BY STORMIE PERRY
Family traditions are important, especially around the holidays. Every family has something traditional or has a specific meal or an order of opening presents that they do every year. Even if its "normal" its still different within every family.
My family "tradition" is traveling up to Kentucky every year for Christmas. Most of my family lives in Kentucky, and Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas unless I am surrounded by family. A tradition we have is eating squirrel and rabbit for either Thanksgiving and Christmas or both!
Christmas Eve is always fun because we get to open some presents. On Christmas Eve. my parents and I go visit all of my dad’s family and have lunch and open presents from them. We also visit all of my mom’s family and do the same thing. In the evening for Christmas Eve, after dinner, my grandparents, my uncle’s family, and my family will open presents that are only for and from my uncle’s family because they go back to their home for Christmas morning. We always open presents from youngest to oldest, starting with my younger cousin to my older cousin to me to my mom, all the way to my grandparents. After my uncle and his family leave and some movies are watched through the night, it’s time for bed. Always a restless sleep awaiting the thrills and joy of Christmas morning.
The morning finally comes, the sun is shining, and I wake up full of sleepiness but also the Christmas spirit fills me. It’s time for presents! I get to see my family’s faces as they open their gifts, and I get to see what I got which, of course, is always fun. My family and grandparents open our gifts and are joyful and thankful.
Those are my family traditions. They are not different from a lot of other family's holiday traditions, but my family makes our "traditions" unique and fun.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A Holiday Tradition
BY HUNTER SADLER
My personal favorite Christmas tradition was going up to my grandfather’s land and cutting down a Christmas tree from his fields. We always cut down a cedar tree, because that is the only kind of Christmas tree on the land. It was always fun getting in his truck and going out and finding just the right tree, and then getting a chance to cut it down. My brother and I would take turns using the saw.
After we got it back to my grandfather's house, we would put it in a tree stand that used to be an old pump stand and was way too small for the trunk of the tree, so we would have to shave off a lot of the trunk. After that, we would spend time decorating the tree with old lights and ornaments that he had for several decades.
Though my grandfather has passed away since last Christmas, the memory is still alive.
My personal favorite Christmas tradition was going up to my grandfather’s land and cutting down a Christmas tree from his fields. We always cut down a cedar tree, because that is the only kind of Christmas tree on the land. It was always fun getting in his truck and going out and finding just the right tree, and then getting a chance to cut it down. My brother and I would take turns using the saw.
After we got it back to my grandfather's house, we would put it in a tree stand that used to be an old pump stand and was way too small for the trunk of the tree, so we would have to shave off a lot of the trunk. After that, we would spend time decorating the tree with old lights and ornaments that he had for several decades.
Though my grandfather has passed away since last Christmas, the memory is still alive.
Cookies, Carols, and Candlelight
BY AMY DANFORTH
Sometimes the anticipation of a good thing is just as fun as the thing itself. This certainly holds true for me regarding the biggest holiday of the year, Christmas. The weeks leading up to December 25th are filled with fun and exciting traditions that are often just as enjoyable as Christmas day itself.
The traditions start the day after Christmas with the baking of gingerbread cookies. I love cutting stars, Christmas trees, and angels out of the dough as the rich smell of spices fills the air. Another tradition is our church's Christmas Cantata, which usually takes place around the middle of December. This concert always puts me in the Christmas spirit with its repertoire of Christmas carols, both old and new. Decorating the tree while listening to Christmas songs is another fun tradition. On the same night, we put up our icicle lights and our big lighted star.
In the days right beforethe big day, we cook up a storm. More gingerbread, pies, rolls, and whatever else we can think of. At some point, we also go light-looking, and drive to the Capitol and elsewhere to see the light displays.
Finally, on Christmas Eve, we attend our church's Candlelight Service, where we sing carols by candlelight to prepare us for the wonderful day to come.
Sometimes the anticipation of a good thing is just as fun as the thing itself. This certainly holds true for me regarding the biggest holiday of the year, Christmas. The weeks leading up to December 25th are filled with fun and exciting traditions that are often just as enjoyable as Christmas day itself.
The traditions start the day after Christmas with the baking of gingerbread cookies. I love cutting stars, Christmas trees, and angels out of the dough as the rich smell of spices fills the air. Another tradition is our church's Christmas Cantata, which usually takes place around the middle of December. This concert always puts me in the Christmas spirit with its repertoire of Christmas carols, both old and new. Decorating the tree while listening to Christmas songs is another fun tradition. On the same night, we put up our icicle lights and our big lighted star.
In the days right beforethe big day, we cook up a storm. More gingerbread, pies, rolls, and whatever else we can think of. At some point, we also go light-looking, and drive to the Capitol and elsewhere to see the light displays.
Finally, on Christmas Eve, we attend our church's Candlelight Service, where we sing carols by candlelight to prepare us for the wonderful day to come.
Family Time
BY JAKE SADLER
One of my favorite family traditions around Christmas time is our family coming together to celebrate the holidays. Even family from out of town comes, like my aunt from Georgia, and my grandfather from Hagarville. Our aunt usually comes into town about a week before Christmas, and our grandfather comes in a day or two beforehand.
On Christmas morning, everybody comes to my house and we all look in our stockings to see what Santa brought us, then we open our presents. After we pick up all the wrappings and ribbons, we all get together for a morning brunch. Normally, we have things like bacon, eggs, gravy, biscuits and pancakes.
Later in the day, we usually go to my grandmother’s house. There, we talk for most of the day and have lunch or dinner. The lunch normally varies, but one constant is these glasses our grandmother only uses on Christmas. They are made of red crystal.
Sometimes we also visit our family in Alma, and spend the night up there. On the way back, we usually get ice cream from Brahm’s, easily the best ice cream anywhere nearby.
One of my favorite family traditions around Christmas time is our family coming together to celebrate the holidays. Even family from out of town comes, like my aunt from Georgia, and my grandfather from Hagarville. Our aunt usually comes into town about a week before Christmas, and our grandfather comes in a day or two beforehand.
On Christmas morning, everybody comes to my house and we all look in our stockings to see what Santa brought us, then we open our presents. After we pick up all the wrappings and ribbons, we all get together for a morning brunch. Normally, we have things like bacon, eggs, gravy, biscuits and pancakes.
Later in the day, we usually go to my grandmother’s house. There, we talk for most of the day and have lunch or dinner. The lunch normally varies, but one constant is these glasses our grandmother only uses on Christmas. They are made of red crystal.
Sometimes we also visit our family in Alma, and spend the night up there. On the way back, we usually get ice cream from Brahm’s, easily the best ice cream anywhere nearby.
My Family's Christmas Tradition
BY KURT KAMPHAUSEN
It has been called the most wonderful time of the year, and for good reason. The joy of eating lots of food, hanging up lights, shopping, and watching those great Alltel commercials made from claymation is too wonderful to pass up. On the other side of the spectrum, however, are the things that aren't so obvious. Special things we all do called "traditions."
Every year on the day after Thanksgiving--or on Thanksgiving--my family gathers around the television set, snuggling in our blankets to watch "The Muppet Christmas Carol." The joy we get when watching Michael Caine sing with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the other characters is one we share every year. When watching the movie, you get a feeling that you are apart of it in some funny way and you can't help but smile when hearing their joyful voices.
Although this Christmas tradition may not seem like a typical one, it suits us well and we love it….each and every year.
It has been called the most wonderful time of the year, and for good reason. The joy of eating lots of food, hanging up lights, shopping, and watching those great Alltel commercials made from claymation is too wonderful to pass up. On the other side of the spectrum, however, are the things that aren't so obvious. Special things we all do called "traditions."
Every year on the day after Thanksgiving--or on Thanksgiving--my family gathers around the television set, snuggling in our blankets to watch "The Muppet Christmas Carol." The joy we get when watching Michael Caine sing with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the other characters is one we share every year. When watching the movie, you get a feeling that you are apart of it in some funny way and you can't help but smile when hearing their joyful voices.
Although this Christmas tradition may not seem like a typical one, it suits us well and we love it….each and every year.
Christmas Traditions
BY BEN DANFORTH
Our family has, over the years, developed many colorful and interesting traditions on Christmas day. On Christmas, we all awaken at approximately nine o’ clock and start off the festivities by eating a scrumptious breakfast of cinnamon rolls. Then, we all gather around and read the Christmas story from the Bible in the book of Luke. Once we finish, we proceed to the exchanging of presents. My dad dispenses the gifts one by one to the family--all nine of us. This goes on for an hour or two, as we are in no particular hurry.
When we finish, we set off to enjoy our various presents. At 11:30, we pile up in at least two cars and head over to my grandma’s house. There we eat a delicious lunch of ham, turkey, hash browns, banana pudding, stuffing, cookies, brownies, and all sorts of other delicacies. After the meal, we have yet another batch of gifts. We sit around visiting and enjoying each other for a while then, after snapping a few family photos, we drive over to my mom’s parents’ house.
Throughout the evening we both play and watch football and other games outside. We eat another amazing meal and have one last round of gift giving.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year-- my favorite-- and I look forward to it all eleven months.
Our family has, over the years, developed many colorful and interesting traditions on Christmas day. On Christmas, we all awaken at approximately nine o’ clock and start off the festivities by eating a scrumptious breakfast of cinnamon rolls. Then, we all gather around and read the Christmas story from the Bible in the book of Luke. Once we finish, we proceed to the exchanging of presents. My dad dispenses the gifts one by one to the family--all nine of us. This goes on for an hour or two, as we are in no particular hurry.
When we finish, we set off to enjoy our various presents. At 11:30, we pile up in at least two cars and head over to my grandma’s house. There we eat a delicious lunch of ham, turkey, hash browns, banana pudding, stuffing, cookies, brownies, and all sorts of other delicacies. After the meal, we have yet another batch of gifts. We sit around visiting and enjoying each other for a while then, after snapping a few family photos, we drive over to my mom’s parents’ house.
Throughout the evening we both play and watch football and other games outside. We eat another amazing meal and have one last round of gift giving.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year-- my favorite-- and I look forward to it all eleven months.
Christmas with Gloria and her Mom
BY GLORIA HARRIS
On Christmas, my mother and I always wake up early in the morning to open up presents, even thought the last couple of years I open one present a day the week before Christmas.
After we get dressed, we go to my grandma's house. My mother is the cook over there--talk about scrumptious! Most of my family on my mother's side of the go over to my grandma's house for the occasion. We all talk about what happend during the year and our expectations for the next one while the food is cooking. When the cooking is done, we all gather around the table to bless the food. My grandaddy isalways the one who blesses the food. Then, of course, we eat. About an hour later, when the majority of people are finished eating, we open up our presents. The youngest are always the first to open theirs, then the older people. When that's all done, the kids clean up the wrapping paper while the grown-ups clean up the other areas.
After we leave my grandma's house, we visit my papa and his wife. By that time, I would need something else to fill my tummy, so I fix a plate to eat and another one to take home. Once we finish eating, we open and share our gifts, then we clean up. We watch a movie or two until we get restless, then my mother and I head home to rest for a while. After that, we go back out to get and give our family members and friends their gifts.
My family doesn't have many traditions, but this one we do have is wonderful in many ways!
On Christmas, my mother and I always wake up early in the morning to open up presents, even thought the last couple of years I open one present a day the week before Christmas.
After we get dressed, we go to my grandma's house. My mother is the cook over there--talk about scrumptious! Most of my family on my mother's side of the go over to my grandma's house for the occasion. We all talk about what happend during the year and our expectations for the next one while the food is cooking. When the cooking is done, we all gather around the table to bless the food. My grandaddy isalways the one who blesses the food. Then, of course, we eat. About an hour later, when the majority of people are finished eating, we open up our presents. The youngest are always the first to open theirs, then the older people. When that's all done, the kids clean up the wrapping paper while the grown-ups clean up the other areas.
After we leave my grandma's house, we visit my papa and his wife. By that time, I would need something else to fill my tummy, so I fix a plate to eat and another one to take home. Once we finish eating, we open and share our gifts, then we clean up. We watch a movie or two until we get restless, then my mother and I head home to rest for a while. After that, we go back out to get and give our family members and friends their gifts.
My family doesn't have many traditions, but this one we do have is wonderful in many ways!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving Day
BY STORMIE PERRY
"Thanksgiving like the Fourth of July should be considered a national festival and observed by all our people."-Sarah Josepha Hale. Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, being with family, and giving thanks to God. The Bible says in Psalms 100:4, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." This is why we celebrate and set aside a day or even a couple of days of feasting, is to give thanks and glory to God. But how did a day of thanksgiving come into being? And how did it evolve into the holiday that we observe today?
Aboard a ship called the Mayflower in the year 1620, traveling from England to the New World, was a group of people known as the Pilgrims. Men, women, and children of God looking for a land to where they could freely worship God. They arrived in America in 1620, but were ill prepared for the winter at their new home of Plymouth Plantation. It was a harsh time for the Pilgrims and many died that winter. When spring came around they were greeting by the local Native Indians who taught them how to grow crops and cultivate. In the fall of the year of 1621, the Pilgrims wanted to thank God for providing for them, and had a great feast for three days. Indian chief, Massassoit, Squanto, Samoset, and ninety of their men joined the Pilgrims in their festival of thanksgiving. This is considered the first Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving became a regular celebration all throughout the colonies in the 1700's. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington set aside days of thanksgiving to thank God for victories that had been won. Once Washington became the first President, he made a proclamation that was issued on November 26, 1789, to set aside a day of thanksgiving. It was the first national government observance of the day of Thanksgiving. Even though Washington had made a proclamation for thanksgiving, there was no regular observance of the day nor was it a holiday. In the mid 1800's, a lady named Sarah Josepha Hale, who was a writer and editor for a very prominent magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, advocated for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday. She had said this about Thanksgiving, "There is a deep moral influence in these periodical seasons of rejoicing, in which whole communities participate. They bring out the best sympathies in our natures."
Lincoln became President, and sadly our nation was torn by war. Sarah continued to urge President Lincoln to recognize Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In 1863, Lincoln granted Sarah’s wish to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. In 1863, Lincoln brought forth the Thanksgiving Proclamation, making Thanksgiving Day a national holiday as the last Thursday of November. Lincoln had said about Thanksgiving Day, "a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father."
Thanksgiving Day, being the last Thursday of November, did not give businesses much time in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To avert this problem in 1939, President Roosevelt made Thanksgiving Day one week earlier.
In 1941, Congress finally passed that the fourth Thursday of the month of November would be set aside as a national legal holiday of Thanksgiving Day. "No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." These are words from the document that made Thanksgiving Day a national holiday, the Thanksgiving Proclamation.
Thank God and all the men and women who made Thanksgiving Day a day of celebration and remembrance. Remember to thank God, especially on Thanksgiving Day, because the Pilgrims’ desire was to give thanksgiving to God. The meaning of Thanksgiving still stands, and it does remind everyone how truly blessed they really are. "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together."-Psalms 34:1-3.
"Thanksgiving like the Fourth of July should be considered a national festival and observed by all our people."-Sarah Josepha Hale. Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, being with family, and giving thanks to God. The Bible says in Psalms 100:4, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." This is why we celebrate and set aside a day or even a couple of days of feasting, is to give thanks and glory to God. But how did a day of thanksgiving come into being? And how did it evolve into the holiday that we observe today?
Aboard a ship called the Mayflower in the year 1620, traveling from England to the New World, was a group of people known as the Pilgrims. Men, women, and children of God looking for a land to where they could freely worship God. They arrived in America in 1620, but were ill prepared for the winter at their new home of Plymouth Plantation. It was a harsh time for the Pilgrims and many died that winter. When spring came around they were greeting by the local Native Indians who taught them how to grow crops and cultivate. In the fall of the year of 1621, the Pilgrims wanted to thank God for providing for them, and had a great feast for three days. Indian chief, Massassoit, Squanto, Samoset, and ninety of their men joined the Pilgrims in their festival of thanksgiving. This is considered the first Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving became a regular celebration all throughout the colonies in the 1700's. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington set aside days of thanksgiving to thank God for victories that had been won. Once Washington became the first President, he made a proclamation that was issued on November 26, 1789, to set aside a day of thanksgiving. It was the first national government observance of the day of Thanksgiving. Even though Washington had made a proclamation for thanksgiving, there was no regular observance of the day nor was it a holiday. In the mid 1800's, a lady named Sarah Josepha Hale, who was a writer and editor for a very prominent magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, advocated for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday. She had said this about Thanksgiving, "There is a deep moral influence in these periodical seasons of rejoicing, in which whole communities participate. They bring out the best sympathies in our natures."
Lincoln became President, and sadly our nation was torn by war. Sarah continued to urge President Lincoln to recognize Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In 1863, Lincoln granted Sarah’s wish to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. In 1863, Lincoln brought forth the Thanksgiving Proclamation, making Thanksgiving Day a national holiday as the last Thursday of November. Lincoln had said about Thanksgiving Day, "a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father."
Thanksgiving Day, being the last Thursday of November, did not give businesses much time in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To avert this problem in 1939, President Roosevelt made Thanksgiving Day one week earlier.
In 1941, Congress finally passed that the fourth Thursday of the month of November would be set aside as a national legal holiday of Thanksgiving Day. "No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." These are words from the document that made Thanksgiving Day a national holiday, the Thanksgiving Proclamation.
Thank God and all the men and women who made Thanksgiving Day a day of celebration and remembrance. Remember to thank God, especially on Thanksgiving Day, because the Pilgrims’ desire was to give thanksgiving to God. The meaning of Thanksgiving still stands, and it does remind everyone how truly blessed they really are. "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together."-Psalms 34:1-3.
Important Senior Information
BY KURT KAMPHAUSEN
For those who are interested in graduating this May with HomeEd or in being involvedc in senior class activities, here is a little information for you.
First of all, there was a cookout at the home of the Eggers on November 1 which was very fun. Approximately 20 students attended the event and they roasted hot dogs and marshmallows along with playing games like Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, and Kajabi Kan-Kan. They also discussed where they would like to have the senior trip this year, class speaker for graduation, and the class representative. All of those issues will be brought up at a later meeting for final votes.
Another thing of note is the Christmas party coming up on December 6. For any seniors interested in attending, they ask that you dress up a little more than casual and that you bring a gift (a gag gift or normal) in the price range of about $8. If you have any questions, you can contact Dana Stearns or check the November HomeEd newsletter. Also remember to send in a baby photo, senior photo, and a write-up for yearbook and send it to Terri Oxner. Homecoming is also coming up shortly. Be sure to sign up as quickly as possible, since it is in less than two months!
This year is going great so far, so don't miss out on the fun to come!
For those who are interested in graduating this May with HomeEd or in being involvedc in senior class activities, here is a little information for you.
First of all, there was a cookout at the home of the Eggers on November 1 which was very fun. Approximately 20 students attended the event and they roasted hot dogs and marshmallows along with playing games like Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, and Kajabi Kan-Kan. They also discussed where they would like to have the senior trip this year, class speaker for graduation, and the class representative. All of those issues will be brought up at a later meeting for final votes.
Another thing of note is the Christmas party coming up on December 6. For any seniors interested in attending, they ask that you dress up a little more than casual and that you bring a gift (a gag gift or normal) in the price range of about $8. If you have any questions, you can contact Dana Stearns or check the November HomeEd newsletter. Also remember to send in a baby photo, senior photo, and a write-up for yearbook and send it to Terri Oxner. Homecoming is also coming up shortly. Be sure to sign up as quickly as possible, since it is in less than two months!
This year is going great so far, so don't miss out on the fun to come!
Junior Class Meeting
BY JAKE SADLER
Twenty-five members of the junior class met again recently at the Wenneker house on the 7th of November to further discuss plans for the prom. A location and date have been determined, but are still being kept under close guard.
Also, congratulations and good job to all the juniors who turned out for the car washes, as we made $500 towards the prom! Approximately 20 students came out to help with the washing.
At the last meeting, in addition to discussing the prom, there were also social activities such as a bonfire and s’mores. The next class meeting will be on January 13th. As always, juniors only!
About mid-late January, we will also be collecting old cell phones as part of a recycling program to raise more money for the prom. If you would like to get involved with the junior class or the planning process, contact Mrs. Wenneker for more information.
Twenty-five members of the junior class met again recently at the Wenneker house on the 7th of November to further discuss plans for the prom. A location and date have been determined, but are still being kept under close guard.
Also, congratulations and good job to all the juniors who turned out for the car washes, as we made $500 towards the prom! Approximately 20 students came out to help with the washing.
At the last meeting, in addition to discussing the prom, there were also social activities such as a bonfire and s’mores. The next class meeting will be on January 13th. As always, juniors only!
About mid-late January, we will also be collecting old cell phones as part of a recycling program to raise more money for the prom. If you would like to get involved with the junior class or the planning process, contact Mrs. Wenneker for more information.
ShareFest
BY STORMIE PERRY
This year counts as the tenth annual of ShareFest, an event put on by many churches in Central Arkansas in order to make a difference in their communities. There are a couple of different activities that are done within ShareFest, including a day of prayer walks, a food and coat and blood drive, a Love Offering, and a day of service. There are about one hundred churches that come together to make these events possible.
The day of prayer walks is decided on by each church participating. They are days set aside for a group of people to come and pray. Some things that were prayed for in the prayer walks were for our leaders, families, schools, neighborhoods, and that God would be glorified in our city. ShareFest also has a food and coat drive for three weeks. There is one more week for anyone to donate food and/or coats, which can be dropped off at local churches involved in ShareFest or at Fellowship Church. The food and coats that have been donated will go to people in the community who need them. ShareFest has partnered with two organizations for these two drives for the past six years. For the food drive, ShareFest has partnered with "Hereʼs Life Inner City." For the coat drive, ShareFest has partnered with the Salvation Army. There was also a blood drive, which was November 16th. This was a day to give people the chance to donate their blood for a good cause.
ShareFest also has a Love Offering, which is a special offering that is taken up by ShareFest Church Celebration on November the 23rd. This activity gives people the chance to give their money to people who need it.
There is one more activity that ShareFest puts on, which is a day of service. The day of service is a day where many volunteers take a day to help their community. There are several projects that the churches involved with ShareFest do, such as cleaning up yards and neighborhoods, working on homes and schools, and helping out in the community. Some of the school projects that Fellowship Church are involved on this year are Franklin Elementary, Stephens, Robinson Middle School, Wilson Elementary, Otter Creek Elementary, Arkansas Baptist College, and Academic Plus Charter School. These projects were done on November the 22nd.
Anyone can get signed up to help serve their community at their local church that is involved with ShareFest. This is a great opportunity for anyone to make a difference in other peopleʼs lives in their community. Many of the ShareFest projects are over for this year, but if you are interested in getting involved or getting your church involved next year, contact ShareFest office at (501) 225-0070, or you can get a group together and create your own project to serve someone in your community. For more information go to "fellowshiponline.com"
This year counts as the tenth annual of ShareFest, an event put on by many churches in Central Arkansas in order to make a difference in their communities. There are a couple of different activities that are done within ShareFest, including a day of prayer walks, a food and coat and blood drive, a Love Offering, and a day of service. There are about one hundred churches that come together to make these events possible.
The day of prayer walks is decided on by each church participating. They are days set aside for a group of people to come and pray. Some things that were prayed for in the prayer walks were for our leaders, families, schools, neighborhoods, and that God would be glorified in our city. ShareFest also has a food and coat drive for three weeks. There is one more week for anyone to donate food and/or coats, which can be dropped off at local churches involved in ShareFest or at Fellowship Church. The food and coats that have been donated will go to people in the community who need them. ShareFest has partnered with two organizations for these two drives for the past six years. For the food drive, ShareFest has partnered with "Hereʼs Life Inner City." For the coat drive, ShareFest has partnered with the Salvation Army. There was also a blood drive, which was November 16th. This was a day to give people the chance to donate their blood for a good cause.
ShareFest also has a Love Offering, which is a special offering that is taken up by ShareFest Church Celebration on November the 23rd. This activity gives people the chance to give their money to people who need it.
There is one more activity that ShareFest puts on, which is a day of service. The day of service is a day where many volunteers take a day to help their community. There are several projects that the churches involved with ShareFest do, such as cleaning up yards and neighborhoods, working on homes and schools, and helping out in the community. Some of the school projects that Fellowship Church are involved on this year are Franklin Elementary, Stephens, Robinson Middle School, Wilson Elementary, Otter Creek Elementary, Arkansas Baptist College, and Academic Plus Charter School. These projects were done on November the 22nd.
Anyone can get signed up to help serve their community at their local church that is involved with ShareFest. This is a great opportunity for anyone to make a difference in other peopleʼs lives in their community. Many of the ShareFest projects are over for this year, but if you are interested in getting involved or getting your church involved next year, contact ShareFest office at (501) 225-0070, or you can get a group together and create your own project to serve someone in your community. For more information go to "fellowshiponline.com"
Festival Feeds Needy
BY HUNTER SADLER
The Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas’ Thanksgiving Festival has fed the hungry and needy on Thanksgiving for the past three years. This year it will be from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. in the parking lot of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, located at 6420 Col. Glenn Rd.
Every year the number of served has grown, up to last years' 500. They also open up their clothes closet on Thanksgiving and give clothes to the homeless and needy. Not all of the festival is food and clothes. There are also inflatable carnival games and moon bounces for children to play on. This year, the African Children’s Choir will be performing at the lunch.
For more information on the festival and lunch, contact Mosaic Church at (501) 562-3336
The Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas’ Thanksgiving Festival has fed the hungry and needy on Thanksgiving for the past three years. This year it will be from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. in the parking lot of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, located at 6420 Col. Glenn Rd.
Every year the number of served has grown, up to last years' 500. They also open up their clothes closet on Thanksgiving and give clothes to the homeless and needy. Not all of the festival is food and clothes. There are also inflatable carnival games and moon bounces for children to play on. This year, the African Children’s Choir will be performing at the lunch.
For more information on the festival and lunch, contact Mosaic Church at (501) 562-3336
Talent on Display
BY BEN DANFORTH
Arkansas homeschoolers from all over the state showed up at Harding University on Saturday, November 8th, at 6:30 p.m. to participate in the Education Alliance’s annual talent show. The show was held in the administrative office at Harding. It was categorized into two divisions: instrumental and entertainment. Besides that, there were subdivisions such as juniors, seven to nine year olds; preteens, ten to twelve year olds; teens, thirteen to fifteen year olds; and older teens, sixteen to eighteen year olds.
Last year there were twenty-four contestants; this year there were eighteen. Students arrived from as far away as Whitehall, Garfield, Russellville, Clotter, Bradford, and Maumelle. The winners are as follows: Zachary Hudspeth, Ashlynn Andreg, Kimberly Bowman, Rebekah Richardson, Claire and Mitchell Freer, Jacob Irwin, Daniel, Grace and Luke Thomason, Olivia Wolfe, and Jeanie Burnett. The Master of Ceremonies was Nick Keith, who has a career in doing school fundraisers. Along with the emcee, there were five judges, two of whom were teachers, and three of whom were students at Harding University.
There was a wide range of acts with performances such as Italian opera, bluegrass, classical piano, violin, tap-dancing, and singing.
This is the second consecutive year the Education Alliance has put on the talent show and they are planning to do it next year. For more information on when and how to sign up, visit www.arkansashomeschool.org.
Arkansas homeschoolers from all over the state showed up at Harding University on Saturday, November 8th, at 6:30 p.m. to participate in the Education Alliance’s annual talent show. The show was held in the administrative office at Harding. It was categorized into two divisions: instrumental and entertainment. Besides that, there were subdivisions such as juniors, seven to nine year olds; preteens, ten to twelve year olds; teens, thirteen to fifteen year olds; and older teens, sixteen to eighteen year olds.
Last year there were twenty-four contestants; this year there were eighteen. Students arrived from as far away as Whitehall, Garfield, Russellville, Clotter, Bradford, and Maumelle. The winners are as follows: Zachary Hudspeth, Ashlynn Andreg, Kimberly Bowman, Rebekah Richardson, Claire and Mitchell Freer, Jacob Irwin, Daniel, Grace and Luke Thomason, Olivia Wolfe, and Jeanie Burnett. The Master of Ceremonies was Nick Keith, who has a career in doing school fundraisers. Along with the emcee, there were five judges, two of whom were teachers, and three of whom were students at Harding University.
There was a wide range of acts with performances such as Italian opera, bluegrass, classical piano, violin, tap-dancing, and singing.
This is the second consecutive year the Education Alliance has put on the talent show and they are planning to do it next year. For more information on when and how to sign up, visit www.arkansashomeschool.org.
Be Creative,Be Be Creative!
BY GLORIA HARRIS
"Presentaion Day" for North Little Rock Homeschoolers was sensational. Even though only five people signed up, there was piano playing, prayers presented in the Latin language, two written and performed compositions, a written book read by the author, and a written newspaper article. There was all kinds of amazing talent in the atmoshere. This "Presentation Day" was held at Sanders Library in Sherwood, Arkansas.
This was Jean Howdensen's first year coordinating this program, but this is not the first year for the program. This was the third year homeschooled students had the opportunity to "show their stuff" to other homeschoolers. There will be other such programs in the future and the hope is that they will have more paticipation.
For more information on this wonderful opportunity, or to start your own "Presentation Day" at other central Arkansas locactions, contact Jean Howdensen at (501)-835-5310.
"Presentaion Day" for North Little Rock Homeschoolers was sensational. Even though only five people signed up, there was piano playing, prayers presented in the Latin language, two written and performed compositions, a written book read by the author, and a written newspaper article. There was all kinds of amazing talent in the atmoshere. This "Presentation Day" was held at Sanders Library in Sherwood, Arkansas.
This was Jean Howdensen's first year coordinating this program, but this is not the first year for the program. This was the third year homeschooled students had the opportunity to "show their stuff" to other homeschoolers. There will be other such programs in the future and the hope is that they will have more paticipation.
For more information on this wonderful opportunity, or to start your own "Presentation Day" at other central Arkansas locactions, contact Jean Howdensen at (501)-835-5310.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Celebrate, Little Rock
BY: AMY DORSEY
Don't know how to celebrate this holiday season? With events like, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" and a Yuletide Spectacular all you have to do is choose! There are many ways to celebrate the holiday season with the whole family, and just a sleigh ride away.
During turkey month, the Rep, Arkansas Arts Center, and Robinson Center Music Hall have some festive shows and a sale. "If You Sing It They Will Come: Songs from the Silver Screen" at the Repertory Theatre with the Young Arkansas Artists runs November 5-16. The Robinson Center Music Hall brings us Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" on November 28. The Arkansas Arts Center's Christmas play will be "The Toymaker's Apprentice," creating magic November 28 through December 21. The Arkansas Arts Center Museum School facility and students will sell their original works on November 22.
As we await Santa's coming, major venues around the city know how to get ready for every child's favorite night. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus tumbles into the Alltel Arena December 4-7. "Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular" kicks across the arena's stage on December 17 and 18. Then, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will rock the roof off Alltel on December 26. "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at the Rep will show us the true value of life December 5-28.
CARTI Auxiliary Festival of Trees will light up the State House Convention Center December 4-6. Also at the Convention Center, the Sugar Plum Ball on December 4, Breakfast with Santa on December 6, and the Christmas Showcase December 5-7.
Robinson Center Music Hall will dance and play for us with Ballet Arkansas' "The Nutcracker" December 6-7, Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas on December 10, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's annual Yuletide Spectacular December 19-20.
With all these events and more, you'll never be able to say you couldn't find a way to celebrate the holidays in Little Rock this year. For more information on these events go to the calendar page at www.alltelarena.com, www.therep.org, www.arkarts.com, and www.littlerock.com.
Don't know how to celebrate this holiday season? With events like, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" and a Yuletide Spectacular all you have to do is choose! There are many ways to celebrate the holiday season with the whole family, and just a sleigh ride away.
During turkey month, the Rep, Arkansas Arts Center, and Robinson Center Music Hall have some festive shows and a sale. "If You Sing It They Will Come: Songs from the Silver Screen" at the Repertory Theatre with the Young Arkansas Artists runs November 5-16. The Robinson Center Music Hall brings us Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" on November 28. The Arkansas Arts Center's Christmas play will be "The Toymaker's Apprentice," creating magic November 28 through December 21. The Arkansas Arts Center Museum School facility and students will sell their original works on November 22.
As we await Santa's coming, major venues around the city know how to get ready for every child's favorite night. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus tumbles into the Alltel Arena December 4-7. "Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular" kicks across the arena's stage on December 17 and 18. Then, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will rock the roof off Alltel on December 26. "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at the Rep will show us the true value of life December 5-28.
CARTI Auxiliary Festival of Trees will light up the State House Convention Center December 4-6. Also at the Convention Center, the Sugar Plum Ball on December 4, Breakfast with Santa on December 6, and the Christmas Showcase December 5-7.
Robinson Center Music Hall will dance and play for us with Ballet Arkansas' "The Nutcracker" December 6-7, Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas on December 10, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's annual Yuletide Spectacular December 19-20.
With all these events and more, you'll never be able to say you couldn't find a way to celebrate the holidays in Little Rock this year. For more information on these events go to the calendar page at www.alltelarena.com, www.therep.org, www.arkarts.com, and www.littlerock.com.
Bless the Lord With Me
BY GLORIA HARRIS
Looking for something to do during your Christmas Holiday? Well, various churches in Little Rock are holding programs and wanting you to attend.
Agape Church on 701 Napa Valley Dr. in Little Rock will be having a program called "The Gospel According to Scrooge". It will be held December 12th at 7 p.m., December 13th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and December 14th at 6 p.m. For more info call 501-225-0612.
The children of First Baptist on 208 Scott St. in Ward, AR, will be performing a program by the name of "Harp the Harold Angel" on December 21st at 6 p.m. The adult choir will have their program, "Hope has Hands" on December 21st during morning service. For more info call 501 843-5648.
Immanuel Baptist Church on 56 S Broadview St. in Greenbriar will have their lovely children performing during morning service on December 14 and the children will also be singing during evening service. The adult choir will have their musical on December 21st at 6 p.m. For more info call 501 679-2612.
St. Mark Baptist Church on 5722 W 12th St.in Little Rock is also having a concert. "The Amazing Shakina Glory" will be performing on December 4th at 7 p.m. The cost for this concert is $10 if you get your tickets early and $15 at the door. For more information call 501 663-3955.
St. Luke Episcopal Church located on 4106 John F. Kennedy Blvd. in North Little Rock will be having a Christmas pageant on December 28th at 9:30. For more info contact the church at 501 752-4281.
St.Mark Community Church on Hwy 800 North in Jacksonville will have a Christmas musical December 13th at 6 p.m.
I hope that you will be able to attend at least one of these inspirational programs.
Looking for something to do during your Christmas Holiday? Well, various churches in Little Rock are holding programs and wanting you to attend.
Agape Church on 701 Napa Valley Dr. in Little Rock will be having a program called "The Gospel According to Scrooge". It will be held December 12th at 7 p.m., December 13th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and December 14th at 6 p.m. For more info call 501-225-0612.
The children of First Baptist on 208 Scott St. in Ward, AR, will be performing a program by the name of "Harp the Harold Angel" on December 21st at 6 p.m. The adult choir will have their program, "Hope has Hands" on December 21st during morning service. For more info call 501 843-5648.
Immanuel Baptist Church on 56 S Broadview St. in Greenbriar will have their lovely children performing during morning service on December 14 and the children will also be singing during evening service. The adult choir will have their musical on December 21st at 6 p.m. For more info call 501 679-2612.
St. Mark Baptist Church on 5722 W 12th St.in Little Rock is also having a concert. "The Amazing Shakina Glory" will be performing on December 4th at 7 p.m. The cost for this concert is $10 if you get your tickets early and $15 at the door. For more information call 501 663-3955.
St. Luke Episcopal Church located on 4106 John F. Kennedy Blvd. in North Little Rock will be having a Christmas pageant on December 28th at 9:30. For more info contact the church at 501 752-4281.
St.Mark Community Church on Hwy 800 North in Jacksonville will have a Christmas musical December 13th at 6 p.m.
I hope that you will be able to attend at least one of these inspirational programs.
The Beat Goes On
BY HUNTER SADLER
The Little Rock area has many venues for all types of music. Ranging from Alltel Arena in North Little Rock to the smallest of small venues.
Probably the most popular “alternate” music venue is The Village. Located near the corner of University Avenue and Asher Avenue, this venue is a remodeled two-screen theater that was a landmark in south Little Rock for several decades, seating around 200 with room for another few hundred in “the pit."
Another popular local venue is Vino’s, located in downtown Little Rock. Vino’s is a pizza and brew pub with a stage in the back, with room for around 200. Bands such as Evanescence got their start with gigs at Vino’s.
Other popular venues include: Juanita’s in Little Rock, Soundstage in Conway, and Downtown Music in Little Rock. For more information about upcoming concerts refer to list below.
The Village: www.thevillagelive.com/event/featured
Vino’s: www.vinosbrewpub.com/listen/index.html
Juanita’s: www.juanitas.com/cal.php
Soundstage: www.myspace.com/soundstage
The Little Rock area has many venues for all types of music. Ranging from Alltel Arena in North Little Rock to the smallest of small venues.
Probably the most popular “alternate” music venue is The Village. Located near the corner of University Avenue and Asher Avenue, this venue is a remodeled two-screen theater that was a landmark in south Little Rock for several decades, seating around 200 with room for another few hundred in “the pit."
Another popular local venue is Vino’s, located in downtown Little Rock. Vino’s is a pizza and brew pub with a stage in the back, with room for around 200. Bands such as Evanescence got their start with gigs at Vino’s.
Other popular venues include: Juanita’s in Little Rock, Soundstage in Conway, and Downtown Music in Little Rock. For more information about upcoming concerts refer to list below.
The Village: www.thevillagelive.com/event/featured
Vino’s: www.vinosbrewpub.com/listen/index.html
Juanita’s: www.juanitas.com/cal.php
Soundstage: www.myspace.com/soundstage
Wanna Play a Game?
BY JAKE SADLER
For all of you gamers out there, here are some highly anticipated games coming out for the holiday season.
(Writers Note: All products shown are rated by the ESRB [Entertainment Software Ratings Board] between E [Everyone] and T [Teen].)
Halo Wars
Publisher: MicrosoftDeveloper: EnsembleGenre: Real Time StrategyRating: RP (Rating Pending, expected T rating)
Availible Platform(s): XBox 360
Synopsis: The most recent addition to the Halo series, set before the events of the Halo trilogy, guide the crew of the UNSC Spirit Of Fire to victory against the Covenant forces.
ETA: February 2, 2009
StarCraft 2
Publisher: Microsoft Developer: MicrosoftGenre: Real Time StrategyRating: RP (expected T)Available Platform(s): PC
Synopsis: The long awaited sequel to the groundbreaking StarCraft (and Brood War), take control once more over the Terran, Zerg, or Protoss and crush all in your path to galactic domination.
ETA: December 12, 2008 (maybe...)
Battle Rage: The Robot Wars
Publisher: Data Design InteractiveDeveloper: Destan EntertainmentGenre: ActionRating: RP
Available Plaform(s): Wii
Synopsis: Take control of a robot of your choice and go head to head with up to 3 human or AI opponents. Also, players may customize their machine to cater to their style of play.
ETA: December 15, 2008
Stay tuned for further gaming news...
For all of you gamers out there, here are some highly anticipated games coming out for the holiday season.
(Writers Note: All products shown are rated by the ESRB [Entertainment Software Ratings Board] between E [Everyone] and T [Teen].)
Halo Wars
Publisher: MicrosoftDeveloper: EnsembleGenre: Real Time StrategyRating: RP (Rating Pending, expected T rating)
Availible Platform(s): XBox 360
Synopsis: The most recent addition to the Halo series, set before the events of the Halo trilogy, guide the crew of the UNSC Spirit Of Fire to victory against the Covenant forces.
ETA: February 2, 2009
StarCraft 2
Publisher: Microsoft Developer: MicrosoftGenre: Real Time StrategyRating: RP (expected T)Available Platform(s): PC
Synopsis: The long awaited sequel to the groundbreaking StarCraft (and Brood War), take control once more over the Terran, Zerg, or Protoss and crush all in your path to galactic domination.
ETA: December 12, 2008 (maybe...)
Battle Rage: The Robot Wars
Publisher: Data Design InteractiveDeveloper: Destan EntertainmentGenre: ActionRating: RP
Available Plaform(s): Wii
Synopsis: Take control of a robot of your choice and go head to head with up to 3 human or AI opponents. Also, players may customize their machine to cater to their style of play.
ETA: December 15, 2008
Stay tuned for further gaming news...
That's A Wrap
BY KURT KAMPHAUSEN
Another Flames volleyball season has a conclusion in sight. With Nationals almost over for the traveling varsity, the end has come upon us, once again. With pretty high expectations on the volleyball teams, none of the teams disappointed. Every single team had a winning record and they also placed well at their tournaments. At the time of this article, the traveling varsity team is on its way to another top 10 finish in the country – an incredible feat for any Flames’ team.
Although another chapter is closing for volleyball this season and we will be missing the seniors that are graduating, there will still be next year. And we will be awaiting the 2009 season with open arms.
Another Flames volleyball season has a conclusion in sight. With Nationals almost over for the traveling varsity, the end has come upon us, once again. With pretty high expectations on the volleyball teams, none of the teams disappointed. Every single team had a winning record and they also placed well at their tournaments. At the time of this article, the traveling varsity team is on its way to another top 10 finish in the country – an incredible feat for any Flames’ team.
Although another chapter is closing for volleyball this season and we will be missing the seniors that are graduating, there will still be next year. And we will be awaiting the 2009 season with open arms.
Masterpieces By Future Masterminds
BY GLORIA HARRIS
The Master's Academy of Fine Arts is located in Atlanta, GA, but is hoping to create a program here in Arkansas. The program is held 26 weeks during the school year, one day a week. Students attend five classes during the day: drama, history, music, art and an elective. All of the classes have an historical theme. These themes rotate each year between six distinct historical eras. This program has been going on for fifteen years.
The Masters Academy cost $600 a year per student for grades K-12. An informational meeting was held in early October at the Journey Church in Little Rock. Approximately 15 people attended that meeting. For more information about the Master's Academy and to find out about future informational meetings here in Little Rock, go to their website at www.mafa.net .
The Master's Academy of Fine Arts is located in Atlanta, GA, but is hoping to create a program here in Arkansas. The program is held 26 weeks during the school year, one day a week. Students attend five classes during the day: drama, history, music, art and an elective. All of the classes have an historical theme. These themes rotate each year between six distinct historical eras. This program has been going on for fifteen years.
The Masters Academy cost $600 a year per student for grades K-12. An informational meeting was held in early October at the Journey Church in Little Rock. Approximately 15 people attended that meeting. For more information about the Master's Academy and to find out about future informational meetings here in Little Rock, go to their website at www.mafa.net .
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Fun Fall Festivals
BY AMY DANFORTH
There are many celebrations around central Arkansas in the latter days of October, hosted by churches, schools, and even the zoo. These festivals are safe, family-friendly alternatives to the traditional Halloween ritual of going door-to-door in search of candy.
The Little Rock Zoo is hosting its sixteenth annual ''Boo at the Zoo'', which is the largest Halloween festival in Arkansas. The event features a haunted house, fortune-telling, a funhouse, the beauty shop of horrors, and talking pumpkins. It will run October 24-31 from 6 PM to 9 PM each night. Admission is $5 per person and $4 per person for members. Costumes are encouraged.
Lutheran High School hosted its eleventh annual Oktoberfest on October 18; it showcased the German heritage of food and pastries, and featured a climbing wall, moonwalks, retail booths, crafts, and of course, food.
Several churches offer family-friendly festivals. New Hope Baptist Church of central Arkansas is hosting its Fall Festival on October 26, from 5-7:30 PM. On Halloween night, October 31, Parkway Place Baptist Church will host "Trunk'r'Treat", a free outreach to the community. South Highland Baptist Church will hold a Children's Fall Festival for kids that live in the Fair Oaks Apartment complex, from 5-7 p.m.
The Bible Church of Little Rock offers a very unique alternative with its traditional Reformation Celebration, which starts at 6:30 on Halloween night. This celebration features a guest speaker, Joel Beeke, who will speak on "Reforming Our Families", a Reformation-themed art contest for K-6 grades, and finger foods, desserts, and a Puritan vignette.
All of the above festivals will have games, funhouses, candy, and other attractions. Many other churches and shopping areas have trick-or-treat alternatives to make sure kids have a fun and safe Halloween.
There are many celebrations around central Arkansas in the latter days of October, hosted by churches, schools, and even the zoo. These festivals are safe, family-friendly alternatives to the traditional Halloween ritual of going door-to-door in search of candy.
The Little Rock Zoo is hosting its sixteenth annual ''Boo at the Zoo'', which is the largest Halloween festival in Arkansas. The event features a haunted house, fortune-telling, a funhouse, the beauty shop of horrors, and talking pumpkins. It will run October 24-31 from 6 PM to 9 PM each night. Admission is $5 per person and $4 per person for members. Costumes are encouraged.
Lutheran High School hosted its eleventh annual Oktoberfest on October 18; it showcased the German heritage of food and pastries, and featured a climbing wall, moonwalks, retail booths, crafts, and of course, food.
Several churches offer family-friendly festivals. New Hope Baptist Church of central Arkansas is hosting its Fall Festival on October 26, from 5-7:30 PM. On Halloween night, October 31, Parkway Place Baptist Church will host "Trunk'r'Treat", a free outreach to the community. South Highland Baptist Church will hold a Children's Fall Festival for kids that live in the Fair Oaks Apartment complex, from 5-7 p.m.
The Bible Church of Little Rock offers a very unique alternative with its traditional Reformation Celebration, which starts at 6:30 on Halloween night. This celebration features a guest speaker, Joel Beeke, who will speak on "Reforming Our Families", a Reformation-themed art contest for K-6 grades, and finger foods, desserts, and a Puritan vignette.
All of the above festivals will have games, funhouses, candy, and other attractions. Many other churches and shopping areas have trick-or-treat alternatives to make sure kids have a fun and safe Halloween.
Civil War Days at Historic Washington State Park
BY AMY DORSEY
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see a Civil War skirmish? Ever wanted to know what a Union or Confederate encampment looked like? How about walking through the rooms of the Confederate Capitol of Arkansas? Well, at the Historic Washington State Park you can! On November 1st and 2nd, Historic Washington State Park, (located just outside of Hope, Arkansas) will be hosting its Civil War Weekend.
Re-enactors from all over the region will present living history demonstrations throughout the weekend. There will be a small skirmish between the North and the South which will highlight both afternoons. You can see the troops drill, prepare for battle, and much more.
Of course, there is more than the rival camps to see this weekend. For a fee of $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 6-12, you can get a tour of the many historic buildings on site. Some of which are the Trimble House, B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum, Williams' Tavern Restaurant, and the 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse, which served as the Confederate Capital of Arkansas from 1863 to 1865. There are also surrey rides around the park for a $7.00 plus tax for adults and $3.50 plus tax for children. These tours are optional, the rest of the event is free.
This event is set to expose visitors to the beginning days of "The Conflict." With the help of local reenactors and the park staff, you will see a town on the eve of the War Between the States. All visitors are encouraged to begin their trip back in time at the 1874 Hempstead courthouse where they will receive a map of the park and a schedule of events.
All ticket purchases may be made at the 1874 Hempstead Courthouse or the Candle Shop. Tickets for surrey rides will only be sold at the Candle Shop. Remember, the re-enactment program is free and there are no parking fees.
If you wish to stay for both days, lodging is available in the nearby town of Hope, Arkansas. It's a long drive from Central Arkansas, but with 500-800 in attendance last year, it is sure to be a trip worth taking. It is educational and fun for the whole family!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see a Civil War skirmish? Ever wanted to know what a Union or Confederate encampment looked like? How about walking through the rooms of the Confederate Capitol of Arkansas? Well, at the Historic Washington State Park you can! On November 1st and 2nd, Historic Washington State Park, (located just outside of Hope, Arkansas) will be hosting its Civil War Weekend.
Re-enactors from all over the region will present living history demonstrations throughout the weekend. There will be a small skirmish between the North and the South which will highlight both afternoons. You can see the troops drill, prepare for battle, and much more.
Of course, there is more than the rival camps to see this weekend. For a fee of $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 6-12, you can get a tour of the many historic buildings on site. Some of which are the Trimble House, B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum, Williams' Tavern Restaurant, and the 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse, which served as the Confederate Capital of Arkansas from 1863 to 1865. There are also surrey rides around the park for a $7.00 plus tax for adults and $3.50 plus tax for children. These tours are optional, the rest of the event is free.
This event is set to expose visitors to the beginning days of "The Conflict." With the help of local reenactors and the park staff, you will see a town on the eve of the War Between the States. All visitors are encouraged to begin their trip back in time at the 1874 Hempstead courthouse where they will receive a map of the park and a schedule of events.
All ticket purchases may be made at the 1874 Hempstead Courthouse or the Candle Shop. Tickets for surrey rides will only be sold at the Candle Shop. Remember, the re-enactment program is free and there are no parking fees.
If you wish to stay for both days, lodging is available in the nearby town of Hope, Arkansas. It's a long drive from Central Arkansas, but with 500-800 in attendance last year, it is sure to be a trip worth taking. It is educational and fun for the whole family!
Hunters, Take Aim
BY BEN DANFORTH
Deer hunting season is coming up and you do not want to miss it! There are many different styles of hunting when it comes to deer. Archery and crossbow season is from October 1st, 2008, to February 29th, 2009. Muzzle-loading season goes on from October 18th to the 26th, and from December 29th to the 31st, 2008. Modern guns season go on any time from November 8th to December 25th, 2008. There is also a special youth hunt with modern guns for kids age 15 and under--with a licensed hunter--November 1 and 2.
There is a controversy on deer in Arkansas. A lot of people want deer in surplus so they can hunt, take pictures, or just observe nature. However, there are some people who want the deer population to decrease, mostly farmers and commuters. Deer can destroy crops, get run over by cars, and just make driving difficult.
There are about one million white-tailed deer in this state. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is doing all they can to keep the deer population in check for commuters and farmers but still maintain a healthy population for hunters.
For more information on purchasing tags and permits, an online version of the hunter safety manual, and downloading the 2008-2009 hunting zone map, visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s official website at www.agfc.com.
Deer hunting season is coming up and you do not want to miss it! There are many different styles of hunting when it comes to deer. Archery and crossbow season is from October 1st, 2008, to February 29th, 2009. Muzzle-loading season goes on from October 18th to the 26th, and from December 29th to the 31st, 2008. Modern guns season go on any time from November 8th to December 25th, 2008. There is also a special youth hunt with modern guns for kids age 15 and under--with a licensed hunter--November 1 and 2.
There is a controversy on deer in Arkansas. A lot of people want deer in surplus so they can hunt, take pictures, or just observe nature. However, there are some people who want the deer population to decrease, mostly farmers and commuters. Deer can destroy crops, get run over by cars, and just make driving difficult.
There are about one million white-tailed deer in this state. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is doing all they can to keep the deer population in check for commuters and farmers but still maintain a healthy population for hunters.
For more information on purchasing tags and permits, an online version of the hunter safety manual, and downloading the 2008-2009 hunting zone map, visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s official website at www.agfc.com.
Oh, The Times We Had
BY HUNTER SADLER
Since 1998, HomeEd has produced a yearbook for homeschoolers. The yearbook has had many themes over the years, last year's being "Stages Of Life". The ongoing theme throughout the years is the journey of kindergarten to 12th grade.
The yearbook staff is comprised of journalistic students who organize fundraisers, design cover art, and edit material. The yearbook covers all of the events of the past year, which usually includes the Spring Banquet, Homecoming, Junior/Senior Prom, athletics, and senior class activities. Pictures are taken every year at the co-ops and other designated locations, and categorized by grade inside the book. In the back of the book there are some news clippings from the past year.
All in all, the HomeEd yearbook is a good source of information about the past year, and serves as a good reminder to those who lived that year. To order a yearbook for this school year, or to get involved on the yearbook staff, go to www.homeedonline.com for more information.
Since 1998, HomeEd has produced a yearbook for homeschoolers. The yearbook has had many themes over the years, last year's being "Stages Of Life". The ongoing theme throughout the years is the journey of kindergarten to 12th grade.
The yearbook staff is comprised of journalistic students who organize fundraisers, design cover art, and edit material. The yearbook covers all of the events of the past year, which usually includes the Spring Banquet, Homecoming, Junior/Senior Prom, athletics, and senior class activities. Pictures are taken every year at the co-ops and other designated locations, and categorized by grade inside the book. In the back of the book there are some news clippings from the past year.
All in all, the HomeEd yearbook is a good source of information about the past year, and serves as a good reminder to those who lived that year. To order a yearbook for this school year, or to get involved on the yearbook staff, go to www.homeedonline.com for more information.
Calling All Seniors
BY KURT KAMPHAUSEN
If you are a senior involved in HomeEd, there are some events that you do not want to miss coming up. A great year is in store for this senior class and if you miss them, you might regret it.
First of all, if any seniors are interested in having your picture in the 2008-2009 yearbook, you must send in a baby photo, senior photo, and a senior write-up by December 1 to Terri Oxner, the yearbook sponsor.
Some events coming up are a cook-out on November 1 at the home of the Eggers and a Christmas party at the home of Kerah Williams on December 6. More information will be coming up about these two events, but put these on your calendar as for sure dates.
Graduation this year will be at Agape Church on May 9, 2009, and if you need to see a list of requirements to graduate, go to www.homeedonline.com for a complete list of all 21 credits needed. This is also a good source for information about college entrance exams.
A very exciting year is in store for this class of seniors--make sure you make it a year to remember!
If you are a senior involved in HomeEd, there are some events that you do not want to miss coming up. A great year is in store for this senior class and if you miss them, you might regret it.
First of all, if any seniors are interested in having your picture in the 2008-2009 yearbook, you must send in a baby photo, senior photo, and a senior write-up by December 1 to Terri Oxner, the yearbook sponsor.
Some events coming up are a cook-out on November 1 at the home of the Eggers and a Christmas party at the home of Kerah Williams on December 6. More information will be coming up about these two events, but put these on your calendar as for sure dates.
Graduation this year will be at Agape Church on May 9, 2009, and if you need to see a list of requirements to graduate, go to www.homeedonline.com for a complete list of all 21 credits needed. This is also a good source for information about college entrance exams.
A very exciting year is in store for this class of seniors--make sure you make it a year to remember!
To Be, or Not to Be…
BY JAKE SADLER
For anyone interested in acting or stage production, the Cast N Crew Drama League may be for you! The team currently consists of 63 home schooled students of all ages.
The troupe meets at various locations throughout the school year on Friday afternoons. This team has room for not only actors, but other crew as well, such as lights, sound, and other production aspects.
Their next performance will be on November 14-15th as a double feature. The plays are called, "A Hairy Tale" and "Law & Order: Special Tales Unit."
Their meeting locations are within the west Little Rock area. All ages are welcome to participate. For more information, stay tuned for the December edition of the Home Ed newsletter.
For anyone interested in acting or stage production, the Cast N Crew Drama League may be for you! The team currently consists of 63 home schooled students of all ages.
The troupe meets at various locations throughout the school year on Friday afternoons. This team has room for not only actors, but other crew as well, such as lights, sound, and other production aspects.
Their next performance will be on November 14-15th as a double feature. The plays are called, "A Hairy Tale" and "Law & Order: Special Tales Unit."
Their meeting locations are within the west Little Rock area. All ages are welcome to participate. For more information, stay tuned for the December edition of the Home Ed newsletter.
Fun and Free at the Library
BY STORMIE PERRY
There are so many fun activities at your local Central Library--and it’s free! The activities are for all ages from babies to toddlers to elementary to teenagers to adults. The Central Arkansas Libraries have many free activities for you and your family.
The Central Arkansas Libraries have many things for children from babies to elementary age. The free activities include crafts, games, puppets, chess, interactive story times for babies, and snacks and storytelling for young children. If your children are interested in learning how to play chess or if they love stories or puppets or playing games, then check your local Central Library’s schedule for dates. Children can have so much fun at your local library, and the activities are free.
Teenagers can also get involved in their local library. For grades six through twelve, there are free activities such as Gaming Day, Teen Movie, crafts (includes Book Graffiti), Book Clubs, Knitting Clubs, and Teen Talk. Teenagers can come to their local library and meet new people and have fun while playing video games and board games, or coming to watch a movie or getting involved in the clubs. There is much to offer for teenagers, and once again it’s free! Check your local library for scheduled events.
Children and teenagers are not the only people who can have fun. There are activities for adults such as Knitting Circle, Book Discussions, Adult Book clubs, Gamer’s Club, Scrapbook Chicks, Crafter’s Support Club and more. If you love to knit or talk about books or love to do scrapbooks, go to your local library and get a schedule. At the Central Arkansas Libraries there is also a Brown Bag Program, which are free activities for certain days of the month. At Terry Library, every first Tuesdays there is a Terry Lunchtime Series. At the Main Library every third Wednesday, there is a social for knitting and other needlework projects. These events are for beginners and for the experienced. Every third Thursday, at the Main Library, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., there are featured local authors and artisans to hometown heroes.
The Central Arkansas Libraries include many fun and free activities for children, teenagers, adults, and the whole family. Other free activities include story time and music and fun for the whole family, film night, which features different movies and some nights for grades K-5, computer classes, and galleries and exhibits. Everyone can have fun with all the activities that the Central Arkansas Libraries has to offer, and these activities are free. To see a schedule, check your local library or go the Central Arkansas Library website at www.cals.lib.ar.us.
There are so many fun activities at your local Central Library--and it’s free! The activities are for all ages from babies to toddlers to elementary to teenagers to adults. The Central Arkansas Libraries have many free activities for you and your family.
The Central Arkansas Libraries have many things for children from babies to elementary age. The free activities include crafts, games, puppets, chess, interactive story times for babies, and snacks and storytelling for young children. If your children are interested in learning how to play chess or if they love stories or puppets or playing games, then check your local Central Library’s schedule for dates. Children can have so much fun at your local library, and the activities are free.
Teenagers can also get involved in their local library. For grades six through twelve, there are free activities such as Gaming Day, Teen Movie, crafts (includes Book Graffiti), Book Clubs, Knitting Clubs, and Teen Talk. Teenagers can come to their local library and meet new people and have fun while playing video games and board games, or coming to watch a movie or getting involved in the clubs. There is much to offer for teenagers, and once again it’s free! Check your local library for scheduled events.
Children and teenagers are not the only people who can have fun. There are activities for adults such as Knitting Circle, Book Discussions, Adult Book clubs, Gamer’s Club, Scrapbook Chicks, Crafter’s Support Club and more. If you love to knit or talk about books or love to do scrapbooks, go to your local library and get a schedule. At the Central Arkansas Libraries there is also a Brown Bag Program, which are free activities for certain days of the month. At Terry Library, every first Tuesdays there is a Terry Lunchtime Series. At the Main Library every third Wednesday, there is a social for knitting and other needlework projects. These events are for beginners and for the experienced. Every third Thursday, at the Main Library, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., there are featured local authors and artisans to hometown heroes.
The Central Arkansas Libraries include many fun and free activities for children, teenagers, adults, and the whole family. Other free activities include story time and music and fun for the whole family, film night, which features different movies and some nights for grades K-5, computer classes, and galleries and exhibits. Everyone can have fun with all the activities that the Central Arkansas Libraries has to offer, and these activities are free. To see a schedule, check your local library or go the Central Arkansas Library website at www.cals.lib.ar.us.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Arkansas History Comes Alive at Rendezvous
BY HUNTER SADLER
The Pinnacle Mountain Rendezvous is an event that has been held at the base of Pinnacle Mountain on Highway 300 for a number of years. This year it will be held on October 18th and 19th at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
Rendezvous is a French word that means “meeting.” In the early 1800’s in Arkansas, mountain men, fur trappers and Native Americans would set a meeting place and time for everyone to gather to socialize, celebrate and trade with each other. Pinnacle Mountain Rendezvous was started to give modern Arkansans a taste of life 200 years ago, and the festival has grown every year.
There will be many activities for adults and children alike. Activities will include: canoeing, rock climbing wall, horseback riding, Native American dance, and many more activities. There will be many booths displaying and selling Native American and pioneer era equipment, clothing and food. Admission is free, but there is a $10 per car parking fee. There will be numerous performances by different groups throughout the weekend. This year there will be a special performance by Radio Disney on Saturday, the 18th, at 12:30 p.m.
This is a great event to take the whole family to learn about Native American crafts and early Arkansas pioneer and fur trapper life.
For more information about Rendezvous, call (501) 868-5806, or go to www.ArkansasStateParks.com .
The Pinnacle Mountain Rendezvous is an event that has been held at the base of Pinnacle Mountain on Highway 300 for a number of years. This year it will be held on October 18th and 19th at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
Rendezvous is a French word that means “meeting.” In the early 1800’s in Arkansas, mountain men, fur trappers and Native Americans would set a meeting place and time for everyone to gather to socialize, celebrate and trade with each other. Pinnacle Mountain Rendezvous was started to give modern Arkansans a taste of life 200 years ago, and the festival has grown every year.
There will be many activities for adults and children alike. Activities will include: canoeing, rock climbing wall, horseback riding, Native American dance, and many more activities. There will be many booths displaying and selling Native American and pioneer era equipment, clothing and food. Admission is free, but there is a $10 per car parking fee. There will be numerous performances by different groups throughout the weekend. This year there will be a special performance by Radio Disney on Saturday, the 18th, at 12:30 p.m.
This is a great event to take the whole family to learn about Native American crafts and early Arkansas pioneer and fur trapper life.
For more information about Rendezvous, call (501) 868-5806, or go to www.ArkansasStateParks.com .
Fun at the Fair
BY AMY DANFORTH
The 2008 Arkansas State Fair will take place October 10-19 at the State Fair Grounds off of Roosevelt Road. This year's fair features not only the usual rides, competitions, and food, but also a host of other attractions, events, and promotions.
The fair starts at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, with a 50-cent Friday promotion, in which 50-cent Friday-only gate admission tickets are sold at Harvest Foods. The following Saturday night, the ''Night of Destruction''-- an all-new Demolition Derby and Monster Truck Exhibit-- will start at 7:30 at Barton Coliseum. The PRCA Rodeo (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) will also take place in Barton Coliseum, with four performances over October 16-18.
Some of the free daily shows include the Jungle Island High Dive Show, the Marcan Tigers of India, and the Caboodlestoppers Family Show. The list of free concerts includes Bo Bice on the 11th, the Radio Disney Rockin' Road Show on the 15th, and a number of other artists, as well as several talent shows.
Although rides and food can cost a pretty penny, there are several discounts that families can enjoy, such as The Point 94.1 Dollar Day on the 13th, where gate admission, parking, and all rides are a dollar all day. Other discounts include Coca-Cola Kiddie Days, Military Appreciation Day, the Arkansas Twister and Radio Disney After School Party, the School Day at the Fair, and the Power 92 Power Pack.
Of course, no fair is complete without hot dogs and cotton candy, Ferris Wheels and kiddie rides, goat, pig, rabbit, cow, and equestrian competitions. All these and more will be available at the 2008 Arkansas State Fair.
For details and schedules, check out the State Fair website at www.ArkansasStateFair.com .
The 2008 Arkansas State Fair will take place October 10-19 at the State Fair Grounds off of Roosevelt Road. This year's fair features not only the usual rides, competitions, and food, but also a host of other attractions, events, and promotions.
The fair starts at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, with a 50-cent Friday promotion, in which 50-cent Friday-only gate admission tickets are sold at Harvest Foods. The following Saturday night, the ''Night of Destruction''-- an all-new Demolition Derby and Monster Truck Exhibit-- will start at 7:30 at Barton Coliseum. The PRCA Rodeo (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) will also take place in Barton Coliseum, with four performances over October 16-18.
Some of the free daily shows include the Jungle Island High Dive Show, the Marcan Tigers of India, and the Caboodlestoppers Family Show. The list of free concerts includes Bo Bice on the 11th, the Radio Disney Rockin' Road Show on the 15th, and a number of other artists, as well as several talent shows.
Although rides and food can cost a pretty penny, there are several discounts that families can enjoy, such as The Point 94.1 Dollar Day on the 13th, where gate admission, parking, and all rides are a dollar all day. Other discounts include Coca-Cola Kiddie Days, Military Appreciation Day, the Arkansas Twister and Radio Disney After School Party, the School Day at the Fair, and the Power 92 Power Pack.
Of course, no fair is complete without hot dogs and cotton candy, Ferris Wheels and kiddie rides, goat, pig, rabbit, cow, and equestrian competitions. All these and more will be available at the 2008 Arkansas State Fair.
For details and schedules, check out the State Fair website at www.ArkansasStateFair.com .
Faulkner County Sports Available
BY BEN DANFORTH
Faulkner County Homeschool Athletic Association has many sports and activities open to homeschoolers who live in that county. The sports available are girls’ volleyball for 7th through 12th graders; girls' and boys' basketball for 4th through 12th graders; and cross country and track for all 7th through 12th graders.
Volleyball season is in September and October, and cross country in October. Basketball is played from November to March, and track is in April. In order to participate, FCHAA must be the closest homeschool sports association to your home, and at least 51% of all education must be done at home.
Last year, Faulkner County’s 16 and under girls’ basketball team went to Oklahoma City to compete with other homeschool teams around the nation and placed first in the 5A division.
If you are interested in playing sports in Faulkner County visit www.fchaa.org for more information.
Faulkner County Homeschool Athletic Association has many sports and activities open to homeschoolers who live in that county. The sports available are girls’ volleyball for 7th through 12th graders; girls' and boys' basketball for 4th through 12th graders; and cross country and track for all 7th through 12th graders.
Volleyball season is in September and October, and cross country in October. Basketball is played from November to March, and track is in April. In order to participate, FCHAA must be the closest homeschool sports association to your home, and at least 51% of all education must be done at home.
Last year, Faulkner County’s 16 and under girls’ basketball team went to Oklahoma City to compete with other homeschool teams around the nation and placed first in the 5A division.
If you are interested in playing sports in Faulkner County visit www.fchaa.org for more information.
Junior Class Car Wash
BY JAKE SADLER
On October 4th, the junior class met for their first fundraiser for the junior/senior prom, to be held later in the school year. Approximately 10 juniors and 2 parents were washing cars that morning. About 1 hour after they began, weather forced them to stop for the day. They had initially planned to stay from 8:30-1:30.
The second car wash will be on October 18th at the Walgreens near the corner of Cantrell and Taylor Loop from 8:00-1:30. If you are a junior and want to help, be at Walgreens at 7:30 and bring car wash stuff (buckets, hoses, towels, etc). Don’t forget to bring cars to be washed and tell your family and friends! The suggested donation for a car wash is $5. Contact Mrs. Wenneker for more information.
On October 4th, the junior class met for their first fundraiser for the junior/senior prom, to be held later in the school year. Approximately 10 juniors and 2 parents were washing cars that morning. About 1 hour after they began, weather forced them to stop for the day. They had initially planned to stay from 8:30-1:30.
The second car wash will be on October 18th at the Walgreens near the corner of Cantrell and Taylor Loop from 8:00-1:30. If you are a junior and want to help, be at Walgreens at 7:30 and bring car wash stuff (buckets, hoses, towels, etc). Don’t forget to bring cars to be washed and tell your family and friends! The suggested donation for a car wash is $5. Contact Mrs. Wenneker for more information.
He Shoots, She Scores!
BY KURT KAMPHAUSEN
Basketball is back and better than ever! After tremendous winning seasons by both Flames' senior high teams last year, they are ready to do it all over again.
Coming off a season in which they went 22-6 and won their second straight state championship, the Flames senior high girls team is expected to compete for yet another championship, despite coaching changes. Having lost only three seniors from last year, this year's team is led by four senior girls who have been a part of both state championship teams. They also are returning four starters, including last year's State MVP and two All-Americans.
Just like the girls team, the senior high guys have also undergone a coaching change. After having two highly successful seasons in which they also appeared in the state championship game, they are replaced this year by a dad who knows what it takes to compete at a professional level, Arvis Harper. This team also lost three seniors from last year. Nevertheless, this team is still dead-set on another championship appearance and they can definitely make it happen. This year's team is led by a group of four seniors-all guards-who have experienced the highs and lows of the past two seasons. They are also joined by two junior starters from last year's team who are the only returning starters. After going 42-18 the past two years, this team is set with most of the players playing in their third season with the senior high team.
Fans, if their was ever a year to watch Flames basketball, it would be this year. With some exciting players returning, this year could be another potentially great season-you don't want to miss it!
Basketball is back and better than ever! After tremendous winning seasons by both Flames' senior high teams last year, they are ready to do it all over again.
Coming off a season in which they went 22-6 and won their second straight state championship, the Flames senior high girls team is expected to compete for yet another championship, despite coaching changes. Having lost only three seniors from last year, this year's team is led by four senior girls who have been a part of both state championship teams. They also are returning four starters, including last year's State MVP and two All-Americans.
Just like the girls team, the senior high guys have also undergone a coaching change. After having two highly successful seasons in which they also appeared in the state championship game, they are replaced this year by a dad who knows what it takes to compete at a professional level, Arvis Harper. This team also lost three seniors from last year. Nevertheless, this team is still dead-set on another championship appearance and they can definitely make it happen. This year's team is led by a group of four seniors-all guards-who have experienced the highs and lows of the past two seasons. They are also joined by two junior starters from last year's team who are the only returning starters. After going 42-18 the past two years, this team is set with most of the players playing in their third season with the senior high team.
Fans, if their was ever a year to watch Flames basketball, it would be this year. With some exciting players returning, this year could be another potentially great season-you don't want to miss it!
Music in the Air
BY GLORIA HARRIS
Introducing the first year ever of "Home School Music Band." Classes are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Southwest Christian Academy. The class is sponsored by Crescendo.
Band is open to students from 4th - 12th grade. The monthly fee is $55 per student, or $250 for a semester. Pop and Classical music will be heard harmoniously in the air. The band will be playing Christmas music for the upcoming holiday season. The current member count is 10, but they are hoping to expand by January. This is not a competitive band, but their goal is to one day perform in competitions.
If you play a band instrument or are interestested in learning how to play, this is an excellent opportunity to learn with other homeschoolers. For more information about this band program contact Mary Jo at 350-5620.
Introducing the first year ever of "Home School Music Band." Classes are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Southwest Christian Academy. The class is sponsored by Crescendo.
Band is open to students from 4th - 12th grade. The monthly fee is $55 per student, or $250 for a semester. Pop and Classical music will be heard harmoniously in the air. The band will be playing Christmas music for the upcoming holiday season. The current member count is 10, but they are hoping to expand by January. This is not a competitive band, but their goal is to one day perform in competitions.
If you play a band instrument or are interestested in learning how to play, this is an excellent opportunity to learn with other homeschoolers. For more information about this band program contact Mary Jo at 350-5620.
Civics Anyone?
BY STORMIE PERRY
Teenpact is a Christian national organization for homeschoolers that teaches students about Civics. It takes place at the State Capitol, and is a week long event, from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, there is also an optional Speech class. This year in Arkansas, Teenpact will be February 2-5, and the optional Speech class will be that Friday, the sixth.
Teenpact gives the students hands-on experience about our local government. Students learn very important information on our state government in Arkansas, and are given the opportunity to see it first hand. Teenpact is a very valuable experience, and has taught many students many things.
Teenpact was started by Tim Echols in Georgia, where the first Teenpact class was held. It has become a nationwide program. This is a Chrisian program that puts a Christian a moral view on government and politics. During the class of Teenpact, there are different activities that help students to understand the government.
I have attended the Arkansas Teenpact class for the past two years. The experience has taught me a lot about our government. I had the privilege of meeting a couple of Senators and Representatives while attending the class. I was able to talk to lobbyists and people of different opinions. The first year I attended the class, I learned how the process of the state government worked. Teenpact made Civics fun, and easy to understand. I believe I learned more about government than I would have from a book, and I had a lot more fun there too.
Teenpact also helps to teach students how to make a difference, which has given me a desire to make a difference in this nation and in my community. Even if students are not interested in learning about Civics, Teenpact can still teach every student something.
I believe these two years of Teenpact has really impacted my way of thinking toward government, and has made me much more interested in politics and government. Teenpact gives you the information about government, which makes it a lot easier for students to want to know what is going on in the government.
Once a student has attended Teenpact, it also gives the student opportunities to go to other Teenpact Alumni events that occur during the summer. The major Alumni event is National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. National Convention, or NC, is a week long camp where students can campaign to be elected as either Senators, Representatives, or as President/Vice President. There are church services every morning and night, and there are special speakers that come in to teach about different things such as public speaking, student activism, and other things. I went this past summer, and had fun and learned many things about God and government. There are other Alumni events such as Apologetics, which is a week long camp on apologetics. There is a Judicial camp that teaches students about the Judicial branch of government(if you want to be a lawyer or judge, this is the camp for you!). There are many camps and events students can get involved in once they have taken the Teenpact class.
Teenpact is a fun way to learn about Civics. It is a good hands-on experience for any student. It is a class that can give the student information on how our government works that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Teenpact helps students to make a difference. For more information on Teenpact or Teenpact Arkansas, go to http://www.teenpact.com/ .
Teenpact is a Christian national organization for homeschoolers that teaches students about Civics. It takes place at the State Capitol, and is a week long event, from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, there is also an optional Speech class. This year in Arkansas, Teenpact will be February 2-5, and the optional Speech class will be that Friday, the sixth.
Teenpact gives the students hands-on experience about our local government. Students learn very important information on our state government in Arkansas, and are given the opportunity to see it first hand. Teenpact is a very valuable experience, and has taught many students many things.
Teenpact was started by Tim Echols in Georgia, where the first Teenpact class was held. It has become a nationwide program. This is a Chrisian program that puts a Christian a moral view on government and politics. During the class of Teenpact, there are different activities that help students to understand the government.
I have attended the Arkansas Teenpact class for the past two years. The experience has taught me a lot about our government. I had the privilege of meeting a couple of Senators and Representatives while attending the class. I was able to talk to lobbyists and people of different opinions. The first year I attended the class, I learned how the process of the state government worked. Teenpact made Civics fun, and easy to understand. I believe I learned more about government than I would have from a book, and I had a lot more fun there too.
Teenpact also helps to teach students how to make a difference, which has given me a desire to make a difference in this nation and in my community. Even if students are not interested in learning about Civics, Teenpact can still teach every student something.
I believe these two years of Teenpact has really impacted my way of thinking toward government, and has made me much more interested in politics and government. Teenpact gives you the information about government, which makes it a lot easier for students to want to know what is going on in the government.
Once a student has attended Teenpact, it also gives the student opportunities to go to other Teenpact Alumni events that occur during the summer. The major Alumni event is National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. National Convention, or NC, is a week long camp where students can campaign to be elected as either Senators, Representatives, or as President/Vice President. There are church services every morning and night, and there are special speakers that come in to teach about different things such as public speaking, student activism, and other things. I went this past summer, and had fun and learned many things about God and government. There are other Alumni events such as Apologetics, which is a week long camp on apologetics. There is a Judicial camp that teaches students about the Judicial branch of government(if you want to be a lawyer or judge, this is the camp for you!). There are many camps and events students can get involved in once they have taken the Teenpact class.
Teenpact is a fun way to learn about Civics. It is a good hands-on experience for any student. It is a class that can give the student information on how our government works that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Teenpact helps students to make a difference. For more information on Teenpact or Teenpact Arkansas, go to http://www.teenpact.com/ .
Sunday, September 28, 2008
WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!
Welcome to the premier issue of our homeschool journalism blog. I meet with a group of high school students every other Monday to discuss journalism and make writing assignments. We have chosen to use a blog format rather than a "paper" newspaper, primarily because of cost and circulation. New articles will be posted every other week. We hope you enjoy this and future issues. If you have suggestions for articles or comments on any present or future articles, please contact me at homeschooljournal@gmail.com.
Journalism Teacher and "Editor in Chief"
Debbie Sadler
Journalism Teacher and "Editor in Chief"
Debbie Sadler
That's Open for Debate
BY STORMIE PERRY
Debate is a great activity that can increase your knowledge of current events and your communication skills. Many students have already learned much from being involved in debate, and many more have taken the step and joined this year.
This year there are two debate clubs or classes offered to homeschoolers. One club is in Cabot and is taught by Laura Clark, and this club has sixteen students. The other class is in Little Rock with seventeen students, and is taught by Lisa Alsop, assisted by Angela Childress. Laura Clark has a degree in Speech and English Literature from the University of South Florida, has been teaching homeschool debate and speech for seven years, and is a member of the NCFCA. Mrs. Clark's main focus is teaching the students to learn how to communicate and speak well. She says, "I don’t care if they come home with a trophy. I encourage competition, but competition is not the goal, the skills are the goal." Lisa Alsop is the teacher for the Little Rock group. She has a lot of experience in debate and the NCFCA.
Debate is where two students come together in a controlled forum to dicuss or debate a particular topic, or resolution. The resolution is chosen by the NCFCA every year. One student will present a case that they have written which includes evidence they have researched, to prove and affirm that the resolution is right. This person is called the affirmative speaker. The other student, the negative speaker, will present a speech that negates the resolution. They will both "argue" or debate each other on the issue, or resolution. This year's resolution is "When in conflict, idealism ought to be valued over pragmatism."
This year the debate clubs will have a debate tournament here in Arkansas and one in Memphis. Some students will also go to Texas for debate tournaments. Debate classes consist of a two hour class and research homework, which usually takes about five hours a week. Once a student reaches 120 hours, he or she will receive one full credit for either Public Speaking, Logic, or English Composition. Most students use this opportunity to receive their Public Speaking credit.
Debate is a great activity to get involved with if you love to argue, because it will help you to know current events, communicate your values and views, and to defend them as well.
Debate is a great activity that can increase your knowledge of current events and your communication skills. Many students have already learned much from being involved in debate, and many more have taken the step and joined this year.
This year there are two debate clubs or classes offered to homeschoolers. One club is in Cabot and is taught by Laura Clark, and this club has sixteen students. The other class is in Little Rock with seventeen students, and is taught by Lisa Alsop, assisted by Angela Childress. Laura Clark has a degree in Speech and English Literature from the University of South Florida, has been teaching homeschool debate and speech for seven years, and is a member of the NCFCA. Mrs. Clark's main focus is teaching the students to learn how to communicate and speak well. She says, "I don’t care if they come home with a trophy. I encourage competition, but competition is not the goal, the skills are the goal." Lisa Alsop is the teacher for the Little Rock group. She has a lot of experience in debate and the NCFCA.
Debate is where two students come together in a controlled forum to dicuss or debate a particular topic, or resolution. The resolution is chosen by the NCFCA every year. One student will present a case that they have written which includes evidence they have researched, to prove and affirm that the resolution is right. This person is called the affirmative speaker. The other student, the negative speaker, will present a speech that negates the resolution. They will both "argue" or debate each other on the issue, or resolution. This year's resolution is "When in conflict, idealism ought to be valued over pragmatism."
This year the debate clubs will have a debate tournament here in Arkansas and one in Memphis. Some students will also go to Texas for debate tournaments. Debate classes consist of a two hour class and research homework, which usually takes about five hours a week. Once a student reaches 120 hours, he or she will receive one full credit for either Public Speaking, Logic, or English Composition. Most students use this opportunity to receive their Public Speaking credit.
Debate is a great activity to get involved with if you love to argue, because it will help you to know current events, communicate your values and views, and to defend them as well.
Seniors Discuss Upcoming Year
BY AMY DANFORTH
On the night of Friday, September 12, seventeen homeschool seniors from the graduating class of 2009 met at the home of Rick and Dana Stearns, this year's class sponsors, in order to talk about the events of the upcoming year.
The two main topics of the meeting were the Ropes Course Event, which will take place in Ferndale in October, and the Flames Homecoming, which will be held in January. They also discussed what other events, if any, the senior class should participate in. Suggestions included things like a bingo gift exchange in December and a float trip in the spring.
After the major events were discussed, the seniors built ice cream sundaes and floats with the toppings they had brought, and spent the rest of the evening enjoying the company of fellow students while eating their creations.
Some events like graduation and the prom require students to be members of Home Ed. For more information on how to become a member of Home Ed, go to http://www.homeedonline.com/ .
On the night of Friday, September 12, seventeen homeschool seniors from the graduating class of 2009 met at the home of Rick and Dana Stearns, this year's class sponsors, in order to talk about the events of the upcoming year.
The two main topics of the meeting were the Ropes Course Event, which will take place in Ferndale in October, and the Flames Homecoming, which will be held in January. They also discussed what other events, if any, the senior class should participate in. Suggestions included things like a bingo gift exchange in December and a float trip in the spring.
After the major events were discussed, the seniors built ice cream sundaes and floats with the toppings they had brought, and spent the rest of the evening enjoying the company of fellow students while eating their creations.
Some events like graduation and the prom require students to be members of Home Ed. For more information on how to become a member of Home Ed, go to http://www.homeedonline.com/ .
Walkers Raise Money for Education Alliance
BY BEN DANFORTH
The Education Alliance is raising money by hosting a Bridge-A-Thon on the Pulaski County Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, which spans the Arkansas River between Little Rock and North Little Rock. The event will begin at Cook’s Landing at Murray Lock and Dam, located in North Little Rock. The walk will take place at 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 25, 2008. It is a 5 mile walk (back and forth across the bridge 4 times) over the world’s largest pedestrian bridge.
The Education Alliance is an organization that benefits home schoolers all over Arkansas. The organization will receive money pledged by sponsors collected by the walkers participating in the event. Money collected will be used to put on conventions, home school competitions and other state-wide events.
The Education Alliance is in its third year of putting on the annually occurring Bridge-A-Thon, usually on the last Saturday of October. Last year there were 26 walkers and the Alliance received 7,000 dollars. The event is an easy and safe walk for all ages. This would be an excellent event for families and groups to help raise money to benefit a very useful and necessary organization.
For anyone wishing to attend this year’s Bridge-A-Thon, visit http://www.arkansashomeschool.org/ where you can download the sponsor sheet, learn about prizes and receive directions.
The Education Alliance is raising money by hosting a Bridge-A-Thon on the Pulaski County Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, which spans the Arkansas River between Little Rock and North Little Rock. The event will begin at Cook’s Landing at Murray Lock and Dam, located in North Little Rock. The walk will take place at 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 25, 2008. It is a 5 mile walk (back and forth across the bridge 4 times) over the world’s largest pedestrian bridge.
The Education Alliance is an organization that benefits home schoolers all over Arkansas. The organization will receive money pledged by sponsors collected by the walkers participating in the event. Money collected will be used to put on conventions, home school competitions and other state-wide events.
The Education Alliance is in its third year of putting on the annually occurring Bridge-A-Thon, usually on the last Saturday of October. Last year there were 26 walkers and the Alliance received 7,000 dollars. The event is an easy and safe walk for all ages. This would be an excellent event for families and groups to help raise money to benefit a very useful and necessary organization.
For anyone wishing to attend this year’s Bridge-A-Thon, visit http://www.arkansashomeschool.org/ where you can download the sponsor sheet, learn about prizes and receive directions.
Students Explore Science Through S.E.E.K.
BY GLORIA HARRIS
The S.E.E.K program is an excellent enrichment program for hands-on learning in the sciences. The program will begin the first week of December and continue through the first week of March at the Arkansas 4H Center. The cost is $220 and includes all the students' materials. There is a price break for additional children in the same family. Classes meet for several hours each week from morning to mid-afternoon.
Wanda Curry, Coordinator of S.E.E.K., informs that there were about 180 students last year and she is expecting at least 175 students for this year. The S.E.E.K. Program is open to 1st through 12th graders. Students choose which day of the week they wish to attend, and classes are held each week. Classes are grouped according to age and each age group has a curriculum specific to that class.
S.E.E.K. is sponsored by The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and the Arkansas 4H Program and has been providing quality hands-on learning to homeschoolers for 10 years.
For more information, contact the Arkansas 4H Center.
The S.E.E.K program is an excellent enrichment program for hands-on learning in the sciences. The program will begin the first week of December and continue through the first week of March at the Arkansas 4H Center. The cost is $220 and includes all the students' materials. There is a price break for additional children in the same family. Classes meet for several hours each week from morning to mid-afternoon.
Wanda Curry, Coordinator of S.E.E.K., informs that there were about 180 students last year and she is expecting at least 175 students for this year. The S.E.E.K. Program is open to 1st through 12th graders. Students choose which day of the week they wish to attend, and classes are held each week. Classes are grouped according to age and each age group has a curriculum specific to that class.
S.E.E.K. is sponsored by The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and the Arkansas 4H Program and has been providing quality hands-on learning to homeschoolers for 10 years.
For more information, contact the Arkansas 4H Center.
Academy Opens Again
BY CALEB STEWART
On September 11th of the year 2008, the Little Rock Homeschool Academy opened a new year of helping parents homeschool kids in central Arkansas.
The Homeschool Academy offers a change of environment to homeschooled students along with
other benefits. Mrs. Mary Sample, director of grades 3rd - 8th, says, "At Academy, our goal is to partner with parents to enhance the students' home education experience. We help the parents by providing outside classroon experience for their students, classes which are easier to accomplish in a group setting (labs, speech, etc), an opportunity for social interaction for the students who attend, and a day off from teaching responsibilities for the parent."
The schedule at the Homeschool Academy is divided into 7 segments: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd periods, lunch and recess, 4th and 5th periods. (Lunch and recess order varies with grade.) When enrolled, grades 3rd - 8th were given a set class schedule. Classes include writing, history, science, math, speech, art, and sign language. High school students, however, can choose from a variety of 25 classes. These included 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade composition, theatre, photography, choir, chemistry, biology, physical science and others.
The Academy will also host special activities. Near the end of the year, the high school theatre class will give a performance, as will high school choir. Sign language classes will give a demonstration, and there will be a field day at the end of the year for the younger students.
For more information about Homeschool Academy, go to www.homeedonline.com .
On September 11th of the year 2008, the Little Rock Homeschool Academy opened a new year of helping parents homeschool kids in central Arkansas.
The Homeschool Academy offers a change of environment to homeschooled students along with
other benefits. Mrs. Mary Sample, director of grades 3rd - 8th, says, "At Academy, our goal is to partner with parents to enhance the students' home education experience. We help the parents by providing outside classroon experience for their students, classes which are easier to accomplish in a group setting (labs, speech, etc), an opportunity for social interaction for the students who attend, and a day off from teaching responsibilities for the parent."
The schedule at the Homeschool Academy is divided into 7 segments: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd periods, lunch and recess, 4th and 5th periods. (Lunch and recess order varies with grade.) When enrolled, grades 3rd - 8th were given a set class schedule. Classes include writing, history, science, math, speech, art, and sign language. High school students, however, can choose from a variety of 25 classes. These included 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade composition, theatre, photography, choir, chemistry, biology, physical science and others.
The Academy will also host special activities. Near the end of the year, the high school theatre class will give a performance, as will high school choir. Sign language classes will give a demonstration, and there will be a field day at the end of the year for the younger students.
For more information about Homeschool Academy, go to www.homeedonline.com .
Bump, Set, Spike: Volleyball is Back!
By KURT KAMPHAUSEN
Last month marked the beginning of the Flames volleyball season. Coming off superb seasons last year from all four teams, much is anticipated for the upcoming season. With four teams available, there are plenty of opportunities to get on a team.
The developmental team consists of players interested in playing volleyball and learning the basic skills. Almost every player has had to start on the developmental team and work up. Even though they do not play as many games as the other teams, this team has always been competitive and usually does very well.
The next step up is the junior varsity team. Coming off a great season last year in which they killed their opponents while only losing one game, this team has started off the year well, winning against Southwest Christian twice. It has not been easy, since they lost four players from last year, including the tallest girl on the team.
The local varsity has also undergone change. Having also lost four players, they have to rely on the abilities of the ladies moving up to have a successful season. They started off the year at a tournament in Kansas City which was a good warm-up for the season. Since the tournament, they are 1-1, with both games against Southwest Christian.
The final team is the traveling varsity, and “amazing” is an understatement when it comes to their talent. They only lost three seniors from last year and expectations are high once again. They also participated in the Kansas City tournament and most recently won against Southwest Christian in dominating fashion. Their only home games left are a tournament at Southwest Christian on October 3-4. Otherwise, they will be competing out of state.
Other sports seasons are coming up fast with track starting and basketball to begin soon, but if you want to see some of the best talent in the state, you might want to check out these volleyball teams before it’s too late.
Academy Enriches Students
BY HUNTER SADLER
The Enrichment Academy is a central Arkansas educational cooperative for home schoolers to supplement the education students are getting at home. It was started by Karen Peeler and Stephanie Thompson in 2007 to offer a co-op environment for students north of the river. Students from any location, however, are welcome to join.
This co-op provides a group environment for home schooled students. Many classes, taught by home school parents, are offered for children kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Classes vary from year to year. Most of the classes are hands on learning experiences, like music and art.
The Enrichment Academy meets on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. during the regular school year in the North Little Rock area. For more information on the Enrichment Academy, go to http://www.homeedonline.com/.
Juniors Plan Prom
BY JAKE SADLER
Early in September, a group of 18 high school home school juniors met in west Little Rock for the first ever “ice cream social” for the class of 2010. Each year, the junior class of home schoolers of central Arkansas meet to get to know each other better before their senior year, and to make plans for the junior/senior prom in the spring.
The junior class traditionally hosts the prom for the senior class. These students and 4 adults met to discuss ideas and possible locations for the prom of 2009. The specific location and details are always kept secret until just before the event.
If you are a home schooled junior and would like to be involved in future meetings/planning sessions, contact Mrs. Karen Wenneker, or watch for details in the monthly Home Ed newsletter. Juniors will continue to meet throughout the year to discuss plans and fundraising activities for the prom. Two car washes are already planned for the month of October to help raise money for the junior class. The first car wash will be at the Exxon on the corner of Cantrell and Mississippi on October 4.
In order to participate in certain events like the prom and graduation, students must be members of Home Ed. For more information on how to become a member, go to http://www.homeedonline.com/.
Be sure to keep watching the Home Ed newsletter in the months to come for the date of the prom-- you won’t want to miss it!
Early in September, a group of 18 high school home school juniors met in west Little Rock for the first ever “ice cream social” for the class of 2010. Each year, the junior class of home schoolers of central Arkansas meet to get to know each other better before their senior year, and to make plans for the junior/senior prom in the spring.
The junior class traditionally hosts the prom for the senior class. These students and 4 adults met to discuss ideas and possible locations for the prom of 2009. The specific location and details are always kept secret until just before the event.
If you are a home schooled junior and would like to be involved in future meetings/planning sessions, contact Mrs. Karen Wenneker, or watch for details in the monthly Home Ed newsletter. Juniors will continue to meet throughout the year to discuss plans and fundraising activities for the prom. Two car washes are already planned for the month of October to help raise money for the junior class. The first car wash will be at the Exxon on the corner of Cantrell and Mississippi on October 4.
In order to participate in certain events like the prom and graduation, students must be members of Home Ed. For more information on how to become a member, go to http://www.homeedonline.com/.
Be sure to keep watching the Home Ed newsletter in the months to come for the date of the prom-- you won’t want to miss it!
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