Tag Archives: Annandale

New Favorite

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A week or so ago, I received a care package from my friend, Martha.  I couldn’t wait to open the box!  I was thrilled to see a little bear with an Annandale flag.  I also couldn’t wait to tear into the reading material Martha sent.  I think my favorite item—surprisingly—was the Annandale camo hat.  Let me explain.  I never wear hats.  Ever.

My bear now sits on my desk at school along with the flag.

My bear now sits on my desk at school along with the flag.

This hat, however, fits my head just right.  It feels natural.  Never had that happen before!  Thank you, Martha!

My only hat is uber cool.

My only hat is uber cool.

Southern Hospitality

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If you’ve been keeping up, you already know I spent the weekend in the Annandale (VA) area.  My student and I were there on school business, but Martha (founder of American History Film Project) informed us that Saturday morning was for sight seeing in the D. C. area!

Kim and Stephen picked us up around nine in a convertible!  We felt like royalty!  Stephen even gave us some spending money!  I jokingly asked him if he had nothing better to do on a Saturday morning, and he said that God told him to drive us around.  I appreciate that.  🙂

Lexi and I loved the car!

Lexi and I loved the car!

Loving it!

Loving it!

Stephen and Kim took us to so many places that there is no way I can remember them all (in order!).  I have to say that the war memorials were quite moving.  The combat patrol was especially intriguing for me for some reason.  Kim really knows her stuff, and she was chock full of information.  Our brains were full in no time!

The combat patrol is behind Lexi and Kim.

The combat patrol is behind Lexi and Kim.

This fine officer attended a Nebraska university! Small world, eh?

This fine officer attended a Nebraska university! Small world, eh?

Lexi and I both spent some money here. The white shirts were $4!

Lexi and I both spent some money here. The white shirts were $4!

I will post more pictures in the next day or two, so come back soon!  There’s more to tell!

 

 

 

American History Film Project!

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The audience was wonderful. They had some great questions for the presenters.

The audience was wonderful. They had some great questions for the presenters.

L-R Martha, Kim, John and Bonnie

L-R Martha, Kim, John and Bonnie

A student and I made a whirlwind trip from Nebraska to the Annandale (Virginia) area this weekend.  The purpose of our trip was to introduce student-made documentary-type films about our local community.  My student presented her film along with several other students from other states.  Our involvement started last year by a simple Google search!  I manage to “fall into” the most amazing experiences sometimes.  This was one of those experiences.

A year and a half ago, I was informed that I would not only be teaching my normal Spanish classes, but also 7th grade world history.  I take my job seriously, and it sounded like fun, so I spent a lot of time looking for resources.  I found the most amazing idea for a history project when I found Martha Barnes’ brainchild, American History Film Project.  I was intrigued, and we spent the school year emailing about projects.  Three of “my” kids participated making two short films.

Martha (I can call her that because she is now a friend!) has a true passion for history, and she encourages students (and adults) to be proud of their communities.  It’s a grassroots movement to give students a voice.  It’s quite empowering for them to see that others are interested in their communities when they share their films.

Martha’s brochure sums it up best: “Everyone needs to feel important as an individual, yet connected to something larger.  As students learn about and take pride in their local history, the American History Film Project helps them realize their importance as members of a community, while being connected to our nation.  When children across the country create a short film about the local history and share their films with children in other states, they become the teachers.  There is so much to learn from one another!”

Head on over to Facebook (link below) and give Martha’s page a “like.”  Share the link with your friends and family, and make plans to participate!  The American History Film Project is also searching for sponsors, so if you or someone you know can help, please get in touch with Martha!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-History-Film-Project-Exhibition/132398160299263?fref=ts