The Inn at Eagle Creek Resort and Conference Center

138-room resort, separate conference retreat area, indoor/outdoor pool, Central Illinois Golf Oasis. Open year round.

Eagle Creek State Park
Findlay, Illinois 62534
(217) 756-3456

Hardy's Reindeer Ranch - Rantoul

The North Pole has moved to Central Illinois. Try your luck at the 6+ acre corn maze, the Grand Prix style race track, pick a pumpkin or a Christmas tree (depending on season), stop by the fascinating gift shop and, of course, see the reindeer!

1356 CR 2900N
Rantoul, Illinois 61866
(217) 893-3407

Start Date: 1/1/2002 End Date: 12/21/2002

The North Pole has moved to Central Illinois. Try your luck at the 6+ acre corn maze, the Grand Prix style race track, pick a pumpkin or a Christmas tree (depending on season), stop by the fascinating gift shop and, of course, see the reindeer!

Orpheum Children's Museum

Hands-on science museum that allows children to interact and explore their surroundings. Encourages children to explore, learn, and interpret science while in an informal setting.

356 N. Neil St.
Champaign, Illinois 61820
(217) 352-5895

Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum

Largest aerospace museum in Illinois. Occupying more than 126,000 square feet plus outdoor air park.

1011 Pace Setter Dr.
Rantoul, Illinois 61866
(217) 893-1613

The Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum

The only official licensed Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum in the world! Dedicated to preserving the life and times of Arcola-born John Gruelle, who created the characters. Visit our gift shop filled with licensed products.

110 Main St.
Arcola, Illinois 61910
(217) 268-4908

Rock Springs Center for Environmental Discovery

1,343-acre center puts visitors in touch with enviornment. Living history programs offered. Houses a restored 19th-Century farmstead.

3939 Nearing Ln.
Decatur, Illinois 62522
(217) 423-4913

Start Date: 5/1/2002 End Date: 10/28/2002

Monticello Railway Museum

Offers vintage train rides on Sat. and Sun. May through Oct. View various pieces of steam and electric railroad equipment.

992 Iron Horse Place
Monticello, Illinois 61856
(217) 762-9011

Start Date: 5/1/2002 End Date: 10/31/2002

Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Allerton Park, part of the National Natural Landmark, was the private estate of Robert Henry Allerton who donated it to the University of Illinois in 1946. It has 1,500 acres of formal gardens, outdoor sculptures, trails and nature areas. Available for hosting weddings and special events. Several public programs are always happening at Allerton.

515 Old Timber Rd.
Monticello, Illinois 61856
(217) 762-2721

Illinois Amish Interpretive Center

The first museum in Illinois dedicated to the Amish culture. Traces the history of the Amish religion and provides an extensive look into the lives of Illinois Amish. 18 minute video, meals, tours, gift shop, book store, and accommodations.

111 S. Locust
Arcola, Illinois 61910
(217) 268-3599

Scovill Zoo

Within this 15-acre attraction are hundreds of wild and domestic animals from around the world.

71 South Country Club Road
Decatur, Illinois 62521
(217) 421-7435

The Great Pumpkin Patch-Arthur

During the fall season we offer 400 varieties of pumpkins, squash, gourds, over 6,000 harvest mums and feature mazes, farm animals, a sweet shop and concessions, a 1912 one-room schoolhouse and gift shop. Green wagons provided. Don't forget to visit the Homestead Bakery for fresh made goodies!

RR 1, Box 100
Arthur, Illinois 61911
(217) 543-2242

Start Date: 9/15/2008 End Date: 10/31/2008

AMISH VILLAGES

Learn about the history and culture of Illinois' Old Order Amish community at the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center. Here you can see exhibits that give a glimpse into the Amish way of life, as well as sign up for a variety of tours that include enjoying a family-style meal at an actual Amish home and a visit to a working Amish farm.

For more information:

• Illinois Amish Interpretive Center
  111 S. Locust St.
  Arcola, IL 61910
  217-268-3599
  888-45-AMISH

HARDY'S REINDEER RANCH

You don't have to wait for Santa to see a real reindeer. At Hardy's Reindeer Ranch you'll meet a herd of friendly Alaskan reindeers with names like Klondike and Jingles. Besides the furry friends, Hardy's also features the 10-acre Cornfusion Corn Maze, a general store, pumpkins and Christmas trees for the picking, hayrack rides, a realistic Indian tepee and straw fort for the kids to play in, plus a new Grand Prix-style pedal racetrack.

For more information:

• Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
  1356 CR 2900N
  Rantoul, IL 61866
  217-893-3407

LAKE SHELBYVILLE

Beautiful Lake Shelbyville offers 172 miles of sparkling shoreline and 11,000 acres of water for boating, fishing, swimming, or simply sunning on the sandy beach. Off-the-water activities include golfing, hiking and hunting.

For more information:

• Lake Shelbyville
  315 E. Main St.
  Shelbyville, IL 62565
  217-774-2244
  800-874-3529

SCOVILL ZOO

Spend the afternoon at the 10-acre Scovill Zoo, located on a bluff overlooking Lake Decatur. See the more than 400 animals and ride a train around the zoo. Then set out to explore the rest of the Scovill Park complex, which includes Oriental gardens, the Children's Museum of Illinois and a fun playground for the kids.

For more information:

• Scovill Zoo
  71 S. Country Club Rd.
  Decatur, IL 62521
  217-421-7435

Thanks Kristi for passing this on!

This was put out by the Bluedorn's of Trivium Pursuit. Colleen (a homeschool
mom)writes for the Alliant Magazine put out by ICHE (Illinois Christian Home
Educators) and her husband is the treasurer of ICHE. She has been fighting
stage 3 ovarian cancer for two years. Her blog is a blessing of encouragement
in the Lord and His faithfulness as she goes through this trial. Here is the
link to her blog: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/prayerbasket

Kristi Boss
Homeschool Resource Center
www.fofchomeschool.org

Last year the Illinois homeschool community held a pie auction fund raiser for Colleen Moeller, and we had so much fun we thought we'd do it again.

Who -- You are invited -- open invitation to all, but RSVP necessary
What -- A pie/cake/cookie auction and barn dance fund raiser for Colleen Moeller
Where -- Lake Storey Pavilion, Galesburg, Illinois
When -- Sunday, December 2, 5-9 PM

Events:

-  Finger Food Supper Bar --- Please bring your favorite finger food supper items and snacks to share throughout the evening. We'll start eating at 5 PM.
-  Pie/Cake/Cookie/Dessert Auction at 6 --- Bring your best desserts -- each dessert labeled with the name of the dessert and the name of the baker. Highest bid takes the dessert.
-  Barn Dance from 7-9 --- Patti Christianson -- caller; John Lane -- fiddler; Hans Bluedorn -- guitar; Mike Kline -- guitar
-  Pie Eating Contest at 8.
-  Best Apple Pie Contest --- We need six apple pies (labeled with the name of the baker) for this contest.
-  Silent Auction --- You are invited to bring gift baskets (or other similar items) which we will put up for silent auction.
-  Kyle Royer of Royer Knife Works is designing a knife to donate to the Pie Auction Raffle. He is calling this knife Purple Heart Fighter in honor of Colleen "who is obviously a fighter deserving of a purple heart."  Purple heart is the wood used and the style of knife is a Fighter knife which has a long blade similar to the Bowie knife.  The blade will be twist pattern Damascus and he will make a sheath for it.  The value would be about $800. You can buy your tickets to win this knife the day of the auction. Email me if you have something to donate for an additional raffle.
-  No, there won't be a pie throwing contest. Too messy.

Checklist for party:

-  RSVP if you will be attending. Please pass this invitation on to others.
-  Bring one or more desserts for the auction, each labeled with the name of the item and name of baker. Let us know how many you will be bringing (email by November 19)
- Tell us if you would like to enter the Best Apple Pie Contest or if you will be bringing gift baskets (email by November 19)
- Bring dancing shoes. :-)
- Bring plenty of your favorite finger food dishes and snacks to share.
- Bring plenty of $$$ to bid on the desserts, for casting your votes in the Best Apple Pie Contest, for the silent auctions, the raffles, and for the other events. Make checks out to the Colleen Moeller/Moeller Family Benefit Fund (if mailed: Colleen Moeller/Moeller Family Benefit Fund, Wells Fargo Bank, 121 West First Street, Geneseo, Illinois 61254).
- We'll provide the paper plates, forks, napkins, cups, and drinks.

Please pass this email on to your friends and remember to RSVP.

All money collected will go to the Moeller family.

Dear Fellow Home Educators,

Greetings!  We want to tell you about a place where you can find special encouragement at this year’s convention … the Home School Oasis.  The word oasis means fertile place in a desert, due to the presence of water.  It also means any place offering welcome relief as from difficulty or dullness.  The Home School Oasis is just that … water in the desert!  It provides welcome relief from difficulties you may be encountering in your home education process!  Do you have questions?  Do you feel inadequate, overwhelmed or discouraged? Are you struggling with discipline or confused about curriculum?  Do you ask, “Why am I doing this?” 

At the Home School Oasis you can enjoy talking to veteran home educators with a variety of backgrounds including those with large families, one child, or special needs children. We will also have curriculum experts as well as those who have pulled their children out of the system.  These home school couples will sit down with you, spend time listening to you, share their experience and offer guidance.  The Home School Oasis will be set apart in the Vendor Hall and ready to serve you.  Come away with the answers and refreshment that you need! 

Maybe you have friends needing encouragement, too.  Tell them about the Home School Oasis … it may be just what they need!

We also want to remind you that the deadline for the reduced convention rate of $99 for a Pheasant Run Resort room is April 23rd.  Call 1-800-474-3272 today to make your reservation, and purpose to come!  We are looking forward to our time together coming soon.

                                      Gladly in His service,

                                      Your Friends at ICHE 

Who?          You

What?         ICHE Convention

Where?       Pheasant Run Resort

                   St. Charles, Illinois

When?        Thursday, Friday and Saturday

                   May 24-26, 2007

Why?          Establish and keep the vision

                   to train our children and

                   prepare them for eternity.

How?          By the grace of God!

ICHE Office:  847-603-1259

Register online!  www.iche.org

Saturday, March 17th, 2007 at
Family of Faith Church
6645 W Steger Road
Monee, IL 60449

Project set up time 12:30-1:00 pm
Judging begins at 1pm
Award Ceremony following judging

Fair open from 8 yrs. to High School.

All participants receive a ribbon for each entry.
Highest score in each category will receive a special honor.

$6 per entry ($5 per entry if family helps with set up or take down)

Registration Deadline February 24th, 2007
For Rules and Registration Form go to our website at www.fofchomeschool.org

Hearts At Home Conference in Normal, IL

Hearts-At-Home

Hearts At Home 2007 National Conference Brochure
Page 1 - Cover
Page 2 - Extreme Home Makeover Theme
Page 3 - Featured Guests (Lisa Whelchel & Jill Savage) / Moms Night Out
Page 4 - Workshop Choices (Part 1)
Page 5 - Workshop Choice (Part 2)
Page 6 - Workshop Choices (Part 3) / Conference Schedule
Page 7 - Workshop Choices (Part 4) / Workshop Index
Page 8 - Conference Information
Page 9 - Registration Form
Page 10 - How Can I Help? (Volunteer / Prayer and Promote Partner /
Ambassador)
Page 11 - Map / Hotel Information
Page 12 - New Books and Publications

Online Registration Choices
Register for Friday, March 16, 2007 ($75.00)
Register for Saturday, March 17, 2007 ($75.00)
Register for Two-Day Conference Plus Package, Friday 3/16/07 & Saturday
3/17/07 ($120)
Order a Home Conference Packet - Deadline is Saturday, March 31, 2007 ($50)

Mail/Fax Registration Choices
Print Registration Form and Mail or Fax to:

Hearts at Home
1509 N Clinton Blvd
Normal IL, 61761

Links in brochure and mapping directions available on the site.

CHRISTIAN LEADERS HOMESCHOOL RESOURCE CENTER AND FAMILY OF FAITH CHURCH PRESENT:

In the Shadow of Wings (Psalm 63:7)
A Seminar for Homeschool Families with Special Needs Children

Date: Saturday, February 17, 2007

Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Place: Family of Faith Church
6645 West Steger Road
Monee, IL 60449

For directions visit FOFC or
contact our office at (708) 235-1901

Special Keynote Address
Adrianne Elbe--A homeschool mother of three shares her personal experience
teaching her autistic son. She delights in encouraging other families with
special needs children.

Panel of Experienced Parents--Question and Answer session.

Community Resource Presentations--resources, testing, tutoring, etc.

Our hope is that those in attendance will be fed, and encouraged spiritually
in their walk through the process of raising their special needs children.
We believe that special needs children can be homeschooled successfully and
that families are well equipped to help their children learn, grow and
develop into all that God has designed them to be.

The cost for this seminar is $20.00 per adult and $5.00 for children ages
13-18. A hot lunch is included.

Deadline for registration is: Wednesday, February 7, 2007

For a registration form please e-mail: kristi.boss@fofc.org

Kristi Boss
Homeschool Resource Center
FOFC Homeschool

Family of Faith Learning Co-op will be meeting for 6 weeks on Thursdays,
February 8 through March 15, 12:45 PM to 4:00 PM

held at:
Family of Faith Church
6645 W. Steger Road
Monee, IL 60449

Classes from pre-school through high school.

Cost per child: $4.00 (there may be additional fees depending on supplies
needed for the classes offered)

One parent from each family will need to be at the church during the co-op
to either teach or assist for two of the three hours. In order for this
co-op to move forward, we need parents willing to lead a class to call
immediately.

Call Lorene Franklin at (708) 235-1901 or (815)427-6856 for questions and
registration.

Make new friends, gain encouragement and support!

September 16, 2006 (3rd Saturday of the month), starts at 8:00 am This is the largest Yard Sale event this side of the Mississippi.

On the 3rd Saturday of every September, over 50 homes on Bellerive and Dover will hold yard sales on the same day. There will also be a rummage sale at the Kingshighway United Methodist Church, which is located near Bates and Grand at 900 Bellerive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63111. Breakfast and lunch will be served and restrooms will be provided at the church.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) will have their kids' sale stuff in the back yard of homeschooling family Lee and Andria Porch, 754 Bellerive, St. Louis, MO 63111. Be sure to stop by. Since this is a popular annual event, plan to park and walk. Cinnamon rolls and coffee will be available at the church beginning at 7:00 am. For more information visit www.kingshighwayumc.org or call (314) 353-7879.

Hi everyone~

Please add in any places that you would recommend!

Nikki

IL Coordinator

earthstorm@comcast.net

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ADAMS COUNTY

All-Wars Museum

1707 N. 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301; Telephone: (217) 222-8641 ext. 338.

Their website indicates that they are open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to noon, and every day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years) and that they take donations but admission is free. Go to website for more info.

Dr. Richard Eell's House

415 Jersey Street, Quincy, IL 62301; Telephone: 217/224-1799.

Underground railroad site.

Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design
332 Maine Street, Quincy, IL; Telephone: (217) 224-6873  Tuesday through Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Admission rates: Adult - $2; Senior Adult - $1; Child - $0.50

Open 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends (April through October) for guided tours. Group tours can be arranged at other times in advance. Admission rates: Adult - $2; Student - $1.

Quincy Art Center

1515 Jersey Street - Quincy, IL 62301; Telephone: (217) 223-5900

Visual arts museum offering tours, hands-on classes for children from age 5 and adults. They also host several art competitions and a variety of temporary exhibits, as well as their own permanent collections. Admission details not given on web site.

Quincy Symphony Opera Association

428 Maine Street, Suite 270, Quincy, IL 62301; Telephone: (217) 222-2856 Offerings include a Youth Orchestra and a Children's Choir. Website does not have current calendar of productions.

Siloam Springs State Park

938 E. 3003rd Lane, Clayton, IL 62324; Telephone: (217) 894-6205 

Picnicking, camping, boat/canoe rentals (seasonal), riding paths (bring your own horse, as there are no rentals available), fishing, hiking, hunting, and winter sports.

World Freefall Convention 2001

Quincy (Adams Co), IL - August 3 - 12 2001 - 1659 Hwy. 104, Quincy, IL 62301; Telephone: (217) 222-5867.

This is an annual skydiving convention.

PIKE COUNTY

Ray Norbut Fish and Wildlife Area

Rural Route #1, Box 55C, Griggsville, Illinois 62340, 217/833-2811. 

Call for hours and admission information.  Hiking, fishing, eagle-watching, and other outdoor activities.

MASON COUNTY

Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

7982 S. Park Road, Manito, IL 61546, 309/968-7135. 

Call for hours and admission information.  Picnicking, hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Sand Ridge State Forest

P.O. Box 111, Forest City, IL 61532, 309-597-2212. 

See web-site for map in .pdf format.  Call for hours and admission information.  Largest state forest in Illinois at 7,500 acres with a variety of features, including desert and forest.  Picnicking, hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

Sanganois Fish and Wildlife Area

3594 CR 200 N., Chandlerville, IL 62627, 309/546-2628. 

Call for hours and admission information.  Hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.

Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area

7982 South Park Rd., Manito, IL, 61546, 309/968-7135. 

Call for hours and admission information.  Fishing, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities.