Phoenix Convention

Guest Post by Alison Malanowski

With the Pasadena Convention completed, my family and I prepared for our next big show. The following weekend, July 24-25, was the AFHE - The 27th Annual Arizona State Home Educator's Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. We left Simi Valley early in the morning, and made great time, seeing little traffic. We arrived late Thursday afternoon to prepare for the weekend ahead of us. We were allowed to drive our van into the convention hall and right by our table to unload, which was very convenient. The hall was huge, the booths were full of vendors busy setting up and we knew we were set for a fantastic event.


The next morning proved our thoughts to be true as we walked in past lines of familes waiting to enter. Once the doors were opened, we had a pretty even flow of customers throughout the day, with all of us continually telling parents about our DVD of THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL and making sales. Through the course of this convention, we started to notice a pattern with the attendees. They would filter off to go to different sessions and exhibits for an hour or more at a time. During that period, the hall was rather quiet; until, ten minutes later, the people started flooding in again. Other vendors told us that we should consider doing a seminar on our company Light A Candle Films and our Mission Statement and future plans. We all think this is a very good idea, and will do so for the 2011 Homeschool Season.


We also had quite a few people come over to ask us technical questions about how we actually created THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL; like why Dad chose to shoot on film instead of video, and how hard it was to do a full 5.1 Dolby Stereo sound mix. We also made time to visit other booths and talk about production details with other Christian filmmakers like the fine folks at Studio K Productions. Studio K has a fantastic body of work ranging from infomercials to industrials. You can check out their website here.


It was really a lot of fun meeting new homeschool familes, and we even ended up seeing some exhibitors we had met in Pasadena; including our friends at Little Crew Studios with their film THE RUNNER FROM RAVENSHEAD (click here for more info). Again, we received a lot of positive feedback, and everyone there seemed to really like the idea of what we're trying to do. Overall, it was a very successful convention.









Afterwards, we took a small trip over to Sedona, Arizona and visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It was so beautiful, and just amazing to be up there overlooking all the fantastic rock formations. God's Handiwork in nature is just awesome. (We also managed to buy alot of Christmas presents in their gift shop!).




So, with all that said, we've pretty much wrapped up our summer convention trips. We've got one more coming in the next few weeks, and we'll post more about it soon.

Pasadena Convention

Guest Post by Alison Malanowski


Two weeks ago, my family and I attended the Pasadena Homeschool Convention for C.H.E.A (Christian Home Educator's Association). This being only our second convention, we were still a little new to the whole process. Nonetheless, everyone was really excited. The convention lasted from Friday the 16th until Sunday the 18th. This was a bit different, since we had heard that most conventions do not schedule events on Sundays. So, we were surprised to find out when we arrived Sunday morning, several of the exhibitors had already left. We were almost completely surrounded by a line of empty exhibitor booths! It was unexpected, but we kept going.


This convention wasn't that much different from the one in Ohio, but it was so much closer to home. That made it a lot easier to get all of our supplies there (especially the 32 inch Flatscreen TV monitor)! We were even able to bring our friend Joey Saraceno along to help us out. This convention was also huge, and there were constant waves of attendees coming into the Exhibit Hall. We met a lot of really amazing people, ran into some friends, and definitely got the word out for America: Her People, Her Stories. Having received tons of positive responses, the whole family was eager to get started again the following week at the A.F.H.E. Phoenix Homeschool Convention.

Our good friend Joey (center) helping us out at the booth.


Our whole family (l. to r.) - Melissa, Tony (Dad), Shan (Mom) and Alison; even Granddad joined us on the monitor!

Thoughts on America's 234th Birthday

Post by Tony Malanowski

"Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same, or one day, we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." - President Ronald Reagan.



On this day, the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, we need to think seriously about where our country is, why and how she was founded, and what duties we as Citizens are required to perform to maintain that freedom.


We can start by considering the above quote from President Reagan. If you are parents reading these words, you need to be aware that it is your responsibility to pass on the history, traditions and culture of our Nation. If you are a student reading this blog, you need to take some time this summer to find out more about how your country was founded, and what is expected of you if you want to continue to live in a free nation.

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved a Resolution of Independence from Great Britain. After additional debate, the final document, known as the Declaration of Independence, was signed two days later on July 4th, 1776. John Adams, one of the original Founding Fathers, who pushed strongly for independence from British rule, wrote a letter to his wife Abigail. In this letter, dated July 3, 1776, Adams relates his feelings and his plans for the future of this new nation. Of course, the date which would be remembered would ultimately be July 4th, the date that is featured on the actual Declaration of Independence document, and not the 2nd, when the resolution was approved.


Here is a portion of that letter, with the original spellings and emphasis written by Adams:



The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not. - John Adams.


We must always remember that these men, who we call our Founding Fathers, were ready to sacrifice everything. Here is an excellent link on the website of The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, telling what kind of men these Founders were, and what they were willing to endure to create the United States of America (and make sure to read the "Rebuttal" segment which clarifies and corrects some of the points in the first section):


www.connecticutsar.org/articles/price_paid.htm


After you have spent some time with these Great Patriots, then go out and make the words of John Adams come alive! Attend Patriotic Shows and Parades, ring Bells and enjoy Fireworks (Illuminations) from one end of the country to the other! And make sure to tell your friends and neighbors something of what you have learned, and urge them to visit this site, and gain a little more insight into what we are celebrating today. That's the kind of "Public Virtue" the Founders expected of us.

And then enjoy, and Celebrate the Birthday of the Nation which truly is God's Greatest Gift to mankind!

Homeschool Convention Season Part #1

Post By Tony Malanowski


After our triumphant Homeschool Convention debut last April (see Alison's Post for May 4, 2010), the Malanowski Family has decided to take our show, THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL on the road! We have lined up several conferences for this summer, and our family will be traveling extensively during the next couple of months. I thought I'd lay out our itinerary for the three biggest Conventions we plan to hit, and see if any of you who are reading these posts will be attending at the same time. If you are, please drop a comment and let us know - we would love to talk American History with you and your children! And stop by our booth and introduce yourselves!

The Summer Homeschool Convention Season is important for many reasons. Not only does it give parents a chance to see what is fresh in the way of teaching materials, but it allows an opportunity for literally thousands of families to meet and exchange ideas on how to raise and educate their children in a positive, Godly manner. And, we intend to be right there alongside them, showing how American History can be taught in a Traditional, Faith-based manner that is also exciting and fun to experience.


Our "Big Three" Conventions for this summer are:

1.) July 16 - 18, 2010 - CHEA - The 27th Annual Christian Home Educator's Association Convention in Pasadena, California. This one is the closest to our home in Simi Valley, California, and will be huge! We are especially looking forward to meeting fellow Californian families and then venturing out into Oldtown Pasadena for an excellent dinner after! The Chea Convention information can be gotten on their website at: http://www.sonlight.com/cheaca.html

2.) July 23 - 24, 2010 - AFHE - The 27th Annual Arizona State Home Educator's Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Another really big Convention that will be alot of fun to attend! We will drive into Phoenix and already have our hotel set up. Once we have completed the Convention, we will drive up to the Grand Canyon and do some "touristie things". We also intend to do alot of our Christmas shopping on this trip, to add our dollars to the Buy-cott effort that is intended to fight against the "boycott" madness some states are creating to "punish" Arizona for their new Anti-Illegal Immigration Statute #1070. We urge all Homeschooling Families within a one-day driving distance to attend this event, and spend alot of $$$ to support Arizona's "Rule of Law" stand!
Information is available at: http://www.afhe.org/events.htm

3.) August 19 - 22, 2010 - 20th Annual Conference Homeschool Association of California, in Sacramento, California. We are especially looking forward to attending this Conference. Ever since we went to Sacramento for Alison and Melissa's class trips, we have loved walking the "dusty streets" of Old Sacramento. The restaurants are great, and there is a certain Toy Shop that brings back alot of memories for me! Info is available at: http://www.hscconference.com/


I would also like to mention a "Virtual Conference" that we have been attending and will continue to attend well into 2011. It is the Old School House Magazine's "Old Schoolhouse Expo"
which consists of a Vendor's Hall as well as On-Line Speakers and Workshops. We absolutely love this concept, and encourage everyone reading these posts to check out the link at: http://www.schoolhouseexpo.com/


So we have our summer planned out, with a few side trips as well! If you are able to drop by these specific Conventions, we look forward to seeing you! If not, then check inside the "Goodie Bags" you are handed when you arrive for your own local Homeschool Conventions...chances are you'll see one of our fliers inside, and you can use the information to visit our website. Either way, it will make for a fantastic summer educational experience!

Anniversary of Bunker Hill Battle

Post by Tony Malanowski

It was 235 years ago this morning, that the beseiged British troops in Boston stared up at the hills overlooking the city and saw the rough battlements that had been swiftly constructed during the previous night by the Colonial Patriots. General Thomas Gage, the Military Governor of Boston, now had a crises on his hands. He knew that the Americans had to be driven from those hills, and he knew that every moment he waited allowed more men and supplies to arrive and organize. But it would take hours to muster his own troops and transport them in boats across the harbor, and then form them into battle lines to attack the American position. And since tensions in the Colonies had been rising for months, and "the shot heard 'round the world" had been fired just under two months previous on April 19, 1775 at Lexington and Concord, did "Tommy" Gage really want to be the one to make a fateful decision and cause "resistance" to change into "Revolution"?

When we decided to launch our Historical DocuDrama series AMERICA: HER PEOPLE, HER STORIES, we chose The Battle of Bunker Hill as our Premier Installment because it was the first major military engagement of our American War for Independence. Before the Colonials made their stand against the full might of the British Army, there was bitterness and resentment, along with skirmishes and confrontations. But it all came to a boil on that blisteringly hot June day when the British needed three charges to dislodge the stubborn Americans from Breed's Hill (where most of the battle was fought), and Bunker Hill. And what was supposed to be an easy victory for the British against "rebel farmers" turned into a costly excercise for the King's Soldiers, with the Colonials retreating only when they ran out of water and ammunition. The ravaged "Redcoats" were stunned by the Americans dogged determination and valor, and British General William Howe, the Commander on the Field, would remember the fear he experienced when he later said, "There was a moment we have never felt before"!

This battle gave the Colonials their first sense that achieving victory over the better trained and equipped British forces was possible. Their resolve was an example of what we today refer to as "American Exceptionalism", the Idea that the United States of America is a special country, which was significantly Blessed by God, and destined for Greatness. Men like Israel Putnam, William Prescott, John Stark, Richard Gridley, Dr. Joseph Warren, and Peter Salem would become heroes - defying the odds, standing firm in their Faith and not firing until they could "see the whites of their eyes"! Today, more than ever, we need to remember their bravery and sacrifice, and we need to stand up for our Country and our Values with the same kind of "Public Virtue" that was shown by the Heroes of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775.

Boston Radio Interview

Guest Post by Alison Malanowski


With tomorrow being the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston's "Rush Radio" kindly allowed us a few minutes on their morning drive-time show with popular radio host Jeff Katz. So, before the sun had even peaked over the trees in our yard, Dad and I were up waiting for the interview call. I had my headphones on and listened to the streaming interview as Dad talked on the phone in the other room. He gave a brief summary of our mission and the reason we started this documentary series:

"We wanted to get back to traditional, pro-American history as opposed to the revisionist stuff that's being taught in schools today. . . We tried to do it as a docudrama," he said, " to make it more a straight, narrative film with acting and scripted scenes. We also have three historians who you've seen on History channel a lot, and they give the backstory."

Though it was a small segment, it was another way to get our message out. To those of you in the Boston area that listened, thanks! If you have yet to hear the interview, you can check it out here:

A Memorial Day Post: Dr. Urwin's Trip

Guest Post by Alison Malanowski


So as some of you know, Dr. Gregory Urwin was one of our historians on The Battle of Bunker Hill DVD. He is currently a Professor of History at Temple University in Philadelphia. In the planning and researching for his new book "Victory in Defeat", Dr. Urwin traveled to Japan and Wake Island. He was warmly welcomed and was able to use the amazing experience for his book, which will tell the incredible story of the defenders of Wake Island after they surrendered to the Japanese on December 23, 1941. Recently, I received pictures from his trip, which I would like to share with you on this Memorial Day:





"I received royal treatment from my host, Lieutenant Colonel Vance “Jethro” Cryer, the C.O. of Marine Attack Squadron 211 and my host. This photo was taken on VMA-211’s flight line on Friday, August 21. "

"On Saturday, August 22, Colonel Cryer took me to visit Hiroshima . This is ground-zero, August 6, 1945, the famed “Atomic Bomb Dome” at the entrance to the Hiroshima Memorial Park Area. The museum there presents a moving and surprisingly balanced assessment of the use of the first atomic bomb in warfare. This is a must-see attraction for any WWII historian."

"We finally got to Wake Island and I did my stuff on August 26, splitting the Marines into two groups for the two. Here I am with the squadron pilots and the “trail” in front of Wake’s Marine Corps Monument."

"For the flight from Iwakuni to Wake, I flew in a C-130. Leaving Wake, however, I rode in an Air Force KC-10 Extender (flying tanker) and got to sit beside the refueling console at the rear of the aircraft during two refuelings for the four Harriers flying with us. I got some spectacular photos from this seat!"

"Like this one. You have not lived until you’ve seen the business end of a Harrier come within 50 feet of where you are sitting!"

Bunker Hill's Home School Debut!

From April 8th until April 10th, Bunker Hill took its first major trip to the 2010 Cincinnatti Home School Convention. We arrived early to set up our booth among the hundreds of others. We were nestled in a corner, right by the registration table. (In the picture to the left, we are the booth with the large, dark banner.) Both my Dad and I were excited and anxious to start the work day, and for good reason. This event is considered the biggest Home School covention. Judging by how large this building was, we expected it to be huge. Soon, a steady stream of people started coming. Eventually, the large crowd came and the hall was bustling with families.


A lot of people definitely showed interest in the docu-drama, and several kids stopped to watch. We had the docu-drama playing, and as families walked by the children just stopped and stared. With so many people walking around, we were able to contact different organizations and distrubutors. Both my Dad and I would be caught up talking to people right up until closing. We were very blessed to have a customer come back the next day to tell us how much she loved the DVD. Then she bought another one! This whole experience helped take the first little step to get THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL out to the public and show Americans that history hasn't died yet.

With all the great feedback we got, we are considering taking another trip. However, not so far from home this time! We'll see what the Lord has in store for us, but hopefully we'll have another post up soon about the next convention.


Guest Post by Alison Malanowski

Here are some more pictures from the Convention.

Our humble, little booth.

Crowds of people going up the escalator.

Looking down from the escalator