New Year's Eve Bowling!

Bowlerama

3031 Newcastle Ave
New Castle Delaware

Celebrate New Year's Eve
5pm–8pm

* Unlimited Glow Bowling
* Bumpers Available
* Shoe Rental
* MusicHats & Noise Makers
* 1Lg Pizza per lane
* Pitcher of Soda
* 10 Tokens for children under 12

Just $49.95 per lane! (Maximum of 4 people per lane.) *

*We are a family of 5, so I called and they said we could add another person for $10.

They will have a count down for the new year at around 8pm.
I am told this is an annual event at Bowerama and is alway great fun!

For more information call: 302-654-0263
or visit their website.

*

Special Holiday Public Skating Sessions at the Fred Rust Ice Arena!

December 28-29 * 1-3pm and 8-10pm
December 30th * 1-3pm and 7-9pm
December 31st * 1-3pm with DJ
January 1st * 1-4pm with Free Sand Art

January 2nd * 1-3pm

Admission:
$6 per person
$5 per person ages 6 & under

Skate Rental:
$3 per person

Group Rate Admission:
(groups of 10 or more)
$5 per person


Directions:
From I-95: Take Exit 1B, heading toward the University of Delaware Stadium on Route 896. Go through four lights. At the fifth light, turn right into the David M. Nelson Sports Complex. The Rust Ice Arena is the building to your left after making the turn.

For more information call 302-831-2868 or visit their Website.

First Night Wilmington 2008

First Night Wilmington 2008

“Bridging Cultures Through the Arts”

Monday, December 31, 2007

4:00-10:00 p.m.

Fireworks Finale
10:00 p.m. over Rodney Square

Beginning at 4:00 p.m. fun-filled activities in and around Rodney Square will entertain the entire family! From marionette shows, to dance performances, strolling entertainers and a variety of exciting bands, First Night Wilmington 2008 promises to be an event to remember. Special features for this year’s event include; our ever popular Youth Entertainment tent, the return of last year’s very popular Skating Rink on Market Street, There’s really no better way to begin the New Year’s Eve then coming together as a community to celebrate the coming of the New Year and the arts.

Admission buttons will be available at all New Castle County Happy Harry’s location on December 1, 2007. Get your buttons for just $7 for one or $10 for two. Children under age 12 are free! Buttons will also be available on-line December 1. For more information, on button purchases, click on “Admission Buttons”.

YOUTH ENTERTAINMENT:
LEGO Building Blocks Art Exhibit
Tuckers' Tales Puppet Theatre
Street Performers
Orbotron, Avalanche, Moonbounce and Trampoline Thing
Trackless Train by Richards Layton Finger
Jack the Balloon Man

Website for more information

*

Art Class Offered through City Gates

City Gates Academy is currently accepting registration for their "Multi-media" art class.

Students will explore diverse styles of art-making from mosaics to painting to crafts and beyond. Last year students' interests were sparked in a wide variety of techniques as they all enjoyed and benefited from the creativity of their teacher, Christina Hines. Christina surveyed the kids with regard to their interests for future programs and plans to incorporate many of their suggestions into this year's class. New material will be covered, so returning students are encouraged as well as students new to the class.

The age range for this art class is 4th - 8th grade.

This class will be held on Fridays at 12:45 to 2:15 beginning January 25.

Cost is $225 for 17 weeks.

Classes to be held at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church on Mt Lebanon Rd, in North Wilmington (just south of the Concord Mall).

To register call: 302-229-9626.

*

Antibiotic Resistance: Brain Pop Movie

Hot Off the Press!

In response to a slew of letters Tim and Moby received from students anxious about "superbugs" like MRSA (staph infections), Brain Pop has launched a new movie on Antibiotic Resistance. Be sure to check out the movie, which looks at the evolution of these superbugs, where they come from, why they're so dangerous, and what we can do to reduce their incidence!

Click here

*

Literature Lesson Plans

In my endless search for lesson plans for books the kids are reading, I just came across another decent resource. The Discover Education website offers free lesson plans. The literature lesson plans are offered for limited selection of novels and some lesson plans include suggestions for adaptations for older or younger audiences. This is actually a good resource site for various lesson plans and supplementary teaching materials. I am going to book mark it!

Website

Holiday Trains at the Wilmington and Western Railroad

Holiday Night Trains
Celebrate year's end with a 45-minute evening ride aboard historic 1929 rail car, "The Paul Revere." Track side neighbors decorate their homes for these festive evenings, train riders enjoy the best view! Help judge the decorating contest. Vote for your favorite holiday light display!

EVENT DATES: December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30
DEPARTURES: 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30pm
FARES:
Adults: $8
Seniors (age 60+): $7
Children (ages 2-12): $6

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

Santa Train!
Santa Claus rides the train and greets everyone on board, giving all children a chocolate treat! Be sure to bring your camera and have Santa pose for pictures with your child.
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16
12:30 & 2:30pm
FARES
Adults: $12
Seniors (age 60+): $11
Children (ages 2-12): $10

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
THIS EVENT HAS ASSIGNED SEATING

Website

All trains depart from Greenbank Station, located in Greenbank Park near Prices Corner on Delaware Route 41 North (Newport-Gap Pike), 1/4 mile north of Delaware Route 2 (Kirkwood Highway). Free parking is available at the station and at nearby Greenbank Mill.

Model Train Exhibit at the Brandywine River Museum!

The tradition of the model train display at the Brandywine River Museum is almost as old as the museum itself! Since 1971, the museum's collection of trains has grown to include 150 locomotives and 300 freight cars. The collection is frequently augmented by trains loaned by visiting engineers. Toy trains in the collection are mostly Lionel products dating from 1915 to the present. A "must see" for the youngest train fans is Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends from the Isle of Sodor!

The Brandywine River Museum's train display is part of "A Brandywine Christmas"
November 23, 2007 through January 6, 2008

Telephone: (610) 388-2700
Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(Extended hours until 6:00 p.m., Dec. 26-30)
Closed Christmas Day

Admission:
Adults, $8.00; seniors (65+), students with ID and children ages 6-12, $5.00. Free for children under 6 and Brandywine Conservancy members.

Website

Storytelling and Music from Odds Bodkin!

Happy Holidays,
From Master Storyteller Odds Bodkin!

Imagine--four hours of The Odyssey for your Fifth Grader...the entire Little Proto Dinosaur Trilogy for your five-year-old...The Rage of Hercules for your teenager...The Winter Cherries for your Holiday celebration...so many great gifts (and eleven more!) ready for your iPod or computer this Holiday Season--all for $99.

Odds' music-filled storytellings are unlike anything else:
Indie Awards.
Parents' Choice Gold Awards.
Storytelling World Awards.
The Children's Music Web Award.

From now until December 31st, oddsbodkin.com is proud to offer the following Odds Bodkin Storytelling Downloads,
15 titles (a $146 value) for $99

The Odyssey: An Epic Telling (4 hours)
The Adventures of Little Proto
Little Proto's T-Rex Adventure
Little Proto and the Volcano's Fire
The Evergreens: Gentle Tales of Nature
The Teacup Fairy: Very Old Tales for Very Young Children
The Wise Little Girl: Tales of the Feminine
The Winter Cherries: Holiday Tales from Around the World
The Blossom Tree: Tales from the Far East
Rip Roarin' Paul Bunyan Tales
With a Twinkle in Your Eye: Funny Folktales from Everywhere
The Hidden Grail: Sir Percival and the Fisher King
The Harper and the King: The Story of David and Goliath
Giant's Cauldron: Viking Myths of Adventure
The Rage of Hercules

Once you've purchased your Collection, your user name and password let you return any time to download at your convenience. A great way to give pre-loaded mp3 players!
Just click here!


Previously Homeschool Happenings!
1-Odds Bodkin
2-Odds Bodkin

IOWA testing offered at City Gates

IOWA Basic Skills Testing
City Gates offers this opportunity for testing to any home school student from 4rd to 8th grade wishing to assess their knowledge base.

When:
March 3, 4, & 5: 9:00 to 12:00
(make-up date March 6, in case of bad weather)

Cost:
$52.00
DUE Friday, December 21

Location:

City Gates Academy

Send payment & registration to:

City Gates Academy
P. O. Box 7581
Wilmington, DE 19803-0581

Be sure to include:
* Name of student
* Grade being assessed
* Address & Phone number
* Enclose Payment

For more information call Cheryl Cooper at (302) 234-4276
or via e-mail at Chkncooper6@aol.com subject line IBST

For those of us who have never done this before, I did have a couple questions which I emailed to my contact at City Gates. Below are the answers I received, I thought it best to just copy them verbatim:

Q. Who gets the test results?
A. The results are sent to the CGA test coordinator who them mails them out to the individual families.
Q. Are the results confidential?
A. Yes, the actual results are sent to each family.
Q. Is there a way to prepare a child for the tests if they have never done a test like this before?
A. Yes. If this is the first time a student has taken the IBST, when registering please indicate as such and request a practice/preparation test. http://www.bjupress.com/services/testing/practice_tests.html
Q. What if the child does not do well, does some "higher" authority get involved.
A. That is up to each individual family. As stated previously, the test results are confidential. No one has access to the answers except you, so no one else will get involved.
Q. What are the tests like, can I/we see a sample?
A. The only sample available to see is the practice test. People can check out the BJU press website for more information. http://www.bjupress.com/services/testing/iowa.html. There is an additional charge of $4 for each practice test. There are also other resources available on the BJU Press website for test practice http://www.bjupress.com/services/testing/practice_tests.html

Nutcracker on Ice at the Centre Rink, Delaware State Fair in Harrington!

The Centre Ice Rink at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington will present the holiday classic, “Nutcracker on Ice"

Saturday, December 22nd - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday December 23rd - 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy the retelling of this classic magical tale which combines the art of ballet with the athleticism of figure skating. This is the fourth ‘Nutcracker on Ice’ production The Centre has performed. This year, favorite characters will be joined by some new additions, such as: peppermint candies, lemon drops, swirling snowflakes, a little pair, and a fantastic crown presentation with some incredibly talented spinners.

Ticket prices are as follows:
$9.00 in advance;
$10.00 at the door.
Children (ages 2 & under) are free with a paying adult.

To purchase tickets call (302) 398-5900 ext. 500

Reserving tickets in advance is advised, as seating is limited.
Seating is first come, first serve, so arrive early.

Website

*

Jingle Bell Hayride at Bellevue State Park!

Jingle Bell Hayride
Saturday, December 15
5 p.m.

An old-fashioned holiday hayride through Bellevue State Park!

Afterward, enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate by the campfire. The fee for this program is $6 per person. Please pre-register by calling the Arts Center at (302) 793-3046. Meet at the Percheron Barn.

Bellevue State Park is located at 800 Carr Road, Wilmington, De.

website

The Nutcraker by Anna Marie Dance Studio at Archmere Academy Theater!

Come see homeschoolers, Billie Rose and Teddy in this wonderful rendition of the season favorite, The Nutcracker!

Teddy is a soldier in the battle scene and Billie Rose dances as a mouse in the battle scene and an angel in the Sugar Plum Fairy scene! Besides the charming and heartfelt performances by my children, (yes, I am biased) this production of the Nutcracker includes many, many, talented young people from the award winning Anna Marie Dance Studio. Also featured, as the Sugar Plum Fairy is the very lovely and beautiful Russian ballerina, Miss Anya. The battle scene is one of the most elaborately choreographed, by the enormously talented and charismatic Mr. Sonny Leo. And, the Christmas Tree in the party scene! This is no mere cloth and string effect. The tree is a fully decked out, three dimensional, growing and grandiose Christmas Tree. Thank you Mr. Bill!

There are lots of opportunities to see the Nutcracker in our area. This one promises to be a notch above the many. Unless you are traveling to NYC, you couldn't ask for a better time.

Dates:
Saturday December 15th, 2:00pm
Sunday December 16th, 2:00pm

Tickets:
$15 for children and Seniors.
$20 General Admission

For tickets call
302-475-3949

Archmere Academy is located at 3600 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont Delaware.

Pet Pictures with Santa! Kids too!

Join Forgotten Cats and Petsmart for this jolly holiday tradition!

Bring your pet, cat, dog, mouse, rabbit, parrot, snake, and have you pet's picture taken with Santa! Forgotten cats volunteers will be on hand to help your furry or scaled friend pose! The cost is $8.95 with a Pet Perks card (free from Petsmart) and $5 of that goes directly to Forgotten Cats to help support their mission of humanely addressing the issue of feral cat populations.

So come, join the fun, and get your pet photographed with Santa!
Santa says he will pose with kids too!

Forgotten Cats and Pet Pictures with Santa will be at the following Petsmart locations:
* Christiana, Delaware on 12/1 & 12/2,
* Brandywine, Delaware PetSmart on 12/8 and 12/9
* Jenkintown, Pennsylvania PetSmart every weekend EXCEPT the weekend before Christmas.

Picture time will start around 10:30 AM and end around 4:30 PM each day.

"Home for the Holidays" at The Baby Grand

"Home for the Holidays"

A heartwarming revue full of classic and favorite Christmas and holiday songs with lively choreography and featuring many of the faces you remember from past shows. Three Little Bakers' popular holiday show, based on the very first holiday revue created by Weber-Prianti Productions in 1990, features over 20 classic songs and is set in an old Victorian home where a theatrical family hosts a weekend get-together to celebrate the holidays."Home for the Holidays" plays at the baby grand in Wilmington, DE from November 23 through December 30.

For a complete listing of shows and information about ticket sales contact the Box Office: 302-652-5577 / 800-37-GRAND or visit the Box Office.

$35 Adults / $30 Senior Citizens / $25 Children (under 12)
For group sales information contact Dan Sanchez at (302) 658-7897
A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Michael's School and Nursery.

The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington DE.

Three Little Bakers

*

Yuletide Home School Day at Winterthur!

Yuletide Home School Day
Thursday December 13
10 am–3 pm

Take a tour of the mansion to learn how children experienced the holidays in the 1800s and early 1900s. Make a craft based on a toy children would have played with in the early 1800s. Stay to visit the family-friendly exhibitions - Pets in America and K is for Kids.

$8 per person; children under 2 free
Pre-registration required

For reservations call:
800.448.3883 or
302.888.4600

Website

Claymont's annual Christmas parade

The Claymont Christmas Parade is a holiday tradition honoring the
"Claymont Christmas Weed,"
a symbol of this community's indomitable spirit.

This year the parade begins Saturday, December, 1st at 10am and marches up Philadelphia Pike from the area of Maple Lane Elementary school to Darley Road! The parade includes marching bands, antique vehicles, New Castle County Police Department horses, fire and rescue equipment, floats, beauty queens, Scouts, civic groups and clubs. This year's event will also include a gingerbread house contest for children.

Best of all, this year's parade will feature the award winning Brandywine High School Marching Band! We will be there cheering for our very own Jesse marching with the Saxophones! Hope to see you there. Be sure to bring hot chocolate!

Diamond: Zome's Model of the Month for November! And Save 20% by shopping now for the holidays!

Diamond is a model of a "squashed cube" built in a red line meta-zome system articulated by Evan Gilgenbach. You can scale up any red line Zometool model using this system!

Save 20% for the Holidays!

Zome get slammed this time of year. They will reward you for placing your holiday order during November by giving you a 20% discount. Just enter the coupon code "joliday" at check out, or click here to find out more.

Diamond Kit - $59.50

Just what you need to build November's Model of the Month, "Diamond," at parts-by-the-pound pricing!
Order: Diamond Kit (Dd1)
Includes 112 balls, 96 short blue struts, 192 short yellow struts, and 48 long red struts.
Zometool is (and always will be!) safe for kids 3 years and up.


Instructions to build Daimond

Winterthur Pet Lovers' Fair! We will be there with Forgotten Cats!

Winterthur Pet Lovers' Fair
November 17, 2007
10 am - 3 pm

Bring your family for a fun day exploring all things pets! Meet interesting animals, learn how to take care of your own pet, hear animal stories, explore the history of pets at Winterthur, and make something to take home.
Included with all admission tickets. Members free.

Be sure to drop by to say hi and check out my kids working with Forgotten Cats!

By now most everyone in the homeschooling community knows about our "pet" project and favorite volunteer organization - Forgotten Cats. My kids love working at the adoption center, helping with the occasional administrative tasks, and volunteering for the various events. We have fostered cats and kittens and ended up adopting quite a few ourselves! Forgotten Cats will be hosting an adoption event as part of Winterthur's Pet Lover's Fair. (See details above.) The kids and I will be there helping out between 12 and 2 on that day. We would love to show off, I mean show off the cats, to our family and friends. This is going to be a wonderful event. We hope you will stop by and say hello!

Pets in America Exhibit
The Story of Our Lives with Animals at Home
11/10/07-1/20/08
Graves & West Galleries
Enjoy this family-friendly look at the history of Americans' relationships with pets from the 1700s to the present! Included with all admission tickets. Members, free.

Admission - Garden Pass
Adults $15
Students/seniors (62+) $13,
Children ages 2-11 $5.

Winterthur
Route 52
(5105 Kennett Pike)
Winterthur DE 19735

Winterthur is located on Rte. 52 in Delaware,
6 miles (9.6 km) northwest of Wilmington;
30 miles (48 km) southwest of Philadelphia, Pa.;
and 5 miles (8 km) south of U.S. Rte. 1

Sign up for you Passport to History!

Passport to History Program

Calling all homeschoolers to “walk in the footsteps" of history!

Passport to History is an interactive program for elementary school children generally in the 3rd-5th grades. Each child receives a Delaware County Passport. Collect 5 stamps from participating historical sites in Delaware County and receive, in a special awards ceremony for homeschool students:

T-shirt
Framed Certificate
Lapel Pin

Delaware County has a rich history!!
Do you know where William Penn originally stepped foot on Pennsylvania soil? It wasn’t Philadelphia! The Caribbean isn’t the only place with Pirates!

The Passport to History Program is free.
Most historic sites are free with passport.

Program includes:
Guided tours of historic Chester sites upon request.
Play all about Delaware County at Hedgerow Theater in April.
All children in a homeschool family are eligible for Passport status!

Call the number below to learn more about “walking in the footsteps of history!

Debbie Frederick
Passport to History Coordinator
610-359-0826

It's not too late! Reserve Your Tickets for These Wonderful Performances at the Dupont Theater

THE 2007-2008 CHILDREN’S SERIES AT THE DUPONT THEATER

NOVEMBER:

YARINA – Remembrances of Ecuador
THURSDAY, November 8
Tickets are $6.
Dressed in native outfits, Yarina sings in three languages including their native Kichwa, Spanish, and English and plays over 20 different instruments. Music, stories, and dance transports the audience to the Andes. – All ages.
Study Guide

THE SONG OF MULAN
MONDAY November 19; TUESDAY November 20.
Tickets are $6.
Mulan, serving in her ailing father’s place in the Khan army, risks everything to maintain family honor and earn the love of her nation. This noble Chinese folk tale features an extraordinary heroine, authentic costumes and props, and lovely songs. – Grades K-5 Wilmington

Shows are at 9:30 or noon in Wilmington
Shows are one hour long, unless otherwise stated.
For tickets contact Barbara Slavin
(302) 594-3166

Read Aloud Tour for Preschoolers at the Brandywine River Musuem: There are still two more!

Thursdays
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
November 8: Noodle (a dog story)
Pipe cleaner dogs
November 15: Beatrix Potter Tales
Animal collages

Inspired by the museum's Flights into Fantasy exhibition, the tours will begin with a story time in the galleries followed by a related art activity. These Read-Aloud Tours are designed for children ages 3 to 6, accompanied by an adult.

The tours are free with museum admission:
$8 for adults,
$5 for senior citizens, students and children 6-12,
Free for children under 6 and Brandywine Conservancy members.

Advanced registration is required.
Families may sign up for one or more programs by contacting the Education Office at 610-388-8382 or education@brandywine.org.

For more information about the museum, location and hours visit their website.

Pottery & Clay Art Classes at Darlington Arts Center

The following classes in pottery and clay art will be taught by the lovely Ms. Laura Berkemeyer. My kids took an Intro to Pottery Class at Darlington with Ms. Laura last spring. She is young, talented, enthusiastic, and great with the kids. I highly recommend these classes.
Next 8 week session begins November 14th!

Clay Creations (ages 6-8)
Wednesday 6:00-7:00 or Saturday 1:30-2:30; $93
Teen Handbuilding & Throwing (teens)
Thursday 7:15-9:15; $140

Intro to Pottery (ages 9-12)
Saturday 12:00-1:30; $124

Sculpture & Pottery (ages 11+)
Saturday 2:30-4:00; $124

Clay Critters (ages 5-8)
Saturday 4:00-5:00; $93

Call to Register:
Dawn C. Stevens, Registrar,
Darlington Arts Center
977 Shavertown Road
Garnet Valley, PA 19061
610.358.3632 x103
dawn@darlingtonarts.org
www.darlingtonarts.org

Check out all the wonderful classes in the Arts at Darlington!

The Whirling Dervishes Of Istanbul: Special Group Pricing Arrangement!

The Whirling Dervishes Of Istanbul
at the Annenburg Center
With special host Coleman Barks
Presented by the Philadelphia Society for Art, Literature and Music, and Philadelphia Dialogue Forum – in coordination with Penn Presents

The peaceful tradition of Sufism teaches personal development through worship of God, self-discipline and social responsibility. The Sufi's way of life is to love and be of service to people; and through the ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes founded 800 years ago by Jelaluddin Rumi, audiences gain an insight into one of the remarkable ways of achieving this goal. The program celebrates the UNESCO International Year of Rumi, and opens with select readings of Rumi by acclaimed author, Coleman Barks, and musical accompaniment by renowned cellist David Darling and virtuoso world percussionist Glen Velez. The second half of the evening features the spell binding performance of the Whirling Dervishes, with Turkish master musicians, who demonstrate the ancient ritual of turning. Come and be entranced by this centuries-old art form.

Homeschooler, Michele R., has arranged for a special group price for the performance on Friday, December 14, at 8 PM. Tickets are $18 per person for rear orchestra. She must have confirmation, payment and a self addressed stamped envelope by December 1. Michele will be mailing everyone their tickets prior to the show because the theater won't allow her to leave tickets at the box office for pick up. There is also available a lecture and dinner prior to the show on Friday night, that would be a separate cost. If you'd like more information about the additional cost and times for the dinner and lecture let Michele know.

Contact Michele: mranelli@comcast.net
Special group admission rate through Michele:
$18
Regular admission & performance time:
$55 • $45 • $40 • $30

Friday, December 14 at 8pm
Saturday, December 15 at 8pm

Location:
The Penn Presents theatres are located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in West Philadelphia. The Zellerbach and Harold Prince Theatres are at the Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street. Irvine Auditorium is located at 3401 Spruce Street. Directions.
Discounted Parking for Ticket Holders.

Box Office Phone Number:
215.898.3900

Alice in Wonderland at the Delaware Theater Company

ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

by Lewis Carroll
adaptation by Linus J. Speary
directed by: Sara Valentine

First State Children's Theater and Delaware Theater Company present:
A world premiere and new adaptation of Lewis Carroll's unforgettable favorite story. Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice and re-discover the fantastical and whimsical adventure through Wonderland. Surprises galore; there's so much to explore! A "curiouser and curiouser" world awaits you . . .

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland runs approximately 1 hour with no intermission.

Tickets:
Children $10
Adults $12

Box Office:
302.594.1100

Times:
November:
15: 10:30am & 7:00pm
16: 10:30am & 7:30pm
17: 11:00am & 7:30pm
18: 12:00pm & 5:00pm
19: 10:30am
20: 10:30am
21: 10:30am

Location:
200 Water Street
Wilmington, Delaware

Homeschoolers Week at Adventure Aquarium!

November 12-16

Visit Adventure Aquarium at a great price!

Adventure Aquarium will be hosting “Homeschoolers Week” where homeschool students will receive the discounted school group rate, without having a group of 20 or more!

They will even provide a scavenger hunt for the students to work on as they enjoy over 60 exhibits, including 5 new “Interactive Attractions”.

Homeschool Admission is only:
$9.00/Child & $10.00/Adult plus 7% NJ sales tax

(General Admission is usually $14.95/Child & $17.95/Adult plus tax)

Located on the Delaware River Just Minutes from Philadelphia
Check out their website at www.adventureaquarium.com

THERE IS NOT MUCH TIME LEFT!
REGISTRATION 10 DAYS IN ADVANCE!

It is not too late to call or email your registration.
Call for a registration form cut and paste copy below.

Contact:
Jhonny St. Jean Adventure Specialist Adventure Aquarium
1 Aquarium Drive Camden, NJ 08103
P: 856.365.3300 x.7544
Jstjean@AdventureAquarium.com

* * * * * * * * * *

2007 Homeschoolers Week at Adventure Aquarium Order Form

November 12-16th

This form is to be filled out by participants and mailed/faxed to the Adventure Aquarium sales office. Please place your order at least 10 days prior to your chosen date as this special group rate will not apply to walk-up ticket purchases.

CONTACT INFORMATION: (please print clearly)

Organization (if applicable) _______________________________

Name ____________________________Email ____________________________

Street Address_______________________________________________________

City ____________________________________ State ____________ Zip ______

Daytime Phone ____________________ Evening Phone ______________________

DATE & TIME PREFERENCE:

Please circle preferred day: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Please circle preferred arrival time: 9:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 1:30

TICKET PURCHASE:

Quantity Price Total


________ Children x $9.00 = $________
*guests under 2 are free

________ Adults x $10.00 = $________

7% NJ State Tax $________
If applicable, please include your organization’s tax exempt form.

TOTAL $________

Please tell us how many scavenger hunt worksheets you would like for your order: _____
Is lunch space required? (Groups of 15 + only): Yes No

PAYMENT METHOD:

Check/Money Order Enclosed ____

Credit Card Please charge my ____ Visa ____ MasterCard ____ American Express ____ Discover

_______________________________________________ _____________________
Credit Card # Exp. Date

______________________________________________ _____________________________________________
Signature Name on Card

Please submit all credit card orders to the attention of the ‘Group Sales Department’ via Fax (856-365-3311) or E-mail (Jstjean@AdventureAquarium.com) only. All check payments should be made payable to ‘Adventure Aquarium’ and mailed to: Adventure Aquarium; Attn: Homeschool Week; 1 Aquarium Drive; Camden, NJ 08103. No orders will be taken over the phone. The above admission rate applies to advance orders only.
Walk-up customers will receive regular admission prices.

The Second Annual Delaware Book Festival!

Bring the Family for an Enchanting, Informative, and Fun-Filled Day!

First State Heritage Park At Dover
Saturday, November 3, 2007
10AM — 4PM / Rain or Shine
All Events Free!

Meet more than 35 nationally recognized authors and illustrators!
Come and enjoy a wide range of workshops!
Delight in enchanting performers, storytellers and musicians!

Now in its second year, the Delaware Book Festival is an intriguing and wonderful event for readers, writers, artists and book lovers of all ages!

Website

Directions
Download area map
Download 12 page Program Guide

Sheep! At Coverdale Farm This Weekend!

The Sheep take a Hike

Sunday, November 4
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Come to Coverdale and “get lost” on an autumn foliage nature hike. Discover why the sheep’s wool will help us find our way back. Once we’re back at the farm, meet our sheep and learn about their habitat. Play a “leaf snatch” relay race game, relax with a snack and a story you’re sure to enjoy.

Member Price: $11.00
Non-Member Price: $15
Course#: F07-058-CF
Led by: Bethanie Delfunt

To Register contact Ashland Nature Center:
302-239-2334

About Coverdale Farms:
This 19th century operating farm is an educational resource. The farm complex includes a stone bank barn built in the late 1700's, farm equipment, a house, several outbuildings, acres of corn, soybean and hay; and an area for livestock. Though not generally open to the public, school students and participants in seasonal programs learn about the farm cycle of life, the origin of food and natural fibers, the significance of living soil, and our dependence upon soil, water, plants and animals for survival. Programs offer close-up, hands-on experiences with the livestock including cows, chickens, pigs, sheep and others. Demonstration plots emphasize organic and no-till farming practices while other lands will be left undisturbed and managed for the benefit of wildlife. Surrounding land features old-growth forest and Burrows Run, one of Delaware's cleanest waterways, runs through the tract.

Location:
543 Way Road, Greenville, DE

Last Chance Tonight! Why Not? Bring a Teen For Free: Madame Butterfly!

MADAME BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
A young geisha caught in the clash of two cultures.
Inspired and beautiful music!
Italian with supertitles

Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, 2 pm
Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, 8 pm
Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, 8 pm

Bring-a-Teen tickets are free with an adult ticket.
Available 1 hour before curtain.

Student Rush Tickets $10
Available 30 minutes before each performance

Individual Ticket Prices
$68, $40, $25

All performances at the Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Free lectures one hour before every performance of each opera.

Call 1-800-37-GRAND to reserve your seat today!

Directions and Parking

Web Site

Molecular Mania from Zome!

A great introduction to chemical modeling!

Build 28 common molecules with the included Zome components and colorful, sturdy, molecule cards.

Designed by biochemist and science educator Dr. Steve Yoshinaga, Molecular Mania! introduces students 7 years and up to the basic building blocks of our universe.

Molecular Mania! contains:
28 molecule cards, 44 precision Zometool components, including colored balls and improved super short struts, and concise instructions.

Just $19.99

Order Molecular Mania from Zome's Website!

The New Children's Garden is finally open!

Opening Weekend Celebratory Events!
Saturday, October 27 & Sunday, October 28

After more than five years, it is finally here!
The
Indoor Children's Garden at Longwood.

Bring the entire family to enjoy Opening Weekend:
Encounter jugglers, see a bubble artist and rain forest creatures strolling through the conservatory. Enjoy hands-on activities, including a make your own "Dirt" dessert, beneficial insect releases and more!

See the full schedule

Directions

For information call: 610-388-1000

Homeschool Overnight at Ashland Nature Center!

There is still room, so register now for this awesome overnight program, just for homeschoolers!

October Home School Overnight,
Oct. 30 – 31, 2007

Programs includes:
Skulls & Skeletons,
Spider and Snake Biology,
Owls of Delaware with Owl Pellet Dissection,
Evening Program with a Reptile Quiz Show,
Night Hike, and Campfire!

Price is $35 per student.
One adult per family should accompany their child.
No charge for adults
* Advance registration is required.

For information or to make a reservation contact:
Judy Montgomery,
Overnight and Outreach Coordinator
302-239-2334, ext #127;
judym@delawarenaturesociety.org

Ashland Nature Center

Trick or Treat Family Day at the Delaware Art Museum!

When? October 28th
Time? Noon - 3:30

Celebrate Halloween with Spooky Stories and boo-tiful art.
Create art related to All Hallow's Eve.
Listen to Hallowen tales told by Dorothy Stantaitis.

Story Times
1:00 Tales from the Pumpkin Patch
(recommended for grades k-12)
2:00 Halloween Hoots & Howls
(recommended for grades 3-6)

Be sure to dress in costume!

Delaware Art Museum
Kenmere Parkway,
Wilmington, De.
302-571-9590
www.delart.org

Hunter's Moon

The largest and closest full moon of the year!

On Thursday, October 25th, the full moon will be the closest and therefore biggest of the year. What more is there to say? Step outside and check it out!

The best way for young sky gazers to view the moon is through a good pair of binoculars. You will be amazed at the amount of detail on the moon's surface is vi sable simply through a pair of binoculars. Binoculars are simpler and easier to focus than a telescope and objects in the binoculars are simpler to comprehend. So check it out, with the moon this close, there is sure to be plenty to see!

For more information about the Hunter's Moon check out the Earth & Sky website.

Halloween Harps at the Wilmington Music School!

Brandywine Harps will be Performing
A Very Special Halloween Harps Concert.
Come join the fun!

When:
Wednesday, October 24th
7:30 PM

Where:
Wilmington Music School
4101 Washington Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19802

Tickets:
$10 adult
$5 students & seniors

call 302-762-1132

Nitty-Gritty Grammar: A Not-So-Serious Guide to Clear Communication

Wow!
I love this book!

Nitty-Gritty Grammar has all the essentials laid out in a clear, easy to understand, and entertaining format. Complete with illustrations using some of the best contemporary comic strips! I really must get my own copy and add it to my collection of necessary reference books and teaching essentials!

Check it out.

Consider supporting "Forgotten Cats" by naming them as your United Way Workplace Giving Campaign contribution recipient.

Forgotten Cats
A United Way "Write In" Agency
#9571.

Forgotten Cats is dedicated to reducing unwanted cat populations and ending the suffering of homeless cats and kittens, without killing.

Forgotten Cats addresses the the problem of unwanted feral cat colonies by trapping, sterilizing and vaccinating, every cat within a colony and then returning all the feral adults to their colony, thereby stabilizing the population. This practice, called “Trap, Neuter, Re-release” or “TNR,” is having enormous success nationwide as a humane alternative for managing feral cat populations. Forgotten Cats also provides necessary medical treatment for sick or injured cats and kittens from these colonies and finds homes for those that are adoptable and also provides education about responsibly spaying/neutering pets and assists other rescue groups with their TNR programs. Forgotten Cats currently sterilizes 500-600 cats per month and finds homes for 90-100 cats each month!

You can support Forgotten Cats' efforts by allocating to them your United Way Workplace Giving Campaign contribution and thereby assisting in FC's mission of spaying/neutering homeless and abandoned cats and kittens.

To learn more about Forgotten Cats, Inc. visit their website at www.forgottencats.org or contact John at 302-475-3282.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Forgotten Cats, Inc.
PMB 422,
4001 Kennett Pike,
Suite 134,
Greenville, DE 19807, (302) 429-0124
email: info@forgottencats.org
(Non-profit under Section 501©(3))
Member in good standing of the Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies.