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Ten local students are on the Spring dean's list at Daemen College

By Billie Owens

Daemen College Dean Michael Brogan, Ed.D, announces the following Genesee County students achieved dean's list status at Daemen College in Amherst for the Spring 2018 semester. A matriculated undergraduate student who attains a grade-point average of 3.30 or better in any one semester is eligible for Dean's List status.

* Jeffrey Redband of Batavia (14020)

* Kristyn Mott of Batavia (14020)

* Brandon Habermas of Batavia (14020)

* Katrina Stork of Batavia (14020)

* Jordyn Atkinson of East Bethany (14054)

* Emily Kreutter of Elba (14058)

* Brianna Hill of Le Roy (14482)

* Emily Graham of Le Roy (14482)

* Katherine Patton of Le Roy (14482)

* Holly Grayson of Oakfield (14125)

RIT students from Genesee County named to dean's list for spring semester

By Billie Owens

ROCHESTER (06/26/2018)-- Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Rochester Institute of Technology's dean's list if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete", "D" or "F"; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

Mikayla Johnson of Le Roy (14482), who is in the biology program.

Marissa Scharlau of Alexander (14005), who is in the biomedical engineering program.

Matthew Pencille of Le Roy (14482), who is in the biomedical engineering program.

Rebekah Allen of Basom (14013), who is in the biomedical sciences program.

Rebecca Schwan of Le Roy (14482), who is in the business administration-marketing program.

Jennifer Crossen of Basom (14013), who is in the chemical engineering program.

Rachel Henrici of Batavia (14020), who is in the chemical engineering program.

Benjamin Ezard of Byron (14422), who is in the chemical engineering program.

Peter Madau of Le Roy (14482), who is in the chemical engineering program.

Kiera Gross of East Bethany (14054), who is in the computational mathematics program.

Steven Cacner of Stafford (14143), who is in the computer engineering program.

Robert Kubiniec of Batavia (14020), who is in the computer science program.

Ryan Missel of Oakfield (14125), who is in the computer science program.

Kyle Carretto of Corfu (14036), who is in the computing security program.

Jessica DeAngelo of Batavia (14020), who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.

Maggie Callan of Le Roy (14482), who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.

Montana Vescovi of Le Roy (14482), who is in the dietetics and nutrition program.

Kit Yates of Bergen (14416), who is in the fine arts studio program.

Eliza Harvey of Le Roy (14482), who is in the fine arts studio program.

Michelle Miller of East Bethany (14054), who is in the industrial design program.

Melissa Mountain of Batavia (14020), who is in the interior design program.

Eric Bow of Stafford (14143), who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.

Elisha Muir of Corfu (14036), who is in the museum studies program.

Erica Parker of Le Roy (14482), who is in the networking and systems administration program.

Kathleen Hagelberger of Darien Center (14040), who is in the new media marketing program.

Emma Riggi of Le Roy (14482), who is in the new media marketing program.

Devin Sherman of Le Roy (14482), who is in the packaging science program.

Danielle Del Plato of Batavia (14020), who is in the photographic and imaging arts program.

Celia Mercovich of Bergen (14416), who is in the physics program.

Samantha Porter of Le Roy (14482), who is in the psychology program.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

For news, photos and videos, go to www.rit.edu/news.

Grandson of East Bethany family graduated U-Penn with honors, goes to Harvard Law School this fall

By Billie Owens
Michael John Torcello, grandson of Patricia and the late Michael Torcello, of East Bethany, graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Pennsylvania in May.
 
He was recognized for his outstanding academic achievement and dedication to scholarship after achieving the distinction of being on the dean's list for every semester of all four academic years he attended.
 
After fulfilling a dual major which included Political Science and History, and graduating with honors, he has been accepted to Harvard Law School, which he will attend in the Fall.
 
He is the son of Michael and Deborah Torcello, of Hamburg.

Learn nature photography basics at Genesee County Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Learn nature photography basics and tricks of the trade from photographer Bill Moon. 

Bring your camera or phone and capture great images from Genesee County Park & Forest! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park and Forest on Saturday May 12th from 10 a.m. to 1  p.m.

This program is FREE! Pre-registration is recommended. Call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot! 

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Reminder: Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt, Night Hike at county Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt on Saturday

Earth Day is your chance to take care of your planet and your wild neighbors! Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for our “Earth Day Celebration” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st.

Help clean up the park to keep the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife! Learn to make cool stuff from recycled materials. Enjoy wild games and a naturalist-guided hike to see where animals live and discover what good things you can do for them!

Scouts can earn badge requirements and service hours! Help keep the community ecologically healthy and undeniably beautiful! Meet at Pavilion 2 for all activities. Celebration is FREE and open to the public.

Please preregister for activities by calling 585-344-1122!

Earth Day Night Hike at Genesee County Park & Forest

Celebrate the magic of spring with our Earth Day Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st!

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center and explore the forest by moonlight as we search for animals, hear nature folklore and listen to the wild chorus of the night. Visit the headwaters of Black Creek and find out why April’s moon is called the Fish Moon.

Create a memory this Earth Day! Cost is $5/person, $10/family. All ages welcome. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to register!

For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

April 21st: Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt, Night Hike at county Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt April 21

Earth Day is your chance to take care of your planet and your wild neighbors! Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for our “Earth Day Celebration” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st.

Help clean up the park to keep the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife! Learn to make cool stuff from recycled materials. Enjoy wild games and a naturalist-guided hike to see where animals live and discover what good things you can do for them!

Scouts can earn badge requirements and service hours! Help keep the community ecologically healthy and undeniably beautiful! Meet at Pavilion 2 for all activities. Celebration is FREE and open to the public.

Please preregister for activities by calling 585-344-1122!

Earth Day Night Hike at Genesee County Park & Forest

Celebrate the magic of spring with our Earth Day Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday April 21st!

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center and explore the forest by moonlight as we search for animals, hear nature folklore and listen to the wild chorus of the night. Visit the headwaters of Black Creek and find out why April’s moon is called the Fish Moon.

Create a memory this Earth Day! Cost is $5/person, $10/family. All ages welcome. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to register!

For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Register for evening Amphibian Adventure at GC Park & Forest April 14, meet 'slimy, singing neighbors'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Welcome the arrival of spring with Amphibian Adventure on Saturday April 14th from 7 to 8:30 p.m.!

Hear the frog chorus in full surround-sound effect and get to know your small, slimy, singing neighbors at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center and learn how to identify your pest-eating pals up close and personal. Then venture into the wetlands and woodlands to search for, find and listen to your amphibian neighbors in their natural habitat!

Don't miss this magical season of renewal for your tiny, big-eyed friends!

Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Perfect for ages 4 and up.

Call 344-1122 to register today.

For more information visit the website here, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Two summer camps offered at GC Park & Forest for teens to explore careers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center is pleased to offer two summer camps for area youth in 2018. They are Camp Hard Hat and the Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp.

  • Camp Hard Hat -- registration opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 9th

Students entering eighth, ninth and 10th grade have the opportunity to leave their mark and work in a team environment. Camp Hard Hat Class of 2018 will build a raised wooden walkway for a park trail at Genesee County Park & Forest and get hands-on experience with plumbing and electric.

Campers use math, process-thinking skills, and battery-powered tools to improve their community while learning about careers in Building Trades. Camp Hard Hat runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 30th to Aug. 3rd.

This program is presented in partnership with the Business Education Alliance of Genesee County, the Business Education Council of Wyoming County, and GVEP Batavia Building Trades. Instructors Rich Monroe and Jared Radesi teach campers the principles of design and construction, project safety, and the power of teamwork.

All materials, equipment and lunch are provided each day, along with an optional overnight experience at Genesee County Park & Forest and a camp T-shirt. Cost is $95/camper for the entire week. To register for Camp Hard Hat click here(All registration pages are disabled on the site until the first day of registration, Monday, April 9.)

Sponsors make this camp possible! The generosity of sponsors helps cover the cost of materials, instructors, transportation and provides the opportunity for camp scholarships. To become a Camp Hard Hat sponsor, contact Linda Leblond at lleblond@wycobec.org or (585) 786- 5001.

  • Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp -- registration ends Friday, June 29th

Are you interested in protecting wildlife and habitats? How about sampling streams, soils, and trees? Thinking of a career in Environmental Science?

Explore all of this and more with Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp July 16th - 20th at the Genesee County Park & Forest. Students entering eighth – 12th grade will explore different Environmental Science jobs as they gain outdoor field experience while guided by professionals.

This weeklong adventure includes wildlife surveys, wading through wetlands and streams, a field trip, and more. Camp meets Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest.

Transportation is available from Batavia High School to and from camp each day. All materials, lunch and snacks are provided each day along with a camp T-shirt. Cost is $95/camper for the entire week.

To register, download the registration form from our website here.

Return completed forms with payment to: 

Main Office
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center 153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

Full Worm Moon Hike is March 31 at county Park & Forest, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Long ago each full moon was given a name to mark the season of the year. Join us for the Full Moon Hike: Full Worm Moon on Saturday, March 31st, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and welcome the magic of springtime.

Explore the forest by moonlight as we search for animals, hear old stories, and discover the world waking up from a long, cold winter.

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center and dress for the weather, hike will go on rain or shine! $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required! Call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot!

The interpretive center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122. 

Paid summer internship available at Genesee County Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

New York State’s First County Forest has an Environmental Education Assistant Internship position open for May – August of 2018.

The position is administered through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and is located at Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED and be a U.S. citizen.

Environmental Education Assistants develop, organize, plan and lead environmental education programs to audiences of all ages in a wide variety of settings under the guidance of park staff. Environmental Education Assistants also coordinate the efforts of park volunteers.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

  • Assisting the Conservation Education Program Coordinator with programs for schools, senior groups, scouts and the general public

  • Providing customer service to park visitors and program participants

  • Planning volunteer and park events

  • Writing articles for the parks seasonal newsletter

  • Marketing of park events, programs and resources

  • Scheduling and coordinating volunteers to assist with park events and projects

  • Recruiting, orientation and training of volunteers

SCA interns earn a stipend of $125/week while serving and are eligible for an education award of $1,538 that can be used to repay student loans, tuition, classes or cover future college costs.

This position requires 12 weeks of 40 hour/week of service from May until August of 2018. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Flexibility is given in order to cover the prescheduled programs that are outside of the normal working hours within the 40-hour work week.

Application deadline is April 15th.

To apply: Send email or resume to Shannon Morley, Conservation Education Program coordinator, at:  Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us.

Online application is available here.

Additional benefits:

  • First Aid/AED/CPR training provided;

  • Experience and on-the-job training in Environmental Education and volunteer coordinating;

  • Deeper knowledge of natural history and ecology;

  • Job duties include volunteer outings (kayaking, hiking);

  • Networking with professionals in Environmental Science and Education.

Learn about Eastern bluebird nest monitoring at Genesee Park & Forest, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Press release:

How does a team of volunteers help baby birds?Join us for Bluebird Babysitters: Nest Box Monitoring for Science on Saturday, March 10th, from 1 – 3 p.m. as we look out for the Bluebird families at Genesee County Park & Forest!

Learn about NestWatch -- a nationwide nest monitoring program -- and find out what YOU can do to keep baby bluebirds and their friends happy and healthy. Get all the latest tips about bluebird nest boxes and the secret life of the Eastern Bluebird, then head outside to prepare the boxes for nesting season 2018!

Dress for the weather and meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest, located at11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

This event will go on, rain or shine. The program is FREE! Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122!

For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Morley at:  Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us

Dozens honored on GCC's dean's list for fall 2017 semester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces the following are among 351 full and part-time students who were named to the dean's list for the Fall 2017 semester. Students honored on the dean's list have earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. 

The College also maintains President's and Provost's Lists comprised of students who earned quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. These other GCC honorees are announced separately. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu.

This year's Genesee Community College Fall 2017 dean's list honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Zachary Antonucci of Alexander, NY

Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY

Kathleen Kwasniewski of Alexander, NY

Jared Lennon of Alexander, NY

Katlyn Adamczak of Basom, NY

Sara Stanley of Basom, NY

Natalie Amico of Batavia, NY

Brianna Brade of Batavia, NY

Cameron Clark of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Connors of Batavia, NY

Hope Davids of Batavia, NY

Riley Dyson of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

Andrew Frank of Batavia, NY

Emily Harris of Batavia, NY

Jillian Helwig of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Sarah Hollands of Batavia, NY

Jazmine Holmes of Batavia, NY

Leighann Howland of Batavia, NY

Felicia Kennedy of Batavia, NY

Dolapat Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Sataka Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Samuel Lang of Batavia, NY

Rebecca Mattison of Batavia, NY

Angelina Miconi of Batavia, NY

Leah Monteleone of Batavia, NY

Shannon O'Brien of Batavia, NY

Taylor Paris of Batavia, NY

Chandah Sundown of Batavia, NY

Madison Swiatowy of Batavia, NY

Micheal Van Dorn of Batavia, NY

Cassandra Warren of Batavia, NY

Laura Whitcroft of Batavia, NY

Jennifer Williams of Batavia, NY

Jaysen Wylie of Batavia, NY

Jeremy Fink of Bergen, NY

Kristin Hohn of Bergen, NY

Kimberly Lovett of Bergen, NY

Tina Ambrosoli-Keller of Corfu, NY

Timothy Crandall of Corfu, NY

Sarah Gohn of Corfu, NY

Spencer Graff of Corfu, NY

Alysia Magoffin of Corfu, NY

Katelin Miller of Corfu, NY

Jessica Ryckman of Corfu, NY

Brittany Taylor of Corfu, NY

Shelby Turner of Corfu, NY

Alexander Breissinger of Darien Center, NY

Claire Francis of Darien Center, NY

Cameron Sutton of Darien Center, NY

Laura Tyx of Darien Center, NY

Curtis Kreutter of East Bethany, NY

Matthew Baker of Elba, NY

Aaron Bastiano of Elba, NY

Amanda Castaneda of Elba, NY

Alyssa Laudico of Elba, NY

Justin DiFalco of Le Roy, NY

Mondell Elliott of Le Roy, NY

John Gombos of Le Roy, NY

Alyssa Hill of Le Roy, NY

Brandon Hodge of Le Roy, NY

Taylor Kirby of Le Roy, NY

Morgan Luce of Le Roy, NY

Sara Platek of Le Roy, NY

Mary Ross of Le Roy, NY

Jessica Barclay of Oakfield, NY

Samantha Borkholder of Oakfield, NY

Rebecca Carlsen of Oakfield, NY

Allen Chatt of Oakfield, NY

Jonathan Kedzierski of Oakfield, NY

Christopher Coniber of Pavilion, NY

Nathan Ford of Pavilion, NY

Trinidad Salinas Guzman of Pavilion, NY

Maelee Sanford of Pavilion, NY

Alyssa Stalica of Pavilion, NY

Elizabeth Blossom of South Byron, NY

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid, and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu.

Many local students made the Provost's List at GCC for the fall 2017 semester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces that the following students are among 228 students who were named to the Provost's List for the Fall 2017 semester.

Students honored on the Provost's List were enrolled part-time and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. The College also maintains a President's List comprised of full-time students who, like the Provost's list honorees, they earned the equivalent of an A. In addition, GCC's dean's list is comprised of full- or part-time students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. These other GCC honorees will be announced shortly. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu

This year's Genesee Community College Fall 2017 Provost's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Matthew Penepent of Basom

Justin Barton of Batavia

Michael Bauer of Batavia

Catherine Chilano of Batavia

Rebecca Meloon of Batavia

Amii Capuano of Batavia

Cory Feary of Batavia

Brian Wheeler of Batavia

Katelyn Held of Batavia

Alexander Crossett of Batavia

Sara Olivani of Batavia

Kristin Smith of Batavia

Jessica Newton of Batavia

Nicole Rott of Batavia

Audra Davis of Batavia

Daniel DiMartino of Batavia

Kelsee Korczak of Corfu

Elizabeth Dubey of Corfu

Lewis Ryan of Darien Center

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center

Kodian Becker of Darien Center

Caroline Pelton of East Bethany

Bailey Delelys of Elba

Heather Ezard of Elba

Mariah Woodrich of Oakfield

Jessica Waite of Oakfield

David Giles of Oakfield

Justina Pruski of Oakfield

Patrick Puccio of Stafford

Caitlyn Klotzbach of Stafford

Joshua Robinson of Bergen

Adam Kendrot of Bergen

Elizabeth Jarnot of Bergen

Rebekah Ireland of Byron

Richard Sia of Le Roy

Morgan Pasquale of Le Roy

Debra Pangrazio of Le Roy

Meghan Merica of Le Roy

Jacob Bolton of Le Roy

Tara Jagodzinski of Linwood

Sandra Fanton of Pavilion

Sierra Bosdyk of Pavilion

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics.

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid, and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu

Jessica Cornwell of East Bethany named to SUNY Canton dean's list

By Billie Owens

SUNY Canton's deans recognize Jessica A. Cornwell, of East Bethany, for outstanding academic achievement during the fall 2017 semester. Cornwell is a SUNY Canton Management major. 

Dean's list recognizes full-time students who have earned a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74. It serves as a mark of distinction and recognition of achievement. A complete list of academic honors for the semester will be available on www.canton.edu

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service and recently received number one rankings in library resources, library services and tutoring services in the SUNY Student Opinion Survey. The college's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 13 online degree programs. The college's 15 athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level and are joining the North Atlantic Conference beginning in the 2018-19 academic year. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.

Enjoy wintertime hiking in snowshoes with naturalist at county Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Discover secrets of the wild this winter and/or the serenity of hiking on moonlit snow with naturalist-guided hikes at Genesee County Park & Forest! 

Winter Wonderland Hikes are held on Saturdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Hikes begin at the Interpretive Nature Center and end with hot chocolate and snacks.

Topics:

  • Saturday, Jan. 13th: Animal Tracks
  • Saturday, Feb. 3rd: Whistle Pigs (and other squirrels)

Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family.

Moonlight Hike and Winter Walks -- for adults only -- guided by a naturalist are offered from 7 to 9 p.m. on the dates below. Meet at Pavilion B.

  • Saturday, Jan. 27th
  • Saturday, Feb. 24th

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the forest on a full moon night! 

Moonlight Hikes begin and conclude with refreshments by a warm fire! For ages 18 and over. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family.

Pre-registration is required for ALL naturalist-guided hikes; call 585-344-1122.

Make a memory this winter with your own Private Group Snowshoe Hike! A naturalist guides your group through peaceful woodland trails and open meadows. Listen to winter’s quiet beauty and find signs of wildlife in this 431-acre park. Private hikes are available on Saturdays in January and February from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. by reservation only at the Interpretive Nature Center. No previous experience is needed; snowshoes provided or bring your own. Rental is included in the price, $5/person, minimum group fee is $75. Call 585-344-1122 to book your own adventure!

Snowshoe rentals are available at the Genesee County Park and Forest Interpretive Center 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 12 – 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays December through March, weather permitting. Rented snowshoes must be used in the park. Fee is $5/pair and all proceeds go to ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the parks!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

'Nature's Feast' and 'Create-a-Critter' offered at GC Park & Forest, preregistration required

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Explore your creative side this season at Genesee County Park & Forest!

Save a spot for Nature’s treats on the dinner table at your next feast! Join us for "Nature’s Feast: Turkeys and more" from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 18th! Learn to find and prepare the dishes that nature has to offer with a Naturalist guide! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center. Wear waterproof boots and dress for the weather! $5/person, $10/family. Space is limited, preregistration is required! Call 585-344-1122!

Then on Saturday, Dec. 2, learn how with a touch of creativity and hot glue, you can turn some pine cones, seed pods, and other natural materials into your own unique creation! Join us at the Interpretive Nature Center for "Create-a-Critter."

Session 1 is from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Session 2 is from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sign up for either session, cost for each is $5/person, $10/family. Enjoy some quiet time and laughs with your favorite people. Your critter can even be a perfect gift for your loved ones! All materials provided. Call 585-344-1122! Space is limited, preregistration is required.

Ceremonies honoring veterans planned for Friday and Saturday

By Billie Owens

The following is a schedule of Veterans Day ceremonies in Genesee County:

Friday, Nov. 10:

  • Noon -- Genesee Community College; Located at 1 College Road, Town of Batavia

Saturday, Nov. 11:

  • 9 a.m.-- Genesee County Park & Forest (Vietnam Veterans of America); Located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany
  • 10 a.m. -- Batavia VA Medical Center; Located at 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia
  • 10:15 a.m. -- NYS Vets’ Home; Also located at 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia
  • 11 a.m. -- Emory Upton Monument; Located at the junction of Main Street and Ellicott Street (the fork in the road) in Downtown Batavia
  • 11 a.m. -- Trigon Park, Le Roy; Hosted by Le Roy American Legion, will include remarks by Ret. USN Commander Robert “Bob” Kettle
  • 11:30 a.m. -- Jerome Center (UMMC); Located at 16 Bank St., Batavia

Organizations Participating

Genesee County American Legion

Veterans of Foreign Wars of Genesee County

Marine Corps League – Hansen Brothers Detachment

Disabled American Veterans – Chapter #166

Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter #193

American Legion Botts Fioritto Post #576

Genesee Community College

"Honor, respect and guard your freedom for it comes from the BLOOD of those who gave their life for it."

Artist Terry Weber will teach you how to needle felt a set of pumpkins or a black cat of your very own

By Billie Owens

(Photo courtesy of Terry Weber.)

Terry Weber, a member of the Batavia Society of Artists, is offering a beginning needle felting class on making decorative pumpkins at the art gallery and antique shop on Route 63 in East Bethany.

It will be held at the Old General Store from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (or so) on Thursday, Sept. 28. The location is five miles south of Batavia on Route 63.

Cost is $20 and includes supplies and material to make set of two pumpkins. Kits are also available to take home, too.

On the following Thursday, Oct. 5, at that time will be another beginning needle felting class, same price, where you can make a set of pumpkins OR a black cat.

To participate in either or both classes, email Weber at ebgs55@yahoo.com or phone 993-0509.

Get oriented -- learn to find your way using just a map and compass -- at Genesee County Park & Forest, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Come explore the active and adventurous sport of Orienteering! Learn how to find your way without batteries or a cell phone signal, by using a map and compass.

All materials provided, no experience needed.

Orienteering is a family friendly sport for people of all ages and ability levels. Join us at the Genesee County Park & Forest for the Orienteering Event with the Rochester Orienteering Club from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 30th.

This program is FREE!

Beginner class and basic training will be given from 9 to 10 a.m. Orienteering start is open 10 a.m. to noon. All courses close at 3 p.m.

Please preregister by calling 585-344-1122.

Perfect for individuals and families who love the outdoors. Come have some fun and find your way in New York State’s first County Forest.

More information on the sport of orienteering and the Rochester Orienteering Club can be found at http://roc.us.orienteering.org or https://orienteeringusa.org. 

Butterfly fans: Register for 'Watching Monarchs' at GC Park & Forest Saturday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Monarch Butterflies -- "Masters of Migration" -- travel through New York during the month of September!

Seize the last few days of summer with a visit to a butterfly meadow and a journey into their world! Join us for "Watching Monarchs" from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9th, at Genesee County Park & Forest.

Take part in a nationwide Monarch conservation project, see how they are tagged and released, and meet these masters of migration up close and personal Learn all about their fascinating lives and discover what you can do to help them out!

Price is $5/person, $10/family. Space is limited, preregistration is required! Call 585-344-1122 to register.

GC Park & Forest is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

For more information visit their website here or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

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