Comments (0)

By admin, August 26, 2010 6:51 am

This article originally appeared in the Hockessin Community News (August 2010)

If you are like most, you are still feeling the unpleasant pinch of the economy. And this summer, many families are downsizing their traditional summer vacations into weekend getaways or even day trips.

But, just because your trip is only one day doesn’t mean it can’t be memorable. Here are my top picks for affordable, family day trips that mix a little learning in with the fun. Shhh! The kids will never know!

Delaware Natural History Museum

Since it opened its’ doors in 1972, The Delaware Museum of Natural History has become a mainstay for elementary school trips of youngsters from all over the state. But what you might not know is that this little gem is also a member of Association of Science-Technology Centers – a collection of over 250 museums and facilities worldwide. That means that when you join as a Grandparent ($45) or a Household ($55) you get not only a year of fabulous visits to see life sized dinosaurs, an African watering hole, plus birds and shells from around the world, you also get free admission to 250 other locations! From the New Mexico Museum of Space History, to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Florida, joining DNHM offers some serious bang for your buck.

Spend a day in New York

Take the train for worry-free travel and spend an entire day exploring the city that never sleeps. The kids will undoubtedly want to visit FAO Schwarz, but you can add in more educational sites, too, like a trip to see Lady Liberty (No entrance fee to enter the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island. Ferry fees: $12.00 – ages 13+, $10.00, Senior Citizens 62 and over. $5.00 – Children 4 – 12). For older kids and teens, visit the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site to learn about the plans and progress for the Memorial and Museum currently being built at the World Trade Center (Free). Or visit the Empire State Building (ESB Observatory ticket prices Adult (13-61) $18.45, Child (6-12) $12.92, Senior 62+ $16.61). Other NYC ideas include The Metropolitan Museum of Art (remind your kids of the classic tale From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler), The Guggenheim Museum, or a stroll though Central Park (see if they can find the statue memorializing the famous sled dog Balto).

Maryland Science Center

An easy drive from anywhere in New Castle County, the Maryland Science Center is located at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This mammoth, 170,000 square foot facility is absolutely filled with great hand-on learning experiences. The Center boasts over a dozen full size dinosaurs, SpaceLink — a high tech environment accompanied by high touch experiences, and even Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! a new exhibit featuring the compelling stories behind some of the world’s most famous shipwrecks, their treasure, historic artifacts and pirates, plus so much more. The Center focuses on hands-on, interactive exhibits, cutting- edge computer games, simulations and more to engage and excite your kids about science. Full ticket with planetarium, Adults, $20; ages 3-12, $14. But, if you’re a card-carrying member, the Center is FREE, since it’s also a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers!

Tyler Arboretum

Perfect for the outdoor-loving family is a visit to the Tyler Arboretum. 650 acres of horticultural collections, rare plant specimens, ancient trees, historic buildings, and over 20 miles of fantastic hiking trails. The kids will get a kick out of the Butterfly House & Garden, a rare chance to get a close-up look at local butterflies in all their stages. A Household Membership is only $60 for a year and includes Reciprocal Program Privileges through the American Horticultural Society Gardens Reciprocal Admission program to over 100 U.S., Canadian, and overseas gardens!

Valley Forge

Make history come alive at the 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park. At Valley Forge during the winter encampment of 1777-78, General George Washington faced starvation, sickness, and despair and still forged his Continental Army into a force to be reckoned with. See Washington’s original stone headquarters which have been restored and furnished, or marvel at the reconstructed log huts that housed our brave soldiers. There are also numerous statues and monuments throughout the park including statues of General “Mad Anthony” Wayne, Baron Friedrich von Steuben, and the Monument to Patriots of African Descent. All park facilities at Valley Forge are free.

Washington D.C. Monument Tour, D.C. By Foot

Our nation’s capital has so much to see and do that you could spend all summer there and never see it all. But, if you only have one day, try a free walking tour of the city’s spectacular collection of monuments. Tours from DC by Foot include a fast paced and engaging presentation by young and energetic tour guide. Learn Washington’s best kept secrets — from the indestructibility of the President’s car to why French women loved Thomas Jefferson! Tours meet at the NE corner of 15th and Constitution Ave. NW After a tour visit any of the Smithsonian Museums, all free.

National Aquarium

The National Aquarium, located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is an experience unlike any other. This spectacular aquarium houses approximately 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals! You can watch the rays glide mysteriously, marvel at the colorful rainbow of tropical fish, or examine terrifying jaws and teeth of the many species of sharks (from behind the safety of some thick glass, of course!) Membership to the National Aquarium includes daily admission for one year at both the Baltimore and Washington, DC, locations. A family membership admits 2 adults and up to four children for only $159 per year.

Historic Phildelphia

The birthplace of our country is right in our own backyard. This summer take advantage of this unique opportunity to teach your children more of their national history in a fun way. Forget the dusty history books. Visit the Liberty Bell (free daily, no tickets necessary), Independence Hall (free daily, although you must register for timed tickets in advance), The Mint (free), or Betsey Ross’s home (Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students, seniors, and military). End the day with a leisurely carriage ride throughout the historic district, And don’t forget an authentic Philly soft pretzel!

Beverly Stewart, M.Ed. is President and Director of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc., an area leader in 1-on-1 tutoring and small group instruction for children and adults since 1985.  Back to Basics is also a Department of Education approved private school for K-12 and Business and Trade School for adults.  Email Beverly at beverly@backtobasicslearning.com, call her at (302)594-0754 or visit on the web at www.backtobasicslearning.com.

Comments (1)

By admin, August 19, 2010 6:45 am

The Kids’s Runway for Research will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at the DuPont Country Club. It will benefit the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research (NCCCR). The facility has been in existence for three years and is the only pediatric cancer research facility in Delaware.

The main event will be a fashion show featuring models ages 5-18 that are childhood cancer survivors. A light lunch will be served and there will be a silent auction. Vendors will be attending, giving demonstrations and having their merchandise available for purchase. Kids’ activities will include face painting and a balloon artist. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids, and can be purchased at the door. Come out for a day of fun and support a great cause as well!

For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for grades K-12 and a Private Business and Trade School for adults. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

Comments (1)

By admin, July 29, 2010 3:01 pm

Lately, the bad economic news just keeps coming. If you are employed, it’s only natural to worry that your head might be next on the chopping block. While you might be tempted to hunker down and hope for the best, a better strategy is to make yourself more marketable. Enter Back to Basics!

Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. recently received approval from the Delaware Department of Education as a state-certified Private Business and Trade School.   A variety of essential business and trade courses will be offered as part of the curriculum with specialized, one-on-one instruction to adult students.

Subjects available through Back to Basics include accounting, ASVAB prep, basic math, computer keyboarding, Driver’s Ed manual-CDL and standard, English as a Second Language (ESL), GED test preparation, life skills, Microsoft Office software and Praxis test preparation.

In addition to making a current employee more marketable, the Back to Basics Private Business and Trade School offerings can also provide a crucial stepping stone to those who are out of work and seeking to obtain a job.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate was approximately 9.5% in June 2010! The need for developing new skills for an increasingly complex workplace has clearly accelerated. Even for talented, competent people, it’s a buyer’s market. Individuals will always benefit by making themselves more attractive candidates.

Finally, instruction obtained at the Back to Basics Private Business and Trade School can be very helpful to students who may be thinking about returning to school or may already be enrolled. If you are returning to school after being out for a while, you can refresh your skills and fill in gaps to prepare for the sometimes daunting task of re-entering the classroom.

For more information on the Back to Basics Private Business and Trade School or any of the Back to Basics educational options, please Back to Basics Learning Dynamics or call 302-594-0754

For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for grades K-12 and a Private Business and Trade School for adults. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

Comments (0)

By admin, July 18, 2010 2:25 pm

Back to Basics’ founder Beverly Stewart was recently highlighted in Delaware Today magazine’s On the Town section. On the Town offers monthly highlights of the state’s most celebrated events — from fundraisers, to awards ceremonies, to galas and more.

Pictured, 2nd photo, right, are Delaware’s Senator Tom Carper, Back to Basics Learning Dynamics’ founder Beverly Stewart, Better Business Bureau of Delaware President and CEO Christine Sauers, Better Business Bureau of Delaware Director at Bayard Doug Hershman and University of Delaware President Pat Harker.

The photo was taken during the Better Business Bureau of Delaware’s Annual Banquet where Stewart received a 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in the Marketplace.

For more information visit Back to Basics Learning Dynamics or call 302-594-0754.

For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

Comments (0)

By admin, April 5, 2010 7:29 pm

On Monday, March 22, Beverly Stewart, founder of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. and five other exceptional women were officially inducted into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women. The Hall of Fame honor is sponsored by the Delaware Commission for Women and is the state’s foremost event honoring outstanding women.

Governor Jack Markell recognized the significant contributions made by the six trailblazing Delaware women at an event held Monday evening at the Duncan Center in Dover. The theme for the 29th Annual Hall of Fame of Delaware Women Awards Ceremony was: “In the Company of Great Women.” The 2010 Hall of Fame inductees are Sister Ascension Banegas, Jeanette Eckman, Kathryn Young Hazeur, Jacquelin Pitts, Beverly Louise Stewart and Judith Gedney Tobin.

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is one of the state’s most prestigious awards recognizing the contributions and achievements of Delaware women.  Each year, individuals and organizations throughout Delaware are invited to nominate women for this honor. Recipients of the award are selected based on their reputation as a trailblazer; respect among colleagues; work significance and its lasting impact; leadership role; and community service that has impacted the lives of others locally or globally.

“Delaware is fortunate to have such outstanding women with such inspiring achievements serving not only as role models, but as anchors in our businesses and communities,” said Markell.  “As we reflect on their stories, I believe we can all learn lessons about how we can build on their efforts to keep our state moving forward.” Among those joining Governor Markell in congratulating this year’s awardees were Nancy P. Rochford, Chair of the Delaware Commission for Women, and Jeffrey Bullock, Delaware Secretary of State.

The Hall of Fame of Delaware Women was established in 1981 by the Delaware Commission for Women. Its purpose is to recognize the lasting contributions and achievements of Delaware women in a variety of fields, including agriculture, the arts, business, education, government, health, homemaking, human rights, industry, media, science, sports and volunteer work. Those inducted into the Hall of Fame are women of vision, courage and tenacity. Their purposeful, compassionate and determined lives have positively affected the culture, economy and climate of the state of Delaware. By celebrating the lives and legacies of the members of the Hall of Fame, the Delaware Commission for Women points to the power of one determined individual.

Pictured: Beverly accepts the award from Delaware’s Governor Jack Markell.

For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

Comments (1)

By admin, February 13, 2010 1:08 pm

Help Haiti Fundraiser Event

Bella Vita Ballroom at Cavalier Country Club

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Come join us for our first fundraising networking event of the year to be held at this fabulous New Castle County Chamber of Commerce member location.  We will enjoy delicious authentic Haitian hors d’oeuvres including fried pulled pork and cash bar in the newly renovated Bella Vita ballroom with beautiful views of the golf course.  

Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar followed by program. We will be hearing from Stefania Panza, owner of Soffritto’s Italian Grill and DRA Board of Director, on “Building Your Success as We Build Hope.” Next, newly appointed to the DE Women’s Hall of Fame and NCCCC Board member, Beverly Stewart, Owner of Back to Basics, will speak to us briefly on how we ALL need to get Back to Basics in this troubling economy. A d last but not least we will hear words of wisdom from author and speaker, also NCCCC Board of Director, Darnyelle Jervey, owner of Incredible One Enterprises! So come join us for yet another fun event that will include great food, great company…and the best NETWORKING around.

Through The American Red Cross, 100% of the proceeds go to help the Haiti victims!

Sponsored by Stefania and Giovanni Panza of Soffritto’s Italian Grill!

Wednesday, March 24 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Bella Vita Ballroom at the Cavalier Country Club

100 Addison Drive

Newark, DE  19702

Members $30, Non-members  $50

(only $25 and $45 if pre-paid online)