October Mom's-only meeting

Our next Mom's-Only meeting will be held October 20, 6:30 pm at my house.  If you need directions please email me at marquettechums@yahoo.com.

Homeschool Rollerskating Day!

Tuesday, October 21st will be home school rollerskating day at the UP Sportsplex in Marquette. Join us from 1-3 pm for a fun time of rollerskating.  The green turf room will be available as well. In addition, there is a bounce house for younger kids. Parents, please help supervise the bounce house rules as well as making sure that only children 10 and under are allowed on the bounce house.  Prices are the same as last year- $4/participant. This price includes skate rental.  The UP Sportsplex is located at 1110 Wright Street in Marquette.  While RSVP is not necessary, it would be appreciated to get a general idea of how many are coming so the sportsplex knows how many staff members are needed. RSVP's can be sent to marquettechums@yahoo.com.  Hope to see you there!

Piano Lessons

Heather Cummings, a homeschool graduate, is offering private piano lessons for any interested homeschooling students. The cost would be $12 per 30 minute session.  If interested, contact Heather at heather_cummings@live.com  or (574) 265-7273.  References are available upon request.

Mom's-Only Meeting

Our first Mom's-only meeting of the school season will be starting up Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 pm.  All homeschooling moms are encouraged to come for a fun time of visiting and fellowship. It will be at my home in Marquette, so if you are new and need directions, please email me at marquettechums@yahoo.com.  I hope to see you there!

Homeschooling Picnic

Our homeschooling picnic is this Saturday (the 13th), from 1pm 'til whenever at Presque Isle.  Bring your table settings and meat to grill, then a dish to pass.  We will have our grill there, and will be in the little pavilion on the left just past the ice cream shop.  Dress warm, it is supposed to be cooler.  There was a good amount of dad's there last year, so dad's please come!  

Future Historians Dates (Meet at the Iron Museum in Negaunee)

September 23, 2014  “Michigan’s Raptors: Birds of Prey”

Presenter:  Jerome Maynard, Chocolay Raptor Center

            This program will be an introduction to the raptors of Michigan.  Mr. Maynard will discuss raptor’s roles in the ecosystem, their interactions with humans, and threats and impacts of habitat destruction and climate change.  Artifacts from birds will be used to demonstrate the magic of feathers, how raptors catch their prey, and how they live in the wild.  There will be live birds for group members to observe up close and personal – and to take photographs too!

October 28, 2014  “Tombstones Can Talk – An Historic Tour of Negaunee’s Park Cemetery”

Tour Leader:  Barry James, Historian, Michigan Iron Industry Museum

Get into the Halloween spirit by visiting a local cemetery!  We shouldn’t be scared of cemeteries; they are great places to learn about history, people, tombstones, architecture and local communities.  During the tour we will visit the Negaunee Cemetery and learn about gravesites, funeral customs and explore burial plots.  The tour will be rain or shine – be prepared for poor weather – then back to the museum for light refreshments. 

[Note: Please bring a flashlight and something to write with and on]

November 18, 2014  “From Ducks to Diversity: A History of the Seney Wildlife Refuge ”

Presenter:  Jennifer McDonough, Park Ranger/Visitor Services Specialist, Seney National Wildlife Refuge

The land that is now the Seney National Wildlife Refuge has felt the hands of human manipulation both before and after it's designation as a refuge. How has the landscape been impacted? Why was it established as a refuge? What were the early management goals and how do they differ from today's? Located in the east-central portion of the U.P., the 95,238-acre refuge encompasses the 25,150-acre Seney Wilderness Area.  Ms. McDonough’s program will discuss the history and wildlife of this National Natural Landmark.

If anyone has questions let me know.

Barry C. James, Historian

Michigan Iron Industry Museum

73 Forge Road

Negaunee, MI 49866

PH: 906.475.7857

FX: 906.475.9221