Spells Writing Lab

The Play’s the Thing

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:20:59 +0000

Dr. Spells is planning to premiere a new play about fractured fairy tales this August on the outdoor stage in Ile Ife Park, in front of Spells Writing Lab. But there’s a problem—the play hasn’t been written yet! Join Spells as we learn the basics of playwriting, then work together to write the script, create the backdrops and props, and perform this new theatrical work, all in one week! These aren’t your average fairy tales, and with Dr. Spells around, who knows what kinds of other creatures might make their way into our story?

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received and the registration is confirmed by Spells Writing Lab.

Shiver Me Timbers!

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:18:29 +0000

Ahoy, mateys! Be ye a landlubber that dreams of sailing under the Jolly Roger? Join the sea dogs of Spells as we plunder pieces of eight, write sea shanties, and get a crash course in pirates—from bilge rats to hornswagglers to scurvy. Then share yer swashbuckling tales with pictures and words as ye create graphic novels about yer seafaring adventures. But avast, me hearties! Act smartly, lest ye be forced to walk the plank.

Writing Webisodes

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:15:28 +0000

Dr. Spells is not only our mysterious founder, he’s also a big-time Hollywood producer—and he wants Spells students to create a TV show for the Internet! With help from a local web series writer and producer, we’ll get a crash course in writing webisodes, those short, serialized TV episodes that live on the Internet, and how they’re different from writing for regular TV or films. Then we’ll create our own web series, from writing scripts to premiering online, in record time—just one week!

Get a Clue!

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:11:58 +0000

Calling all Spells detectives! Spells Writing Lab has become a crime scene—can you help us solve this whodunit? Our junior detectives will also experiment with forensic science and other investigative techniques as we narrow down the suspects. While we search for evidence at Spells, we’ll also learn about the elements of a good mystery story, from creating a strong sleuth and secondary characters to setting up the central puzzle and revealing clues. How will the story end? Will we solve the mystery in time, or will the guilty party escape detection?

Road Trip

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:05:25 +0000

Are you a jet-setter? Do you have strong opinions about the best places to have fun in Philly? Join Spells for this special full-day camp week as we break into small groups for whirlwind sightseeing tours of major museums and landmarks, exploring our city through the eyes of a visiting tourist. In the afternoons, we’ll work with professional travel writers and Spells lab assistants to assess our experiences and write recommendations for both out-of-towners and locals enjoying a stay-cation. Help us write the ultimate kids’ travel guide to Philadelphia!

Campers should bring a bag lunch each day during this camp week. Snacks and beverages will be provided by Spells.

Wild Wild West

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:52:04 +0000

Howdy, partner! Time travel with Spells to the days of the Old West, when cowboys ate food from the chuckwagon after a long trail ride and gunslingers fought with bounty hunters at high noon. Learn a bit about the American frontier and study some of the great films and stories about that time to figure out what makes westerns so special. Then create your own cowboy characters, bringing them to life through poetry, songs, stories, and short films. Dust off your cowboy boots and spurs, and join us for this week of western fun!

Spells Summer Camp Refundable Deposit

lizencarn — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:38:25 +0000

A refundable deposit of $25 (plus a non-refundable $1 administrative fee if paying online) is required for each camp registrant. (Separate deposits are not required for multiple camp weeks.)

We cannot confirm your registration until we have received the deposit online via PayPal or at our writing lab by cash or check. Your deposit will be returned to you after your child has attended the camp week(s) for which he or she is registered unless you elect to donate the deposit to our organization. (Please note that PayPal charges a non-refundable $1.00 administrative fee; however, it does allow for immediate registration.)

Should the registrant fail to show up for a scheduled and confirmed program OR cancel the registration less than 3 days prior to the scheduled start date (excluding excused sick days), we will process your deposit into our general operating fund. Once the deposit has been forfeited, all future confirmed registrations will be void and another deposit will be required to re-register for additional weeks of camp.

Spells Unisex Adult T-Shirt

lizencarn — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:43:35 +0000

$10.00 + $2.00 shipping

Show your Spells pride with the official adult T-shirt. The front of our 100% cotton shirt is printed with the Spells Writing Lab logo, a writing quill dipped into an Erlenmeyer flask.

Spells Women’s Adult T-Shirt

lizencarn — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:45:27 +0000

$10.00 + $2.00 shipping

Show your Spells pride with the official women’s T-shirt, featuring shorter sleeves for a more feminine look. The front of our 100% cotton shirt is printed with the Spells Writing Lab logo, a writing quill dipped into an Erlenmeyer flask.

Get the Buzz on Buzz Bissinger’s New Book

lizencarn — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:36:04 +0000

With just over a week to go before our big spring fundraiser with Buzz Bissinger, and only two weeks until his new book, Father’s Day, hits stores, we thought you might like to get a sneak peek at this amazing new memoir. Newsweek recently ran an excerpt of the book, and Buzz made a video featuring him and his twin sons, which can be viewed below. Tickets for Being Buzz Bissinger are still available, or check out the silent auction items, which can also be bid on from afar!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Spells Youth T-Shirt

lizencarn — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:42:30 +0000

$10.00 + $2.00 shipping

Show your Spells pride with the official youth sized T-shirt. The front of our 100% cotton shirts is printed with the Spells Writing Lab logo, a writing quill dipped into an Erlenmeyer flask.

Egg-citing Animals

lizencarn — Tue, 01 May 2012 02:00:34 +0000

Scientists recently discovered a mysterious egg that doesn’t seem to belong to any animal species they know of. They can’t figure out what it will hatch into, but they can tell it’s going to hatch soon. A leading research team turns to you for help. Will it be a bird, a fish, a land animal? Will it even be from Earth? What does it eat? How does it behave? Learn about common animal behaviors, then decide how your unique creature is going to act, and what kind of adventures you’ll go on once it hatches!

Spells Writing Lab Logo Buttons

lizencarn — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:58:51 +0000

$2.00 includes shipping

Show your Spells pride with the Spells Writing Lab logo without the words on a 2 1/4 inch button. Wear them on your coat, shirt, backpack, etc. and spread the word about Spells!

Don’t Be Silent at the Silent Auction!

lizencarn — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:35:15 +0000

Please check out and bid on the following great auction items for the Being Buzz Bissinger event. Special thanks to those individuals and companies who donated to the auction, boldly noted below. If you are unable to attend the event but would like to bid on items in advance, please email Steve Wittenberg.

NASCAR Racing Experience: Enjoy a trip for 2 to a 2012 NASCAR Spring Cup Series Race of your choice. Package includes premium level tickets, a 2-night hotel stay and round-trip airfare for 2. $7,250 value – Opening Bid: $2,800
Fairmont Hotel Experience: Enjoy a 4-night stay in a Junior Suite at select Fairmont Hotels and Resorts including top Canadian properties plus round-trip airfare for 2. $7,250 value – Opening Bid: $2,400
Estate Planning Consultation with Steven Wittenberg, Esq.: Steven is the Director of Legacy Planning in SEI’s Wealth Management Practice. Steven is a JD/MBA/LLM in Tax with over 10 years of tax, estate and legal experience. More information can be found here. $500 value – Opening Bid – $250
Chiropractic Services from Dr. Philip Buckley: Buckley Chiropractic is conveniently located in downtown Lansdowne. Philip graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1983 and is the principal Chiropractic specialist of Buckley Chiropractic. More information can be found at http://buckleychiropractic.info/about-us/doctors/. – $500 value – Opening Bid – $250
Legal Services by Mary Beth Bogan, Esq.: Ms. Bogan has over 20 years of legal experience in the areas of commercial litigation, real estate, and corporate matters, as well as in the representation of nonprofit organizations, business entities, and individuals in the entertainment, fashion, and arts industries. More information can be found at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mary-elizabeth-bogan/9/947/911 – $500 value – Opening Bid – $250
Exceptional Events Philadelphia Party Consulting: $300 towards any event: http://www.exceptional-events.net/ – $300 value – donated by Stacey Kesselman – Opening Bid – $150
Family Photo Shoot by Zoey Sless-Kitain: Zoey is the Photography Director at Philadelphia Magazine –$400 value – Opening Bid – $250
Interior Design and Color Consult by Busy Bee Design: http://busybeephilly.com/ – $350 value – donated by Anna Powers – Opening Bid – $200
Overnight Stay at Loews Hotel includes breakfast – $325 value – donated by Steven Wittenberg – Opening Bid – $150
Life Coach Session by Gail Cummings Levan, MSW, LSCW – $250 value – Opening Bid – $130
PA Ballet 2 Seats for NY Export: Opus Jazz – $210 value – Opening Bid – $120
Lilly Pulitzer Gift Bag – $200 value – donated by Janie Schoenborn – Opening Bid – $100
Lunch with Seth Williams, Philadelphia’s first African American District Attorney – $200 value – Opening Bid – $100
2 Phillies Tix & Shane Victorino Signed Baseball – $200 value – donated by Dennis Shea – Opening Bid – $100
4 Phillies Tix – June 1st vs Miami, Sec 116, Seats 1-4, Row 6 – $200 value – donated by Lou Morsa – Opening Bid – $100
Collingswood Restaurant Package – 2 $100 gift cards to Joe Pesce’s and Tortilla Press – $200 value – Opening Bid – $100
Performance Fitness (1-month Boot Camp, Wynnewood) – $199 value – donated by Michelle Collier – Opening Bid – $125
Handywork by Hank – $150 value – donated by Hank Adamczyk – Opening Bid – $50
Stephen Starr Restaurants gift card – $150 value – Opening Bid – $75
Doula Package: See http://www.doulamom.com/ – $140 value – donated by Kate Beschen – Opening Bid – $90
2 Handmade Bead Necklaces – $120 value – donated by Christina Stasiuk – Opening Bid – $50

Nutrition and Acupuncture Consulting Package: 1 hour consulting package – $120 value – Opening Bid – $85
Bikram Yoga 10 Class gift card – $120 value – donated by Maggie Sobeleski – Opening Bid – $100
Phila Theatre Co 2 Tix to 2012-2013 season – $120 value – Opening Bid – $70
A Kitchen Gift Certificate – $100 value – Opening Bid – $50
Triumph Brewery gift card – $100 value – Opening Bid – $50
Marathon on the Square Gift Card – $100 value – donated by Marathon Grill – Opening Bid – $50
4 Tickets to Betsy Ross House, Franklin Square and Liberty 360 – $82 value – Donated by Historic Philadelphia – Opening Bid – $25
2 Tix to People’s Light & Theater Company – $78 value – Opening Bid – $65
Spells Authors Book Package (2 Available): Best Friends by Carol Saline + Save Me by Lisa Scottoline + Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger – $75 value – Donated by Carol Saline and Spells Writing Lab – Opening Bid – $40
5 Class Wake Up Yoga gift card – $65 value – donated by Alane Benson – Opening Bid – $35
Christina Pirello Signed Books Package (2 available) Cooking the Whole Foods Way and I’m Mad as Hell… – $60 value – Donated by Robert and Christina Pirello – Opening Bid – $35
Two Tickets to the Painted Bride – $60 value – Opening Bid – $30
Chaddsford Winery Gift Basket – $59 value – donated by Chaddsford Winery – Opening Bid – $35
Prime Rib gift card – $50 value – Opening Bid – $35
Valley Forge Eye Center Gift Basket – $50 value – Opening Bid – $25
Todd Herreman’s Autographed Football (Ex Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Lineman)- $50 value – donated by Dennis Shea – Opening Bid – $20
Barefoot Wine Package – $40 value – Opening Bid – $25
Primo Hoagies Gift Card – $40 value – donated by Ryan Regan – Opening Bid – $20
BeachPack: See http://www.obhenterprises.com/BeachPack.html, comes filled with beach items (towels, suntan lotion and other goodies) – $35 value – donated by OBH Enterprises – Opening Bid – $30
Children’s’ Book World Gift Card – $30 value – donated by Heather Hebert– Opening Bid – $10
Pure Fare Gift Card – $15 value – Opening Bid – $10

Join Spells at Clark Park this Sunday for the Philadelphia Science Festival Discovery Day!

lizencarn — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:30:54 +0000

Discover science in your own backyard! Join Spells Writing Lab as we partner with local scientists and science students to uncover the wonders around Clark Park, from the physics of basketball to the creepy crawly creatures in the dirt. Keep an eye out for the Spells table, where we’ll use forensic science to solve the Great Cookie Caper, then write our own endings to the mystery!

Science comes to life in West Philadelphia with more than 20 interactive, hands on activities throughout the park from the neighborhood’s universities, research centers, and others. The Clark Park Science Discovery Day will be a signature program of the 2012 Philadelphia Science Festival, taking place on Sunday, April 29, 2012.

For more information, visit The Philadelphia Science Festival’s website.

Some buzz about our event with Buzz

lizencarn — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:19:18 +0000

Philly.com is buzzing about our upcoming fundraiser with “incomparable” Pulitzer-winning author Buzz Bissinger. Check out the mention, and get your tickets now!

Fantastic Animation: Once Upon A Lego

lizencarn — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:45:07 +0000

Once upon a time, there were wizards and princesses, mermaids and knights. They all worked together, living stories worth telling. Join as an apprentice story teller and work together with your fellow apprentices to weave a story of your own. Then, using the magical inventions of electronics, stop-motion animation and Lego, awaken your story! Join royals and mythical creatures to defeat the perils of story-boarding and animation!

No costume required.

The New Superstars of Pro Wrestling

lizencarn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:35:54 +0000

Are you ready to enter the squared circle and be the next professional wrestling superstar? Becoming a superstar isn’t just about your ability in the ring—you need to be able to “get over” and entertain the crowd with your microphone work to make it big. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to develop your wrestling persona—either a crowd-favorite “face” or a villain “heel.” Develop a backstory for your character, and then work on writing and performing a filmed promotional monologue. Do you have what it takes to be a champion?

Spies Like Us

lizencarn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:29:25 +0000

You’ve been recruited to go undercover with Spells Writing Lab for this special two-session version of our popular spy school. After an intensive two days of training by our operatives, you’ll have the skills you need to become a secret agent. Create your cover story, gather some pocket litter, and become a master of disguise. Learn the art of cryptography so you can send and decipher encoded messages. Then write fictionalized accounts of your most mysterious adventures. Do you have what it takes to be a master spy?

The Secret Knowledge of Grown-ups

lizencarn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:15:53 +0000

When your parents tell you to eat your veggies because they’re good for you, are they telling the truth? Is calcium the real reason you should drink lots of milk? And what would REALLY happen if you didn’t brush your hair? Have you ever suspected that grown-ups are part of a vast conspiracy in which they tell you fake reasons for following the rules because they don’t think kids can handle the truth? If so, come to this top-secret workshop, where we’ll uncover the real stories behind the lies our parents tell us. But shhhhhh… don’t let them know we’re spilling the beans, or they’ll try to stop u………………………………

This Is My Philly

lizencarn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:01:07 +0000

Do you love your neighborhood? What’s your favorite place, building, park, or person where you live? Is there something unique about your home? We believe there’s something special about all the communities that make up Philadelphia. No matter what the size or location, we all feel a sense of pride and love for our neighborhood.

Spells Writing Lab is partnering with AIGA Philadelphia for the third time to celebrate the special neighborhoods of our city. AIGA Philadelphia is a local organization comprised of creatives such as graphic designers, illustrators, educators, etc. Under the guidance of graphic design college students from around the city, kids will create a collage and supporting poem expressing their love for their home. Emphasis will be placed on successfully expressing ideas through the integration of image and the written word.

During this workshop held at Moore College of Art & Design, participants will have the opportunity to see how professionally trained creatives work. After the workshop, with the help of computers and scanners, graphic design students will work together to design a larger project that features all the pieces created in this workshop.

Finger Puppet Filmmaking

lizencarn — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:10:16 +0000

This spring break, we’re letting our fingers do the talking! Join Spells for a week of hands-on learning as we write and produce short films starring finger puppets! After learning how to create an entertaining script, we’ll craft characters and prepare background scenery before filming and editing our short films. This workshop is hands down the best way to spend your spring break!

Predictions for the Next Leap Year by Spells Tutoring Students

lizencarn — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:41:10 +0000

Leap Day Predictions
by Vanessa, age 10

In four years, I would be fourteen years old, and in four years I think new things will be made, like pie flavored lip gloss. I don’t think many things are going to change. When I’m fourteen, I will work for Spells and practice driving, like sit down in a chair and act like I’m driving and read a book about driving.

Leap Day Predictions
by Dreana, age 10

Four years from now I will have a job (summer job).
I will be in 9th grade.
I will be going places without my mom.
I will read everyday.
I will be taking my mom out to eat and getting her what she wants.
I will take my brother wherever he wants to go.
I would love to draw.
I will be a grammar girl.
I will still be in school.

I think in the future you will get money every time you get a good grade.
There will be flying cars that don’t use gasoline. (These cars use air to fly.)
There will be phones/technology that can control your house when you’re not there. (Like call the phone to cook a chicken.)

I like to play with makeup and in four years I will be wearing it (sometimes).
I will wear nail polish all the time.

I’ll see you next leap year.

Leap Day Predictions
by Diwud, age 8

In four years, I will be twelve years old and I will work for my PopPop. I will be in school and learn everything they’ve got for me. I will look out for my family and all my homies will live with me. And I’ll do my homework at spelling bee [aka Spells].

Leap Day Predictions
by Samaad, age 10

I think that phones will improve in four years. There will be new Dell computers that will be touch screens. Liz will have a flying car that looks cool. There will be more pictures that are about science. I will bring more books for us. There will be more books that give Spells more knowledge. I will be fourteen years old. There is going to be a difference about Spells, I know it. I will live on Diamond Street. My life will change. I will be more mature and things like that.

Leap Day Predictions
by Jamal, age 8

There will be electric cars.
You can watch TV on glasses.
I will be able to skateboard.
The phones will improve.
Liz will have a Mustang.
There will be sixteen more TV shows.
There will be electric chairs to massage you.
There’s going to be a new company.
There will be a better DS in 4D.
There will be better lamps that are so bright so you won’t be able to see.

Leap Day Predictions
by Haaziq, age 10

In four years, I will…

kiss girls.
go out without my parents.
wash cars (part-time job).
babysit my little sister.
do chores.
go to parties with my friends.
save money for a guitar
and a motorcycle.
be a wrestler at Paul Robeson.

That’s what I’ll be four years from now.

Leap Day Predictions
by Blessings, age 8

In four years, I will be twelve years old.
I will be a rock star.
I will be a billionaire.
I will be old enough to do my own hair.
I can go anywhere I want and I will have a car.
I will have a voice similar to Whitney Houston.
I will be living in New York City.
I will have a lot of friends.
People will want my autograph.
I will have a boyfriend with my complexion and hazel eyes. He will wear glasses, but not be a nerd, and dress nicely. Girls will want to be his girlfriend. We will be in a play (Romeo & Juliet).

The world will be different. People won’t be so mean and violent.

An Evening with Buzz Bissinger to Benefit Spells

lizencarn — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:06:19 +0000

$125 for VIP admission / $135 at the door.
(Includes a VIP reception and a signed copy of Father’s Day.)

$70 for general admission / $80 at the door

PURCHASE ADMISSION NOW

The Spells Digital Storytelling Project Screening

lizencarn — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:27:12 +0000

Your Words. Your Photos. Your Film. Your Voice.

Last fall, a group of talented students worked for six weeks to write, record, visualize, and edit stories that were special to them. Now, they’re ready to share their stories with friends and family at the Spells Digital Storytelling Project Screening. Help us celebrate their accomplishments and vision by seeing their digital creations on the big screen.

Greetings from Planet Spells

lizencarn — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:13:59 +0000

Greetings, earthlings from Planet Spells! Come along with us as we take our Spells students to a distant galaxy on a creative writing voyage. We’ll explore the extraterrestrial worlds of our imaginations on a far-out adventure through the cosmos. Will the ground be made of marshmallows? Will elephants do the tango? The sky will be no limit for the fun we have in store!

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—Extreme Engineering

lizencarn — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, used forensic science to solve a crime, and created our own natural disasters. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Being Buzz Bissinger

lizencarn — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:35:01 +0000

$200 for Benefactor
(Includes a special mention in the program book if purchased by 4/15, an intimate wine and hors d’oeuvres pre-reception with the author, a signed bookmark, a copy of Father’s Day to be mailed after publication, and preferred seating at the event)

$125 for VIP / $135 at the door
(Includes an intimate wine and hors d’oeuvres pre-reception with the author, a signed bookmark, a copy of Father’s Day to be mailed after publication, and preferred seating at the event)

$85 for Patron + book
(Includes a copy of Father’s Day at a special discounted price, which will be mailed after publication)

$60 for Patron / $70 at the door

PURCHASE ADMISSION NOW

SEE A LIST OF THE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

Also, special thanks to our event’s benefactor, Mary Beth O’Connor

And to Think That I Saw It on Alder Street

lizencarn — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:31:10 +0000

This March, we’re celebrating the birthday of Theodor Geisel—as well as the 75th anniversary of his first published book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street—with a superbly Seussical writing workshop at Spells! Join us as we put on our red-striped hats, appreciate the master’s words, and create some silly stories and rambunctious rhymes of our own. It’ll be a birthday celebration to remember!

Spells Summer Internships Are Back!

lizencarn — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:42:59 +0000

Do you . . .

Enjoy mentoring kids?
Have a desire to share your creativity and love of writing?
Proudly participate in Talk Like a Pirate Day?

If so, this could be the internship for you!

Join Spells Writing Lab this summer as we plan and host a free summer day camp at our headquarters in North Philadelphia. Attracting young writers from around the city, our writing camp focuses on a different theme each week, providing enrichment and excitement for Philly’s kids. Interns will lead writing activities and work directly with guest instructors and students, gaining valuable experience in many areas of educational programming and running a non-profit.

We’re now accepting applications for our summer internships, which run from mid-June through mid-August. To apply, please send an email to volunteer@phillyspells.org by Thursday, April 5. The email should include a PDF attachment of your current resume and a cover letter pasted into the body of the email that highlights specific skills and experience you would bring to Spells, as well as what you hope to gain from the internship.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum commitment of 25 hours per week
A passion for writing
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and adapt to new situations
Experience with kids in a professional setting preferred
Editing, proofreading, or design skills a plus
Interest in other forms of artistic expression (photography, film, music, etc.) a plus

We look forward to hearing from you!

Auction Item: Legal Services by Mary Beth Bogan, Esq.

lizencarn — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:53:07 +0000

$200.00

We had a few things left over from our silent auction, and we’re giving you a second chance to purchase them and help fund Spells programs at the same time!

Ms. Bogan has over 20 years of legal experience in the areas of commercial litigation, real estate, and corporate matters, as well as in the representation of nonprofit organizations, business entities, and individuals in the entertainment, fashion, and arts industries. More information can be found at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mary-elizabeth-bogan/9/947/911 – A $500 valu.

Auction Item: Chiropractic Services from Dr. Philip Buckley

lizencarn — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:48:17 +0000

$200.00

We had a few things left over from our silent auction, and we’re giving you a second chance to purchase them and help fund Spells programs at the same time!

Buckley Chiropractic is conveniently located in downtown Lansdowne. Philip graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1983 and is the principal Chiropractic specialist of Buckley Chiropractic. More information can be found at http://buckleychiropractic.info/about-us/doctors/. A $500 value.

Signed hardcover of SAVE ME by Lisa Scottoline

lizencarn — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:19:26 +0000

$8.00 *free shipping!*

Support Spells and get a thrilling read at the same time with an exclusive signed hardcover copy of Save Me, written by Spells Advisory Board Member and best-selling author Lisa Scottoline. Save Me will touch the heart of every woman, as its heroine, the unforgettable Rose McKenna, makes a split-second decision that alters the course of her life—and makes you wonder what you would do in her shoes.

Nobody could have foreseen what would happen the day that Rose McKenna volunteers as a lunch mom in the cafeteria of her daughter’s elementary school. Rose does it to keep a discreet eye on her third-grader, Melly, a sweet, if shy, child who was born with a facial birthmark that has become her own personal bull’s-eye. When a bully starts to tease Melly yet again. Rose is about to leap into action—but right then, the unthinkable happens. Rose finds herself in a nightmare, faced with an emergency decision that no mother should ever have to make. What she decides in that split second derails Rose’s life and jeopardizes everyone she holds dear, until she takes matters into her own hands and lays her life on the line to save her child, her family, her marriage—and herself.

Praise for Save Me:

“Each staccato chapter adds new and unexpected turns, so many you could get whiplash just turning a page. Scottoline knows how to keep readers in her grip.” — New York Times Book Review

“The Scottoline we love as a virtuoso of suspense, fast action and intricate plot is back in top form in .” — Washington Post Book World

“Scottoline crafts a heartfelt emotional novel with the intensity of a thriller. VERDICT: This stand-alone work will mesmerize readers at the first page and hold them spellbound until the final word. Jodi Picoult fans may crown a new favorite author.” — Library Journal

“In Save Me, Lisa Scottoline walks readers into this charged moral dilemma and then takes them on an intense, breathless ride. You won’t be able to put this one down.” — Jodi Picoult, author of Sing You Home and House Rules

Volunteer Orientations

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:00:15 +0000

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—Crime Scene Investigation

lizencarn — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:19:15 +0000

Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—Natural Disasters

lizencarn — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:13:17 +0000

Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—The Haunted Laboratory

lizencarn — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:09:24 +0000

Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Your Words. Your Photos. Your Film. Your Voice.

lizencarn — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:25:54 +0000

Spells Fall Internships

lizencarn — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:40:32 +0000

Do you like kids? Writing? Dressing like a secret agent? If so, this could be the internship for you!

For college students who would like to turn their volunteering into an educational experience and can commit at least 10–20 hours per week to our organization, we offer the Spells Writing Lab Internship.

Interns will work directly with instructors and students, gaining valuable experience in many areas of educational programming and running a non-profit. This is not a boring office job; your internship will involve hands-on participation as a tutor, writing workshop leader, and lab assistant, as well as writing blog posts; reaching out to volunteers, families, schools, and community organizations; and assisting with grant-writing and fundraising efforts.

THE REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum commitment of 15–20 hours per week
A passion for writing
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and adapt to new situations
Experience with kids in a professional setting preferred
Editing, proofreading, or design skills a plus
Interest in other forms of artistic expression (photography, film, music, etc.) a plus

THE REWARDS:

Opportunities to work with local authors and journalists
Free admission to Spells Writing Lab events, including our annual fundraiser with a best-selling author
Free Spells Writing Lab t-shirt
Adoration from our students
A sense of accomplishment and pride from helping kids succeed

We are currently accepting internship applications on a rolling basis. To apply, please send an email to volunteer@phillyspells.org. The email should include a PDF attachment of your current resume, and a cover letter pasted into the body of the email that highlights specific skills and experience you would bring to Spells, as well as what you hope to gain from the internship.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Digital Storytelling Project

lizencarn — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 03:15:23 +0000

Your Words. Your Photos. Your Film. Your Voice.

You have something important to say. Whether it’s about your school, your family, your neighborhood, or your identity, you have a story that other people should hear. With our help, learn how to share your story in a dynamic way!

During this free six-week workshop, you will create a 3–5 minute Digital Story—a short, first-person video narrative created by combining recorded voice, still and moving images, and music or other sounds. We’ll supply tokens for public transportation, provide video and still cameras to capture your observations, and help you use multimedia software to bring your vision to life. All you need to bring is you—your thoughts, your personality, and your creativity!

Poetry—Still Spitting

lizencarn — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:40:15 +0000

Poetry is everywhere, from pop, to hip-hop, to rap, to spoken word. People use it to express themselves or to send a message. This two-day workshop will help you get your feet wet in the awesome world of poetry. You’ll learn about rhymes, rhythms, beats, and forms, and by the end of the workshop, you will have your very own poem in a brand new Spells anthology book.

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—June

lizencarn — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:05:09 +0000

Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

The Spells Film Challenge

lizencarn — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:48:22 +0000

Dr. Spells is not only our mysterious founder, he’s also a big-time Hollywood producer. After the success of our first short film, “Super Horse,” he’s ready to commission a new movie from his favorite screenwriters, the students of Spells. Join us for this crash course in filmmaking from green light to popcorn, as we brainstorm ideas, write a screenplay, shoot the movie, and premiere it—all in one week!