St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has asked me to coordinate the mathathon
for the
Homeschoolers in this area. This event is for kids K-9th grade (and don't
necessarily have to
be homeschooling). They raise money, work on math skills and win prizes all at
the same
time. A few of us participated in this last year and raised a little over
$800.00. This is a good
cause and a lot of fun. If you and your child are interested in participating
give me a call
775-738-3404 and I will be glad to fill you in. I also have a dvd that you can
barrow to show
at your church or office to rally more support. If you have any questions please
call. The dead
line for signing up for this event is the 22nd of Feb. and we will be closing
the event and
turning all the money and paperwork in at the end of March.
Thanks for your time.
Sara Paine

Hello all:

The attachment is a flyer for an author presentation and book signing by Jan
Young.  Jan is from Winnemucca and will be doing a reading from her book along
with a presentation.  She will also be bringing some cowboy gear.  The book was
written for middle school age children, but we have had some rave reviews from
the adults also.

The event is Saturday, March 8th from 1:30 to 3:30.  Jan will have some of her
books available for sale.

If you have any questions, please give Mary Jo or Stephanie a call at the
library 738-3055.

Thanks

Mary Jo
Children's/YA Librarian

  <<book signing.doc>>

The Erhardts in Spring Creek, have 5 AKC registered  puppies left for sale.

Blonds, black & chocolate, female & males: 9 weeks old

Both parents on site, : had shots, dewormed, declawed with great personalities

$300. oo

Please call - 775- 777-1420@home for appointments or ????

Bless you, Rozalia

We just moved to Sping Creek last fall. We only have one child so far,
a two-year-old. I am just starting to homeschool him and am interested
in meeting other homeschooling families in the area, especially those
with preschool-age kids.

Arwen Spor
http://sporschool.blogspot.com/

Nevada Virtual Academy (free virtual public charter school - powered by
K12) is hosting Spring Fling events in Reno and Elko.  The events are
"family gatherings that will include fun science, math, reading, and
outdoor activities, as well as the chance to learn more about our
school."


Reno (Space is limited for this event -- Register Now!)
Tuesday, March 11
2:00 pm
Fleishmann Planetarium -- University of Nevada
1650 N. Virginia Street, Reno 89557

To sign up for the Reno event:
http://www.rsvme.com/wsb.dll/9922/20080226081024363.htm


Elko
Wednesday, March 12
1:00 pm
North Eastern Nevada Museum
1515 Idaho Street, Elko 89801

(I guess pre-registration isn't necessary for this one)



They also have three virtual information sessions scheduled:

Thursday, March 13 - 2:00-3:00 pm
Monday, March 24 - 10:00-11:00 am - & 2:00-3:00 pm

Sign in using this link (you need to enter your screen name):
http://snipurl.com/NVVAinfo



More information on Nevada Virtual Academy:
http://www.k12.com/nvvahome/

This is why we should all have supported Dr. Ron Paul rather than
listening to Dr. Dobson and his endorsement of the faux homeschool
supporter Mike Huckabee.  We live in very perilous times for
homeschooling as well as our country as a whole.  Dr. Paul remains in
the race out of loyalty to his supporters and to the Constitution.  I
pray it is not too late for our country!
--- In ECHO-NV@yahoogroups.com, Laura Wells <laurawells35@...> wrote:
>
> Laura Wells forwarded you this Family article:
>
> CitizenLink: Dr. Dobson Outraged by California Ruling
Banning<br />Home Schooling
>
> http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000006717.cfm?eafref=1
>
> Message from Laura Wells:
>
> I think this could have quite an impact on many of us, if it were
to actually go through. Laura Wells
>
> A Note About Privacy:  E-mail addresses entered into our system
through the "E-Mail This Article" feature are used only for the
purpose of sending this e-mail. Focus on the Family will not sell,
lease, or rent your e-mail address to any outside entity. Use of this
feature will not result in unsolicited e-mail from Focus on the
Family.
>

On 5 Apr 2008 at 15:26, Barbara Dragon wrote:

> Governor Jim Gibbons proclaimed March 31-April 5th as Nevada Home
> Education Awareness Week.  Unfortuneatly NHN didn't receive notice of
> this prior to the week but it is OFFICIAL.

A little more background:  James Ellis, a homeschooling dad from Carson
City, initiated the proclamation with the governor's office.  He didn't
expect the governor would sign it after the day it was effective and that
there would only be one day left in the week when he got notified.  He
was caught by surprise almost as much as we all were.

He plans to do it again next year, and he says he will use this
experience to do a better job.  So put the last week of March/first week
of April on your calendar for next year!

-- Jim


--
Jim Poston
Board of Directors Chairman
Northern Nevada Home Schools, Inc.
Chair@...

<Forwarded with permission>

Muth's Truths
by Chuck Muth
April 7, 2008

If a gubernatorial proclamation is issued and no one was aware of it, was
it actually issued?  Yes, in the case of Nevada Home Education Awareness
Week.

You may recall an item here
(http://conservablogs.com/muthstruths/2007/12/04/2008-proclamations-
announced/)  last year where I ridiculed the silly, often inane,
"proclamations" which are cranked out by the governorดs office,
especially Gov. Gibbons' declaration of December as "Winter Driving
Safety Month."  And while the proclamations haven't ceased since then,
the breathless official press releases have been, gratefully, fewer and
farther in-between.

But now the governor's offices has gone from one extreme to the other.
Not only didn't Home Education Awareness Week merit a gubernatorial press
release, it was a well-kept state secret on par with Col. Sanders' secret
recipe.

As it turns out, Gov. Gibbons declared the week of March 30th-April 5th
"Home Education Awareness Week."  Alas, the governorดs office failed [to]
make even the home school community aware of the governor's proclamation.
  It wasn't until late Friday afternoon, after the week was almost over,
that home-schoolers were made aware of the proclamation - and even that
was totally by accident.

An employee of the Department of Transportation who happens to be a home-
school dad - like myself - stumbled upon the proclamation and forwarded
it a leader of the home-school movement in northern Nevada, who then
emailed it to a statewide list of Nevada home-schoolers.

Wait, it gets worse.

Unless they've updated the list since I checked this morning, Home
Education Awareness Week isn't even listed on the governor's official
Proclamation webpage.  You'll be pleased to know, however, that "National
County Government Week," which begins today, is listed.  And "Congenital
Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day" made the list.  But not Home
Education Awareness Week.

In fact, it is so absurd that the home-school community wouldn't know
about a gubernatorial proclamation honoring home-schoolers, or that such
a proclamation wouldn't be listed on the official list of gubernatorial
proclamations, that some home-schoolers, when told of the proclamation,
questioned whether or not it was even real.  So one home-school leader
called the governor's office Friday afternoon to verify if the
proclamation they didn't know about was, in fact, genuine.

Alas, the governor's receptionist, after having to do some checking
herself since it wasn't on the official list, confirmed that the home-
school proclamation was, indeed, legitimate.

This would almost be funny if it weren't so embarrassing - especially
when you consider that home-schoolers are such an integral part of the
conservative base.  And the fact that, unlike all too many public school
students, home-schoolers can actually read gubernatorial proclamations.
In any event, celebrate Nevada home-schoolers!  You may have missed it,
but last week was your week.  Perhaps the apology from daily operations
chieftess Diane Cornwall will be a little more public.  And just in case
you missed it (and who didn't?), hereดs the official wording of the
proclamation that no one knew about...

     Whereas, the state of Nevada is committed to the education of our
     children and to upholding the values and goals that strengthen the
     family; and...

     Whereas, home-based schooling may be the fastest-growing form of
     education in the United States (at 7% to 12% per year), home-based
     education is also growing around the world in many nations; and...

     Whereas, there are about 2 million home school students in the United
     States; there were an estimated 1.9 to 2.4 million children (in
     grades K to 12) home educated during 2005-2006 in the United States;
     and...

     Whereas, families engaged in home-based education are not dependent
     on public, tax-funded resources for their childrenดs education; the
     finances associated with their home schooling likely represent over
     $16 billion that taxpayers do not have to spend since these children
     are not in public schools; and...

     Whereas, home school students score above average on achievement
     tests regardless of their parents' level of formal education or their
     family's household income;

     Now, therefore, I, Jim Gibbons, Governor of the State of Nevada, do
     hereby proclaim March 30-April 5, 2008, as Home Education Awareness
     Week.

Just donดt tell anybody.

Article:
http://conservablogs.com/muthstruths/2008/04/07/now-this-is-just-
embarrassing/

Dear Members and Friends,

 

The conference pre-registration deadline is just around the corner, if you haven't already signed up, now is a good time to do so.  

 

Pre-registers are given a no waiting in line treatment and no hassles! Pre-Register Today and receive the complete service package:

 

Savings of $20!

A Chance to Win a free NVHEC homeschooling tee shirt!

Enjoy the Pre-Registration Table designed just for you!

Conference Pack Includes: Event Program with map layout, Pre-Order l

unch passes, Assistance as needed all the day long, Pre-printed name tags!

 

By pre-registering you bless us! It helps us with our planning and organizing as it is our desire to do our best just for you! So gett'im in and enjoy the benefits!

 

BELOW is the conference information and Pre-Registration Form - full of new conference information. Check it out!

 

For conference questions or directions please call 775-544-1908 or email us at nvhec@nvbell.net.

To visit us online goto www.homeeducatorsoffaith.org

 

Look forward to a fruitful and eventful conference created just for you and the whole family!

Please help us by keeping this email going!  Invite a Friend!

 

Thank you in advance for your show of support! We look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

(Limited financial assistance is available - let us know how we can be of good service to you by calling today.)

______________________________________

 

Nevada Home Educators Conference and Curriculum Fair May 16 - 17, 2008

 Sparks Nazarene Church

2200 El Rancho, Sparks, Nevada — For More Info Call 775-554-1908

 Early Registration $20 Individual (spouses free)

 

 

 

Friday, May 16: 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

จ       Registration

จ       Conference Curriculum Educational Fair In Exhibitor's Hall

จ       Meet With Exhibitor Representatives While Learning New Educational Resources!

 

Saturday, May 17: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

จ       Registration (There will be Coffee and Pastries available)

จ       Homeschooling families will be encouraged and rejuvenated!

จ       Morning Keynote: Senator Washington 'Getting Involved in Community Service'

จ       Reenactment by Clint Winn of 'Patrick Henry'

จ       Conference Curriculum Fair Open: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

จ       Adult Workshop Sessions: 9:30 a.m.—3:45 p.m. (speakers and topics listed on the back)

จ       Luncheon Keynote: Mary Schofield “The Vision in Homeschooling'

จ       Performance by The Homeschool’in Musical Youth Club

จ       Conference also includes Free Educational Door Prizes - For a complete list of prizes visit www.homeeducatorsoffaith.org!

 

Children’s Institute: Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Children ages 4-12 years

จ        'Team Building'

จ        'Backyard Science”

จ         Recreation-Bounce House

จ         Art and Crafts

 

Teen Academy Sessions: Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

จ       Clint Winn: 'Constitution, Bill of Rights'

จ       Bruce Larson: 'Keeping Looking Forward-Don’t Look Back–Encouragements for Teens'

จ       Dianne Aguirre: 'Getting Creative in Art'

จ       Former Assembly Women, Sharron Angle: 'Applied Political Science, Basic Government'

 

Exhibitors Include

จ       Home School Legal Defense Association	จ       Christian Liberty Press
จ       Home Educators of Faith	จ       Jenness Park Christian Camp
จ       Northern Nevada Home Schools	จ       Meadow Bible Institute
จ       Total Language Plus	จ       Family Learning Center
จ       Gospel for Asia	จ       Parent Teacher Aids
จ       Accelerated Christian Education	จ       Area127  You name it – We carry it!
จ       Hunting Learning Center

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Saturday's Workshop Speakers and Topics

Complete Speaker Biographies available on-line: www.homeeducatorsoffaith.org

vvvvvvvvvvvvv

Senator Washington: Morning Keynote Speaker 'Getting Involved in Community Service'

Mary Schofield: Luncheon Keynote Speaker “The Vision in Homeschooling'

        'How to get through High school, Building High school Transcripts, Prep for College'

        How do you know that your teen is learning enough (and of the right things)?How can parents continue a home-school lifestyle during the high school years? Most home-schooled students model their high school years after the institutionalized educational style of learning? Come and learn how to make your high school years special, wonderful, and complete as we discuss the overall plans needed to teach high school at home.

vvvvvvvvvvvvv

 

Sharron Angle: 'How to run for office - How to get involved in the political process'

A four term Assemblywoman for Washoe County, Sharron Angle is a dynamic speaker. This class will discuss how to get involved in government and how to run for a political office. What you can do to make a difference.

 

Kris Cordell: 'Writing Is It a Hill Worth Dying On?”

       Yes it is a hill worth dying on, but you don’t need to climb Mr. Everest. Proper writing skills are essential to every student.  Extensive “How to Write” curriculum is not always necessary, and learning to write can be fun. Simplify your goals for teaching writing and focus on mastering the basics. I will discuss the importance of selecting your topic, setting specific guidelines and developing critical thinking in writing.

Jim Davis: 'Fathers, Preparing Our Children for God’s Calling'

God has carefully placed each of our children into our specific families for His good reasons. Our children are not in our families by accident, but by providential design. One of the more important assignments you and I have as Christian parents is to provide our children with the tools God wants them to have in order to complete the assignments that He has prepared for them. Based on Ephesians 2:10, we will revisit God’s assignment to us as parents in order to make sure we are still on track with this assignment.

Heather Haddox: “Team Building”

What makes people like other people? What makes kids call certain kids bully and other kids nice?  If you ask any child you will get many different answers. Every child desires to be liked and accepted (as well as every person).During the kids workshop, I'll be discussing ways to be a team player in life by teaching kids the tools they need to encourage those around them, to be confident within themselves and therefore content, and how to lose in a positive way. We will also be doing some role-playing and discussion time with the older kids. I hope to build into each child the keys to what it means to be liked and how to be a person people love to be around.

Jody Jarvis: 'Leadership Education And Development in the Home'

In these times we need great leaders more than ever, and the best place to develop great leaders is in the home. But just how do we go about doing that? There is a specific set of principles and a certain type of environment that is best suited for developing leadership traits. Come and see if your home is a Leadership Home. Or, if it isn’t, learn how to make it one.

Kim Like: 'Struggling Learner Overview'

Do you have a struggling learner? Have you ever thought… Why aren’t they getting it? There must be a better way to get through to this kid! I just don’t think I can teach this child! In this workshop, Kim will give an overview of the different learning gates, symptoms to recognize if those gates are closed, and tips on how to open those gates.

Jody Morris: 'Getting Children Started K-2'

Getting started with a bang! This workshop is to give some practical ideas for teaching basic math and literacy skills using the “stuff” you already have at home. I want to leave time for a question and answer as well. I guarantee that you will have fun and go home with some new ideas to make learning exciting and fun for you little ones. I will provide copies of everything. You’ll want to bring a pencil or pen though, to add notes for adapting the ideas to your age level.

Ed Rathje: 'Teaching Science and Math – Keeping it Exciting and Relevant'

“Adventures of an ex-Rocket Scientist Teaching in Public Schools.” I will explain how to use “hooks” and current news items to make science and math relevant and interesting. We will also discuss how to use the history of science to give perspective to scientific discovery.

Irene Rushing: 'How to get started, Law and Five Fundamental Ways to Successfully Homeschool'

Ever wonder how to get started in successfully home schooling your children? What you need to know, the different types of home schooling, come and bring all your questions you’ll be glad you did!

Lorna Shaw: 'Joy in the Journey'

Is JOY a word that describes your home or home education processes? Is there more discouragement than joy in your journey? Through various trials and tribulations, is there still joy? What is joy? Come listen as Lorna shares what God has taught her about true joy.

 

David West: 'Three V’s for Homeschooling Success: Vision, Valor, Virtue' me learn about the Vision, Valor and Virtue in Home Schooling.

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nevada Home Educators Conference - May 16-17, 2008

Sparks Nazarene Church, 2200 El Rancho Dr. - Sparks

 

Pre-Registration Form – Deadline April 15, 2008

 

                                 * After the Pre-Registration deadline, registration increases: 30/Adult and $10/Spouse.

 

Adult Pre-Registration                                               _ Today's Date                       

 

Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Spouse (if attending):_____________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________

City/Zip/State:__________________________________________________________________________________

Tel (           )______________________________ Email________________________________________________

 

______ Individual $20 (spouses are free).……………………………………………………..……………….$_________

 

 

Youth Pre-Registration Form

 

Please print and list the names of all teens and children who will be attending the conference.

 

Name ______________________________ Age__________ Name__________________________ Age__________

 

Name ______________________________ Age__________ Name__________________________ Age__________

 

Name ______________________________ Age__________ Name__________________________ Age__________

 

Name ______________________________ Age__________ Name__________________________ Age__________

 

 

______  No. of Teens (age 13-19) $10……………………….……………………...………………………..$___________

 

______ No. of Children (age 4-12) $5………………….……………………………...…………………….$___________

 

Please Note: There is no child care services for children 3 and under. Thank you.

 

 

Luncheon with Keynote Gust Speaker: _______ No. of orders at $7 per meal..……………………………….$__________

Please list how many vegetarian dishes desired _____________

 

 

Total Payment Adult and Youth Pre-registration including meals…………………………...………………….$___________

 

Form of Payment: Check (payable to HEOF) or you may pay online: www.homeeducatorsoffaith.org

Limited Financial Assistance Available - Let us know how we can be of good service to you by calling today!

 

Mail Form and payment to: NVHEC, 933 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89431

 

For more conference information or questions call 775-544-1908 or email NVHEC@nvbell.net

For lodging and discounted hotel rates in Reno visit www.travelworm.com or call 1-800-700-8342

 

Look forward to a rejuvenating and fruitful event! WE’LL SEE YOU THERE!

____________________________________________________________________________

 

Our CONFERNCE SPONSORS

EconoPrint

Senior Insurance Agency

All About Acting

Church of Jesus Christ Spirit Filled-Sparks

Baskin Robbins

Comfort and Joy Baskets

Canada Prescription Service Nevada

Meadows Bible Institute

Cartridge World, Sparks

Arbonne International

Creations Studio

Body Point Therapeutic Massage

Senior Dimensions

Ballentine’s Ballroom

Sabrina’s Stevens Gift Baskets

Jana Eny—Tupperware

Forever Springs Interior

Sparks Music Center

Vick’s Cards and Gifts

Shanghai Restaurant

The Reflection Works Photography

Sunrider International

His Word A Parable Christian Store

Parent Teacher Aids

Friendly Computers - Mobil Services

IMPACT Co-op

Eagle Co-op

We Promote You, Marketing Solutions

Northern Nevada Home Schools

The Learning Parent

Wild Island

Christian Liberty Press

Davidsons Music

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Safeway

Timberdoodle Co.

Nevada Fine Arts

All The Trimmings

How Great Thou Art

The Nevada State Museum

The National Automobile Museum

Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

Great Basin Outdoor School

 

 

Please keep this email going. Thanks so much!

 

From: Heather Haddox heather.haddox@gmail.com

 

The Nevada Homeschooling Conference in May isn't just a great opportunity for adults! 
Don't let your kids miss out on the amazing opportunity to fellowship with Homeschooled kids throughout Northern Nevada. 
We have many exciting workshops for them as well! 
Here's just a taste!

For High School AKA Teen Academy

• Clint Winn will be talking about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
• Bruce Larson will be talking about looking ahead!  Encouragement for the Teens!
• Dianne Aguirre will be doing a workshop on Art
• And Former Assembly Woman Sharron Angle will be talking about Applied Political Science!

These are amazing workshops for your Teen!  Don't miss out!

For Kids 12 and under!  We are doing some amazing workshops for them as well!

• They will be doing a workshop on Team building (seeing the people around you as your teammates) Team building activities are great for homeschoolers!
• They will have backyard science!  Great for curious minds!
• They will have Arts and Crafts as well as Game Time!
• Also we have a bounce house to help get the wiggles out!

It's not day care for your kids while you are in workshops, we want this conference to be for Kids too!  After all we're homeschooling for them, why shouldn't t! he confe rence be for them too!

If you have any questions about the Children's Conference Day Schedule, please don't hesitate to ask!  We can't wait to see your little ones and big ones!

From the Children's Institute Team

www.homeeducatorsoffaith.org

775-544-1908

2008 Nevada Home Educators Conference and Curriculum Fair

Hi Laura,
What a fabulous idea! Sadly I was out of town and missed it, but I
would have LOVED to clean out the girls closets and book cases and
brought in boxes of stuff to trade. How did it go? Did you get a lot
of people swapping? Please let us know of any future such exchanges.

Carolyn

  ECHO-NV@yahoogroups.com, John Wells <laurawells35@...> wrote:
>
> Come one, come all!!!  Bring giveaway clothes and books or whatever
to Calvary Baptist Church this Thursday the 17th between 11a-12:15p.
Whether you need to get rid of stuff or you need to get stuff or both
or neither, it doesn't matter - please come.
>  Laura Wells www.marykay.com/ldwells John 3:16
> _________________________________________________________________
> More immediate than e-mail? Get instant access with Windows Live
Messenger.
>
http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_ins\
tantaccess_042008
>

**********************************************************
Come Join the Fun!

The First Nevada Homeschooling 'Meet and Greet'

We will meet at 1:00 p.m. at Sparks Nazarene Church to 'Kick-off' the

2008 Nevada Home Education Conference and Exhibitor Fair

It will be a time to make new aquaintances or put a name to a face and to share homeschooling stories and ideas. Come relax and enjoy visiting with other like-minded families! We hope to see you there!

Bethany Callahan, Sheri Campbell, Lynnea Crawford, Susie Crawford, Darlene Hatfield, Jessica Haukass, Barbara Kengle, Renee Kreamer, Dale Lavely, Sue Lewis, Christine O'Connor, Chante Padilla,

Cynthia Robinson, Maria Rodriguez, Irene Rushing, Rini Rushing, Robbie Rushing, Charity Sanchez,

Holly Starr, and Sharon Zenz. 
 

Then at 2 p.m., the conference will open with our Exhibitor Fair!

We will be giving away wonderful door-prizes donated by our conference sponsors. 

A special thank you to all our sponsors and to our Exhibitors for participating in the Nevada Home Education Conference!

Conference Registration, Speakers biographies, Workshop Topics, Children's Institute Information all available online: http://www.homeeducatorsoffaith.org/

Why Attend The Nevada Home Educators Conference?

CALIFORNIA TRAIL DAYS

Friday May 30 & Saturday May 31, 2008 // 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
California National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, Elko, Nevada

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Jamiel at 7530213 or Gary Koy at 753-0281

Free to Public

Sneak Preview Tours of the California Trail Center
See what's happening at the California Trail Center.  BLM staff and
volunteers will greet visitors and provide tours of the building,
interpretive plaza and answer questions about the future of the Trail
Center.  The Trail Center is located 8 miles west of Elko on
Interstate Highway 80 at the Hunter exit. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Fri. & Sat.


ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILY
A variety of family oriented, hands-on activities will be provided
inside and outside of the Trail Center building that will help
visitors learn about the overland migration to California that
occurred between 1841 and 1869.  Activities include the following:

Gold panning: This is what it was all about - at the end of the trail
everyone was looking for gold.  Now you can try your hand at using a
pan to separate gold flakes from sand and water. (All gold flakes must
remain with exhibitor)  This activity will also include a display of
U.S. coins from the gold rush period.  Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00 PM.

Children's crafts: Join the staff of the Northeastern Nevada
Historical museum as they lead children through the experience of
making corn husk dolls, button toys and fresh butter; all things that
pioneer children made as they traveled along the California Trail.
Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00 PM.

Pack your wagon:  Think you could pack enough supplies in your pick up
truck to last you on a four and a half month camping trip?  That's
what the emigrants had to do come and learn what they took with them
on their 2,000 mile journey from the Missouri River to California.
Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00 PM.

Atlatl throw:  Experience throwing an ancient style hunting weapon,
the atlatal.  The atlatal is a devise for throwing a spear or dart
that consists of a rod or board with a projectile with a projection
(as hook or thong) at the rear end to hold the weapon in place until
release. [Webster's Ninth New College Dictionary]  Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM
– 5:00 PM.

Native American food gathering activity: Prior to the arrival white
explorers and overland emigrants Native Americans in the Great Basin
gathered and prepared wild plants as food as part of their daily
routine.  Volunteers from the Elko Chapter of the Nevada Archeological
Association will lead participants through a similar food gathering
exercise.  Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00 PM.

Spinning and carding demonstrations: Need new clothes and there's no
Wal mart?  Learn how the pioneers used fiber from livestock and turned
it into fabric to make the clothing worn along the California Trail.
Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00 PM.

Firearms on the California Trail:  Between 1841 and 1869 firearm
technology advance from muzzle loading flint and percussion lock
weapons to magazine fed metallic cartridge, multiple shot rifles,
pistols and shot guns.  Representative samples of these types of
weapons will be on display in the Trail Center.  Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM –
5:00 PM.

Dutch-Oven cooking demonstrations: (Details to be determined)

Wagon rides:  Experience riding in an authentic covered wagon pulled
by a four up hitch of big black mules as they roll along the trail the
overland emigrants may have actually traveled. Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM –
5:00 PM    (No charge for the rides) Sponsored by Wagon Trails West Inc).

Oxen drawn wagon demonstrations:  See live oxen up close.  Learn about
why they were used more than mules or horses during the early days of
the overland migration.  See there how large and powerful they are,
and watch owner work the animals using only voice commands. Formal
talks on Trail Center Plaza, Fri. & Sat. 1:00PM, or just visit with
Dixon and his animals throughout the day on Fri. & Sat. from 10:00 AM-
5:00PM.

Old Melodeon Minstrels:  Sing along with the Old Melodeon Minstrels
while Chris, Darla and Danita Bayer play minstrel banjo, tambourine
and penny whistle.  Thrill to the sight of Danita's flying Irish feet
as she does a hornpipe or a jig. Known throughout Nevada, California
and Oregon, the Old Melodeon Minstrels have made regular appearances
at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in Coloma, Oregon Trail
Interpretive Center in Baker City and Sacramento's Gold Rush Days.
They will have scheduled presentation and will be roaming through the
events area periodically during the two day event.  Formal
presentations, Fri 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM & Sat.1:00PM, & 4:00 PM.

Dancing under the stars: Join the "Old Melodeon Minstrels" on Friday
May 30th at for some high stepping dancing \just like the emigrants
did on the trail and the miners did in their mining camps during the
Gold Rush.  It doesn't matter whether or not you already know how to
dance; Chris, Darla and Danita will walk you through the steps. This
will take place on the Trail Center plaza.  Friday 6:00 PM Trail
Center Plaza

Fiddle Styling's of 13 year old master fiddler Alex Johnson: This will
be the third year for Alex at Trail Days.  He will have scheduled
presentations and will periodically roam around the events area.
Formal presentations, Fri 11:30 AM, 5:15 PM & Sat.10:00AM, & 2:30 PM.

Women's Voices from the Overland Trail: Women pioneers often formed
the backbone and inspiration for the long, arduous western journeys of
the nineteenth-century emigrants.  Historian and professor Doris
Dwyer, Western Nevada Community College will base her presentation on
the diaries, memoirs, and reminiscences of pioneer women and men who
emigrated westward from 1840 through 1860s.  These accounts, which pay
special attention to the landscape to Native Americans, and to the
danger and promise of the journey, provide a vivid account of pioneer
life.  Presentation is sponsored by the Nevada Humanities, Historic
Speakers Bureau). Program, Fri 3:15 PM

Meet Margaret Breen:  Professor Doris Dwyer, Western Nevada Community
College will use a Chautauqua style presentation to portray Margaret
Breen.  Margaret Breen, along with her husband and several children,
were members of the Donner Party and shared in the suffering of their
fellow emigrant.  Due largely to her efforts, the Breens were one of
only two families in the party to survive without loss of life. Ask
Margaret about her ordeals and how she survived.  (Presentation is
sponsored by the Nevada Humanities, Historic Speakers Bureau).  Sat.
May 31st at 11:30 AM.

Black Smithing Demonstrations:  (Details to be determined) Ongoing
Friday and Saturday, Special talks Friday May 30, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

ENCAMPMENTS

Newe or the Western Shoshone People Exhibits
In the spring of 1841- 1869, Newe would have held several significant
ceremonies and would have traveled far to gather edible and herbal
spring greens.  And seasonal games such as ground hog and squirrels
would have supplemental rabbit, trout deer and antelope.  These topics
will be covered as part of the Newe encampment or as scheduled talks
during Trail Days.  These include:
- Crafts: Willow weaving, Basket & Newe Origin, Fri. 10:45
- Story telling, Period clothing, buckskin preparation:,, Fri. 4:30 PM
- Food preparation: Pine nut soup, Buck berry pudding, Jerky stew and
Wild garlic & water cress; Fri. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Medicine: Native herbs, Native American camp, Sat. 10:45 AM
- Commerce and Games: Native Trade talk, Native stick games:,, Sat.
3:15 PM

Trapper and Emigrant Wagon Camps:
Living History Encampments: (Located on the south side of the
California Trail Center building visitors will enjoy walking through
the different types of trail camps.  Volunteer interpreters will be in
period costumes 1850s to answer questions about what is being
displayed and answer questions about the equipment and history of the
California Trail.

Trapper camp:  Walk through a recreated trapper camp.  Visit with the
participants as they explain what life was like in the Far West during
between the 1820s through the 1850s. Learn about how they prepared
their food, set up camp and the kinds of tools and firearms they
depended upon for their survival. Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00 PM.

Emigrant Wagon camp:  See a full size emigrant wagon and visit with
the volunteer about the kinds of experiences overland emigrants were
faced with as they traveled overland to California.  Learn about the
different types of people who went west and the equipment they took.
Try to figure out for yourself what you would take and why if you were
going to take a 41/2 month, 2,000 walk across America.  Fri. & Sat.
10:00AM – 5:00 PM.

Military Camps:
3rd California Volunteers:   Visit with volunteers as they portray the
soldiers who served at Fort Ruby (1862 – 1869) and at Fort Hallack
(1869 and 1874).  See the equipment they used, the clothes they wore,
the weapons they used and discover what life was like for the soldier
serving in the Great Basin during and shortly after the American Civil
War.  Fri. & Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00 PM.

HIKES OF SOUTH FORK CANYON

Hike a segment of the Actual historic California Trail: Follow the
footsteps of the Donner Party through South Fork Canyon from South
Fork Reservoir to the Humboldt River The hike is sponsored by the
Humboldt High Roads group and led by a member of the Elko Chapter of
the Nevada Archeological Association.  The hike is scheduled for
Saturday June 7, 2008.  Sign ups will take place at the Trail Days
event. For additional information contract Jill Jensen 753-0378 or Jan
Petersen 753-5668

EVENT MADE POSSIBLE BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS
Elko Chapter of the Elko County Archeological Association
Humboldt High Road
Northeastern Nevada Museum
Mormon Battalion reenactment group
White Knife Shoshone Company
Wagon Trails West Inc.
Elko Coin & Currency
Nevada Humanities
Mormon Oxen Association
Wal Mart
BLM/ California Trail Center
Elko Convention and Visitor Authority
Elko Chamber of Commerce
City of Elko, Elko Parks and Recreation Department
The Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities
A Lot Great Volunteers

Hi!  I'm researching homeschooling options and am interested in finding
out if anyone in the area uses a classical Christian curriculum or has
any experience in teaching the trivium.

If you don't use classical Christian, but do use a faith-based
curriculum, please chime in and let me know what you use or have used
in the past, and if you liked it.

And a little bit about me:  I'm Bethany, mother of three; my oldest is
5 years old and slated to start public school August 18th.  We have
been having serious second thoughts on sending her to Kindergarten, and
are exploring our options.

I'm hoping that this board is still an active resource I see that there
haven't been any posts for a while.

B--