Category: Special Events

Opportunity to meet local candidate at campaign kick-off

A Chicago area homeschool dad is running for a seat in the US House of Representatives. He currently fills a seat in the State Senate. If you would be interested in learning more or supporting Randy Hultgren in this process here is the information on a gathering this coming week:

Please come to the campaign announcement
and kickoff of

Randy Hultgren

on Monday, September 28

He is running for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 14

We are eager to show the media a good turnout and following, so, please bring your friends and family between 1:00 and 1:30pm to

Peck Farm Park 4038 Kaneville Road     Geneva IL 60134
Located west of Randall Road on the corner
of Kaneville Road and Peck Road

All of the buildings have been reserved so families can enjoy themselves.  The only request is that from 2-2:20 you stand with Randy as he gives his speech and answers questions.   There will be signs, stickers and treats.

Please RSVP (requested, not required) by 4:00 on Sunday to:

Rose at rgust@pobox.com
OR
630.406.1178


(Click here for  Peck Farm info and map)

A River Thru History

Another opportunity to see Illinois history come alive:

A River Thru History is a living history reenactment of early American life, as it was on the Illinois frontier prior to 1848, with emphasis on local history from the fur trade era to the canal era. The goal of this rendezvous is to be the premier event of this type in this area by creating an exciting, entertaining and educational experience for all ages. To this end, we strive to create a better understanding and appreciation of our history by allowing the public and the reenactors to mingle, both as witnesses and participants, in our event. Finally, we seek to have the most authentic and highest quality reenactors and trade goods to represent our vision of the rendezvous. This is consistent with the overall goal of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Civic Center Authority, which is to promote and enhance the historic, recreational and economic development of this new style National Park.

When: October 10,11 — also a “school day” available on Friday the 9th for $3 per person

Where: Columbia Woods, Willow Springs, IL

What: Early American food, Music, crafts, canoe races, and more

Cost: Children under 6 — FREE
Children 6-12   $3
Senior over 62 $4
Youths 12-18    $4
Adults                  $8
Family pass        $18

See their website for full details, A River Thru History.

Alpacas!


Interested in seeing Alpacas up close?

Want to learn more about this friendly animal? Come join in Alpaca Farm Days this coming weekend. September 26th and 27th in Elgin.

Four farms will be participating in this hands on event.
There will be alpacas, demonstrations, and farm stores to experience.
Make plans to attend and share the news!
When: Sat and Sun  10:00 – 4:00

Hosted by: Rivendell Alpacas and Jill & Gordon Muirhead
9N942 Dittman Road
Elgin, IL  60124
Phone:  847-464-1098

Children’s Clothing and Toy Resale Season

You may already know, but as garage sale season winds down, a whole new type of sale begins to dot the landscape. The clothing resale.

I first learned about these sales over twelve years ago and have haunted them ever since.

Basically, children’s clothing and toy resales provide families a place to sell their outgrown items and buy other people’s outgrown items all in one place.

If you want more details about how to buy and sell successfully at these sales, I wrote about that a while back on my blog:

– Buying from used clothing sales

– Selling at used clothing sales

It may be too late in the game to jump in as a seller, but the buyers have lots of opportunities. Here are the ones that I know of so far (click on links for more details regarding locations and times):

September 12th — Dupage County Fairgrounds —Step by Step, Mothers and More, and Mothers of Multiples

September 11th and 12 — Batavia — Alice Gustafson School

September 12th — Lemont — Church of Nazarene

September 19th — Mooseheart (Thanks, Raelyn!)– Tri-City Mother of Twins and Triplets

September 26th — Kaneland — http://www.kaneland.org/d302/news/?id=967

September 25th and 26th — Geneva — Western Avenue School

September 26th — Elmhurst — Timothy Christian School

September 26 — Lilly Lake — Lily Lake School (THIS ONE WAS CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF SELLERS!)

September 26 — Oak Park — Mothers of Multiples

September 26 — Round Lake Beach — Lake County Mother of Twins Club

Do you know of any that I missed? Please leave a comment with the location and times if you know so we can share this information around.

Free Educator’s Screening

Some great information from a Chicagoland area theater. Check with your local theater for the availability of educator screenings.

They offer a free screening for you and one guest. They often have snacks available as well, and lots of information on planning an outing for your homeschool group to the IMAX. Even if you cannot attend, they have some fun tips and educational activities to use with your kids.

Randall 15 IMAX

What is IMAX®?

Free Educator Screening

See More Hear More Feel More

You and one (1) guest are Invited to the Free Educator Screening of Under the Sea 3D and Bugs 3D. Additional guests will be charged $5.00 for each or $9.00 for both.

Date: Tuesday and Wednesday, September 15 & 16

Time: 4:00 pm–Bugs 3D , 5:15 pm–Under the Sea 3D (please arrive a half hour prior to check-in and register)

Place: Randall 15 IMAX® 550 N. Randall Rd. Batavia, IL 60510

RSVP: Email or Call 630-659-6762. RSVP by noon on Monday Sept. 14th. Please leave us your first and last name, school name, date, theater, and number of people attending. If registering via email, you will receive an email confirmation. If registering via phone, you will not receive a phone call to confirm your space.

Under the Sea 3D: Under the Sea 3D, a new IMAX® 3D adventure, transports moviegoers to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, including Southern Australia, New Guinea and others in the Indo-Pacific region, allowing them to experience face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. It offers a uniquely inspirational and entertaining way to explore the beauty and natural wonder of the oceans, as well as the impact of global climate change. In IMAX 3D, the images will literally leap off the screen and float around the theatre, putting the audience in the movie. Narrated by Jim Carrey, Under the Sea 3D is directed by Howard Hall, produced by Toni Myers, produced for Howard Hall Productions by Michele Hall and executive produced by Graeme Ferguson. This Warner Bros. film is produced and distributed by IMAX Corporation. Website Teacher’s Guide 3-5 Teacher’s Guide 3-5

Bugs 3D: Bugs are bizarre, beautiful, and an endless source of fascination. BUGS! will magnify the miniscule world of insects and explore the miracle of their success. From metamorphosis to mastery, predator to prey and community to concealment, extraordinary large-format 3D images will bring audiences face-to-face with this amazing universe of creatures. Website Teacher’s Guide

Group Rates: For groups of 10 or more, $5.00 per person (Traditional 45 minute films) or $7.50 per person for IMAX DMR. Groups of 20 or more receive one free admission for a teacher or chaperone.

Book a group and call Jeannette at 630-659-6762 or email jsmith@gqti.com

www.GQTIMAX.comTeachers GuideLearning to the MAX online brochure

Library Film: We offer a collection of IMAX films to enhance your curriculum. From space to the prehistoric times of dinosaurs and the sea. All films have teacher guides available. Teachers Guide Click here

NOW PLAYING IN IMAX

Under the Sea

Star Trek

COMING SOON IN IMAX

Avatar
Concession Combos available for groups

Last call, Six Flags Homeschool Day

If you did not already make arrangements to enjoy the Six Flags homeschool day on Thursday, September 10, you can still do so, just minus the early registration discounts.

A reader found out this information today (Thanks, Janet!).  You can still get in at the gate for $38.00 (rather than the $32.00 advance rate). However, you cannot order the buffet.

If you want more details, feel free to check out my earlier post on this great event or give them a call today or tomorrow
at (847) 249-4636.

Edit: Note the comment left at this post as well, for information on the buffet picnic!

Trail of History in McHenry County

TRAIL OF HISTORY

Coming in October is the annual Trail of History. Said to be one of the largest gatherings of historical reenactors, this event brings you back to the era of fur traders and pioneers.

From the website:

The Trail of History is a living history interpretive event. Interpreters from across the country portray and demonstrate life as it was from 1670 – 1850 in the former Northwest Territory which encompasses present day Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and portions of eastern Minnesota. The event’s focus is to show the interrelationship between nature, man and cultural development.

The first event occurred in 1989 and was named the Kames Rendezvous. In 1990, the event was renamed Trail of History to reflect the increased focus toward living history interpretation. Today there are over 150 encampments. The Trail of History encampment is nestled at the foot of the glacial kames in the rolling terrain of Glacial Park. It occurs annually the third weekend in October just as the prairie grasses and trees display their vibrant colors.

The McHenry County Conservation District presents the Trail of History with the assistance of numerous volunteers and other areas and re-enactors from across the country.

What you can expect:

• Marvel at the swordmanship skills!

• View a re-enactment of military tactics during the French and Indian War.

• Children will enjoy learning in the frontier schoolhouse, making cornhusk dolls or candles and playing pioneer games. Parents, bring a camera to photograph your children at the dress-up area!

• Dr. Balthazar will awe visitors with his traveling medicine show.

• Visit vendors selling authentic wares and culinary treats.

• Musicians, dancers, and much more!

Admission: In Advance (before October 7) /At the Gate
Adults: $5/$7
Seniors (60+) & Children 6-12: $2/$3
Children 5 and under – FREE

See the website for more details and to order your tickets

World Vision event coming to Oak Brook

The following information is from World Vision and might be helpful to raise awareness of various needs surrounding the AIDS issue in Africa today. Please note that this is geared toward adults and older children (12 and up).

You’re invited!

We’re excited to let you know that World Vision’s popular Experience: AIDS exhibit is coming to your area soon. This amazing interactive, walk-through experience takes you on a virtual journey to Africa, where you’ll walk in the steps of a child affected by AIDS.

You already have a heart for the poor and oppressed of the world. Now, here’s a unique opportunity for you and your friends, family, and neighbors to come see, hear, and experience the life of a child impacted by the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time: AIDS.

This FREE exhibit (already seen by more than hundreds of thousands of visitors across the country) will open your eyes to the AIDS pandemic through stirring audio and captivating photography. Visitors tell us it’s like being transported to the heart of Africa.

So, don’t miss the chance to visit the World Vision Experience: AIDS exhibit and step into Africa. Reserve your tour time by clicking here. (Allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes for your Experience tour.)

The audio portion of the Experience contains situations that may be disturbing to children younger than 12. Parental discretion is advised.

To find out more about the tour and preview the stories, visit www.worldvisionexperience.org. We look forward to seeing you there.

God bless you,

/s/ Rich Stearns
Rich Stearns
President, World Vision U.S.

Labfest Grande Finale

Science Chicago’s LabFest! Triggers Reaction in Millennium Park

Blowout celebration offers hands-on science excitement in the heart of downtown Chicago

CHICAGO [July 28, 2009] – Science Chicago’s traveling LabFest! science festival is set to go out with a bang in downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park on Friday, August 21. After more than a dozen stops at CPS schools, local parks and libraries throughout Chicagoland, this finale event promises even more science discovery for Chicagoans and visitors of all ages in one dynamic and fun-filled summer day.

LabFest! in Millennium Park will give kids and families the opportunity to explore the sciences from – astronomy to zoology – in an interactive, memorable and FREE way. The day offers numerous hands-on activities, craft projects and games such as “Pop Fly” with Nate Ball, host of the popular PBS television series, Design Squad, where participants will have the unique opportunity to brainstorm, design, build and test products that are used in everyday life. The new season of Design Squad will air locally on WTTW11 Sundays at 11:30 a.m. beginning October 11, 2009.

“It’s all about making science and engineering accessible,” said Design Squad host, Nate Ball. “The Science Chicago initiative, just like the Design Squad TV show, features the importance of science and the design process in every aspect of our day-to-day lives – from riding a bike to recycling our garbage to making a call on a cell phone. LabFest! is an awesome opportunity to demonstrate the ideas that we share with our viewers every week. I’m even bringing one of the prototypes that our teenage cast invented on-screen!”

Some of the other exciting LabFest! activities at Millennium Park include:

• Build a 15-Foot Willis Tower out of LEGOS© – Work with architect Adam Reed Tucker to create a spectacular version of this Chicago landmark.
• Building Windmills – Engineer a functioning windmill with young Malawian innovator William Kamkwamba and author of the upcoming book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
• Beakman’s World – See a show by Paul Zaloom, award-winning performance artist and host of the Sony Pictures science television show, Beakman’s World.
• Bubbleology 101 – Don’t just blow bubbles, discover the science of bubbles and how the molecular nature of water causes a phenomenon called surface tension.
• Alka-Seltzer Rockets – Create a rocket out of a film canister and an alka-seltzer tablet.
• Space Robots – Learn about space exploration as you build and program your own LEGO space robot with experts from the NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy.
• Solar Cars – Kids can design, build and race model solar cars while learning about renewable energy resources; then they can participate in one-on-one drag races.
• Oobleck – Take off your shoes and learn about non-Newtonian liquids when you dash across a pool of cornstarch and water mixture which will allow you to “walk on water.”
• I want to be a Vet! – Meet and talk to a veterinarian from the American Veterinary Medical Association and learn about animal health with the help of a real dog.

The year-long Science Chicago initiative, considered to be the world’s largest science celebration, wraps up in August. Since the launch of the program in September 2008, more than 300,000 people have engaged with Science Chicago programs and online communities.

“Science Chicago has been tremendously successful in building public enthusiasm for the sciences and positioning Chicago as leading city for cutting-edge science innovation,” said Cheryl Hughes, Executive Director of Science Chicago. “If you haven’t had a chance to experience a Science Chicago event, come to LabFest! at Millennium Park. It is a perfect culmination of this exciting year, as it celebrates the unique spirit of collaboration, hands-on learning and passion for science discovery that are the foundation of the Science Chicago initiative.”

Science Chicago will continue to serve as a resource for science enthusiasts through social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube. The public may also visit the www.sciencechicago.com Web site for additional information on local science events and programs.

“It’s truly impressive that within the short span of one year, Science Chicago has inspired hundreds of thousands of Chicago residents of all ages to awaken their inner scientist and explore the many scientific resources of the region,” said David Mosena, President and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry and Vice Chair of the Science Chicago Board of Advisors. “The Museum of Science and Industry is proud to have led this unparalleled collaborative effort, and it is our hope that cities and organizations across the nation will look to Science Chicago as a model for the development of similar initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of American scientists.”

Event Details:
Date: Friday, August 21, 2009
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Millennium Park
55 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

For more information on LabFest! visit: http://www.sciencechicago.com/content/labfest-details?id=15
LABFEST! IMAGES AVAILABLE: http://www.sciencechicago.com/content/press-room