please
non-venomous) welcome to compete for the silver scale.
please have an educational display for their pet.
the dimensions for the display should be 2' by 3' or less.
poster boards, photographs, and literature on your pet species. should be
included.
those entering must have have their display set up by 10:00.
those entering, friends of the center, and members free. all others
regular admission fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Feathered Frenzy
Saturday, August 11th 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
baffling and brilliant, brainy and bold, the world of birds is something
to behold.
programs, art, and survival games are all part of this educational day.
regular admission fees, friends of the center and members free.

For more information ~ www.wildwnc.org

2007-06-04T09:59:00.001-05:00

Quinn Morris Visit

Quinn will be visiting for the weekend with Jesse. The weather looks favorable for an outing at Santeelah Lake on Saturday (swimming & picnic lunch). If anyone is interested in joining us, give Jesse (or Barb) a call.

Bryson Yoga

2007-06-04T08:06:00.001-05:00

Bryson City Yoga Class will begin this Wed. June 6th

in the Yoga Studio at Lakeview Resort & Spa. (off hwy. 74). 5:30 - 6:30 pm. This is a 4 week session that runs through June 27. The cost being $30.00 for the entire session, payable the first night of class.

Please pre register with me via phone or e mail. 479-9373 or cathw@graham.main.nc.us

Students should wear comfortable clothing that allows movement and can bring their own yoga mat or borrow one of the studio mats.

Class is open to any one, as always, it is a work at YOUR own pace class, suitable for all.

Feel free to forward this along if you know someone who might have interest.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks,

Cathy Woods

Love to Learn Conference in Hickory

2007-05-31T07:54:00.001-05:00

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, NC

http://www.lovetolearnconference.com

Homeschool Dance Classes

2007-05-29T10:24:00.001-05:00

I spoke last week with Valerie Tissue who owns Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy in Sylva. She is exploring the possibility of offering homeschool dance classes this fall! The times and classes that were mentioned, but are not set or confirmed are:

Ballet (beginner/intermediate): Tuesdays 1:00-2:00 pm

Tap/Jazz: Tuesdays 2:00-3:00 pm

The cost would be $40.oo per month per class.

There must be a minimum of five students enrolled to offer the class. If you are interested, please e-mail Valerie at: valerie@ttpaa.com . She will only offer these classes if she has a good response form the homeschool community. E-mailing her does not mean that you are enrolling in a class, but it will give her an idea of how many families would be interested.

Also, Triple Threat is offering a number of week long summer camps and short term dance and music classes over the summer. You can go to: www.ttpaa.com to see what's offered.

Please Pass this on to any other homeschoolers that you think would be interested.

Angela Frye

Summer Day Camps in Cullowhee

2007-05-28T17:43:00.000-05:00

Jenny,

The summer camps are actually programs of Appalachian Homestead Farm & Preserve, co-sponsored by CSA. Thanks for circulating.

Vera

The following information is from Amy Garza, co-founder of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia. In her message below, she describes the Catch the Spirit Summer Day Camps they will be involved in through the Appalachian Homestead Farm & Preserve in Sylva. If you or someone you know is interested in more information or in registering for one of the camps, please contact Vera Guise by phone at 828-293-1013 or email at vguise@verizon.ne or contact the person listed in the camp description.

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

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

MESSAGE FROM AMY GARZA:

CSA SUMMER DAY CAMPS
at the Appalachian Homestead Farm & Preserve

by Amy Ammons Garza

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, a Jackson County nonprofit heritage organization, has been involved in Summer Day Camps for 17 years. Each summer, the concept and planning has been unique and creative. With each day camp we've included information about knowing and valuing the child's heritage and homelife, about the natural environment that surrounds our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and about the heritage and culture of the mountains. We are now booking for the 2007 summer months. All day camps will take place at the Appalachian Homestead Farm & Preserve on Tilley Creek in Cullowhee. Each distinctly different from the other, each day camp will be planned so that young campers will build their knowledge and skills base progressively throughout the summer, and will develop their natural creativity skills in ways that build self-confidence and higher academic achievement. To reserve a spot for any of the day camps and/or more information, call 828-293-1013 or email vguise@verizon.ne. (Please ask about scholarships. We want every child to have a camp experience.) Dates, times and descriptions of the Day Camps are:

June 20, 21, 22, 2007—9am – 5 pm
Ages 9 -14 $ 100 per person

Mountain Discovery Camp
CSA board members Amanda Dills Stewart, accomplished fiddle performer and teacher of the renowned Fiddlin' Dills Sisters, and Pam Dengler, also a seasoned fiddle performer and teacher will be leading this musical day camp. (If you don't have a fiddle, let us know.)
Blain Ogburn (field biology) and Ron Lance (botanist) will be with us for the afternoon outdoor excursions, courtesy of Balsam Mt. Preserve.
This camp balances the days between mountain culture and the great outdoors. Mornings will be devoted to beginning lessons in fiddle and traditional fiddle music from some of the best around, and after lunch campers will explore the higher elevations of the mountain and learn about native plant and wildlife from Blain Ogburn, Outdoor Educator. Campers will end the week able to play basic beginning pieces on the fiddle and, hopefully, a desire to continue to develop their skill. They will also leave with a greater appreciation of the natural environment, to understand and appreciate the complexity, interrelatedness and stewardship of nature.

June 27, 28, 29, 2007—9am - 5pm
Ages 9 – 14 $75 per person

Heritage Alive! Mountain Folkways & Folk Tales
With author and storyteller, Amy Ammons Garza, performance artist, Doreyl Ammons Cain of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, and other mountain growers, artists and storytellers. With Blair Ogburn, outdoor educator courtesy of Balsam Mt. Preserve.
Campers will explore mountain culture and history and its role in the new tourism-economy. They will discover the power of the pen as they learn to craft fiction and nonfiction. Campers will learn
· About planting and harvesting vegetables and fruits in season.
· About native wildlife, their habitat and behaviors.
· About mountain folklore as an art and a survival tool
· About famous storytellers and their art
· How to tell a twist of a tale of your own!
· How to write and publish your very own book from start to finish.
· Performance readings and storytelling
· Grand Finale' is a live performance for parents & guests.

July 26 & 27, 2007—9am – 4 pm
Ages 10 – 14

A Step Back In Time
Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will be taking part in this Jackson County 4-H sponsored workshop, hosted by Appalachian Homestead Farm. Among the "A Step Back In Time" new activities this year will be an honest to goodness old fashioned birthday celebration where we'll celebrate every camper's birthday, helping to build a trail and a tent pad, and making limberjacks. Don't know what that is? Just ask an old-timer and he'll tell you!
To register for this camp contact Heather Gordon, Jackson County 4-H Director, at: heather_gordon@ncsu.edu or call her at 828-586-4009.

Other Day Camps offered by Appalachian Homestead Farm & Preserve are:
July 12-13, 2007—Little Strokes of Genius, Craft & Culture of Appalachia
July 24 & 25, 2007—Mountain Dulcimer Camp
July 29, 2007—Women's Retreat
July 30-31, 2007—Mother-Daughter Camp

Amy Ammons Garza
Co-Founder, Catch the Spirit of Appalachia
29 Regal Avenue • Sylva, NC 28779
828-631-4587
v.ammons@mchsi.com
Website: www.spiritofappalachia.org

Summer art classes at Jim Myers Studio

2007-05-15T15:38:00.001-05:00

Art Enrichment Classes

for Children and Adults

Myers Art Enrichment Studio at 19 Everett Street in Bryson City, NC will be offering art classes for children and adults in stained glass, printmaking, painting, drawing, pastels, candle making, sculpture, ceramics, collage, mosaics, and art history.

Summer Studio Hours

                         Monday thru Friday - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm evening session

      Saturday-9:00 am to 1200 pm morning session

                         2:00 pm to 5:00 pm afternoon session

              Sunday-2:00 pm to 5:00 pm afternoon session only

Students can sign up for a monthly membership which includes 4 classes, each 3 hours long; fee is $60.00/including materials, or a $20.00 fee per individual 3 hour art session. Please call Jim Myers at 735-3391 or 488-3963 for more information about times and scheduled art projects.

Basic Storytelling Seminar in June--Bryson City

2007-05-14T11:11:00.001-05:00

There will be a three-session Basic Storytelling Seminar taught at Swain County Center for the Arts by Janice Inabinett in June. Call Janice Inabinett to register. See details below.

June 7, 14, 21            Basic Storytelling Techniques—a three-session seminar taught by Janice

(Thursdays)                 Inabinett. This is a three-session seminar experience for those interested in

                                   using the power of story to inspire, educate, and entertain. Discover the

                                   historical perspective of storytelling and explore the uses of storytelling in

     today's world. You will learn what makes a good story and prepare a story for telling.

     Swain County native, Janice Hilda Inabinett, MSW, has been a performing storyteller

     since childhood and became a professional storyteller in 1991. Cost: $40.

    Pre-registration is required. Call toll-free 866-433-4683 to register.

    5:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the Lobby of Swain County Center for the Arts

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

UNTO THESE HILLS

2007-05-05T12:06:00.001-05:00

Marianna Black Library Presents.........

The Last Performance of the Original Drama

UNTO THESE HILLS

Projected onto an 8 X 10 foot screen in the MBL auditorium

Thursday, May 10th at 5:30 PM

Thursday, June 14th at 5:30 PM

Thursday, July 12th at 5:30 PM

Call the library for more information 488-3030

FREE TESTING TALK Tuesday, May 8th, 2007, 6:30 p.m. ~ ASHEVILLE

2007-05-01T08:23:00.001-05:00

Because so many people contacted me and said they wanted to come, but couldn't attend here's another date...

FREE TESTING TALK Tuesday, May 8th, 2007, 6:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, May 8th, 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 specifically 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 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
Tamara M. Rutledge, M.Ed.
828-654-9180

Tamara Rutledge has been happily married for 14 years and homeschooling for 5 years. She and her husband relocated to Western North Carolina in 1998. Tamara holds an M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Maryland; she is an Orton-Gillingham Tutor in the Certificate and Associate Levels, and a Certified Fast ForWord provider. Tamara has been working with our special needs population since 1990, and offers assistance to children with difficulties in the areas of mild Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder. She is a member of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and attends the annual NC-IDA Conference to keep abreast of current research, legislation and best practices regarding Dyslexia. She was a Special Education middle school teacher, high school teacher and continues to maintain her NC Special Education Teaching License (grades k-12) by attending classes and workshops. Tamara has been an advocate for students with learning disabilities in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina by helping parents gain free and appropriate, individualized education programs for their children while attending public school. When Tamara is not working with children she enjoys traveling, hiking with her family, and making arts and crafts. Please feel free to contact Tamara to discuss your child's testing needs. In addition to daytime office hours, she offers evening and weekend testing opportunities.

We're on the road again!

2007-04-30T10:08:00.001-05:00

Friends,

We have departed on an extended camping trip to the American West. We are hoping to stay out this time until mid-September or so. Right now we are headed to the Southwest, then we are planning on heading north thru California, then returning via Yellowstone and maybe northern Colorado.

You can follow our trip at our website blog: http://www.haveschoolwilltravel.com

There are many articles and pictures covering our 3 month New England camping trip last fall on the website, and we're trying to keep it relatively up to date on our travels out west. To make it easy on yourself, if you'll enter your email address into the 'subscription' box at the bottom of the right hand column, you will get email notifications whenever a new item is posted to the blog.

We're currently in Amarillo, Texas, heading towards Carlsbad Caverns today in New Mexico...

Keep in touch!

- Mark, Denise and Vance Tyson

Summer Art Classes

2007-04-29T14:52:00.001-05:00

Summer Art Classes at Myers Art Enrichment Studio in Bryson City

For more information contact:

James B. Myers

Artist and Art Educator

19 Everett Street

BC, NC

828-735-3391

828-488-3963

flappylips1@yahoo.com

Singing at GUM

2007-04-23T14:35:00.001-05:00

Hello folks (whom I like to consider my local fan club),

I wanted to let you know that I will be performing at Greening Up the Mountains this coming Saturday in Sylva. I will be playing from 10:45 - 11:15am at the Heritage Stage. So, if you feel like coming on over and supporting me in my first performance of 2007 that would be great! I'll also be hanging out at the SCC pottery booth for a lot of the day, if you make it to the festival after I've performed, drop by. Have a great week and hope to see you next Saturday, April 28th.

Happy Earth Day!! all the best - hannah

Voices in the Laurel

2007-04-20T21:26:00.001-05:00

Voices in the Laurel Children and Youth Choirs will be holding open auditions on Tuesday, May 8^th .

For more information contact Derrick Robinson at voicesinlaurel@bellsouth.net.

Children's Choir consists of 3^rd-6^th graders and Youth Choir is 7^th-12^th graders.

Botany Class for Teens

2007-04-20T21:22:00.001-05:00

A Botany class for homeschooled teens at Highlands Nature Center (www.wcu.edu/hbs/Naturecenter.htm).

The speaker, Patrick Brennan, will speak on plant and flower anatomy and function and instruct students on basic plant identification and terminology while walking through the garden. It will last for 60-90 minutes and will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, May 3.

The fee is only 50 cents per person.

All older homeschoolers (and their parents, etc.) are invited. Call (828) 349-1111 or email at linda@faith-llc.com if you plan to attend.

Linda Bibb

Music Event Moved

2007-04-20T16:39:00.001-05:00

The Music Event at the Library on April 24 at 3pm is expected to be well attended! (Hope you still are planning to come!)

They have so many folks responding they are MOVING the site to MARK WATSON PARK.

So the HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM sponsored by the Jackson County Library on APRIL 24 at 3pm will be at MARK WATSON PARK.

Mark Watson is the one past the downtown area on the left coming from Sylva where the baseball fields and tennis courts are. There is a nice covered area so it is possible to meet even in rainy weather.

Hope to see you there!

Crystal Akers

Flower Walk at MHC

2007-04-20T16:12:00.001-05:00

The Mountain Heritage Center presents

Nature's Tracks: A Flower Walk with Dona West

Sunday, April 22
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Meet at Pinnacle Park parking area.
From Skyland Drive take Fisher Creek Road to the top which ends in the
parking area.

Please call the Center and leave a message if you plan to attend. Thanks!

227-7129

Botany class at Highlands Nature Center

2007-04-20T10:28:00.001-05:00

I've arranged a Botany class for homeschooled teens at Highlands Nature Center (www.wcu.edu/hbs/Naturecenter.htm).

The speaker, Patrick Brennan, will speak on plant and flower anatomy and function and instruct students on basic plant identification and terminology as we walk through the garden. It will last for 60-90 minutes and will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, May 3.

The fee is only 50 cents per person.

All older homeschoolers (and their parents, etc.) are invited. Please forward this to anyone you know of who might be interested. Call me at (828) 349-1111 or email me at linda@faith-llc.com if you plan to attend, so I can tell Patrick how many to expect.

Linda Bibb

New Museum opening in East Tennessee

2007-04-17T07:48:00.000-05:00

East Tennessee State University is opening a new museum this summer - just off Interstate 26. Soon, fans of fossils will be able to get a nearby fix, without having to go out west!

Discovered by a highway construction crew in 2000 during a road widening project, the Gray Fossil site was determined to be from the late Miocene in age (between 7-4.5 million years ago). This is the only Miocene site in Appalachia.

The road was rerouted to avoid the fossil site, and money was appropriated for a museum.

The 33,000-square-foot visitor's center will be adjacent to State Route 75 less than two miles from I-26 in an area that does not intrude on the dig site. The location of the visitors center provides easy access to the site for travelers from the region.

The center will include storage space for the fossil collection, a preparation lab, a museum, an education center, and a workshop for display construction and assembly of the fossils.

The 33,000-square-foot visitor's center will be adjacent to State Route 75 less than two miles from I-26 in an area that does not intrude on the dig site. The location of the visitors center provides easy access to the site for travelers from the region.

The center will include storage space for the fossil collection, a preparation lab, a museum, an education center, and a workshop for display construction and assembly of the fossils.

Music Program at the Jackson County Library

2007-04-17T06:49:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, April 24th at 3:00 P.M. Tim Beck will be leading a music program for home schooled children/families. For more information call the JCL at 586-2016. All Are Welcome!

Homeschool Day at PARI - May 4, 2007

2007-04-17T06:42:00.001-05:00

It is time once again for the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) to conduct our Spring Homeschool Day at PARI. The November program was a great success. We have developed all new programs for the session which will be held on Friday, May 4, 2007. The see a fact sheet, the schedule of classes, the curriculum and the registration form, go to http://www.pari.edu/programs/students/Homeschool on our website. You can also find direction on how to get to PARI at http://www.pari.edu/directions. We are limited to 100 students, so it is important to register as soon as possible.

We hope you and your student(s) can make it.

David E. Clavier, Ph.D.

Vice President of Administration & Development

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

One PARI Drive

Rosman, NC 28772

(828) 966-4097

Main (828) 862-5554

Fax (828) 862-5877

Cell (828) 553-9713

dclavier@pari.edu

Teachers' Night at City Lights Bookstore

2007-04-14T20:27:00.001-05:00

Join City Lights children's bookseller Jenifer Ross on Tuesday, May 1st at 6:00 P.M. for an evening devoted to teachers. She will present the newest books for children of all ages, K - High School. Lots of giveaways and door prizes such as posters, advance reading copies, reading guides, activity sheets, and more. Light refreshments will be provided.

Please note that this event, which will run from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., is geared toward teachers and is not intended as a parent/child activity.

For more information call 586-9499 or toll-free (888) 853-6298 ~ www.citylightsnc.com

The store is located in Sylva.

Easter Egg Hunt Photos

2007-04-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

You can view pictures of the Easter Egg Hunt here

Don't Miss 'Kilowatt Ours' at Library on Monday

2007-04-13T19:09:00.000-05:00

Kilowatt Ours
Monday, April 16th at 5:30 pm

Vance and I saw this film a couple of months ago - it's focused on where a lot of our energy comes from (coal), the impact of strip mining, but more importantly, what each of us can do to save energy. The last part of the film talks about what steps a normal family can take to save energy, specifically the savings in energy usage (and dollars!) possible by swapping over to Compact Florescent Lights (CFLs, now available at most stores that sell light bulbs).

It's a really cute film that packs a powerful message. Vance came home a convert, and really took an interest in saving energy (he faithfully turns out the light in his room now after viewing this film, and hounded me until we swapped over most of our lights to CFLs).

Highly recommended! There was a decent sized crowd to view 'An Inconvienent Truth' last week, so you probably won't be sitting by yourself ;-) - Mark

Reminder: Big Read at Library starting next week

2007-04-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

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.

Thursday, April 26th
5:30 pm

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

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

A Bone-afide Good Time

2007-04-11T17:36:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, April 21, Chimney Rock Park is going to the dogs with our 3rd Annual Bark in the Park. We're cooking up a tail-waggin' good time for Fido and his friends from 11am-3pm. There is no additional fee other than the normal park entrance.

We're excited to have a very special guest at this year's event, Maggie the Wonder Dog. Maggie has a full bag of tricks, but perhaps the most impressive is her knack for math. Yes, math! She's been on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Animal Planet's Pet Star. Maggie will show off her skills at noon and 1pm. We promise you'll be as smitten with her as we are!

Blue Ridge Agility Club is back with agility demos. Watch talented dogs jump, weave and run through an obstacle course and find out what it takes to train your pooch to do the same. Working dogs from Possum Hollow Farms will demonstrate herding skills. The Guide Dog Foundation will be on hand with dogs in training to help people with special needs.

Several animal rescue agencies will raise awareness of the needs of animals in our community and show you how you can help. The Blue Ridge Humane Society will have dogs that need good homes. Perhaps you'll find a new member of the family. Plus, canine caricatures, pet and owner look-a-like contest, most phenomenal pet trick contest and lots more!

Puppeteer Coming to Discovery Camp at Tremont

2007-04-11T17:27:00.001-05:00

First Ever Artists-In-Residence During Summer Camp

This summer we are excited to welcome puppeteer artist Hobey Ford to summer camp. Hobey will be our first ever Artist-In-Residence at Discovery Camp, June 11-16 and June 25-30. Hobey is the winner of puppetry's highest honor, the UNIMA Citation of Excellence, and recipient of three Jim Henson Foundation grants. He travels around the country and is widely known for his excellence in puppetry performance and craft.

During Discovery Camp, Hobey will conduct his Shadow Puppetry Workshop, which combines storytelling with shadow puppetry bringing a variety of cultures to life through folktales. During the workshop students will learn shadow puppetry performance techniques and how to construct their own shadow puppets. Each student will construct a puppet and get to work with Hobey.

In addition, Hobey will perform his newest production, "Animalia". The performance explores the magical world of animals with Hobey’s "Foamie" puppets large animal puppets carved from blocks of foam. After studying each animal's characteristic movements, he designs various control mechanisms to make the puppets themselves move in a life-like manner. For each performance he utilizes the entire theater as his stage.

As our artist-in-residence, Hobey will be eating with us and staying on site, and will also lead several Nature Clubs, a regular part of the Discovery Camp experience. For an artist to come live with us for several days, giving campers the chance to interact with him on a personal basis, is a real treat. Sign your child up early this year for Discovery Camp!

For more information refer to the Tremont Discovery Camp Website

Friends of the Library To Host Coffee-House Event with Live Music

2007-04-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

Sunday, April 15 - 2:30 pm

Everyone is invited to the library auditorium for fresh, home-baked desserts, drinks and traditional acoustic music provided by Larry Barnett and George Kraushaar. Both play a variety of instruments, including guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and squeeze box.

All proceeds from the sale of food and drink go toward new books and videos for the collection, programs for the children such as storytime, the summer reading program and Family Movie Day, as well as adult programs.

Even if you can't stay for the music, please stop by for a dessert and cup of coffee to support the library.

At 1:30 prior to the music, you are invited to the Friends Annual Meeting. Find out how you can get involved to help improve the library.

Love to Learn Homeschool Resource and Information Conference

2007-04-07T12:42:00.001-05:00

This conference was created to fill the need for up to date, accurate, unbiased, information concerning issues that affect the climate of homeschooling in North Carolina.

Date: August 11, 2007

Place: Catawba Valley Community College, Multipurpose Complex ~ Hickory, NC

For more info....

http://www.lovetolearnconference.com

Shrek at Library

2007-04-06T07:45:00.000-05:00

Family Movie Day at the Marianna Black Library

Monday April 9
3:30 pm

Shrek

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

Popcorn and refreshments provided.

State Easter Eggs

2007-04-06T07:27:00.000-05:00

Did you know that since 1994, each state has sent an 'official' Easter Egg to the White House?

Artists from across the United States create the decorated eggs, which represent each state and the District of Columbia.

Each year the artists vote amongst themselves to select the artist to create the following year's commemorative egg which is presented to the President and First Lady.

You can view all of the 2007 Eggs at the White House website

Seminar in Andrews

2007-04-04T20:15:00.001-05:00

Homeschooling - Methods that Win and Methods that Wipe Out
The seminar will be from 1:30 - 5:00 on Saturday, April 14th.
The cost will be $5.00 for early payment and $10.00 at the door.
For more information and to register.
http://www.jeanniefulbright..com/NC.html

Pizza and Politics!

2007-04-04T08:27:00.000-05:00

Last night while eating at the newly remodeled Papa's Pizza, Vance and Jesse met Congressman Heath Shuler, who was visiting Bryson City. Congressman Shuler shook hands with both of the boys, and spoke with them back in the gameroom!

Alas, we didn't have a camera on hand to record the event, but as we recently studied the structure of the U.S. government, it was neat for the boys to meet our new Congressman in person.

Films celebrating Earth Day

2007-04-04T07:09:00.000-05:00

All films at Marianna Black Library

An Inconvenient Truth
Monday, April 9th at 5:30 pm

The Oscar winning documentary by former Vice President Al Gore concerning the threat of Global Warming.

You'll never look at a smokestack the same the same way again. This is a very powerful, frightening, yet inspirational film.

Regardless of your political leanings, An Inconvenient Truth contains a message you should hear to at least understand the potential threat Global Warming poses to mankind.

Hoot
Monday, April 23rd at 5:30 pm

A really cute movie of 3 Florida middle schoolers who join together fighting to save a flock of burrowing owls from an unethical real estate developer, corrupt politicians, and clueless cops.

Based on the Newberry award winning book by Carl Haasen.

Produced by Jimmy Buffett, who makes a cameo appearance as a high school teacher.

Asheville Parks and Rec. Homeschool Adventures Trip

2007-04-03T20:19:00.001-05:00

Asheville Parks & Recreation is hosting a Home School Rock Climbing trip on April 17th.

They are meeting at 9:00 a.m. and returning at 4:30 p.m. to the Montford Center.

The fee is $16 for Residents and $17 for non-residents.

For more info folks can contact Christen McNamara at 251-4029 or

cmcnamara@ashevillenc.gov

__._,_.___

.

__,_._,___

Friday Egg Hunt & Picnic

2007-04-03T08:32:00.001-05:00

Friday Egg Hunt & Picnic

Calling all homeschoolers to bring a picnic lunch, blanket, a dozen plastic eggs with goodies inside, and a basket and come to the DeHart Bottoms on Needmore for an afternoon of fun!
When: Friday, April 6
Time: 1:00 p.m.
DeHart Bottoms is located approximately 3.5 miles from Hwy. 74

Antz in the Library!

2007-04-01T08:24:00.000-05:00

Family Movie Day At The Marianna Black Library

Monday April 2

3:30 pm

Antz

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

Popcorn and refreshments provided.

Blue Ridge Parkway Homeschool Day

2007-04-01T07:57:00.000-05:00

Updated to include map. This event is around the Little Switzerland area

Dear Home School Teacher,

The Blue Ridge Parkway is inviting all elementary aged home school students to the North Carolina Museum of Minerals (milepost 331) on Wednesday, April 18th, 2007.

As part of the Parks as Classroom Program, National Park Rangers will be assigned to the Minerals Museum that day to conduct educational programs for grades K-5.

The topics will include animal senses, habitats, life cycles, geography, and Native Americans of North Carolina, among others. The programs are free of charge and will last between 30 minutes and one hour. No reservations are necessary but if additional info is needed, see contact below.

Thank You,

Jonathan Bennett

828-765-1228

Jonathan_Bennett@nps.gov

Parks as Classroom Coordinator

Blue Ridge Parkway.

Marianna Black Library Presents 3 'Big Read' Programs

2007-03-30T08:05:00.000-05:00

Thursday, April 26th
5:30 pm

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

Aces Fun Friday - BookIT!

2007-03-29T07:51:00.001-05:00

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

2007-03-28T10:06:00.001-05:00

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?

2007-03-28T09:50:00.001-05:00

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

2007-03-28T08:08:00.001-05:00

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

2007-03-27T11:23:00.001-05:00

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

2007-03-26T16:35:00.001-05:00

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

2007-03-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-26T07:13:00.001-05:00

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....

2007-03-22T23:13:00.001-05:00

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

2007-03-21T22:39:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-21T21:30:00.001-05:00

'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

2007-03-21T12:25:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-03-20T21:00:00.000-05:00

HERITAGE ARTS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR YOUTH

2007-03-20T15:23:00.001-05:00

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

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

2007-03-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

The Rite of Spring

by Ann-Marie Imbornoni and Elissa Haney

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

2007-03-19T20:01:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-19T19:52:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-18T08:41:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-18T08:31:00.001-05:00

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.

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

2007-03-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

More information on the wee folk can be found here

Top O' the Mornin'

2007-03-17T09:01:00.000-05:00

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

On Stage in NC

2007-03-17T07:36:00.001-05:00

'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

2007-03-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-15T08:40:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-15T08:39:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-14T07:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-14T07:51:00.001-05:00

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

2007-03-13T20:50:00.001-05:00

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

2007-03-13T09:13:00.001-05:00

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

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Needmore Cleanup on March 24th

2007-03-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-03-09T09:19:00.000-05:00

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)