MIDWEST YOUTH TEAM TENNIS PROGRAM NOW REGISTERING IN TIPP CITY

Online registration available at www.MidwestTeamTennis.com

Indianapolis, Ind. – The United States Tennis Association in partnership with the Tipp City Tennis Association will be conducting a Midwest Youth Team Tennis program this summer in Tipp City. The multi-week program for youth ages 10 and under will teach basic tennis skills and provide team competition opportunities. The Midwest Youth Team Tennis program is part of the tennis industries 10 and Under Tennis initiative, which features age appropriate equipment, court sizes, and scoring.

The Tipp City Youth Team Tennis program will be offered starting 6/12/2012, and the deadline to register is 5/20/2012.

Register online at www.MidwestTeamTennis.com. Additional information about Midwest Youth Team Tennis, 10 and Under Tennis, volunteering and coaching opportunities is also available.

For more information about registration, volunteering, or coaching, please contact Bud Schroeder at (937) 669-5552, email: bud@schroedertennis.com.

The Tipp City Midwest Youth Team Tennis program is open to girls and boys ages 5-10 years of age. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced players are all welcome to participate. The program participant package includes the following: new tennis racquet (21 or 23 inch for 8-and-Under, 25 inch for 10-and-Under), Ace’s Kids Club fun pack, team uniform, and age appropriate tennis ball.

“The USTA/Midwest Section is excited to work with this community to introduce more youth to the fun and excitement of tennis participation,” said USTA/Midwest Section Director of Junior Tennis Chad Docktor.

The USTA/Midwest Section is the second largest section of the United States Tennis Association, the National Governing Body for tennis. The USTA/Midwest Section consists of 14 Districts in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin as well as designated counties in West Virginia and Kentucky. The USTA/Midwest Section offers recreational and competitive tennis for individuals of all ages and abilities. Please visit www.midwest.usta.com for more information.

CONTACT: Bud Schroeder, (937) 669-5552, email: bud@schroedertennis.com

When my four siblings and I were pictured in the Dayton Daily News in 1987 as one of the first families in the area to embark upon the adventure of home education, I had no idea that the choices my parents had made would have such a major impact on my life.

Looking back on what just seemed “normal” to me at the time, I can say that learning at home opened up a whole new world or creative adventures and friendships with my brothers and sisters that have lasted my lifetime.

When I entered 6^th grade at Troy Christian, and then on to Tipp City High school…I was prepared both academically and emotionally to tackle those tricky years.My junior and senior year of high school I attended Sinclair Community College through the PSEO program, and then went onto earn my BS at Middle Tennessee State University, earning straight A’s throughout my entire journey.

I had some wonderful experiences in every level of my education, and I always just figured I would probably do the same kind of thing with my kids when they reach the school-aged years.However, as my oldest son reached the age for Kindergarten…I felt completely overwhelmed when looking into all the curriculum and choices before me regarding his education.

Unlike when my parents ventured into the unknown territory of educating at home…now there is an overwhelming amount of resources available to those who choose to teach their kids at home.I found myself stressing out about what math program to use…which history curriculum is best, etc.The more I researched and looked into everything available to me, the more I questioned if I could really do this, and the more I realized that even though I experienced the whole spectrum of education options and was able to spit back the info on the tests to get A’s…I didn’t retain a lot of the information I learned.

I feel ignorant when things happen in other countries and I have to Google it to find out where it is.Why do I have to think so hard to do a simple addition or multiplication problem in my head?If my life depended on it, I couldn’t tell you most significant dates in my own country’s history, let alone the world.When I read old documents like the Declaration of Independence, I struggle to understand the meaning, as if it is a foreign language!I’m a fast learner.I generally consider myself smart…but I feel incredibly stupid sometimes.

I wanted more for my kids.Something is failing in many forms of our current education system, and it has nothing to do with whether a child is homeschooled, privately schooled, or publicly schooled.As a culture, we seem to be getting dumber…and that just shouldn’t happen.

So, when I came across this thing called “Classical” education….something resonated in me.“Classical” refers to time-tested, something that has worked for hundreds of years….something based on the basics of humanity and human development….not just the “flavor of the month”.Why we ever came away from this style of education, I can’t figure out, but it is no wonder that the Classical Education movement is growing so quickly among homeschoolers and private institutions.

In a nutshell….here is the basics of what Classical Education is.It is based on how we learn in different stages.It is broken down into 3 stages, often referred to as the “Trivium”:The Grammar Stage, The Dialectic Stage, and the Rheteric Stage.If you are thinking of it in terms of our technical age, the 3 stages correlate with Input, Processing, and Output.Whole books are written on this concept and putting it into practice, so I’m not going to attempt to expand a whole lot on this, but this is an easy concept to see without looking to deep.

Anyone who has kids between the ages of 0-12 understand that they are little sponges.They have the ability to memorize and retain a TON of information and they are constantly learning and taking in new facts.This is the knowledge stage, the input stage, the “Grammar” stage.(grammar referring to facts, data, etc).This is the age where it makes sense to pack them full of useful information.Not necessarily information they understand or is useful to them at the time, but just taking advantage of the fact that they can memorize and retain quickly at this age.This is when you can learn all the history dates, times tables, world geography, etc, and it just becomes part of who you are and what you know.

As they enter the middle school years, that is when they are no longer satisfied with just the “who, what, when, and where,”, they want to know the “how and why”.And they don’t just want to be told, they want to discover it for themselves.In fact, if you tell them the answers, they will not take your word for it anymore!This is the Dialectic Stage, or the processing, or understanding stage….whatever you choose to call it.

“What appears to be a tendency in students to argue, or even to talk back, is really a desire to systematize their thoughts and to achieve understanding of the facts they have accumulated in the grammar years.Instead of squelching the desire to argue, the classical model complements their natural tendencies by teaching them formal logic and debate so that students learn to reason and argue clearly, respectfully, and persuasively.” (Jennifer Courtney, Classical Conversations catalog)

Can an elementary child learn the how’s and why’s?Of course they can to some degree.But taking too much time to try to use reason and logic with a younger child is not a good use of their strengths and the time devoted to their education. They will be much more capable of this when they are older, and much less capable of memorization and retention.

The last stage of a Classical education is the Rheteric stage (the Output…the Wisdom).It’s this stage that you find missing the most in our educational system…even through college.This is where a student truly masters a subject.They not only know have a firm grasp on the facts and an understanding of their applications, but they can now use this information to impact society.This is the poetic and creative stage, the eloquent, inspirational and persuasive stage where you are applying the skills you have learned to make something meaningful or to say something insightful.You have potential to reach this stage in your later high school years, but we rarely see this kind of mastery of knowledge even after 4 years of college.

Like I said, whole books have been written on the classical model of education and implementation, etc, so I will not even attempt to do that, but in order to explain my reasons for deciding to keep my kids at home…I needed to explain the basics of it.

Before, my main reasons for homeschooling were to be able to spend more time with my kids in their formidable years, free their time up a bit to be able to pursue their interests, and help create that childhood bond that I experienced with my siblings.Those are still part of the reason I am continuing on in this journey, but now that I have come across the classical model of education, I am finding that another reason I am committing to homeschool (maybe even through high school! Ahhhh!), is because I believe it will provide them with a better education.

I believe they will be more equipped to tackle any subject, to learn any new skill they may need in their future. I believe that as they enter junior high age, they will have this huge base of knowledge from which to start to really understand and navigate our world.And I am believing that as they grow into that last stage of learning, they will have the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to be able to positively effect and impact our world and our culture.

With all of these wonderful reasons I have for wanting to educate my kids at home…I am not the great adventurer my parents were.I don’t want to, and have no intention of doing this alone.I want a community!I need support!And I found this all in the group called Classical Conversations, who I have been a part of this past year in Springfield.After my experience there, I know I want this for the Tipp City area.

Classical Conversations provides the programs and community that is needed to support an excellent classical education at home.

“I am getting so excited!  This is like having brunch with 300 friends!”  Maggie Mundhenk, the Relay For Life Survivor chair continues, “We all have something in common - we are all survivors!”   Over 150 survivors have registered for this year’s event.  Instead of a dinner reception, this year the survivors will be treated to a brunch on Saturday at 11:00.  “With the new start time and the change in days, we will have more time for the survivors to enjoy a nice meal and some good conversation.”  Mundhenk said, “All cancer survivors are welcome, but they may bring just one caregiver to brunch with them.”  This is a change from past years and more in line with the other Relays in the area.

Survivors will be asked to register as they enter the Relay.  They, and their caregiver, will be given a wrist band that will give them admittance to the brunch.  Relay attendees are asked to remember that with the exception of well identified service animals, no pets are allowed.

During the Opening Ceremonies, one survivor will win a very special gift.  Harris Jewelers of Troy, has donated a pendant they designed call Heart of Hope.  “The ribbon shows that we are ever vigilant in our search for a cure” states Bonnie Harris Frey “The two faces help us remember that we are never alone. Our family, our loved ones, and the ones who have gone before will always be with us. Their support keeps us strong.”  The Heart of Hope is on display at Harris Jewelers and available by special order.

After the Opening Ceremonies, the Relay kicks off with the Survivor lap.  This is an inspirational time when survivors circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories they have achieved over cancer.  With their caregivers, survivors will tie a ribbon on the Torch of Hope which is in the center of the Relay area.  

There are over 11 million cancer survivors in the United States.  The American Cancer Society has four goals that we want/need to reach by 2015.  These are:

The Relay For Life of Miami County is May 5th and 6th at the Miami County Fairgrounds and is open to the public.  Teams will have various fundraisers and games open after the survivor lap.  Other major events at Relay include: an afternoon auction, the lighting of over 1200 luminaries and the luminaria ceremony.  About 9:30pm, after the luminaria ceremony, a live concert will feature This Side Up.  Games and team activities continue through the night.  Closing ceremonies begin at 6:00am on Sunday and the Relay closes about 9:00.

“This year’s theme is “Rockin‘ n Rollin’ for a Cure, and the decorations will show it. The entire Relay will be rocking‘ thru the night. “Mundhenk said, “I am looking forward to meeting and talking with all!”  Cancer survivors are requested to register for the brunch by sending a message to mundhenk@sbcglobal.net . Information about the Relay can be found at www.RelayforLife.org/miamicounty or leave a message at937 524 2214.

Mark your Calendars

On Monday, April 30th, 2012, the America in Bloom (AIB) committee will host an informational meeting for all Tipp City Community Gardeners and all members of the public interested in learning more about either the Community Gardens or the America in Bloom program here in Tipp City.

During the meeting, there will be a seed and plant exchange, plot assignments, forms that need to be signed for gardeners, information on companion planting, and a presentation on what AIB does for the Tipp City community. There will also be refreshments served.

The meeting will run from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and will be held at City Park in the Roundhouse. Please feel free to bring any interesting ideas, seeds or plants for exchange and baked goods.

Check us out on facebook at:

www.facebook.com/TippCityCommunityGardens

Bring on the FUN!

Once again, Broadway Elementary School will hold its annual FUN Fair on Friday, April 27 from 5 – 9 pm. The FUN Fair, sponsored by Broadway’s parent volunteer organization, PALS, has been a community tradition in Tipp City for more than 50 years.

FUN Fair is the biggest Broadway fundraiser of the year. The money from this event is slated for school equipment, the Teacher Discretionary Fund, Field Days, Family Fun Nights and more. Planned primarily for families with students in grades K – 3, the event is open to anyone who wants to enjoy an evening of food, fun and games.

Attendees can blow off some steam in the Moonwalk , race down the 20-foot Titanic Slide, Children can test their throwing arm with the Optimists’ Football Toss, try out a game of hole in one Golf. Of course, it wouldn’t be Fun Fair without time-tested carnival favorites like the Coke Toss, Duck Pond and Cake Walk.  There are also plenty of opportunities to take home one of many themed baskets.

Kitchen Meals are available for $4.00 which includes a slice of pizza or a hot dog, a drink and a choice of carrots or apple sauce, chips, and dessert.  The kitchen closes at 8pm. Carnival concessions such as cotton candy, nachos and hot pretzels are also available for purchase throughout the evening.

FUN Fair would not be possible without the generous support of community sponsors. Several local businesses have donated cash, products and/or services to make this event successful.

Planning for FUN Fair begins several months in advance, with over 175 parent volunteers donating their time and resources by the end of the event. Broadway families and faculty show their dedication to their school by serving on the planning committee, donating Raffle items, baking cakes and deserts and working the night of FUN Fair. FUN Fair is truly a labor of love by the entire school.

Admission to FUN Fair is FREE, with most games and food items costing 1 – 2 tickets. Tickets are $.50 each. Fun Fair is an indoor experience, so plan on attending rain or shine.

Instead of starting on Friday evening, this year’s event begins at noon on Saturday.  Logistics chair, Jim Reedy thinks this will give more time for teams to set-up.  “It was hard to get all the campers and tents set up on Friday for a 5:30 start time.  People had to take time off work or rush out right after work to attend opening ceremonies.  We think the Saturday start will allow us to set up for a well-organized event.”  Reedy is encouraging teams to get in their logistics forms soon.  “We need to know how many folks plan to have fundraising events so we can give them good locations around the track.  Of course, there is a rain plan too – but we hope we won’t need it this year!”

A reception for survivors has been part of Relay for several years.  This year, there will be a brunch at 11:00.  The brunch is open to all cancer survivors and one caregiver.  Refreshments are being provided by area restaurants and groups that have volunteered to make baked goods.  Registration is requested by April 30^th.  For information go to www.RelayForLife.org/MiamiCounty.

The theme for this year’s Relay is Rockin’ n Rollin’ for a cure.  And the Miami Count Fairgrounds will be rocking on Saturday night when This Side Up performs.  This Side Up is a 6 member band that is all about great music and having fun.  They have played at several popular events including galas and major fundraising events in Dayton.  Their unique blend of music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s is guaranteed to get people of all ages singing along, dancing and even playing an air guitar!  Beginning about 9:30, the free concert is open to the public.

Anyone coming to the Relay should keep a few tips in mind.  With the exception of service animals, no pets are allowed at the Relay or in the camping area during the event.  The Fairgrounds do not allow any open fires or fire pits.  Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis.  “We will do our best to accommodate everyone’s requests for camping and fundraising sites,”  Reedy said.  “Your Relay for Life Committee of volunteers, make every effort to provide access to the program facility as well as a time to reflect and enjoy while walking for a cure.”

The Relay For Life is looking for volunteers to help at this year’s event and teams are still forming.  Find out how you can help at the Relay’s website www.RelayForLife.org/ MiamiCounty or by calling 937-524-2214.

EVENT INFO
April 12th, 2012 7PM Broadway Elementary
SONGS OF THE PIONEERS
The Songs of the Pioneers presentation is a fun, interactive and educational way to expose children to the songs pioneers were singing as they traveled west. Les will be bringing a car load of acoustic mu-sical instruments with him, introduces each instrument with some of it’s history, sings songs from the 1800′s, and ties the whole presentation together with pioneer experiences.

Instruments include: guitar, autoharp, mandolin, dulcimer, banjo, bowed psaltery, fiddle, ukelele, harp, mouth bow, bass, harmonica, spoons, & limberjack.

Songs include: Arkansas Traveler, Turkey in the Straw, Home on the Range, Wait for the Wagon, Red River Valley, Oh Susanna, Camptown Races, Yankee Doodle, Shortening Bread, Liza Jane, Skip to My Lou, Polly Wally Doodle, Old Joe Clark, Coming Round the Mtn., and Buffalo Gals.

This performance brought to you by Broadway PALS

http://www.gustafsonzook.com/

DAYTON–(April 2, 2012)

About Pink Ribbon Girls
Pink Ribbon Girlsʼ mission is to provide personalized support to young women throughout all phases of the breast cancer journey in Southwest Ohio. We accomplish this through education, outreach, awareness, and one-on-one support to women and their families. Our vision is that no one travels this road alone. We Survive. We Grow. We Live. We Inspire. We Educate.

Dayton, OH

Opening the season and running October 12-21, will be “Dracula” by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston.  This enormously successful revival opened on Broadway in 1977 and is one of the great mystery thrillers of our time.

Next will be the nostalgic holiday favorite, “Scrooge,” written by Leslie Bricusse, which will run November 30 – December 16.  This hopeful, family favorite earned sell-out crowds in 2011, with patrons requesting that it to be offered as a regular holiday tradition.  “Scrooge” will be directed by Craig Smith.

Oscar Wilde’s, “The Importance of Being Earnest” will run January 25 – February 3.  This delightful comedy of manners is widely considered Wilde’s most perfect work.  Audiences have continued to be delighted by revivals of this charming and witty play.  “The Importance of Being Earnest” will be directed by Jennifer Lockwood.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie,” with book by Richard Morris & Dick Scanlan, new music by Jeanine Tesori and Lyrics by Dick Scanlan, will fill the Playhouse stage with rousing song and dance from March 1-17.  Taking us back to 1922 with the sensation of flappers, the thrill of a budding mystery and the bliss of falling in love, this musical will warm the winter chill.  “Thoroughly Modern Millie” will be directed by Richard Croskey.

The Playhouse season turns to heavy drama with “The Retreat from Moscow,” by William Nicholson, from April 12 – 21.  With coiled intensity and embracing empathy this celebrated author of “Shadowlands,” shines a breathtakingly natural light on the fallout of a shattered marriage.  “The Retreat from Moscow” will be directed by visiting director Bill Brewer from Oxford, Ohio.

Last, but certainly not least, the hilarious and bawdy musical “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, will run from May 31 – June 16.  Farce, satire, crazy love story and more are all wrapped up in the 1962 Tony Award winning Best Musical.  “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” will be directed by Jim Lockwood.

Current and new season subscribers may purchase 2012-2013 subscriptions at last season’s prices until July 1, 2012.  Past season prices: 6-show subscription adult $75, senior/student $70; or 4-show subscription adult $55, senior/student $50.    Current subscribers must renew by May 31, 2012, to insure seating preferences.  Pricing will increase on July 1, 2012.

Season subscriptions can be purchased online at www.daytonplayhouse.org, or through the box office, 937-424-8477, which is staffed Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2:00 -5:00 p.m.  Messages may be left for the box office at any time.  The Dayton Playhouse is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414.

ACT Test Preparation class

American Girl Doll Pioneer Days.   Growing up on a Minnesota frontier in 1854 must have been difficult.  Meet Kirsten and her friends, family and pets.  See the customs, clothing and home decoration from the pioneer life.   Class is on April 26 from 3:35- 4:45 PM.   Each student will have a photo made with their doll plus crafts.  Instructor, Becca Schelling.

Cupcake Craze! For Middle School – Adult age group.  Discover the fun of baking and decorating cupcakes.  Make, bake, frost and decorate cupcakes for the holidays, parties, gifts and everyday eating.  This class is for four Thursday, beginning on April 5 from 6-7 PM.   Pam Staub is the instructor.

Diabetes & Nutrition.  “You are what you eat!”  On April 25 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM, learn how what you eat is related to the amount of sugar in your blood.  Find out about good substitutions and how the right food choices will help control your blood sugar level.  Good for those with diabetes and for anyone interested in good nutrition. Taught by Janis Winner, Diabetes Clinician.  There is no charge for this class, but pre-registration is required.

For more information on any of these classes call 667-8631 or go to www.tmcomservices.org.