September 2012 Newsletter

Happy Back to Homeschool everyone! 

FALL TESTING

To meet the 3rd, 5th and 8th grade testing requirement, the Richman's from PA Homeschoolers will be providing testing again this fall. 

The date/location nearest us is:  

October 17th in Columbus, PA

Click HERE for testing costs and information

Homeschool Swim Classes 

begin this Friday, Sept 7th.  at the YMCA

$13 for members, $41 for non-members for each 5 week course you sign up for.  Call the YMCA at 726-0110 or stop in to sign up.

Classes go through the school year.

10am-10:30 am for 4th - 8th grades

10:30 am - 11 am for 1st - 3rd grades

SPELLING BEE PRACTICE

The 2013 Spelling Bee will be held near the end of January.  Nan doesn't usually get the details of the Warren County Bee until after Christmas, which doesn't leave a lot of time to prepare and practice.

In the mean time, here are some links that Nan has provided to help the kids study.

spelling bee info: http://www.spellingbee.com/

helps for the spelling bee: http://myspellit.com/index.html

Cub Scouts Sign Up

North Warren - Sign up is Wednesday, Sept. 12th from

 6pm-7pm at the North Warren Fire Hall.

Warren - Sign up is Monday, Sept. 10th at 6:30pm at the Presbyterian Church on PA Ave & 3rd.

2 different troops, so whichever is more convenient for you I would assume is where you'd want to sign up.   For boys grades K through 5th grade.   There are homeschoolers in each troop, so either way, you'll be in good company! 

Learn To Skate!

Things to Do

September 7:     Seldom Seen Tour of the Victorian Mansion

Location: 210 Forth Ave. Warren PA 16365   Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pmCost: $5 per person at the door warrenhistory@kinzua.net   www.warrenhistory.org

September 8:      Bird Banding with Emily Thomas

Location: Chapman Dam State Park, Environmental Learning Center     Time: 8:00AM - 11:00AM   

Don't miss the fall migration! Join Emily Thomas, a avid birder, to learn about the birds of Chapman State Park. Mist nets will be set up to catch the birds. Participants will enjoy handling and identifying various species.

September 8:    Geo-caching 101

Location: Chapman Dam State Park, Amphitheater Time: 1:00PM - 3:00PMJoin the Park Naturalist for an introduction to the high tech game of geo-caching. After learning the basics, enjoy searching for caches in the park. GPS units will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

September 8-9:      Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival

Location: Warren County Fair Grounds, Barton Run Road. Pittsfield PA 16341Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cost: Adults $6, Seniors (65+) $4, Children 12 and under freeContact: 814-723-0707 or 814-688-1516 wildwindcraftshow@yahoo.comwww.wildwindfestival.com

September 15      Conewango Creek Cleanup - 8am-1:30pm
Cleanup volunteers will meet in Larimer Park in Russell.  Sign up starts at 8am with coffee & donuts.  Then go in groups to the shore or water to begin cleanup.  A picnic lunch will be served for all volunteers in early afternoon. Reservations should be made by Sept 13th by calling Jane Gomory at 726-1441.

September 21:      Sunset & Moonlight Paddle

Location: Chapman Dam State Park, Mooring Area
Time: 7:30PM - 9:30PM
Registration: 814.723.0250 by 9/20 Come for a short lesson on basic boating safety and then take a canoe tour on the lake and the creek. Kayaks will also be available to try. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED as boats are limited. You may bring your own canoe or kayak but YOU STILL MUST REGISTER.

September 21:     Owl Prowl
Location: Cook Forest State Park, Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Please bring your flashlights for an evening owl prowl. Explore Cook Forest at night for Pennsylvania's owls as wer car-pool to owl hotspots in the park. Barred, great horned, screech and sawwhet owls have been known to make an appearance.

September 22:     Poets, Writers and Readers "Open Read" Night
Location:Authors Books & Music, 227 Liberty Street, Warren PA  Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Phone: 814.688.3009     An opportunity to read your work in front of an audience or, listen to others read theirs. This event is held inside the book shop the 3rd Friday of each month. It is FREE and open to everyone      www.authorsbookstore.com

September 22:     Extreme Home Edition: Bats
Location: Chapman Dam State Park, Environmental Learning Center    Time: 1:00PM - 4:30PM
Join the Park Naturalist in an effort to save Pennsylvania's bats! Help with the installation of bat boxes throughout Chapman State Park. Refreshments will follow.
September 22:      Bats Galore
Location: Chapman Dam State Park, Pavillion #4
Time: 6:30PM - 7:30PM
Meet the Park Naturalist to learn about the many species of bats and then make your very own to take home.

September 23: Paws Along the River Open House 
and Pet Celebration
Location: Paws Along the River Shelter, 212 Elm Street Warren, PA
Time:12:00-4:00 PM     Cost: Free     Contact: 814.726.1961Bring your dog, enter the cat photo contest, Blessing of the Animals, food, music and dog games. Come and enjoy a a fun afternoon with your dog. Donate a pie for our pie and hot dog lunch.

October 5-6:      Haunted Halloween Open House
Location: Warren County Historical Society 210 4th Ave. Warren PA 16365      Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $7 Trolley Ride Tickets. Available in advance at 210 Fourth Avenue, Warren
Tour the haunted historical society and enjoy free refreshments. Take a horse-drawn trolley ride through the historic district and listen to spooky Halloween tales! warrenhistory@kinzua.net
www.warrenhistory.org

October 13 - SCANDIA MOUNTAIN PUMPKIN FEST.

	This event is from 10am - 5pm. There will be crafts, kid area, vendors, chinese auction and bake sale. Entry fee of $3.00 per person. Cornhole tournament: $10 per team, registration at 9am and begin at 10am. Located at Scandia Volunteer Fire Department, 5950 Scandia Rd, Russell, PA 16345.     Time 10am-5pm

October 19:      Poets, Writers and Readers "Open Read" Night
Location:Authors Books & Music, 227 Liberty Street, Warren PA    Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm      Phone: 814.688.3009
An opportunity to read your work in front of an audience or, listen to others read theirs. This event is held inside the book shop the 3rd Friday of each month. It is FREE and open to everyone     www.authorsbookstore.com

Favorite Websites

Here are some informative and helpful websites that our homeschooling families recommend:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/quiz/today/

http://www.sfsocialstudies.com/g3/u3/index.html

www.mathsisfun.com

www.internet4classrooms.com

www.funbrain.com

www.worksheetworks.com

http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/games/spelling-bees/spelling-bees.html

http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/

http://home.comcast.net/~askpauline/index.html

Thanks Chris Smith, for providing this info on these great Apps!

Here's a great introductory note from a Sizzle Bop member--

When it comes to homeschooling, the iPad is one of those things that you don’t know what you are missing until you get one.  I had no idea how much it would help!  I love it!  I have a 6 year old and 2 year old, and they both “play” it.  My two year old has learned all the states, their shapes, and locations better than most adults just by playing an app (listed below).  She knows all her letters, numbers, and can tell time to the half hour all from playing apps.  We use the iPad everyday in our school for math and spelling.  My 6 year old sizzler will easily do 30+ math problems on the iPad were as before he would just glaze over at the thought of a math worksheet.  Most of the time they think they are just playing a game and have no idea they are actually learning.

I have found that the apps that have virtual prizes work the best. Some apps have the option of adding multiple kids to be able to track their progress individually.  That is great when there are 2+ kids wanting to play the same game, but they don’t want the other kid(s) to mess up their virtual prizes or score.  I don’t remember the costs of each of the apps, but most of them are free or will have a free version you can try. The paid for apps usually cost a dollar or two. I tried putting the names and companies as it is shown in the App Store.

Preschool (There are a lot of Preschool apps, so I just listed a few favorites) :

• LetterSchool by Boreaal – My favorite preschool app!  A creative way to teach kids to form letters (capital and lower case). My two year old loves this one. It has a free app, but I quickly bought the full version.  It doesn’t let the child draw form the letter the wrong way which is why I like it so much.  I don’t think they could develop bad habits with this app.
• Teach Me – There are several grade level apps. It has virtual sticker prizes. You can have multiple kids for this app, but I think you have to pay $0.99/per kid if you want them to have separate profiles.
• Abc Lite by pockettp…cslite – teaches how to form letters and how they sound.
• Super Why! By PBS – It has games like the actual show.
• First Words Animals by Learning Touch – It is a simple app, but it can be customized to where your child can learn the letter names or sounds, capitals or lower case, among other things. It says the letter sound or name each time the letter is touched.
• ABC Tracer – teaches letter and number formation. It has several sections to it. It has a balloon section where you have to pop the balloons in alphabetical order. You can customize the letter formation section.
• Elmo Loves ABCs – Elmo teaches the ABC’s.
• Montessori Crosswords by L’Escapadou
• Bugs & Buttons – Cute app!  It seems to be popular.  My two year old loves this one.  It does mazes, patterns, sorting, pinching, alphabet order, and more.

Geography/History:

• Puzzle Map by Jenny Sun – This company makes several map apps (USA, Africa, Europe, South America). This is a GREAT app! My two year old has learned all the states, their shapes, and locations using the USA map. It has several options. Easy has the state abbreviations on the states and the outlines on the map. The medium removes the outlines, and the difficult removes the outlines and abbreviations. I like that the state’s name is said every time the state is touched. That’s how my two year old learned them so quickly.
• Stack the States – Stack the states as high as you can to earn states. You have to answer questions with the correct states to be able to stack the state. If you answered enough of the questions correctly, you earn states for your map. There are a couple of other games that you can unlock as you earn enough states. This one is fun for mom too!  My two year old likes to play this one too.  She can’t read, so I have to tell her the answer.  She can pick out the correct state by the shape.
• Continents by iLearn – Learn the Continents. There are learn, game, and test modes. You have to touch the continent or ocean that is called out.
• Continents by Mobile Montessori -- A puzzle. It can go by shapes, names, or Continents & Oceans.
• USPresidents – I haven’t used this one. It looks like a fun one for a kid that has already learned or is learning the presidents.
• Presidents vs. Aliens (by the makers of Stack the States) – Answer questions by selecting the correct president. When answered correctly you can shoot that president at some aliens. You earn president as you answer enough correctly. This one allows for multiple kids.
• Presidents by Pickids – It gives the name of a president and the picture of four presidents to choose from for the answer.
• Oregon Trail
• Oregon Settlers – fun way to think about what it was like to live as a settler.

Science:

• Bone Scan by Brain West – Identify the correct bone by touching the bone.
• BodyWalk – Explore the body, assemble the body, color the body options. You can explore the different body systems. It is has cartoon like graphics. It might be better for the younger kids
• Build-a-Body – Touch and drag the body parts to the correct location. This might be better for older kids.
• My Planets – Learn about planets. It isn’t too exciting, but my two year old likes the puzzle part.
• Planets – There are several apps like this. You hold your iPad up to the sky and it will show you where the constellations, planets, etc. are.
• AnatomyACU by ACU Exercise Science – This would be better for older students learning anatomy.
• Jeffy’s World – This is an interesting app that shows how day/night, seasons, etc work. You can rotate Earth and see how the sun shines on it. It is more of an interactive visual than a game. There is a little character on the planet. I don’t like his attitude. The character doesn’t do much, and you can talk to your child about how the character’s attitude.

Math:

• Math Drills by Instant Ineractive – We use this app almost every day. This app can be completely customized and keeps track of different children. It will show speed, strength, accuracy for the problems the child has been working on. It shows one problem at a time, so my six year old doesn’t feel overwhelmed by worksheet full of problems. I give him incentives for reaching a certain speed. I have had take the iPad away from him, so we could move on in school. One time he had done 120 problems when I finally took it away. This is a great app!
• Rocket Math – You have to do math problems to earn money to build and launch a rocket. The rocket has to be built correctly, or it won’t fly or won’t fly straight.  My 6 year old loves this.
• Amazing Coin(USD): Money learning & counting game for kids by Joy Preschool Game – We have only tried this one a couple of times. It is a game for coins. It includes half dollars and silver dollars.
• 1^st Grade Math: Splash Math Worksheets App for Numbers, Counting, Addition, Subtraction and others by StudyPad – I haven’t used this one much. This app gives prizes to go into a virtual aquarium. This app will send you reports via email to let you know how your child is doing. This app has options to add multiple kids.
• Chicken Coop Fractions Game by Lumpty Learning – Chickens lay eggs on the correct fraction. You have to get the nest to the correct fraction, so the egg doesn’t break. It is too advanced for my kiddos, but I thought someone else might want to give it a try.
• Pizza 1 – A pizza is shown. You have to determine the fraction of the pizza that is left. My 6 year likes that you can shake the iPad to get the next problem. It has an option where you don’t have to shake the iPad. It is simple but effective.
• TellingTime by GiggleUp Pty Ltd – This has several different ways of learning to tell time. It is completely customizable too. It also has a virtual aquarium where fish are earned as rewards. You might want to turn off the volume on a couple of the games to keep the child from waiting for the app to tell them what time it is.
• Freefall Time – Another app for telling time. I would use this one after doing the TellingTime app. This one has a virtual aquarium for prizes.
• Freefall Money – I like this app. It has several different ways for the child to learn coins. It does not have half dollars or silver dollars. It has a virtual aquarium for prizes.
• Cash Cow DLX by Chillingo – There is a free version available. This is a fun way to work with coins. You combine coins to earn money to buy things for a virtual fun. This one is fun for mom too!
• Mathopolis – fire fighter math

Music:

• Rhythm Cat by LMuse Limited – I have the lite version (free). It was a fun app. It doesn’t take long to go through the levels. It has a green button that you tap in rhythm with the music notes. My son plays it and has learned whole, quarter, and eight notes as well as rests. It is a fun introduction to note rhythm.
• Blob Chorus Ear Training by Lumpty Learning – This is supposed to train your ear to hear music tones. The blobs sing in different tones, and you have to match the two blobs that sing the same tone.

Language Arts

• Grammar Games by Tap toLearn Software – You work as the air traffic controller to land airplanes on the proper runway. The airplanes have words attached to them. You have to determine if they are a noun, verb, adverb, etc. and land them on corresponding runway without the airplanes running into each other.
• Cursive Practice by Brainstop – I was looking for an app to learn cursive letters. I didn’t find many, and this was my favorite of the ones I found. I’m pretty sure this was a free app. I haven’t played with this one much.
• Super Speller by Quiet Spark – We use this for spelling. You “create test” by entering spelling words and you record your voice for them, so they can be played back for the study and test sections. There is a study section that also has a word search and word scramble. When all are answered correctly, balloons fall down for the child to pop. My two year old likes it when I have her say the spelling words for the recordings. The app has a chalkboard or dry-erase board appearance.
• Toontastic by Launchpad Toys – This app teaches the parts of a story where the child creates a virtual puppet show. My six year old love this one. The videos have an option to upload to the internet if you want to share the stories your child creates.

Other:

• Classic Board – It works like a chalkboard.  Sometime you just want a simple drawing app.  : )
• Khan Academy – I haven’t used this one. It seems to be for high school students, but I thought others might find it handy.
• Flashcrds+ by Connor Zwick – I haven’t used this one yet, but it looks useful.
• Flashcards – another flashcard app. I haven’t explored this one yet either, but it looks useful.

                                                                                         ~Brian
*** (some of you lovely folks write in on your husband's email account so if this was actually sent in by Brian's wife, please know we still honored you. :-) )Thanks to either or both of you!

Also, from JessicaMy favorite "Mom App" is called Our Groceries.  It is a mobile grocery list that you can share with other people.  So I never forget my list anymore and if my husband's at the store and I remember one more thing, it shows up on his phone right away!  I also really like Flashlight.  It is super-bright and has come in handy more than once!

                                                                                         ~Jessica

And from CoryMy 5th grade Sizzler is using a school issued Ipad and an app they use that seems to work well is called "Reminders".  Type the note in the list and then it will pop up when you turn your Ipad on the next time.    Great for adding a note right before bed to remind him to turn homework or field trip slip in.

                                                                                         ~Cori

From Nan:

Great opportunity for a family field trip!!

Colonial Williamsburg offers 2 homeschool experiences.

Tuesdays through Saturdays - Sept. 11-22 - special homeschool days.  Join them for the next installment of an immersive game series: RevQuest: The Lion and the Unicorn.

Also Winter time experiences - Feb. 16-24.

go to http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/plan/groups/homeschoolers/

 for further details.  In the past they have given great discounts for homeschoolers.  Check it out even if you don't go during one of their special times.

August 2012 Newsletter

May 2012 Newsletter

Teen Photography Contest at Warren Public Library

This event is for teens in grade 7-12 who are Warren County residents.  

 •The person entering the contest must take the photos and each contestant is limited to 2 entries.  
•The photos may be black and white or color and may be 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10 in size.   
•Each photo must be matted but framing is optional.  
•Each photo must have an accompanying entry form (available at library or click here for the pdf

http://www.warrenlibrary.org/StaffNet/user_images/5/2012%20Teen%20Photography%20Contest%20poster%20&%20entry%20form.pdf)
Photos will be judged based on quality, originality and creativity. All entries will be displayed in the gallery at the library and during the month of June, the public will be able to cast a ballot for their favorite.
Prizes are Amazon gift cards:  1st place, $100; 2nd place, $75; 3rd place $50; 4th place, $25; people's choice award $20.
Entries must be received no later than May 26th.

HOMESCHOOL SALE

Tuesday, June 12th

6pm - 9pm

"Family Life is pleased to be hosting our 16th annual Home School Used Curriculum Sale on Tuesday, June 12th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Family Life Center in Bath. Families, Christian schools, vendors and home business are welcome to sell their used books and products that are of interest to homeschoolers."

Held at Family Life Center in Bath, NY.

Click HERE for more info and direction.

8 Weeks of Wow...

instead of "What Now?"

Operation Summer is an 8 week activity-packed plan to help you create memories, strengthen relationships, provide structure and have fun! The plan is FREE and includes colorful printables, yummy summer recipes, family conversation starters, easy craft ideas and even some inspiration for you, Mom, because we think you’re the best!

Click HERE to sign up for FREE summer fun straight to your inbox each week... brought to you by iMom!

(Fyi, I sign up for this each summer and they have wonderful ideas!  iMom is part of Family First, who also brings you All Pro Dad for the men in our lives.  Teaming up Moms & Dads to be better parents and spouses, you can also sign up for their daily devotionals and see their other great ideas for parenting and marriage!)

Things to do in and around Warren

May 19-20 -   Allegheny Burger Festival, Betts Park, 

Time: Friday from 3pm-10pm , Saturday from 11am-10pm and Sunday from 11am-6pm

From veggie, turkey and the finest ground beef to BBQ, Bison, seafood burgers and every topping you can dream up, burger lovers will be in taste heaven with the awesome selection of traditional and gourmet burgerswww.wccbi.org

May 19-20 - Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Betts Park

May 25 -  Family Safety Fair/ Missing Persons Awareness Event, Location: Warren's YMCA

The family of Damien Mark Sharp welcomes you to participate in this fair in honor of National Missing Children's Day and to mark the 10th anniversary of Damien's disappearance.
The Warren and Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers will present the community with information about their services. City of Warren Police Department and the Warren Explorer Post will offer free fingerprinting I.D. for children along with a photo I.D.program through the Jefferson DeFrees Center.Agencies focusing on the missing, missing children, law enforcement liaisons and the advocacy of laws for victim's families and the missing will take part in the fair. These include: NAMPN, PAlivSAFE, C.U.E of North Carolina and the Warren County Witness Program.

May 25-28 Memorial Day Activities: Chapman State Park    Friday: 6pm - Stream Stomp, 

9pm - Welcome Campfire, 

Saturday: Animal Tracks 3pm,  

Movie 'season of the bear' 8pm, 

Sunday: 10 am chapel service, 

Canoe Chapman 11am, 

Eco-sand sculpture competition 3pm, 

Monday: Fish for free day...family fishing program, 11am, 'Fish Prints' 3pm

May 25 - Sugar Grove car Cruise-in

May 25 - Russell Fireman's Jubilee - 6pm Outdoor Movie 'Happy Feet 2'...bring chairs

May 26 - Russell Fireman's Jubilee - 11am Russell parade, 12:00 Sign up for Kids 12:30 Olympics.

9:30pm Russell fireworks

May 26 - Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop for Kids - 10am.. Build an Ice Cream Truck - Must Pre-register at  

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

May 26 - Chapman State Park Beach open for business -  A beach sand replenishment project, completed this spring, has increased the volume and quality of sand at the beach. Swimming hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. In addition to the beach opening, our concessionaire, BEI, will be opening the same day. The concession provides canoes, kayaks and paddle boats for rent as well as food, snacks and firewood for sale. Contact BEI or the park office for concession hours.

May 27 - Rimrock Trail Bash

The Memorial Day Rimrock Bash comes back in it’s second year to celebrate the Rimrock Trail and other improvements at Kinzua Beach. Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways and the Council on Tourism join efforts to bring a fun-filled day of outdoor fun, food, music, Geocaching and shopping for the entire family.   

Vendor spots are going quickly, but we have plenty of room at Kinzua Beach to make this the biggest and best festival to kick off summer while enjoying the beauty of the reservoir. 

June 1 - Music in the Park   Location: Solders & Sailors Park, Warren PA 16365   

Time: 8PM - 10 PM    Cost: FREE

Music in the Park is entering its twelfth full season and promises to deliver another exciting series of free concerts. Seating is limited so you are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket. While in the downtown area, we invite you to visit the many restaurants and shops and experience all that Warren has to offer. Lead Sponsor - Northwest Savings Bank.

June 1 - Salamander Safari, Chapman State Park, Parking Lot #1  Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Find our about salamanders of Pennsylvania, where they live,

what they eat, what makes them so unique and also where to find them. We will head to Penny Run to catch and identify salamanders and newts. Wear shoes you can get wet.

June 1 - Movie Night - Chapman State Park, Ampitheater (Pavilion #4 in case of rain)

Reptiles & Amphibians

Time: 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Join renowned naturalist David Attenborough as he explore the world of Reptiles and Amphibians. 

June 4/5, June 11/12, June 18/19 - Wild Rose Renaissance Fair, Columbus, PA The Wild Rose Renaissance Faire is a growing Medieval Faire located in rural Columbus PA. This will be the fair's 6th year. We have three stages with live performances including fire breathing, music and comedy for adults and kids alike. Live combat takes place on the chess board and good food can be found at the bendor stands. Handmade crafts, weapons and trinkets are bountiful with a special kid's area freaturing crafts and activities. Partion are encouraged to dres s in period clothes and immerse themselves in the lifestyle of another time!

Themes for the Weekends: 6/4 & 6/5 Local Hero Appreciation... All Military, Civil, and Local heros are welcomed to attend with $2.00 discount on entry with proof of service. Veterans, Soldiers, Police, Firemen, Boy/Girl Scout Troup Leaders, Teachers, and anyone else that performs a national or civil service is eligible.     6/11 & 6/12: Pirate FestivalThe Pirates have landed and they sure know how to throw a party... and a few crew members overboard. Come dressed in your best Pirate Garb and you can enter in the Pirate Costume Contest!        6/18 & 6/19: Celtic GamesLet the games begin! Ever seen a man in a kilt throw a sheep for distance? How about a drunken sot offer to be thrown for prizes? Men raising women over their heads to prove their strength? Well then... Welcome to the Celtic Games!    www.wildroserenfair.net

June 8 - Nature Walk & Scavenger Hunt , Chapman State Park, Meet at the Amphitheater

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM          This is a great time to get outdoors! Join the Park Naturalist for a walk on the nature trail.       

June 8 - Double Feature Movie Night - PA's Wild Garden and PA's Forgotten Giants

Location: Chapman State Park, Meet at the Amphitheater (In case of rain, meet at Pavilion #4)Time: 9:00 PM - 10:30 PMMeet at the Amphitheater to learn about the DCNR's iConserve program and stay for two 30-minute movies about the amazing plant diversity and old growth forests of Pennsylvania.

June 9 - The Library Theatre Children's Summer Film Series: Chronicles of Narnia, Voyage of the Dawn Treader  Location: The Library Theatre  Time: 11:00 am  This movie is FREE to the public.

June 9 - Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop...10am  Build a 

Monkey Powered Plane...Must Pre-register at

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

June 9 - Create a Father's Day Gift , Chapman State Park, at the Environmental Learning Center 

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM   Meet the Park Naturalist to create a gift and take it home. All supplies will be provided.

June 9 - Sunset & Moonlight Paddle : Chapman State Park, the Warming Hut in the mooring area parking lot , Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM     Contact: 814.723.0250Registration: Pre-register by Friday, June 8th, as park canoes and kayaks are limited. You are welcome to bring your own canoe or kayak but YOU MUST STILL REGISTER.Come paddle Chapman Lake and the West Branch of the Tionesta Creek by moonlight! Learn about the park and its critters. We will also stargaze using binoculars (provided on a first come-first serve basis or bring your own).

June 10 - Bird Banding , Chapman State Park, at the Environmental Learning Center

Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM        Join Emily Thomas, an avid birder, to learn about the birds of Chapman State Park. Mist nets will be set up to catch birds. Participants will enjoy handling and identifying various species.

June 10 - Bird Feeder Building, Chapman State Park at the Beach Concession Stand        Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM      Join the Park Naturalist to make bird feeders you can take home.

June 10  - Lions Club Car Show: Betts Park, 11am - 3pm

June 10-15 - Vacation Bible School - 

Warren Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 

278 Kinzua Rd.   Theme: The Go Fish Guys   Time 6-8:30 pm

June 13 - Mid-Week Hike: Chapman State Park, at the Amphitheater     Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM     Join the Park Naturalist to explore the trails during the evening hours. This week we will be hiking the Nature Trail. Theis trail is 1.2 miles long and suitable for hikers of all ages. We will stop at one of the active beaver sites in the park, in hopes of catching a glimpse of this avid swimmer.

June 15 - Camouflage Hike,  Chapman State Park, at the Amphitheater

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM  Discover how animals blend in with their natural world. Hike the nature trail and find hidden "critters" along the way.

June 15 - Movie Night - Hunters and Hunted  Location: Chapman State Park, at the Amphitheater (Pavilion #4 in case of rain)   Time: 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Learn about the predator/prey relationships among various animals of the natural world. Join renowned naturalis David Attenborough as he explores these interactions.

June 15 - Music in the Park: Soldiers & Sailors Park, downtown Warren...Border Ride (Bluegrass) 8pm-10pm

June 16 - Turtle Program with John Bowler : Chapman State Park, at the Environmental Learning Center   Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMCome to see a presentation - all about turtles - by local turtle enthusiast John Bowler. He will be bringing along his 2 live turtles to help him with the presentation! stop by and say hello!

June 16 - Stone Turtle : Chapman State Park, at the Beach Concession Stand

Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM   Come join the Park Naturalist to make turtles to keep in your house.

June 16 - Warren County YMCA 10K Run & 5K Run Time: 9:00 am       Contact: Chris Dolan, Warren YMCA, 212 Lexington Avenue, Warren, PA 16365, 814.726.0110 chris@warrenymca.org

June 22 - Geocaching 101 : Chapman State Park, at the Amphitheater

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM      Join the Park Naturalist for an introduction to the high tech game of geo-caching. After learning the basics, enjoy searching for caches in the park. GPS units will be provided but feel free to bring your own.

June 22 - Double Feature Movie Night - The ABC's of Compass & Map and Geo-cache

Chapman State Park, at the Amphitheater (Pavilion #4 in case of rain)  Time: 9:00 PM - 10:30 PMJoin us in actual outdoor situations as John Street, a leading authority on wildness survival, shares his expertise through easy to understand instructions. Stay for a documentary on high-tech treasures hunting known as geo-caching.

June 22 - Music in the Park, Soldiers & Sailors Park, downtown Warren 8-10pm, Touch of Old (country and oldies)

June 23 - Moon Rocks: Chapman State Park, at the Beach Concession Stand

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM  Join the Park Naturalist to learn about the moon and then go in seach of your very own moon rock to decorate.

June 23 - Exploring the Night Sky with Tom Traub : Chapman State Park, at the Beach

Time: 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM             Join Tom Traub, Project Director for the Martz Observatory, and learn the essentials of stargazing. We'll trying out the park's telescope to discover where and when to look for meteor showers, planets and deep sky objects. If you have a telescope gathering dust, bring it out and get some tips on using it from and expert. Remember to bring a jacket and flashlight!

June 23: Girls' Victorian Tea   Location: 210 Fourth Avenue, Warren, PA 16365Time: 10 AM - 1 PM   Phone: Warren County Historical Society 814-723-1795

Cost: $7 fee and signed permission slips,    Girls ages 7 to 12 are invited to join in crochet, crafts, dress up and photos. Preregistration required   www.warrenhistory.org

June 27 - Mid-Week Hike: Chapman State Park, at Parking lot #1      Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PMJoin the Park Naturalist to explore the trails during the evening hours. This week we will be hiking the Penny Run Trail. This trail is 1.4 miles long, hiking difficulty is moderate with steady uphill grade. We will be traveling through a diverse hardwood and hemlock forest.

June 29 - Stream Stomp  : Chapman State Park, at Parking lot #1        Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM      Investigate the stream by Penny Run Trail and look for fish, salamanders, crayfish and other aquatic creatures. Be prepared to get your feet wet!.

June 29 - Welcome Campfire  : Chapman State Park, at the Camp Host Site     Time: 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Gather around a comfortable campfire and let us welcome you to Chapmas State Park. Learn about wildlife, listen to campfire stories, share your own favorites and enjoy roasted marshmallows.

June 29 - Music in the Park: Soldiers and Sailors Park, downtown Warren - Take Five (blues and rock) 8pm-10pm

Warren Library's 2012 Children's 

Summer Reading Program

Dream Big READ READING COMPONENT

• Sign up for the reading component begins Friday, June 1 in the Children’s Department. Once children sign up, they will receive a folder with a reading log. This summer children write titles read on their logs. Younger children can have books read to them. Parents can help the younger children record their titles on their logs.
• We strongly encourage children to read for pleasure over the summer. NOTE TO CHILDREN: choose books that interest you so that you will enjoy reading.
• Please be cognizant that audio books (books on CD) do count. Audio books are a fantastic way to entertain the entire family in the car while on long trips. Audio books also often work well for reluctant readers.
• Remember to count any e-books or magazines.
• Return reading logs (in the Children’s Department) sometime between Monday, July 23^rd and Wednesday, August 8^thfor prizes. Be sure to print first and last name on reading logs.
• There will be limited staffing in the Children’s Department after August 8^th, so be sure to return reading logs during the above dates. Prizes will not be given out after August 8^th.
• READING PRIZES: Children will get to choose two books and one manipulative (toy) out of the prize boxes.

Additional Library Activities throughout the summer:

Dream Big READ PROGRAMS
WEEKLY PROGRAMS (No preregistration needed for these three programs.)
 Toddler Time Mondays at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room. Ages 0-4. Theme-based stories and songs. Children engage in creative play/and or color at the end of each program. Dates: June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
 Book Club of Popular Series  Tuesdays from 11:30-12:30 in Slater Room B. Ages 8 and up. Each week we will focus on a different series. Activities include discussion of favorite titles, characters and plots, crafts, giveaways and Youtube videos of author interviews when available. Library will provide cookies or crackers for munching.  Dates/series: June 12 – Goosebumps; June 19 – Junie B. Jones; June 26 – Chronicles of Narnia; July 3 – Diary of a Wimpy Kid; July 10 – Harry Potter; July 17 – Percy Jackson and the Olympians; July 24 – Magic Tree House; July 31 – Warriors by Erin Hunter.
 Pre-K Time Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. in the Children’s Room. Ages 3-6. Theme-based stories and songs. Children engage in creative play and crafts at the end of each program. Dates: June 13, 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS:
Please read each description. Preregistration is mandatory for some of these programs.
 Little Red Riding Hood will read stories to children at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 23^rd, in the Children’s Department. There will be stories, songs and a craft at the end. This program correlates to the Scholastic Book Fair (see the last page of this schedule).
 Spark Your Imagination at the Library with Puppeteer Bruce Weaver and Friends:  Saturday, June 30, 11:00 a.m. in the Slater Room. Mr. Weaver and his puppets have visited Warren in the past. Children and their families always have a good time. This year’s 45-minute show will include ventriloquism, magic, singing, lots of laughs and fun. Chester Hound, Edgar J. Woodley, Aunt Gabby and the rest of the puppet gang will be on hand to promote reading and using library resources. Great fun for the entire family! Preregistration appreciated. Sign-up sheet will be available in the Children’s Department next to the staff computer starting June 1^st. YUM YUM: Popsicles will be served at the end of the program.
 The Wonderful World of Bats with Jerry Schneider: Monday, July 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the Slater Room. The Wonderful World of Bats introduces audiences to local and tropical bats. Via interactive dialogue, amazing slides and taped bat calls we move beyond old stereotypes to understand the vital importance of bats in our environment. We learn about bats in our attics, bat houses, vampire bats, migration, hibernation and echolocation. This show ends with a chance for children to make their own bat tee shirts for $4.00 each. Kids may also bring their own tee shirts.  Preregistration is appreciated. Sign-up sheet will be available next to staff computer in the Children's Department starting June 30th.
 Imagination, a puppet show with Betsy & Friends: Saturday, July 28 at 11:00 a.m. in the Slater Room. Betsy McGallis and her friend Mary Anne amuse the children and their families with an interactive puppet show and some songs. After the show children get to create their own puppet to take home. Children waiting their turn can play with some of Betsy’s puppets and/or enjoy a Popsicle. Preregistration is mandatory. This program is limited to 36 children. Sign-up sheet will be available next to staff computer in the Children’s Department starting July 2^nd.



Flip, Jot and Flick: This program involves reading a book, writing a creative story and then enjoying a movie version of the book.

• STEP ONE: pick up a writing packet in the Warren Public Library Children’s Department. Writing guidelines are included in the packet. The first twelve children (one book per family) to pick up a packet will receive a free copy of the book.
• STEP TWO: write a creative story based on the particular book. See titles below.
• STEP THREE: watch a free movie version of the book and some popcorn (for sale) at the Struthers Library Theatre. You do not have to participate in the contest to view the movie – EVERYONE IS WELCOME
• PRIZES: Winners of all three writing contests will be announced before the showing of the respective movies at the Library Theatre. Winners receive: a DVD copy of the movie, a full color movie poster, a canvas library bag and publication of their story along with their photo in the Warren Times Observer.

JUNE: Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis. Writing packets available May 1^st. Submissions are due into the Children’s Department by June 1^st. The winner will be announced before the movie at the Struthers Library Theatre on Saturday, June 9^th at 11:00 a.m.
JULY: Puss in Boots by Charles Perrault. Writing packets available June 1^st; submissions due July 6^th; winner announced at Library Theatre on Saturday, July 14^th at 11:00 a.m.
AUGUST: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney. Writing packets available July 6^th; submissions due August 3^rd; winner announced at Library Theatre on Saturday, August 11^th at 11:00 a.m.




 Scholastic Book Fair  will be held on the 3^rd floor in the Slater Room to benefit the Children’s Department on the following dates/ times: Thursday, June 21 from 11:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.; Friday, June 22 from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 23 from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. There will be books for children, teens and adults.

• Clifford the Big Red Dog will visit with children on Thursday, June 21^st at 2:00 p.m. at the fair while children’s librarian Susan Slater reads some Clifford stories. There will be Clifford coloring sheets for children. Families may take photos (with their own camera) of their child with Clifford following the stories.
• Little Red Riding Hood will read stories to children on Saturday, June 23^rd at 11:00 a.m. in the Children’s Department. There will be stories, songs and a craft at the end of the program.
• Funds raised will go towards the purchase of programming materials and some new furniture for the children. One may also make purchases online from June 11-30 at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/warrenlibraryassociation