Oct. 6, 2009
Mike Donnelly of HSLDA - Oak Hill, WV - October 13, 2009
HSLDA Is Coming to Oak Hill, West Virginia!
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at 6:30 PM
The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM and end by 9PM
Special Event for Home Educators
Here is an opportunity to meet West Virginia's HSLDA attorney, Mike Donnelly. He is coming to discuss issues of particular concern to West Virginia home educators.
Gain insights which will enable you to better protect your right to direct the education of your children.
Mike will begin by addressing issues that are confronting Fayette County home educators and could become of concern to families in other counties as well.
If time permits, Mike will discuss his work with persecuted Home Educators in the Federal Republic of Germany.
John Carey, Legislative Liaison with CHEWV, will also be available to answer questions.
Mike Donnelly, Esq.
Mike serves as Homeschool Legal Defense Association staff attorney for member affairs in the states of Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia. He also manages HSLDA's involvement on behalf of persecuted homeschoolers in the Federal Republic of Germany. He teaches constitutional law at Patrick Henry College where he is an adjunct professor of government.
Location:
Oak Hill Methodist Church
250 Main Street
Oak Hill, West Virginia
Contact Person: Agnes Casto - Phone: 304-574-3567
Email: castos5@juno. com
Directions:
From Beckley or Summersville take the Main Street Exit (Please note, if you are coming from Beckley the first Oak Hill Exit says East Main St; this is not the correct exit). Look for the Main Street Exit. If you are coming from Beckley, take a left at the end of the exit ramp and if you are coming from Fayetteville/ Summersville take a right off of the exit ramp. The arrow will direct you to "downtown". The church is on the left, a short distance from the exit. It is a tan brick building. There is parking on the left side of the building or along the street.
This educational event is coordinated by: Heritage Communications of West Virginia
Sponsored by:
Christian Home Educators of West Virginia |
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Sep. 29, 2009
Art Classes in Shepherdstown
A former homeschool dad will offer drawing classes for kids 6 to 12 on Thursday evenings in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and on Monday evenings in Hagerstown, Maryland. The classes will go over some basic art theory (such as drawing, shading, proportion and perspective) in a positive atmosphere with lots of opportunity to draw. Children will also do some painting.
On both nights, classes will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. Each class will have six sessions. The class is $48 per student; the cost for second and third students from the same family is $36. The instructor will provide paper, pencils and erasers. Students should bring a basic watercolor pan with six to eight colors, a decent brush and a 10-inch-by-12-inch pad of watercolor paper.
The Shepherdstown class will meet Thursday nights beginning Oct. 8 and run through Nov. 12.
The Hagerstown class will meet Monday nights beginning Oct. 12 and run through Nov. 16.
Spaces are limited for both classes; please contact dicoplio@yahoo.com to register.
|
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Sep. 7, 2009
Battle of Carnifex Ferry Civil War Reenactment (near Summersville, WV)
The bi-annual Battle of Carnifex Ferry Reenactment will be held this weekend, September 12 - 13. Hosted by Company A of the 36th Virginia Infantry, this event will include living history demonstrations, Union and Confederate camps, as well as a reenactment of the Federal assault on the center of the Confederate line. The battle reenactment is held on the same ground as the actual Civil War battle.
There is no admission charge for entering the Carnifex Ferry State Park nor for viewing the Civil War reenactments. Details can be found at the Carnifex Ferry State Park website. |
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Aug. 24, 2009
Yellowstone: Land to Life (Shepherdstown, WV)
On Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 7:00 pm filmmaker John Grabowska will screen his film
Yellowstone: Land to Life a lyrical interpretation of Yellowstone National Park in
the Byrd Auditorium at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV.
People come to Yellowstone primarily because of the unusual thermal features and opportunities
to view wildlife, often not realizing they are standing on one of the world's largest active
volcanoes. In â Land to Life, filmmaker John Grabowska presents a lyrical interpretation of
the sweeping geologic story of Yellowstone, from glaciation to mountain-building to the gigantic
caldera of a supervolcano. Featuring breathtaking cinematography of this complex and
charismatic landscape, Land to Life was filmed over two years in all four seasons and delves
deeply into the significance behind the scenery. Key to the story is illuminating the
intimate bonds between the landscape and biology -- how Yellowstone' geology influences where life exists and how it evolves. Land to Life contemplates our connection as well: humankind's relationship to Yellowstone, the world's first and most famous national park.
John Grabowska has produced films from the subarctic to the subtropics. His films have
been official selections of more than 30 festivals around the world, broadcast nationally
on PBS and have received numerous international awards. He has presented his films to audiences
at the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Institution and conducted
environmental media workshops in Argentina and Panama. Since 1991 Grabowska has been writing,
producing and directing documentary films with the Interpretive Design Center of the National
Park Service, specializing in the environment and American History.
The film is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are required. It is part of a monthly series of "Conservation & Community" public lectures held at the National Conservation Training Center. For more information please contact Mark Madison at (304) 876-7276 or mark_madison@fws.gov or check out our web page at: http://training.fws.gov/history/publiclectures.html
The above information is from a press release written by the National Conservation Training Center. |
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Jul. 29, 2009
Birds of Prey Educational Program - various locations Statewide
The Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC) will host its Birds of Prey Educational Program at various locations around the state this summer.
Event summary:
What bird says ‘who cooks for me, who cooks for you all?’ Don’t know! Come to the Birds of Prey Educational Program featuring live birds of prey native to West Virginia. Raptors including hawks and owls are part of this program. Learn about their habitat, diet and behaviors; most comment causes of injury. Open to the public. No charge to attend. Great family activity.
The event will be held at these locations:
August 7 - Cacapon State Park 304-258-1022
August 8 - Lost River State Park 304-897-5372
August 14 - North Bend State Park 304-643-2931
Contact the park for details about time and specific location.
|
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Jul. 15, 2009
Goose Route Dance Troop FREE Performance (Shepherdstown, WV)
Jul. 12, 2009
Appalachian Immersion Family Camp (Elkins area)
Dolly Sods Appalachian Immersion Family Camp
August 3-7, 2009
Your full Appalachian Immersion "dude ranch" experience encompasses a 5-day/4-night adventure at the breathtakingly rugged Pegasus Farm in Elkins, West Virginia. Bring the whole family for a summer vacation you'll never forget.
Accommodations for RV, popup, or tents, plus rental camper includes full service bathhouse with hot showers. Camp cookouts provided each night with an occasional bluegrass campfire jam; food barn available for snacks, breakfast, and lunch. Our outdoor adventure guides, environmental scientists, and musicians lead each day's activities. We offer rock climbing, caving, tubing, and hiking. Cultural immersion activities include seminars in dulcimer making, old time singing, and traditional Appalachian dancing. Environmental awareness and outdoor appreciation classes offered with time for stream surveying and fishing, Appalachian botany studies, outdoor cooking classes, and nature art. Each day will have activities for the whole family, just the kids, or just the parents.
Your choice for $700/family. Includes all campground fees*, food, activities, and instructor's fees (excluding some extracurricular activities) Register with Director Lynda Bell at LogCabinLearning via phone 301-676-7263.
Lynda Bell
312 West Main Street
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
PRORATED FEES AVAILABLE:
Single campers: $250/week
One parent/one child: $450/week
Full family: $700/week
OPTIONS TO STAY FOR LESS THAN FIVE DAYS ARE AVAILABLE! WE WILL PRORATE YOUR STAY BASED ON THE NUMBER OF DAYS AND NIGHTS YOU WILL BE WITH US.
PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS, I WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH YOU TO MAKE THIS
AN AFFORDABLE TRIP FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. ITS AN EXPERIENCE YOU DON'T WANT
TO MISS!
A Day with Miss Bonnie on Pegasus Farm
There is a lovely spot deep in the hills of West Virginia, in the shadow of Seneca Rocks, that immediately makes you take a deep breath, and stop and stay for a while.
When you drive down the gravel lane, the first thing you see is a little white farmhouse with a dog named Zen and a kind woman with a kerchief on her hair and a smile on her face. And beside her, always beside her is a twinkling smiling man. This is Mark and Bonnie, the proud proprietors and owners
of Pegasus Farm and Campground.
I was very fortunate to be introduced to these two wonderful people by a good friend who told me he thought they would be interested in talking to me about sponsoring family camps on their farm. So with their generous invitation to drive down and spend the weekend with them, I packed up the car and headed up and over the hills past the shadow of the great Seneca Rocks, and into the little valley of Elkins, West Virginia.
After a fantastic weekend of Bonnie's belly warming down home cooking, a tour around the farm, visits to the Augusta Folk Art Center, the Graceland timber baron's mansion, and the Stuarts Recreation Area, we all found a common vision coming together of how to share this wonderful place with other families.
I had the opportunity of going back again another weekend to work with several families who had come together for a work weekend on the farm. Some of us worked on rebuilding a stage roof on the festival grounds that had blown off in last year's big storm. I spent time with a sweet group of young children
fishing in the farm pond, making flower crowns, and hunting for tadpoles.
After finishing the work on the farm, we all gathered together in one of the Pegasus Farm buses and drove the crew over to Seneca Rocks for a day of rock climbing. As I rounded the corner of the trail with a group of energetic teenagers and our guide, I had to stand still for a moment and just experience the overwhelming awe that overcame us all as the shadow of Seneca loomed over us. To find yourself in the presence of such beauty and power is a moment of complete humility and perspective. To suspend yourself in space within only a crack in the rock, to wedge your fingers and toes in, to reach for the top, to
test your strength is an adrenaline rush that drives you further and higher to the bright blue sky above.
These are the sights, sounds, and feelings of spending time in this magical valley and the inspiring hills around it. These are the experiences that brought me to the place where I can offer you an invitation to join us.
If you are interested in spending time with us at Pegasus, take a moment and explore the Pegasus Farm website, as well as finding more camp details and contact us!
We would love to hear from you and have you share your ideas of how we can tailor this experience to meet your family's needs and interests. I hope to see you soon at Pegasus Farm!
Lynda |
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Jul. 7, 2009
Celtic Heritage Day at Prickett's Fort State Park (near Fairmont, WV)
Jul. 1, 2009
Pre-1840s Rendezvous and Civil War Encampment at Tomlinson Run State Park (northern panhandle)
Experience history hands-on and in living color. Tomlinson Run State Park will be having a pre-1840s Rendezvous and a Civil War Encampment from July 15 - 19, 2009.
Information from the Tomlinson Run State Park Website:
July 15-19
Pre 1840’s Rendezvous and Civil War Encampment
Travel back in time to our authentic rendezvous and visit our Civil War encampment.
Contact: Tomlinson Run State Park 304-564-3651
|
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Jun. 21, 2009
Eastern Woodland Indians Summer Camp (near Fairmont, WV)
Prickett's Fort State Park will be holding an Eastern Woodland Indians Summer Camp for student in grades 6 - 12 from June 29 - July 1, 2009.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the culture of the Eastern Woodland people who lived in West Virginia and surrounding states for hundreds of years.
Information from Prickett's Fort State Park Website:
June 29 – July 1
Eastern Woodland Indian Summer Camp
Prickett’s Fort State Park
Campers will learn about the culture of the Eastern Woodland Indians. Camp is 10 am – 4 pm; on the third day, campers spend the night. Open to students in grades 6 – 12. $100 fee.
Free to students in GEAR-UP schools completing grades 9 or 10.
Call to register 304-363-3030 |
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Jun. 15, 2009
West Virginia Birthday Parties Around the State - Check for Your Location
Our beautiful state of West Virginia is having its 146th birthday in less than two weeks, and many of our scenic state parks are throwing a party! Have some fun, celebrate the state, and learn state history and geography while you're at it.
Prickett's Fort State Park:
June 20
West Virginia Day
Prickett’s Fort State Park
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state to enter the Union. Come and celebrate West Virginia Statehood with $1 park admission and free birthday cake and lemonade.
Contact: info@prickettsfort.org, 304-363-3030
Tygart Lake State Park:
Happy Birthday West Virginia! Tygart Lake is having a party, June 20, 2009 It's Free for the whole family!
Garry Boothe: Magician and Balloon Artist
4:00 PM at the Park Office/Recreation Hall.
Garry Boothe is a magician and children's entertainer, and performs magic and balloon art with a twist. A Great Family Entertainer! Bring your chairs and blankets. A concession sale (hotdogs, chips, beverages, and more) on site. After the show, Birthday cake for everyone.
Stepping Stone
Stay and enjoy live music, from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. Top quality, variety music! A father and son duo! From north central West Virginia! Features a family oriented band, appealing to all ages.
If it's a rainy night we will have Garry Boothe and Stepping Stone at the Lodge.
Contact: Tygart Lake State Park, 304-265-6144
|
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Jun. 8, 2009
Youth Fishing Derby at Tygart Lake State Park (near Grafton, WV - Taylor County)
Kids of all ages will have a blast at Tygart Lake's Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 13, 2009.
If you've never been to a fishing derby (or fishing rodeo), you're going to love it! The kids spend the morning fishing and then win prizes for biggest fish, most fish caught, longest fish, youngest angler, and more. In my experience, many many door prizes are also awarded so that virtually every child can take home a prize.
Information from the Tygart Lake State Park Website:
June 13, 2009 Youth Fishing Derby
Bring the kids! Begins at 7 am. All participants receive a certificate. Details posted online.
- Free Fishing Day – no fishing license required for anyone.
[June 13 and 14 is the 20th year for free fishing days in West Virginia]
- Bank Fishing Only – no boats allowed.
- Adults Welcome – bring your children; you may fish for free also.
- Four Age Divisions – 7 years old & younger; 8 to 10; 11 to 14; & 15 to 18 years old.
- Prizes!! 1st thru 5th place in each age division plus certificates.
- Misc: Fishing-guys-&-gals responsible for their own equipment and bait.
Power bait NOT allowed.
Children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
- Food & Drink: A concession stand will be on site throughout the day.
- Questions about Tygart Lake Fishing Derby?
Contact Sherri Dowling at (304) 265-6148 or tygartnaturalist@wvdnr.gov
|
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Jun. 5, 2009
Free Fishing Days!
It's time for some outdoor learning and summer FUN with West Virginia's annual Free Fishing Days!
Next weekend, June 13 and 14, WV residents can fish in any public waters without purchasing a license. This is a great opportunity for children and adults alike.
You can find public fishing waters near you with the WV Wildlife Resources' Public Fishing Areas tool. Or check out the Favorite Fishing Areas page to see where your favorite type of fish can be caught.
Have fun - and if you decide to cook and eat your fish, let me know! I'd love to post photos from your family's fun day of fishing here on the WV Blog. |
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Jun. 1, 2009
National Trails Day at Hawk's Nest State Park (near Anstead, WV)
How do you combine physical education, botany, and history with a big dose of fresh air and some community service? At Hawk's Nest's National Trails Day!
On June 6 beginning at 9am, Hawk's Nest State Park will host a nature hike on the Rail Trail - an easy-to-walk, almost 2-mile trail with gorgeous waterfall views.
Information from the Hawk's Nest State Park Website:
June 6
National Trails Day
Hawks Nest State Park
Event Time: 9 AM
Event Direction: Hawks Nest Rail Trail is located just off RT 60, Ansted, WV. Access to trail is by way of River Road. This is the newest trail that is shouldering our boundary and completes it travels near the park Nature Center. The 1.9 mile (one way) trail is an easy walking, gravel trail featuring two trestles and waterfall vantage points. This trail can be a circle trail using the River Road (minor vehicle traffic) or by connecting a lift on the tramway. No trail fee, tramway requires ticket purchase. No food will be provided. Box lunch can be purchased from dining room.
Event Description: This event will consist of a nature hike on the Hawks Nest Rail Trail to discover the plant life (herbaceous and woody) and learn some of Hawks Nest history during the hike. We will also do some minimal litter pickup as we hike along the trail. This will consist of only papers and other small item, trash bags will be provided for those wishing to participate. Hikers should come prepared for rain and wear comfortable hiking shoes. No food or drinks will be provided. Meet at the Main Trail Head on the Hawks Nest River Road.
Contact: willagrafton@wvdnr.gov – 304-658-5212
|
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
May. 25, 2009
Birds of Prey Educational Program - various locations Statewide
The Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC) will host its Birds of Prey Educational Program at various locations around the state this summer.
Event summary:
What bird says ‘who cooks for me, who cooks for you all?’ Don’t know! Come to the Birds of Prey Educational Program featuring live birds of prey native to West Virginia. Raptors including hawks and owls are part of this program. Learn about their habitat, diet and behaviors; most comment causes of injury. Open to the public. No charge to attend. Great family activity.
The event will be held at these locations:
June 12 - Twin Falls Resort State Park 304-294-4000
June 19 - Bluestone State Park 304-466-2805
June 20 - Watoga State Park 304-799-4087
July 7, 8pm - Pipestem Resort State Park 304-466-1800
July 11 - Hawk's Nest State Park 304-658-5212
July 13 - Greenbriar State Forest 304-536-1944
July 17 - Blackwater Falls State Park 304-259-5216
July 18 - Holly River State Park 304-493-6553
July 24 - Cedar Creek State Park 304-462-8517
July 25, 8pm - Beech Fork State Park 304-528-5794
Contact the park for details about time and specific location. I'll post the locations of Birds of Prey from August onward at a later date. |
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
May. 20, 2009
Photography Workshop at Tygart Lake State Park (near Grafton, WV - Taylor County)
May. 10, 2009
Top of the State Show at Tomlinson Run State Park (northern panhandle)
Learn about automobile and farming history at Tomlinson Run State Park's Top of the State Show on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 10am - 5pm.
The event will feature antique and classic cars, farm tractors, as well as crafts and games.
Information from the Tomlinson Run State Park Website:
May 16
Top of the State Show – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Antiques, classic, custom vehicles, crafts, games, raffles and food. Tractor and tractor games.
Admission: $1 per person
Contact: Tomlinson Run State Park 304-564-3651
|
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
May. 8, 2009
Mountain Festival - Bluefield, WV
Homeschoolers can enjoy music and their West Virginian heritage at Bluefield's Mountain Festival May 19-25, 2009.
Information from the Mercer County Convention and Visitor's Bureau:
The Miss Mountain Festival Pageant will be held on Tuesday May 19. The Kingsmen Quartet, Christ Incorporated and The Neals will perform gospel music on Thursday May 21 at the Bluefield Auditorium. The City of Bluefield will present the country music group Taylor Made on Friday May 22 and The American Cancer Society will sponsor The Collegians on Saturday May 23, both at the auditorium. Other activities will include the James H. Drew Carnival, Magic by Chaz, fireworks, a bike race, Eudora Farms Exotic Petting Zoo and much more! Fun for the entire family. For information: (304) 327-7184 or visit www.bluefieldchamber.com.
|
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Apr. 7, 2009
Hike at Harpers Ferry, WV
All homeschoolers are invited to join the Western Maryland Homeschool Association for a hike to Harpers Ferry, WV, on April 9.
Hikers will meet at Boonsboro, Maryland, at the Thompson Gas Co. on Route 40 at 11:00am. After traveling to the beginning of the hiking area, the group will hike for two to three miles along the C&O Canal. They'll tour the Civil War area of Harpers Ferry and have lunch together in the afternoon.
Anyone interested in joining the hike can contact Pebs at 301-582-0716 or via email. |
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
Apr. 2, 2009
High School Guidance Seminar
High School Guidance & 6 Thinking Hats Seminar
WHEN -
April 4 from 10-1pm
WHERE -
Full Circle Theater Co
113 Princess St, corner of New and Princess
Shepherdstown, WV
SPEAKERS -
Manfred Smith & Nancy Stempel
COST -
Pre-register for
$5 for The Learning Community International Members
$10 for non members
At the door for
$10 for The Learning Community International Members
$15 for non members
TO PRE REGISTER -
Contact Lise Sade
|
• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
|
|
