Tuesday, August 10, 2010

PLDL Loons, Kayaking and Other Reminders; MTU Power Skating; Gymnastics; CCHE Curriculum Sale


Archive Notice:
This is an archived version of the emailed newsletter: “Updates!” All contact info has been deleted for privacy sake. If you need information on any of the events/items posted on this blog please email ccheupdates@gmail.com for further information.

I want to apologize for the few who may receive this twice... I'm still learning and making mistakes!

Val


Portage Library Hosts Program about Loons --
The Portage Lake District Library will host a program about a bird that is a favorite in the Keweenaw: the common loon.
Keren Tischler will present "The Common Loon" on Monday, August 16, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  
Few wildlife species enjoy as much admiration as the common loon, yet much of their behavior remains a mystery. In this family friendly presentation, Tischler will share images and stories to demonstrate what careful observation has taught us about loons: Where do loons migrate? What do those haunting calls mean? Why are loons a good indicator of the health of our lakes? 
 "Through this lens of understanding, it is my hope that we can transform our sense of wonderment for loons into action that results in their protection and stewardship of the "coast" that is common between us, that the name common loon can continue to accurately describe the status of this iconic bird," Tischler said.
Tischler has been involved in loon research for over 15 years, first through the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute while a student at Northland College, and since completing a master's degree in Forest Ecology at Michigan Tech. She currently works for Common Coast Research & Conservation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to loon studies in Michigan begun by her and colleagues.
Library programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.
 

Kayaking Demonstration at Portage Library --
Kayaking enthusiasts and those interested in learning about this popular silent sport are invited to a special program at the Portage Lake District Library.
Brian Rajdl will present "The Kayak" for children and adults on the dock outside the library on Friday, August 13, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Participants will learn kayak history and find out why kayaks were invented and for what use. There will also be several types of kayaks on display that participants may sit in on land. All the necessary accessories and safety equipment will also be shown and their uses explained. Rajdl will paddle his kayak from the dock, teach basic paddle strokes, and demonstrate the Eskimo roll. Rajdl will also provide resources that show how to get your family into kayaking.
Rajdl is a local teacher, naturalist, and guide. He is an American Canoe Association certified kayak guide and instructor, and he paddles regularly in Lake Superior and along the cold rocky shores of Isle Royale.
All library programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.


Other Portage Library Updates and Reminders --
The Portage Lake District Library will host the third monthly program in the natural health and wellness series on Thursday, August 12, from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  
Professional Massage Therapist Angel Janssen will present "Strategies for Relaxation and Pain Relief." She will teach participants simple, natural, self-care techniques to promote relaxation and reduce pain without drugs. Janssen will give instructions for using aromatherapy, acupressure, simple breathing techniques, the use of heat and cold, and much more.
This natural health and wellness series is held on the second Thursday of each month. Other classes that will be taught by Janssen include Self-Reflexology to Boost Your Immune System on September 9 with the possibility of additional classes in the fall.  All programs begin at 6:30 p.m., they are free, and everyone is welcome. No pre-registration is required.

The Summer Reading Program at the Portage Lake District Library will end with Craig Waddell's Magic Show! on Saturday, August 14.  Two performances of this engaging family entertainment will be given from 12:00 – 12:40 p.m. and from 1:00 – 1:40 p.m. Children can expect to be fascinated and mystified as magic and illusionist fun unfolds.
Waddell has been doing magic shows for the Houghton Elementary School Carnival for the past nine years. His magic is especially adapted for elementary school-age children but children of all ages are invited.
Although the Summer Reading Program officially ends on August 14, participants will still be able to finish up their reading lists and collect their grand prize until the end of August.
The Portage Lake District Library invites everyone to bring their lunch and enjoy "Music on the Menu," an outdoor series of events held near the dock outside the library every Friday from noon – 1:00 p.m. On Friday, August 13, Ariel Lake will perform a mix of light rock, folk, and original music on her harp. This combination offers sounds that are both soothing and surprisingly upbeat. 

MTU – Power Skating --

Advanced Power Skating (Monday/Wednesday) will have a make up day on Friday, August 20, 7am.

Intermediate Power Skating (Thursday) will have a make up day on Friday, August 27, 7am.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Sincerely,
Paula Olson

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Gymnastics with Jeanie Returning? --

Many may remember that a few years ago we had a wonderful gymnastics program hosted by Jeanie Lebel-Rabitoy. I am happy to announce that we were contacted by her, as she is returning to the Copper Country! Right now, Jeanie would like gauge peoples interest in a gymnastics program. Until such time as a coordinator can be found, I will be acting as one. However, if your children plan on attending gymnastics, please consider volunteering to help Jeanie. Here's the summary:

Sessions that are for 6 weeks in length with different age groups: tots (ages 2-3) at the same time as pre-school & K (ages 4-5) which would be a 45 min. class then Gr. 1-3rd (ages 6-8) and Gr. 4 and up (ages 9-18yrs.) which would be a 1 hr. class - then sub group the students by age and ability as well since students may stay in the program and progress while others would start up later and be new to the program.

First session to possibly run from mid Oct. through the beginning of December ending before the holidays. Jeanie would like to have an idea of what days, times and session dates would be the most convenient for the families. This would follow with winter and spring sessions, with summer off since that seemed to be convenient for everyone previously.

Jeanie, would like to invite any of the parents to participate in the program to be able to provide high quality and safety within the classes because I would want to offer family rates again to make this affordable activity.

The rate structure she has proposed would be:

One student family - $5.00 per week ($30.00 for a 6 week session)
Two student family - $7.50 per week ($45.00 for a 6 week session)
Three student family - $10.00 per week ($60.00 for a 6 week session)
Four student family - $12.50 per week ($75.00 for a 6 week session)
Five student family - $15.00 per week ($90.00 for a 6 week session)

She also needs to find a location to provide this program. Please let us know if you have any ideas where these classes may be held. Previously it was in the gym at the Little Gem in Lake Linden but heating costs were an issue.  
So – please let us know:
1)      If you are interested in having your children participate.
2)      If you are interested in being a parent coordinator
3)      What days/times work best for your families
4)      Any locations you think may work for this class

Temporarily, you may contact Val at ccheupdates@gmail.com. Thanks!


Beach/Park Days with Superior Home Educators --

Thur., 8/12:  Chassell Beach
Thur., 8/19:  Agate Beach
Thur., 8/26:  Mink Farm/Schoolcraft Twsp. Park/Grand Traverse Bay


We're looking to hike in Sept. since Open Swim doesn't start 'til Oct.   Maybe Hungarian Falls...Canyon Falls...any suggestions?

Having a ball at these events!  Hope to see some of you that haven't made it there this month.

Jen

CCHE Curriculum Sale --

(Full Information) It's that time again! Time to get organized for the new school year and CCHE is once again holding its annual curriculum sale. This is a great opportunity to free up some space, get organized, recuperate a little money, and even obtain new curriculum and learning materials at great prices!

Here's what you need to do:
1) Make a numbered list of the items you are selling and the asking price of each- with your name, phone number and address at the top.
2) Attach a 3x5 card to each item you are selling (on the inside front cover of books) with your name/address/phone number, the name of the item, the asking price, and the what number it is on the list.
3) Drop off the list and books at the Evangel Baptist Church on College Ave in Houghton at 9am on Saturday, August the 14th.

There will be coffee, tea and some munchies. Please consider staying for socializing and shopping! Also, any assistance would be appreciated! If you choose to leave - you must return to pick up any un-purchased items by 1:30pm (if you cannot do this - please make arrangements with me prior to the day of the sale). You will receive a check from CCHE for the items that sold soon after the sale.

If you cannot get your items to the church on Saturday please contact me to work out details - or if you have any other questions - Val
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