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