• Free Community Events Calendar on www.LWHE.org!
• Living Water's Annual Thanksgiving Feast - LW MEMBERS ONLY
• Calling All Boxtops: The First BoxTops Mail-In Date is Near!
• High School Harvest Party
• H20 Hayride & Campfire - LW MEMBERS ONLY
• Apple Picking & Corn Maze Field Trip - RESCHEDULED
• Indian Trail Farm Field Trip - RESCHEDULED
• Registration Forms Available for NJ Home Educators Science Fair
• Wetlands Institute Offers 2nd Timeslot for Homeschool Program
• Progressive Art Classes for Homeschoolers
• Art Classes at the Noyes Museum of Art
• "Reptile Adaptations" at Burlington County Library
• Boys Needed for TCHSA's Basketball Team
• Calling All Ski Enthusiasts (or Winter Sports Wannabees)!
• Junior Statesmen of America

Interested in knowing when all those great freebie community programs and events are scheduled in our area but just too busy or overwhelmed to read the newspapers or your emails to find out???  Thanks to two of our members, Nadine Plunkett and Sharon Patterson, both of whom are very plugged-in to what's going on in our communities, Living Water is now hosting the "Free Community Events Calendar" on our website!

That's right...TWO events calendars can now be found on our website!  The Living Water Events Calendar will continue to post all homeschool-related events, programs and activities while the Free Community Events Calendar will post only those community events that are free (or close to free). 

Both calendars can be accessed by clicking the Events Calendar link at the top of the home page.  Additionally, an agenda-style list format of each of the calendars can be found in the left-hand side bar of the home page.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Before attending or participating in an event posted on the Free Community Events Calendar, always call the organization prior to leaving your home to be sure it is still scheduled.  Some advertised events do get cancelled without letting the public know!

If you would like to contribute a community event or program to the Free Community Events Calendar, please email either Nadine Plunkett at npaar@juno.com or Sharon Patterson at spatterson76@comcast.net.  Thank you, ladies, for sharing your wealth of information on what's going on 'round our towns!

Living Water's Annual Thanksgiving Feast is scheduled for Monday, November 24th from 11:00am - 2:00pm at Easton Bible Church in Hainesport.   There will a plenty of food, fun, and a craft for the kids to enjoy. Make it more fun by having your child dress up as a Pilgrim or Native American Indian!  The sign-up sheets for volunteering for food, drink and various activities are available at Living Water Enrichment on Mondays or you can email Tracy Apple at gtafam@juno.com.

We will also be accepting donations again this year for a food drive on behalf of the South Jersey Food Bank.  Food items most needed include:

• Tuna & Other Canned Meat
• Peanut Butter
• Chunky Soups & Beef Stew
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Spaghetti & Sauce
• Rice, and Dry & Canned Beans
• Canned Vegetables & Fruits
• Powdered Milk
• 100% Fruit Juice (Cans, Bottles, Boxes)
• “Sugar Free,” “Low Sodium,” & “No Salt”
• Puddings & Custards
• Infant formula

We’ll also accept personal care Items that are most needed:

• Shampoo, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes
• Diapers, Detergent, Deodorant
• Shaving Cream, Razors, Hairbrushes
• Paper products

Please note: Perishables, expired, unlabeled or opened packages cannot be accepted.

This is also a great opportunity to involve our children in helping others!  Have them ask friends and family to donate as well!  For more information about the food drive, contact Irene Taschek at itaschek@comcast.net.

We need your help to reach our group's yearly goal of $500!  We are currently at $111.  The next mailing of box tops must be sent in prior to October 31, 2008 for a check to be received in December.  Let's see if we can not only reach, but surpass our goal!  Please bring all boxtops to Living Water Enrichment on Mondays or to any sports events prior to October 20th.  You can put them in the collection box or hand them to me, Jeanette Saville, Dawn Miller or Brook Gall.

This is an EASY way to raise funds for our group!  For more information about Box Tops for Education and how to join, visit the Living Water's Fundraiser page or the official Boxs Tops for Education website.

Thank you!
Pamela Jones
nathansmommy@comcast.net

Who: Homeschool High Schoolers ages 14-18
Where: Tabernacle Church of Christ
Date:  Tuesday, October 28th
Time:  6:30pm - 9:00pm
 
Can you say old fashioned, knee-slapping good time?  Some of the fun things included in this night include a baking contest, musical chairs, modern square dancing (no partners; Mr. Hurst has invited his Christian friend to be our square dance instructor to make it a fun event) and, of course, what would a Harvest Party be without bobbing for apples and yummy home-made freshly baked cider donuts?  And...there will be a few fun surprises to boot! 

This is "Bring a Homeschool Friend Night" limited to 25 attendees...so sign up soon!   A crock-pot dinner will be provided.

Bring the following:

• A home-made baked yummy*.  Have fun with this (pies, cookies, candy, cakes, pumpkin treats,  anything edible, well except for edible bugs....yuck), put your name on it and bring!  Simple huh?
• $2.00 to cover cost of drinks, and other foods

* There will be two categories for the baking contest: (1) parent help and (2) no parent help.  Just indicate which category when you come.
           
Should be a hoot!!!  Attendance is limited so RSVP ASAP!  Contact Sue and Dan Hurst at hurstnj@comcast.net to let them know if you can join in (deadline is October 27th). 

Chaperones will be needed...so parents please contact the Hursts if you can assist! 

Where: Springdale Farms, 1638 Springdale Rd, Cherry Hill (856-424-8674)
When: Monday, October 13th (rain date Monday, October 20th)
Time: 6:15pm - 8:30pm (anyone arriving after the tractor leaves at 6:30 pm will be unable to attend, so please be on time)
Price: $15.00 per person
   
Hayride and campfire includes:

• A private hayride through the woods and an exclusive campsite
• Campfires, picnic tables, and lanterns
• Driver maintains fire and lanterns while we enjoy the evening
• Hot dogs, apple cider, smores, mustard & ketchup
• Campfire roasting forks

Don’t forget to dress in warm clothing!
 
Please send your reservations/payment no later than Monday, October 6th to:

Mike and Kim Renzi
215 Chestnut St
Haddonfield, NJ 08033  

Any questions please call 856-795-8094 or e-mail frenzi@bellatlantic.net.

The Apple Picking & Corn Maze Trip at Contes Farm that was originally scheduled for Friday, September 26th has been rescheduled due to the inclement weather. The new date is October 24th at 11:00am.  Email Kelly Linhart at plinhart1@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance with this new date!  For more details, refer to the original article.

Due to inclement weather, the field trip to Indian Trail Farm originally scheduled for Friday, September 26th has been rescheduled to Friday, October 3rd from 10:00am to 1:00pm.  Contact Shirley at grantosyd@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance.  Please refer to the original article for details about this field trip.

Dear Families,

The registration forms for the 21st Annual NJ Home Educator's Science Fair (scheduled for February 5th & 6th at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Holly) are now available by clicking on the appropriate registration form below:

• K-5th Grade Registration Form
• 6th-12th Grade Registration Form

I would advise those of you with students in the 6th to 12th grade level to look at the Coriell Science Fair website for current information regarding rules and regulations for the fair.  Coriell is offering several workshops where they will explain the necessary paperwork that students in 6th-12th grade need to fill out.  The next workshop will be held in Voorhees on October 1st.  There are several additional workshops and their locations are listed on the Coriell site.

Please remember that all paperwork must come to me first.  I will register you for our local homeschool fair and then forward all necessary paperwork to Coriell for approval.

Thank you,
Cindy Finter
Fair Director
cindyfinter@verizon.net

The Wetlands Institute is offering an additional time slot for their homeschooler program!  In addition to the second Tuesday of the month they are also offering the 4th Wednesday of the month from 1:00pm - 2:30pm. The cost is $6 per student due the day of the class.  You may sign up for any number of months! 

The monthly Wednesday schedule for 2008/2009 is as follows:

10/22 - Hibernation
11/19 (1 week earlier due to Thanksgiving) - Winter Adaptations
12/17 (1 week earlier due to Christmas) - Populations
1/28 - Territories
2/25 - Tracks
3/25 - Local birds
4/22 - Nests & babies
5/27 - Horseshoe crabs and shorebirds

To participate, contact Linda at linda@diantonio.com.  For more information visit the Wetlands Institute website.

Where: Ocean City Arts Center, 1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City
When:  Monday, September 29
Time:  2:00pm - 3:30pm
Cost:  $75/$85 plus $10 supply fee per 6 week interval.  Payment will be required prior to each 6 week interval.

Minimum 3 children - maximum 15 children; ages 8-12.

The classes will be in 6-week increments:
 
1.  A natural introduction to the visual arts beginning with basic DRAWING instruction, including CARTOONING!
2.  PAINTING instruction
3.  ART APPRECIATION: Students will be taught to create work in the style and mediums of the masters.
4.  SCULPTURE & 3D ART
5.  MOSAICS & COLLAGE. 

(Classes offered beyond this point will be  developed upon request.) 
 
About the teacher:  Mitch Coombs is a freelance illustrator & cartoonist since 1991 and a teacher at several area schools. His accomplishments and experience include art work for Howard Stern Lampoons, Reebok, Mobil Oil, Bloomfield Watches, Hallmark, and the U.S. Army. His work has been recognized universally. 

Contact Wendy Fulton at 609-390-0901 if you would be interested in these art classes as they will start next Monday.

UPDATE 09/27/08: The October 14th class is now full!  Reservations for the October 7th class must be received no later than October 2nd!

Hello Homeschool Families,

I have 7 spaces available for the Tuesday, October 7th art class at 1:30pm at the Noyes Museum of Art.  I also have 4 spaces in the October 14th class at 1:30 pm.

Classes are one hour long. They are both the same topic this month.

Layered Landscapes:  Drawing inspiration from the work of George Washington Nicholson, create unique landscape paintings using oil pastels and watercolors on paper.

Space is limited and reservations are required!. To RSVP, email Julie with the names & ages of your students at bluebostonshore@yahoo.com

Classes are for ages 5 and up.  Cost is $5 per participant. You can pay the $5 (cash; small bills appreciated!) to me, or if I am not there, to another Mom I designate, at the class.  If you wish  to pay before the class, please email me otherwise cash payment will be collected the day of the class by me or the Mom I've designated in the group.

If folks want to tour the museum, there is an admission charge of $4 adults, $3 seniors and children over the age of 6 to be paid to the museum.  Check out the website at www.noyesmuseum.org for the particulars on current exhibitions and directions.

The moms with younger children can hang out in the Creation Station while the class is taking place.

Please remind children not to run, yell or touch the art in the museum and to raise their hand so that one person can speak at a time when called upon. Also, if students and/or parents could help with the clean-up afterwards, that would be great.

Please RSVP only if you plan to attend.  If you RSVP and cannot  attend, and I can't fill your spot(s), then I still need to get the payment from you for your student(s).

The Rancocas Nature Center will present "Reptile Adaptations" at the Burlington County Library located in Westampton on Monday, October 13th at 2:00pm for ages 5-7 and 3:00pm for ages 8-12.  Learn all about reptile characteristics and meet live reptiles!  Registration begins September 15th.  Call the library headquarters at 609-267-9660.

TriCounty Homeschool Sports Association (TCHSA) is in danger of shutting down the boys basketball team for this season.  They need at least 4 more boys to play basketball this winter - 2 varsity players and 2 junior varsity players.  If you know someone who is interested, have them contact Ed Howell at 856-423-6497 or 267-918-4180. The final determination on the fate of the boy's basketball team will be made by October 10th.  www.eteamz.com/TCHSA%20Falcons/

The Master’s Slope Masters is a group of about 75 homeschoolers.  This year we will be skiing at Camelback Ski Area.  Camelback is one of the larger ski areas in the Poconos.  It has 33 trails for all levels of skiing.  It also has one of the highest vertical drops in the Poconos.

Our group skis on the following six Tuesdays in 2009:  January 6, 20, 27 and February 3, 10, 24.

Please note:  We will not ski on January 13th so those of you who also want to do ENOCH of NJ’s Winter Fun Week, can do both programs!

The total cost for all 6 weeks is listed below.  To get these group rates, payment must be made by November 1st, 2008. 

RATES:
Lift Only: $115
Lift and Skis: $185
Lift and Board: $185
Lift, 5 Lessons and Skis: $235
Lift, 5 Lessons and Board: $235

To get a brochure with more details, email Kathi Baillie at bailliemk@yahoo.com  We’d love to have you join us!

An opportunity for high school students! 

On high school campuses across the country, there are young men and young women concerned with what is happening around them -- students who are interested in politics and government, foreign affairs, the law, and education. The Junior State of America (JSA) was created by and for these students. Since its inception in 1934, more than 500,000 student members have become active, informed citizens through the Junior State.

What makes JSA so unique is that students organize every aspect of the organization, all the way from the chapter level to state and national administration. Our student leaders, elected by their fellow JSA members, plan and execute all of the conventions, conferences, and political awareness events held by the Junior State.

JSA allows for an exchange of ideas through stimulating student debates, thought talks, problem solving, and a variety of simulations. By participating in these activities, each member gains a more intelligent and informed viewpoint. JSA also provides a wonderful chance to meet and make friends with scores of other bright, involved students who have similar interests. It's an experience that you don't want to miss.

A new JSA chapter is starting up nearby and you can be part of it! The first meeting date will soon be announced.  If you are interested, please contact Peter Boyajian at boyajiancrew@gmail.com for details.  

Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity to get involved and become an active, informed citizen.