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Elizabeth
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There will be another conference at the same site where the IHM conference was this year. The 2006 Annual Northern Virginia Home Education Conference is coming
to our area July 14-15, 2006. This event will be held at the Dulles Expo & Conference Center, 4368 Chantilly Center, Chantilly, Virginia 20153.
It's not a Catholic conference, so there won't be many Catholic vendors, but looking down the vendor list, I see Right Start math, Math-U-See and Memoria Press, right off the top.
Debra Bell will be there. I've really enjoyed her talks on High School. Andrew Pudewa will be there; I heard he gave a great talk at the HEAV conference this year on gender differences. Maybe that tape will be available; he's speaking on something different at this one. And Jessie Wise will be there too.
I doubt I'll do talks--I'm a tape in the car person anyway  . I can't seem to sit still in a crowded auditorium. But I am definitely going to the vendor fair.
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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guitarnan
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Thanks for the heads-up, Elizabeth! Now I just have to remember it... 
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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teachingmyown
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I was thinking about going to this one, too. I had planned to register before their early bird cut-off. It was only $30 and you got CDs of ALL the talks! I missed the cut-off, I think I was having a baby or something at the time  , but the price is still really reasonable I believe.
I like that they have baby rooms with a live-feed of some of the talks for those of us with little ones in tow.
On the other hand, I was thinking of putting on my own conference. You will be one of the speakers, Elizabeth! My plan was to gather up all my tapes that I have bought over the years, a number of Elizabeth's among them, and take a day or two to myself and listen and reflect on them. I certainly have enough to put on a weekend conference.  Besides, I get overwhelmed by vendor fairs and buy things I shouldn't that will end up over on the Trading Post!
I am disappointed at NACHE (CFE) being so expensive now, especially with the distance involved. I guess it is a little selfish, but it was so nice to have it close to home all these years. Now between the drive, the hotel and the admission fee, I just can't do it. I tried to persuade my husband to make a romantic weekend out of it, but somehow talks and shopping for books doesn't strike him as romantic. Oh well.
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Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
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Elizabeth
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teachingmyown wrote:
I am disappointed at NACHE (CFE) being so expensive now, especially with the distance involved. I guess it is a little selfish, but it was so nice to have it close to home all these years. Now between the drive, the hotel and the admission fee, I just can't do it. I tried to persuade my husband to make a romantic weekend out of it, but somehow talks and shopping for books doesn't strike him as romantic. Oh well.
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You are not alone in feeling this way Molly! Almost everyone I've talked to says some variation of this. And you forgot to mention the cost of gas getting there. This conference suddenly is prohibitive. I've also noticed that as it has become a "Family Expo," the homeschooling track has lost its depth. Lots for newbies, but very few talks for veterans. If you're looking for an indepth home eduction conference, this is no longer it. OTOH, I did exactly what you are thinking last year.
Mary Chris took my kids for a day while I drove four hours up and back to pick up Christian at basketball camp. I ordered tapes from several conferences and put together ten or eleven hours of listening. As I recall, I got very lost and managed to hear them all! Not quite as relaxing as your weekend away, but a conference nevertheless.
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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guitarnan
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Sigh...I was looking forward to seeing people at NACHE...it's close to MY house.
I do regret that it's not all homeschooling.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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MicheleQ
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Elizabeth wrote:
teachingmyown wrote:
| I am disappointed at NACHE (CFE) being so expensive now, especially with the distance involved. I guess it is a little selfish, but it was so nice to have it close to home all these years. Now between the drive, the hotel and the admission fee, I just can't do it. I tried to persuade my husband to make a romantic weekend out of it, but somehow talks and shopping for books doesn't strike him as romantic. Oh well. |
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You are not alone in feeling this way Molly! Almost everyone I've talked to says some variation of this. And you forgot to mention the cost of gas getting there. This conference suddenly is prohibitive. I've also noticed that as it has become a "Family Expo," the homeschooling track has lost its depth. Lots for newbies, but very few talks for veterans. If you're looking for an indepth home eduction conference, this is no longer it. |
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You need to let the people at NACHE know how you feel. Really! MANY of the vendors are frustrated as well. The location is actually closer for me but the cost of hotels in that area is far more than in Manassas (we're either driving home each night or staying further out).
I understand they are trying to move in a different direction but I also believe that if it "ain't broke don't fix it". When you consistently have 1000+ people coming to a homeschool conference it seems strange to change it up so drastically and discount the needs of so many who were your bread and butter for so long. Sorry for the rant - just my opinion.
I'm sorry I won't see you there Molly  but I do understand the difficulty.
God bless,
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Michele Quigley
wife to my prince charming and mom of 10 in Lancaster County, PA USA
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JennGM
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MicheleQ wrote:
You need to let the people at NACHE know how you feel. Really! MANY of the vendors are frustrated as well. The location is actually closer for me but the cost of hotels in that area is far more than in Manassas (we're either driving home each night or staying further out).
I understand they are trying to move in a different direction but I also believe that if it "ain't broke don't fix it". When you consistently have 1000+ people coming to a homeschool conference it seems strange to change it up so drastically and discount the needs of so many who were your bread and butter for so long. Sorry for the rant - just my opinion. |
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I wonder if the numbers will be down?
Did they change it to move towards more of an apostolic nature? I know there's many in Regnum Christi that run the conference (not that there's anything wrong with RC!). I loved going to the vendors, since it was near me, and couldn't wait until I was actually hsing to attend a real hs conference. Baltimore is just too much.
So Michele, I'm hoping your hs conference becomes the replacement super hs conference!
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teachingmyown
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Michele,
You are so right. I think I will drop them an email.
The thing is, I am not just being selfish saying I want it by my house!! Although, I REALLY liked having it close by. Like you said, it isn't the distance as much as the expensive location. For years, they have talked about moving it to Emmitsburg. I can see making the drive there, or say, Lancaster , if I could afford the hotel and the admission fee.
Of course, as Elizabeth mentioned, the gas prices are prohibitive this year, at least.
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Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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MicheleQ
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JennGM wrote:
| I wonder if the numbers will be down? |
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They were down last year and I know of at least two big vendors who lost money and are not going again this year.
Quote:
| Did they change it to move towards more of an apostolic nature? |
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Yes the sense I got was that they were trying to reach a bigger audience. A lauable goal but homeschoolers need ministering to as well.
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| So Michele, I'm hoping your hs conference becomes the replacement super hs conference! |
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Well I'll tell you that this year's numbers make it hard to justify doing it again and unless I get a lot more help it definitely won't be happening because I'm having a baby this year.
The point with our conference was that we perceived a need but in the end the numbers didn't bear that out. Don't get me wrong, the speakers, vendors and attendees were all great but ultimately I can't put on a conference if I'm going to lose money.
God bless!
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Michele Quigley
wife to my prince charming and mom of 10 in Lancaster County, PA USA
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teachingmyown
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Michele,
Do you think your's was too early? Personally, I was busy having a baby. Even so, I know that we are so wrapped up with sports in the Spring and alot of people are trying to finish up their school year. Maybe a summer date would be better?
I was so sorry to miss it. And I would love to travel to Lancaster for a weekend. No pressure, I think you are incredible for taking it on in the first place. You are very generous.
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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I'm so glad this topic came up!
I SOOO wanted to go to a conference this year, but a couple of things got in the way.
1. Michelle's was too early for me. Bad timing, unfortunately. The location looked great, though!
2. NACHE just isn't homeschool oriented enough.
I was so disappointed when I looked at the NACHE talk topics. I mean, they sound great, but just not what I am looking for right now. And to justify the travel expense, time away from the home, etc it needs to pay off for me. I love to browse vendors, but to travel that far I need more "bang for the buck", so to speak. What I need is encouragement and ideas for the veteran homeschooler. I do not need more talks on why to homeschool or legal aspects or basic methods. These are so important for new homeschoolers, but sometimes I think us veterans get left out. We need inspiration, too!
Are there any conferences out there like that?
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MicheleQ
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I understand that no one date is going to suit everyone. But choosing a date largely depends on being able to get the venue you want when it's available and unless you can plan years in advance you have to work with what's left (which is one of the reasons we choose the date that we did). Even so, doing a conference in the summer would be hard for us because as a vendor we are often traveling to other conferences and that's an important part of our business.
I was hoping that I could get the ball rolling and have others step up to put on the conference every year. I would help but I don't want to run it. I don't think that's going to happen and frankly I am OK with that. What God wants to happen will happen but I truly believe that He doesn't want me to push myself into doing more than I know I can handle - so I'm not.
Recently dh and I have been made the directors of the RCIA program in our parish. I am thrilled to be doing this and we both feel this is truly where God has called us to serve. But it is a HUGE job if done right and we really do want to do it to the best of our ability. Our pastor very generously decided to give us a stipend for it and that just makes us feel even more committed (in a good way!). So we have been studying and attending training seminars and I have to say I absolutely love it. I'm learning more about catechesis than I thought there was to know and I truly feel blessed to be in this ministry. But that means other things will take a back seat. Our family won't because they always come first. Our business can't because it's a good portion of our income. But other things I do will slow down. So be it, that's just how it has to be as we move along the path that God has chosen for us. I have a lot of peace and am looking forward to the upcoming year.
Oh dear I really didn't mean to go off on a tangent. . .or hijack this thread. If you wanted to come to the FC conference but couldn't, no apologies needed!
Go to the 2006 Annual Northern Virginia Home Education Conference or go to the Catholic Family Expo - both sound like fun!
God bless!
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Michele Quigley
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lapazfarm
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Michelle,
I have a special place in my heart for RCIA also, having gone through it 13 years ago myself (has it been that long!!!!) so I applaud you for taking that route. I know a good RCIA program can mean everything to those who seek.
I know God will bless you richly for your part in this vital ministry.
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Theresa
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amyable
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My friends and dh have 95% convinced me to go to NACHE this year (since we are close). Michele, you'll be there - Nancy too?
Anyone else? Anyone "on the fence"?
(editing to correct the spelling of MicheLe's name...sorry Michele!)
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amyable wrote:
My friends and dh have 95% convinced me to go to NACHE this year (since we are close). Michelle, you'll be there - Nancy too?
Anyone else? Anyone "on the fence"? |
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Definitely go, or at least pop in, Amy. I know you'll enjoy it.
I went to IHM and was remarking on the positive atmosphere. The beautiful books, curriculum, happy parents. The religious atmosphere is encouraging, also. The aspects of the Faith are the positive tenets to pass on to the children, in beautifully colored picture books, manipulatives. Is it being an ostrich to not have to hear for a day or weekend all the evils of current events? Dwelling on the positive aspects on home learning as a Catholic is good to see. If you're feeling down or discouraged or intimidated, go to a good conference. Everything is telling you "Yes, You CAN do it."
And I didn't even go to any talks. 
Michele mentions above to give feedback to the Catholic Family Expo. The family wedding on Friday happened to have one of the main families that run the Expo, so I talked to the husband personally. He didn't reply much to loss of homeschooling concentration. He did say things like Manassas didn't have room to grow. The Dulles Expo was twice the cost of Baltimore. They had many families who were willing to take in travellers to the Conference who couldn't afford the hotel fees.
He remarked they have more vendors than ever? But I'm wondering are they hsing vendors, or...?
Emmitsburg is their ideal, and still trying to get that venue. He listened, but I don't think he heard.
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MacBeth
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amyable wrote:
Anyone else? Anyone "on the fence"? |
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Exactly the phrase my dh used this morning. We just got back from Philly where EWTN had the last of the 25th celebrations...saw Arroyo and Groeschel and others. Do we need to go to the conference just to shop? I dunno. The closer venue makes it nice, but I have that "I've heard it all" sort of feeling about the speakers. Plus, it's not really a hsing conference anymore. I am not sure I want to bother.
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MacBeth in NY
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guitarnan
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I'll probably go Friday, since I need to be in MD Thursday night. I am, actually, mostly going to shop. I'm hoping to pick up Catholic Mosaic (I have no permanent mailing address right now). I was singing its praises to our DRE yesterday!
I'm really stuck on high school science texts (need a good earth science book or books) and world history. I'm hoping to find a way to avoid creating my own history curriculum.
And I need a day away...the kids are, understandably, just not fun to be around, after last week with the movers and this week in temporary lodging while cranky Mom  cleans the house.
Anyone else coming Friday?
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MicheleQ
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JennGM wrote:
The family wedding on Friday happened to have one of the main families that run the Expo, so I talked to the husband personally.
They had many families who were willing to take in travellers to the Conference who couldn't afford the hotel fees. |
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Well did he happen to mention how people were supposed to know that?? Just curious.
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Michele Quigley
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amyable
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guitarnan wrote:
I'll probably go Friday, since I need to be in MD Thursday night. I am, actually, mostly going to shop.
...
And I need a day away...the kids are, understandably, just not fun to be around |
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I'll be going Friday with a friend or two. I'm going mostly to shop also. AND to get a day away, lol. We aren't moving but my kids are no fun to be around lately too... 
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JennGM
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MicheleQ wrote:
JennGM wrote:
The family wedding on Friday happened to have one of the main families that run the Expo, so I talked to the husband personally.
They had many families who were willing to take in travellers to the Conference who couldn't afford the hotel fees. |
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Well did he happen to mention how people were supposed to know that?? Just curious. |
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Nope. I felt that it was all pat answers. I mentioned veteran HSers wanted support, expense, wanted more of HSing conference than other stuff....
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Another No. Virginia conference opportuny
