Sunday, December 30, 2012

Zoo Run Run (Nashville Zoo @ Grassmere)


Unleash the beast and stick to those New Year’s resolutions with a little help from your animal friends at Nashville Zoo. Our annual run is a 5K route that will take you on a mad dash through the park. Whether you sprint, gallop, waddle, or crawl the Zoo Run Run is sure to bring out your inner animal!

EVENT DETAILS:
The Run will be officially timed, so experienced runners are encouraged to join us! This is an actual 5K route; however, some of the course is off-road.
The "Run" is also a walk - we encourage families to bundle up, grab their strollers and come out to experience Nashville Zoo in wintertime!
Dinner will be served to participants as they complete the course. Spectators are welcome to purchase a meal for an $10 donation to the Zoo.

!!THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!!
Location:
The Zoo Run Run takes place on Nashville Zoo’s property and leads participants throughout the park and on the back of the property, winding through some undeveloped areas as well as public pathways. Be aware that several areas are gravel roads, dirt trails or otherwise unpaved paths.
Date: Saturday, January 26, 2013
Fee:
Registering by 12 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14:
Zoo Member ages 13+ - $27
Non-Zoo Member ages 13+ - $32
Zoo member and non-member children (ages 5-12) - $15
Add a ChronoTrack Chip - $2 per registrant

Registering after 12 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14:
Zoo Member ages 13+ - $37
Non-Zoo Member ages 13+ - $42
Zoo member and non-member children (ages 5-12) - $25
Add a ChronoTrack Chip - $2 per registrant
Race Day:
$50 per participant, ages 13+
$30 per participant, ages 5-12
Times:
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE:
1 p.m. - Zoo closes to the public
1:30 p.m. - Late registration/check-in begins
3 p.m. - Race starts
4 p.m. - Post-race celebration (includes award presentation)
Additional Information:
All proceeds benefit Nashville Zoo, a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization.
Register Online!
Are you a Zoo member?
Login for savings on this event!

Nashville Zoo FrogWatch USA...


Nashville Zoo FrogWatch USA

It won’t be long before the frogs and toads begin to fill the air with their calls to remind us that spring is here. Tennessee is home to 21 native species of amphibians and is a perfect place to hear the variety of frogs and toads that call Tennessee their home. Unfortunately scientists estimate that half of all amphibian species may be threatened with extinction. But there is something you can do to help! Join FrogWatch USA! As a volunteer-based monitoring program, FrogWatch USA gives citizens across the country an opportunity to be directly involved in gathering information that can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to stop amphibian decline. By collecting data on local frogs, you can help conserve these incredible animals and help preserve them for future generations.

You do not have to be a frog or toad expert to be a FrogWatch USA volunteer. All you need is an interest in frogs and toads and a willingness to participate in a volunteer training session with a commitment to monitor a site for at least three minutes twice a week throughout the breeding season. An ideal habitat consists of a wetland, such as a marsh, swamp, or pond that is quiet, safe at night and convenient for you to visit a few times a week. It could a creek, a favorite hiking trail or campground or even your backyard!

This program is free and open to anyone, individuals and families, who are interested in learning more about our local frogs and toads and wetlands. To become a FrogWatcher all you need to is attend our training sessions and commit to site monitoring at least once a week during the breeding season.

Upcoming Volunteer Training Sessions at the Nashville Zoo
Saturday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. General Training
Please pre-register for the training sessions by calling (615)-833-1534 ext. 141 or email jeperjesi@nashvillezoo.org

General information about FrogWatch can be found at www.aza.org.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Original Emancipation Proclamation Viewing


Original Emancipation Proclamation goes on display in Nashville

10:32 AM, Dec 10, 2012   |  
'First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation,' by Francis Bicknell Carpenter
Written by
Duane W. Gang
The Tennessean
The Tennessee State Museum is accepting reservations starting today for those wanting to see the original Emancipation Proclamation when it is on display in Nashville in February.
Those wanting to see the document — an executive order issued by President Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863 that freed slaves in the Confederacy — can wait in line or pay a small fee and reserve a time in advance.
The document will be on display for only 72 hours over the course of seven days from Feb. 12 through Feb. 18. Nashville is the only southeast stop for the document as part of the National Archives’ “Discovering the Civil War” exhibition.
Tennessee State Museum Executive Director Lois Riggins-Ezzell said the museum wanted to create a system where viewers could make reservations in advance after visitors at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan waited up to seven hours to see the Emancipation Proclamation.
“This way, visitors from Memphis, Chattanooga, or Knoxville can make a reservation before driving all the way to Nashville,” Riggins-Ezzell said in a statement.
Reservations can be made on the hour, quarter hour and half hour, with the last 15 minutes of each hour reserved for walk ins, the museum said. About 300 people will be able to see the document each hour.
“The National Archives are very strict about controlling the amount of light which is shown on the document,” Riggins-Ezzell said in the statement. “We have 72 hours of viewing, no more, so we have to make sure everyone who buys a reservation gets in to see it.”
Those interested can make a reservation through the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, either online, at TPAC’s windows or by calling 615-782-4040. There is no admission fee to see the document, but TPAC will charge a $1handling fee to process the reservation.
###

Family Events @ Bridgestone Arena


Discounts for Bridgestone Arena Family Shows

Monster Jam (2 shows) - Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam, stars the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - OR smash through. The 2013 touring season brings more Monster Jam excitement with the celebration of Maximum Destruction’s 10th Anniversary providing a massive night's entertainment tailored perfectly for your family's budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.
· Friday, January 4, 2013 @ 7:30PM
· Saturday, January 5, 2013 @ 7:30PM
Your Cost: $20.75/ticket (reg. $25) for Club Level Sections 201-224 and Upper Level Sections 301-333

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: DRAGONS (7 shows) - Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Presents DRAGONS is a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. DRAGONS is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth!
· Friday, January 25, 2013 @ 10:30AM & 7PM
· Saturday, January 26, 2013 @ 11AM, 3PM & 7PM
· Sunday, January 27, 2013 @ 1PM & 5PM
Your Cost: $16/ticket (reg. $20-$26) for Lower Level Sections 101-107 & 114-120

*BONUS* - 50% OFF Nashville Predators Kids Club All-Star Memberships with the purchase of Monster Jam or Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus tickets.

Your cost with the discount is just $20 per membership (reg. $39) and includes a Predators lunchbox, t-shirt, school supply kit, discount on GNASH birthday party/appearance, monthly newsletter, two tickets to a select home game ($70 value) and more! Go towww.nashvillepredators.com/kidsclub for more details.

Children 2 & up require a ticket. All orders are subject to a $5 handling fee. Payment and delivery for Kids Club memberships will be processed separately from the ticket purchase.   

Contact Dan Schaefer with questions/ticket orders at 615-770-2115 ordschaefer@nashvillepredators.com.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Santa Saturdays @ Cheekwood

HOLIDAYS at Cheekwood
November 23 - December 30, 2012

Let the holidays begin as Cheekwood showcases the sights and sounds of the season with lavishly decorated grounds, artfully trimmed trees, and unique holiday activities. This year, we will be celebrating ‘A Storybook Christmas’ with seven professionally decorated trees in the Museum of Art. From timeless reads to new classics, each tree brings a different Christmas tale to life in a new and festive way. Cheekwood is enchanting, entertaining, and educational this holiday season – celebrate with us!

SANTA SATURDAYS
Saturdays: November 24 – December 22
10:00am – 2:00pm (November 24 will be
from 12:00pm to 2:00pm)
Create festive decorations and family memories at Cheekwood this holiday season. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Santa’s Workshop for a one-of-a-kind holiday portrait, meet live reindeer before they make their trip back to the North Pole, make a holiday keepsake in our drop-in craft program, and decorate a tasty holiday cookie – all in our Frist Learning Center.
Drop-In Studio: Holiday Art Activities
Create festive crafts and warm memories in our drop-in family art program.
Cookie Decorating
‘Sprinkle’ your own custom design on a delicious iced holiday cookie!
Photos with Santa in his Workshop
Visit Santa in his North Pole workshop and leave with a one-of-a-kind professional souvenir photo.
*Additional fees apply. Photo packages start at $10.
Click here for photo packages and pricing.
• Live Reindeer
Don’t miss your chance to meet two of Santa’s trusted companions before they return to the North Pole.
• Holiday Storytelling
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us this holiday season for an exploration into the wide world of literature! Using songs, dance, and interactive reading, experienced storyteller Rachel Sumner will bring your favorite holiday-themed books to life.
*No Storytelling December 15th, because of the magic show. 



ALSO:


MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS
Saturday, December 15
11:00am

Join us as the very merry magician, Rodney Kelley, performs a hilarious family-friendly show that brings the ‘magic’ of the holidays to Cheekwood!



MUSEUM CONCERT SERIES
Saturdays & Sundays | November 24 – December 23
2:00pm

Join us in the Museum’s intimate Drawing Room to enjoy the seasonal sounds of some of Nashville’s best choirs and finest musicians. From bluegrass to big band and choral to classical, there is sure to be something for everyone. Click here for the full schedule.




 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Local 5K events

Don't Miss Out on the Craziest Race to Hit Nashville!
5K Foam Fest is the newest and craziest race to hit the nation. On May 4th Nashville will be transformed into a giant bubble bath full of FOAM and ginormous inflatable obstacles! Register now and get FOAMED!

12/02/2012 - Running Event - Jingle Jog - Lebanon Tennessee, TN
12/07/2012 - 32nd Annual Rudolph's Red Nose... - Nashville, TN
12/15/2012 - Trot fot Tots - White House, TN
12/21/2012 - Break Even 5k - Nashville, TN
05/04/2013 - 5k Foam Fest- Nashville 2013 - Antioch, TN
05/04/2013 - The Original Mud Run -... - Franklin, TN

About the Foam Fest...Want to see a Video???  Click here  Register for the Foam Fest before 11/22/12 and use code AXSPRFOAM  for $5 off.

Carolina Homeschooler's Trip to Costa Rica

 
Costa Rica! (clickable link)
Dates: March 8-15, 2014
Registration Deadline
: December 5, 2012



What we're doing
We're heading south this time, to Costa Rica! We'll get up close and personal with wildlife, zip-line through rainforests, hike through cloud forests, frolic in hot springs, go horseback riding on the slopes of a volcano, meander through the forest canopy on hanging bridges, visit a family farm and learn about local culture, experience Costa Rican ranch life, play at the beach, and more!

During our week's vacation, we'll visit San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and Guanacaste before returning home.

This trip is more active, so travelers with physical limitations may want to choose a different trip. Children must be at least six years old to attend (they will be able to participate in all the activities.)

Cost and what's included
The cost is $1,669 per person for a family of four, $1,704 per person for a family of three, and $1,769 per person for a family of two. (These rates are based on a minimum number of passengers. I won't confirm the trip until I have enough registrations to maintain our discounts.)

Families of four who want two rooms will be charged the same per-person rate as a family of 2. Larger families will be charged a per-person rate based on how many are in each room (maximum of four to a room).

Your cost includes hotels, individual transfers from the airport to our first hotel, transportation while in Costa Rica, breakfast each day, five group dinners, three lunches, and all activities listed on the itinerary. It also includes a group transfer to the airport on our departure date.

Your cost does not include airfare, any extra tours or activities you do on your own, meals other than those stated above, an airport departure tax (charged by the Costa Rican government, estimated to be $30 per person), tips for our tour guides and bus drivers, or trip insurance.

Payment Deadlines are as follows:
Within 7 days: $100 per-person non-refundable 1st deposit
December 5: $150 per-person non-refundable 2nd deposit
March 15, 2013: $350 per person*
June 15, 2013: $350 per person*
September 15, 2013: $350 per person*
December 15, 2013: Remaining balance*

All deposits and payments are applied to your total.

*These payments are refundable only if I have a family on my waiting list to replace you.

Experience Bethlehem 2000 years ago

Return to Bethlehem

Return to Bethlehem

Second week in December

Remember the reason for the season as you step back in time to Bethlehem on the evening of Christ’s birth during this walk through drama. Reenactors portray shopkeepers, families, soldiers, prisoners, and others involved in the daily activities of life in ancient Israel. Experience the place, the sounds, the smells and the anticipation of the town’s people as they go about the city selling their wares, tending their animals, and rearing their families.  Admission is free; offerings are accepted. Large groups are welcome and encouraged to call ahead.  Enjoy live music in the Sanctuary as you wait your turn to make the journey.   First Baptist Church is located at 246 North Main St in Madisonville.
Dates:  Saturday, December 8 – Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Time:  5 – 8 pm Saturday, Monday and Tuesday evening;  2 – 4 pm Sunday

First Baptist Church, Madisonville
270-821-3611
(about 2 hours from Nashville)

Adventure Science Center 12+ Days of Science




This holiday season, Adventure Science Center has so much going on that we can’t contain it all in just 12 days. There will be breakfast with Science Claus, birdhouse workshops, appearances by Dr. Winter, the annual Science of Beer and more. Mark your calendar and plan to join in all the fun. (Advance registration required for some events.)

Dec. 1 -- Breakfast with Science Claus
Enjoy a special morning with our big man in red.
Purchase Tickets Here
Advance registration required.

Dec. 8 – Science of Sound
Come EXPLORE holiday music from traditional to estraordinary, make a sound wave and create your own instrument to take home.
Holiday Music Performers include:
10:30am - Fiddle Frenzy led by Crystal Plohman, Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University 
11:30am & 12:30am - St. Joseph's Hand Bell Choir
1:00pm & 3:00pm - Science of Sound demonstrations led by ASC Educators
10:00am - 4:00pm (all day) - Musical Petting Zoo hosted by the Country Music Hall of Fame. 'Bang a drum, strum an autoharp and pick a banjo!

Dec. 15 -- Ornament Making Labs
EXPLORE technology to design and animate a prototype ornament. Work with members of the Robotics Club to build an electronic ornament powered with an LED for holiday pizzazz! For younger visitors, explore traditional ornament making with a space theme.

Dec. 16 – Elf Yourself! - Discount Day
Dress up like an elf, Santa or Mrs. Claus and receive $1 off general admission.

Dec. 20 – Wild Winter Weather Day
EXPLORE the wild winter weather here in Nashville, learn the science behind how a real weatherman makes his forecast, and try you hand at weather prediction.

Dec. 21 -- Penguin Power (Interactive Demonstration)
Ever wonder how penguins survive in the cold, snowy weather? EXPLORE how the different physical characteristics of penguins help them adapt to their unique environment.
Repeated Dec. 28.

Dec. 22 – Winter, It’s Not for the Birds!
Join us as we EXPLORE the birds of Tennessee, bird migration and how you can take part in a North American citizen science project with the Nashville Chapter of the TN Ornithological Society. Make your own winter bird feeder to take home.
Repeated Jan. 2.

Dec. 24 – Explore Hidden Worlds
What does warm-blooded and cold-blooded really mean? How can looking at objects in infra-red help us understand materials? EXPLORE the science of heart and temperature at the IR wall.
Repeated Jan. 3.

Dec. 26 – Exploration: Deep Freeze
Discover what happens to everyday objects when they are cooled down to -321 degrees Farhenheit. Watch as we use liquid nitrogen to turn the air in a balloon into a liquid, use a banana as a hammer, and (maybe) make a tasty winter treat.
Repeated Jan. 4.

Dec. 27 – Polar Pointers
EXPLORE the science of magnets, magnetic fields, magnetic levitation, and much more.
Repeated Jan. 5.

Dec. 29 – Wacky Dr. Winter - Guest Performer Dolc Ezzerf
How does the Tennessee winter compare to wintertime in the furtheset reaches of our solar system? Discover the chilling facts as extraterrestrial visitor Dolc Ezzerf, a.k.a. "Wacky Dr. Winter," visits ASC to share the cold truth of life on a planet with a  temperature of 300 degrees below zero. From frozen foods to icy sports and nearly lethal snowball fights, visitors of all ages will delight in this freezing frolic of winter fun.

Dec. 31 – Happy Noon Year!
Celebrate the New Year without staying up until midnight. A fun way for families with younger children to celebrate together, make some memories and do a little science!
Activities:
  • Make a noise maker and learn how noises are made
  • Make a party hat to wear all day
  • Dance under the disco ball
  • Tick, Tock, Make a Clock
  • New Year's Resolution Wall - what do you resolve to do in 2013?
  • Day and Night Discovery Cart Activity
  • Light Sabers Discovery Cart Activity
  • One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure will have a special showing in the Sudekum Planetarium
Grand Finale:
  • Sparkly Noon Year Toast
  • Indoor Fireworks (Bubble wrap stomp)
  • Balloon Drop

Friday, October 26, 2012

Science Thursdays @ Ridley 4-H Center

Science Thursdays
9:00am– 2:30pm
Jan 31, 2013 to March 28, 2013.

The Ridley 4-H Center Environmental Program is offering Science Days for the Homeschool community. Science Kids is a program established to help meet the science needs of home-schooled children. The program’s mission is to provide hands-on science experience in a fun and safe indoor/outdoor classroom environment.

The program is designed for 3rd/4th & 5th/6th grades in the following study areas:
* Earth Science
* Biodiversity
* Weather
* Plants
* Astronomy
* Machinery
* Water
* Scientific Inquiry

IMPORTANT:
 Cost $160.00 Multi child discount offered
 Registration = $50.00 per child (Non-Refundable) Due Dec. 21, 2012
 Parents Meeting Thursday Jan. 17, 2013 7:00p.m.

All Kids must bring a sack lunch each day.
Contact:
Ridley 4-H Center 850 Lion Parkway Columbia, TN. 38401 (931-388-4011)

Mission Trips w/ Soles4Souls


 Homeschool Community of Middle Tennessee

Come travel with Soles4Souls!

You may be familiar with us already--we collect used shoes and distribute them to people in need here in the US and around the world in nearly 130 countries.

But did you know that you can travel with us to Honduras, Haiti, Costa Rica, Jamaica, or Tanzania to deliver the shoes in person?  You can!  Travel4Souls takes trips all year long, giving students and their families the opportunity to serve others while learning about a new country and culture.

We make service-travel easy for you so that you can focus on working with our community partners and experiencing a new part of the world.  Our trips are flexible so that you can incorporate specific educational programming into the itinerary.

Visit www.travel4souls.org to find more details about our destinations.  We offer great deals for groups ($200 off the price plus $100 off for each individual you sign up to the group!).

Questions?  Email us at travel@giveshoes.org or give us a call at 615-391-5723. We’d love to hear from you!

 

Thought about traveling with us?  Check out our latest video.

Jessica Younker, Travel4Souls Coordinator
Soles4Souls, Inc.www.giveshoes.org
615.391.5723 office
Changing the World One Pair at a Time®

Find us: http://www.facebook.com/Travel4Souls
Follow us: http://twitter.com/Travel4Souls
About Soles4Souls®, Clothes4Souls®, Hope4Souls®, and Travel4Souls®Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty.  Soles4Souls’ other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.  Visit www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, www.hope4souls.org, or www.travel4souls.org, for more information. 

Nov Homeschool Days...Nashville Zoo @ Grassmere




Home School Days
Date:
  November 14th and 15th, 2012
Times:10 – 11a.m. Grade K-1/ age 5-6 (Session 1)
12 - 1:30 p.m. Grade 2-4/ age 7-9 (Session 2)
2 - 3:30 p.m. Grade 5-8/ age 10-13 (Session 3).
Age-Appropriateness:   Children ages 5-13 years old.
Admission Fee
Member Price: $6
Pre-registration required
Non-Member Price: $13
Pre-registration required
Advanced Registration:  Yes
(If yes, when does registration open, and when is the deadline to sign up?)
Registrations currently being accepted.  Deadline:  Friday November 9th, 2012
Location: Nashville Zoo
Brief Description:  Join Nashville Zoo’s engaging Home School Days classes that encourage home school students to learn about the importance of conservation by exploring the world of animals. These enjoyable and educational programs feature animal presentations and animal artifacts that will help students make connections between the lesson content and Nashville Zoo animals.
November Topic: Surviving the Wild
The need to survive has created spectacular diversity in the animal kingdom. Discover how and why animals are so different.
Contact Info:  For more information or to register, please visit the Education page at www.nashvillezoo.org, call 615-833-1534 x 143 or e-mail education@nashvillezoo.org

Friday, October 5, 2012

Special Offer for Treetop Adventures @ Nashville Shores Oct 8-12

Treetop Adventure Park
Fall Break Special
  
Five Huge Aerial Ropes Courses and Nashville's Longest Zip Lines
Buy One, Get One Free Special
   
      
Looking for something fun to do with your family next week for Fall Break? We are offering a Buy One, Get One Free special at the Treetop Adventure Park. If you purchase a regularly priced adult Treetop Adventure Park ticket, you will receive an additional adult Treetop Adventure Park ticket free. This special offer is available from Monday, October 8, 2012 through Friday, October 12, 2012.

The Treetop Adventure Park will be open next week beginning at 9 am, and the last group departs at 3 pm. Reservations are highly recommended.

Call (615) 889-7050 x215 or email Treetop@NashvilleShores.com to begin your adventure and book your reservation today! Click here for more information. 
  
Treetop Adventure Park contains a series of aerial adventure courses where individuals navigate close to 100 different obstacles. Course challenges include suspended bridges, 10 zip lines, cargo nets, scrambling walls, ladders, Tarzan jumps and many other thrilling elements. Treetop Adventure Park also features two giant zip lines 600 feet long, which are the longest in Nashville. 

*Special valid October 8 - October 12, 2012 only. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Prices and terms subject to change at any time. Based on availability.

Star Parties 10/20 @ Warner Park

 
 
Star Parties 
8 - 10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 20
at Warner Park
Nature Center
Join ASC and the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society for a close up look at the Summer night sky. No telescope necessary.

Adv Sci Ctr: 10/13 Planetarium Shows

 
Next Date: Oct. 13
Catch after-hours shows in the Sudekum Planetarium. 
6:30 -- SETI 
7:30 -- Skies Over Nashville
8:30 -- Laser Fright Light
9:30 -- Dark Side of the Moon
10:30 -- Laser Fright Light
Tickets go on sale at 6 p.m. Advance tickets now available online.

Adv Sci Ctr: Half Price Admission on 10/13

 
 
Half-Price Admission to visit Good For You opening Oct. 13
Along with the Healthy Family Fest, October brings the opening of a new temporary exhibit, Good For You: Healthy Fun on the Run. The exhibit teaches the importance of having an active lifestyle and good eating habits through a series of fun, interactive activities. For example, guests can plan a healthy meal in Sam's Garden and Kitchen or discover outdoor fun in Michael and Lea's Campsite. To celebrate the opening, the Science Center is offering half-price general admission on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Free Healthy Family Fest @ Adventure Science Center

 
 
Healthy Family Fest Oct. 13
Free event features live performances, zip lining, exhibitors and more

Come out to the Healthy Family Fest on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free outdoor event features live performances from groups such as Moves & Grooves, the Green Angels and more, as well as 20+ exhibitors centered on good health. Visitors may also try zip lining with Adventure Works or complete our kids obstacle course. Plus, the science center is offering half-price admission to see the new Good For You: Healthy Fun on the Run exhibit which opens the same day. The Healthy Family Fest is presented by TriStar Centennial Women's and Children's Hospital.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

TN Heat (Basketball-middle school girls)

The TN Heat girls' middle school basketball team is looking for girls grades 6-8 who are interested in playing. The season will be from mid-October to mid-February. We will play or practice 3-4 times per week. The practices will be Monday, Thursday, and Friday at different gyms in the Hermitage, Lebanon, and Mount Juliet. 

If you are interested, please call Susan Smith at 
 (615) 423-3162 or email her at 
Thanks,

Coach Susan Smith

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Help for Writer's (teacher's) Block

Check out the FREE printables designed to aid teacher's in their never-ending quest for writing prompts, offered by Kevin Savetz:  kevin@freeprintable.net ...



Writing Prompts
Earlier this year, I launched FreeWritingPrompts.net, offering dozens of sets of sample writing prompts for teachers and students to use in their classrooms. With a new school year in full-swing, I've added several more sets of prompts, for both essay-writing and non-fiction.

Everything on the site is free, and organized by category and then grade level. There are writing prompts intended for exercises in creative writing, essays, persuasive writing, and holiday-themed writing.

There's a new category of prompts for literature-based essay writing, and it includes topics for elementary, middle, and high school levels. I've also added nonfiction writing prompts up to the college level.
 
To use a set of prompts, just click on its listing at FreeWritingPrompts.net. Then you can simply copy paste from the web browser menu or download the set in DOC format, so you can open the prompts in Microsoft Word and even customize them before printing.

FreeWritingPrompts.net is just one of my FreePrintable.net sites dedicated to teaching and education. Also take a look at TeachersPrintables.net , PrintableFlashCards.net, PrintablePaper.net. That's just a few!

Please keep those emails coming! I count on you to tell me what printables you'd like to see next. I have lots more coming up, including new holiday printables. Happy printing!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Art Contest for Bookcover design...


Art Contest
 
Design a book cover for Escape the Amoz by Nancy Jo Wilson.

Who qualifies for the contest?
Homeschool students ages twelve through eighteen qualify. The student must be currently enrolled in homeschool.

What do I do?
1.      Read the novel, Escape the Amoz for free at www.stonecliffministries.com.
2.      Design a book cover that embodies the characters, setting, and theme of the book.
3.      Save your submission in a .bmp or .jpg image.

Where do I send my design?
Email your name, address, phone number, and a brief biography along with the illustration to outreach@stonecliffministries.com.

What are the prizes?
  • The winner’s illustration will be featured on the cover for Kindle and Nook e-book versions of the novel. In addition, the winner will be listed as illustrator and a brief biography will appear in the e-book.
  • Ten runner-ups will have their designs displayed at www.stonecliffministries.com website.

What is the contest deadline?
Entries must be received no later than
midnight on December 15, 2012.
 
 
About Escape the Amoz
 
Fourteen-year-old Caleb GoodArcher has no idea that a trip to the city will tear his life apart. On that horrible day, Caleb is confronted with the true oppressive nature of the relationship between the technologically-superior Amoz and his people, the Kinz. During the next three years, the Amoz grip tightens as the planet drifts out of its orbit, throwing it and its inhabitants into a never-ending winter. A mysterious man named Galax offers to transport the Kinz to a new home, but Caleb has to deliver his people from the Amoz first.
Escape the Amoz is an allegory inspired by the story of Moses. This novel is a pleasurable read for any middle school or high school student. It also lends itself well to homeschool curriculum. Study it for its own merits or include the novel in unit studies on Biblical/Ancient history, World War II, Apartheid in South Africa, or the United States Civil Rights Movement. The study guide includes projects, essay/paper ideas, and tests with answer key.

Home School Honor Society

The first meeting of the Gamma Nu chapter of the National Home School Honor Society, Eta Sigma Alpha, will be next Thursday, Sept. 27th, at Panera's in Providence, Mt. Juliet from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

The Gamma Nu chapter serves home schooled students, grades 9-12, in Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, and surrounding areas, but anybody who does not have a local chapter is welcomed to join!  

Basic information is below.  This should answer most questions, or you may call me, Michele Raymond, at 758-4028.  I do better returning phone calls than emails.  :)

If you'd like to read a general overview of the National Home School Honor Society, check out their website at www.etasigmaalpha.com.   Even if your student is already involved in an honor society at a tutorial, she or he may still join Eta Sigma Alpha.

There are some requirements for admission that were set by the national office.  They are: a 3.5 GPA, an 1800 (SAT), 26 (ACT), 180 (PSAT), or 90 percentile on the composite score total (IOWA OR STANFORD), and 10 or more hours of community service per year.  Additionally, a student must be homeschooled at least 50 percent of the time.  Regular meeting attendance is also highly encouraged.

Each chapter has their own additional requirements that may include dues, minimum meeting attendance, optional essays or letters of recommendation, etc.  

This year dues for Gamma Nu members are $10 per student for the school year which covers annual chapter registration fees, a certificate for each participating member, and end-of-the-year banquet supplies.  Also in Gamma Nu, students are required to participate just six times a year (mix and match meetings and group service projects), which works out to only once every other month.  We don't have any essay or letters of recommendation requirements.  

We try to keep meetings to an hour (okay, some times they run longer, but students may leave if needed), and we discuss college applications, service projects, and home school academics, among other topics.  Parents and siblings are welcomed to attend but not required.  Over the past two years, we've done service projects including food distribution at Joseph's Storehouse in Lebanon, sorting food at Second Harvest, helping out with Rutherford Habitat for Humanity, and inflating balloons for the Special Olympics.  We'd love to have you join us.

Thanks for your consideration, and we hope to see you the 27th!
Michele Raymond
Email:    losraymond@tds.net

Adventure Science Center Upcoming Events

Game On!10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 22
This Saturday, try a few slapshots with the Nashville Predators Youth Hockey on a temporary ice rink, enter a videogame tournament, see some of the latest technology from Sony Playstation, play a life-size version of Angry Birds and more. All activities are included with general admission. Supported by the Nashville Predators Foundation. More info>>

Family Science Labs
2 - 3 p.m.
Sept. 25 & 26
Enjoy some hands-on science as a family! This month, explore the world of physical and chemical reactions. Family Science Labs are perfect for home school students. Just $8 per person, and includes admission to the center. More info>>

Early Explorers
9 a.m., Every Monday
Bring your preschooler to the Science Center for a special morning of fun just for them. Discounted admission includes a planetarium show and story time in Destination Exploration, our dedicated preschool area. More Info>>

Intersession Camps
Oct. 5 & 8 - 12
Enrich your K-6 grade student's fall break with our ScienceQuest day camps. Each day features a new theme of hands-on activities and experiments to bring science to life. All camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with early and late care available for an additional fee. More info>>

Healthy Family Fest
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 13
Celebrate ways to be healthy as a family during this first Healthy Family Fest, a free outdoor community event at Adventure Science Center. The day features demonstrations, performances and exhibitors dedicated to getting families active, eating well and caring for their health. Presented by TriStar Centennial Women's and Children's Hospital.  More info>>

Way Late Play Date
7 - 10 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 25
A new season of Way Late Play Dates begins in October with a special Get Your Game On theme celebrating the technology of gaming. This night invites adults to come back and be a kid again to explore the science center, enjoy a beverage and experience the Sudekum Planetarium. Must be age 21 or above. Tickets now on sale! More info>>

Mark Your Calendar...
Second Saturday, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 -- Catch after-hours planetarium and laser shows in the Turner Theatre of the Sudekum Planetarium.
Little Labs, Sept. 29, Oct 17, 20, 24 -- Special hands-on labs for preschoolers.
S cience Cafe, Oct. 18 & 24, Nov. 15 -- Sit down with real scientists for informal discussions on a hot topics in science today.
Star Party, Oct. 20, Nov. 16 & 17 -- Join one of these free community events for gazing at the night sky. No telescope needed.
Whistlestop Weekend, Nov. 9 - 11 -- Don't miss this annual Nashville tradition when trains take over the center!
Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 1 -- Have breakfast with the big man in red.

Taping of "A Tribute to a Foot Soldier" 9/27

The taping of "A Tribute to a Foot Soldier;" Jimmy Gentry's story, will be held on Sept. 27 in Liberty Hall at the Factory in Franklin at 6:30 p.m. and the public is invited to be a part of the historic event. for more info, go here:

http://www.williamsonherald.com/home?id=81426

CPAC production: "Miracle in the Hills" 9/27-28

Here is another great homeschool field trip...It is a production put on by a cast of almost eighty homeschool students and graduates called MIRACLE IN THE HILLS. It is written and directed by Mary Evelyn (Mev) McCurdy and performed by the Homeschool Drama Society at the Cookville Performing Arts Center. This is the true story of a husband and wife doctor team who settle in the Appalachain Mountains of North Carolina in 1911. It is based on the book by Dr. Mary T. Sloop (with LeGette Blythe) about the mircles God had in store for her and her doctor husband in Crossnore, North Carolina.

The performance times are Thursday, September 27th at 7:00 p.m., and Friday, September 28th at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The evening tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $15 for a family. The morning tickets are all $3. The tickets are available at the door or by calling the Cookeville Performing Arts Center at (931) 528-1313. CPAC is located at 10 East Broad Street, Cookevile, TN 38501. They have a website www.cookeville-tn.org/cpac. You can also visit www.ChristianMusicalTheatre.com for more information on HDS.

This a fun-filled musical play with humor, drama, live musical instruments, traditional American folk songs, square dancing, hymns, & ballads as well as original songs written for the play by Mev McCurdy. Your whole family or homeschool group will find it very enjoyable.

By the way, for those of you who are familiar with the Notgrass Publishing Company located here in Cookeville, Mary Evelyn is the daughter of Ray and Charlotte Notgress.

Should you choose to attend the 10 a.m. showing on Friday and the weather is nice, you may want to enjoy a picnic lunch at nearby Dog Wood Park following the preformance. It is located just a couple of blocks from CPAC. It is a nice little park with picnic tables, sidewalks for bikes or riding toys, and a fountain/water play area.

If anyone has any questions about parking, area resturants, parks, or planning your trip to Cookeville, I will be glad to try to help you out. Feel free to email Catrina Howell at bobcattn@frontier.com. I hope that you have the chance to attend this wonderful presentation!

Home School PE classes @ the Brentwood Y

The Brentwood Family YMCA has a homeschool fitness class on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30. The first hour is sports related and the second hour is in the pool.

MidTN Fire Boys Soccer



Early planning for the 2012-13 Middle TN Fire has begun!!!!
 
If you would like to be included to receive information about our high school team (grades 9-12), please respond to the following email,  2013firesoccer@gmail.com
 
If you would like to be included to receive information about our middle school team (grades 6-8), please respond to the following email,  mtfiremanager@gmail.com.
 
You will be added to our list and will receive all the early information.  If you know of any other home school families who would be interested, please forward this email.
 
Thanks!

Nashville Ballet Free Performance 10/3

Degas and the Little Dancer
Ocotober 3, 2012
10 a.m.
Mt. Juliet Community Center
FREE

Join Nashville Ballet for a free performance of Degas and the Little Dancer. When young Marie gave up her dream of becoming a famous ballet dancer because of her family's financial hardships, she earned money by posing for the artist Edgar Degas when he created his famous bronze sculpture of a young baller dancer, "La Petite Danseuse." This ballet follows the heart-warming tale of the friendship that grows between the temperamental old artist and dedicated young subject, as told in the book Degas and the Little Dancer by children's author Laurence Anholt.

Like to Run? Upcoming area races...

09/28/2012 - Melon Trot 5k and Fun Run - Nashville, TN
09/29/2012 - 7th Annual Rally for Recovery... - Murfreesboro, TN
09/29/2012 - Christian Co. Relay For Life... - Hopkinsville, KY
09/29/2012 - Whiskers & Paws 5K Run/Walk... - Springfield, TN
09/30/2012 - MTSU Campus Recreation 2012... - Murfreesboro, TN
10/06/2012 - Run for Rotary 5K/10K (5th... - Brentwood, TN
10/13/2012 - Carolinas Spartan Beast... - Winnsboro, SC
10/27/2012 - 2nd Annual Boo Bash Dash - Springfield, TN

TN Living History Events (now thru 12/2012)

Sept 22-23. Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration at Sycamore Shoals State Park in Elizabethton. Click here for more details.

Sept. 30. Lantern Tour at Old Gray Cemetery in Knoxville. Click here for more.


The Tennessee History Festival
Oct 6. Living History Tour at Nashville City Cemetery. Click here for more.

Oct 6. Candlelight tour of Gallatin City Cemetery.
Click here for more.

Oct 12-14, Museum of Appalachia Fall Homecoming in Norris.
This is a huge event that includes crafts, music and much more.  Click here.

Oct 19-20. Tennessee History Festival in Nashville,
at the Bicentennial Mall State Park. A large, FREE event featuring reenactors of all time periods. In years past, there have been in excess of 50 school buses of students, so school groups are asked to RSVP at 615-741-5800. Homeschoolers are highly encouraged to come Friday afternoon, when most of the public school students have come and gone.

Dec. 15-16. Early Occupied Nashville event in Nashville, at the Belle Meade Plantation. Encamped Union reenactors along with artillery demonstrations, cavalry demonstrations, crafts, carriage rides, roasting of marshmallows, etc. There is an admission fee. For more info, click here.

Stone's River
Dec. 29-30, Civil War event in Murfreesboro, 150th anniversary of the Battle of Stone's River. Union and Confederate reenactors, programs of various kinds at the national military park.  Click here for more.