Youth

Green Lakes State Park Presents Story Time in the Old Administration Building

July 2, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Fayetteville, NY – July 2011) Green Lakes State Park, in conjunction with the Manlius Library will kick off the 2011 summer season with a story time hour.

Housed in the historic Old Administration Building, the program will occur the first Thursday of every month (July 7 to Aug. 4) and is designed for 3-5 year olds. The event will take place from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. The program will include nature themed stories, snacks, and games. Bring a cushion if you’d like to sit on the floor, if not chairs are available as well!

This event is free and open to the public, with park entrance fee beginning at 9:00 am.

For more information about Green Lakes State Park programming please contact Katie Miles at 315-637-6111.

Filed Under: Calendar of Events, Fayetteville, Manlius, Youth Tagged With: Fayetteville NY news, green lakes state park

Lacrosse is Focus of July Programs at Great Lakes Seaway Trail Center

June 22, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Sackets Harbor, NY – June 21, 2011) The game of lacrosse, its history and its life applications are the focus of a new exhibit and two programs by two of the game’s notable proponents at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center in Sackets Harbor in July.

The “Tewa’a:raton lakwa’tswa:tha: Lacrosse, Our Game” exhibit created by Mohawk youth working with the Akwesasne Cultural Center Museum at Hogansburg, NY, will be at the Discovery Center July 9-17. The development of the exhibit was made possible with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“Lacrosse is hugely popular in the US, Canada and in many countries across the world, but many fans are unaware of the Native origins of the game. This traveling exhibit, co-curated by Mohawk youth, explores the origins of lacrosse and carries the Mohawk cultural message of ‘Think about how you play the game and how you live your life,’” says Akwesasne Museum Curator Sue Ellen Herne.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the number of boys and girls in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut has grown to more than 91,000, according to the US Lacrosse governing body. There has been a 40 percent increase in the number of children playing the game in the New York City area since 2006.

On July 9, at 6:30pm at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center, US Lacrosse Hall of Fame Coach Kirk Ventiquattro will present “Lacrosse: Origin and Application.” Ventiquattro started the lacrosse program at Carthage Central School in 1988 and has coached more than 30 players who became NCAA Division I college lacrosse players. He will present an overview of the “Baggataway” story and how he applies the game to prepare his players for life.

On July 16 at 6:30pm at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center, traditional handmade lacrosse stickmaker, coach and retired player Alfie Jacques of the Onondaga Nation Turtle Clan will present “The Art of Making Handmade Wooden Lacrosse Sticks.” Jacques has made box and field lacrosse sticks for more than 47 years. He is featured for his artisanship in the film “Sacred Sport” and his sticks are part of the Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame Museum in Baltimore, MD. He will share his personal collection of sticks at this July 16 program.

The evening program fee is $5; free with military ID.

For more information on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway and the Discovery Center, go to seawaytrail.com or call 646-1000.

Filed Under: Art & Culture, Art and Culture, Calendar of Events, Carthage, History, Onondaga, Sackets Harbor, Sports, Youth

July Programs Scheduled at Baltimore Woods

June 20, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Marcellus, NY – July 2011) Summer Adventure Day Camp July 11 through Sept. 2.

Send your children ages 4-14 to a camp adventure they’ll remember forever. Hiking and exploring 182 acres of woods including streams, ponds and meadows. Experienced certified counselors help your children learn about nature through hands-on, minds-on activities while they play outdoors. Before and after care available. FMI including registration packets, visit baltimorewoods.org.

July 1: Star Party: Saturn and Summer Milky Way 9-11pm

The summer Milky Way is the part of the sky with the densest star fields we can see from the northern hemisphere. Come and look for gaseous nebulae and brilliant star clusters in the constellations of Scorpius and Sagittarius. Saturn will also be visible for the entire evening. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family. Back-up date: July 2.

July 4: The Interpretive Center is Closed for the holiday. The hiking trails and parking are open and free from dawn to dusk.

July 5 through Aug. 31: In the Weeks Art Gallery: Watercolors and Photography: ‘Nature As Our Muse.’ Exhibition of works by local artists Peggy Manring and Diana Whiting.
Working in the very different media of watercolor and photography, these two artists take us into the often fascinating and always compelling natural world. The art gallery is open to the public. Admission and parking are free. The gallery is open during regular business hours, but scheduled programs may on occasion limit accessibility.

July 9: Art Gallery Reception for artists Diana Whiting and Peggy Manring 2-4pm

Everyone is welcome to come enjoy an afternoon of art and good company. This reception for the installation of wildlife and nature photography by Whiting, and watercolors of the natural world by Manring in the Weeks Art Gallery is open to the public. Parking and admission are free.

July 23: Frog Catching Party 1-3pm

Frogs! Where? Down at Phillips Pond of course! Join our Naturalists for a celebration of all things frogs as we engage in this classic childhood activity. Space is limited to 30 people, so register early. $5 for members; $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family.

July 28: Night Buggin’! 8:30-10pm

Ever wonder what’s lurking out there once the sun goes down? Ever wonder what you could do with a blacklight and a white bedsheet in the woods? Attract nocturnal insects, of course! Join Emma as she discovers a surprising variety of nocturnal insects and reveals the creatures of the night. Be sure to bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder! $5 for members; $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family. Register through Cayuga Community College at (315) 294-8841, or online at: www.cayuga-cc.edu/xenegrade

Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108
Hours: Interpretive Center is open M-F 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sundays.
The hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk.

Visit www.baltimorewoods.org for more information.

Filed Under: Calendar of Events, Environment and Nature, Environment and Nature, Fun and recreation, Marcellus, Youth

Herkimer College Announces Essay Contest for High School Students

June 16, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Herkimer, NY – June 15, 2011) Herkimer County Community College has announced an essay contest for all students currently in grades 9-12 in Herkimer County schools. The contest is being held in connection with the College’s planned Remembrance Ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Essays must address the theme “What should America take pride in?” Essays must be 750 to 1,000 words in length and typed in Times New Roman 12 pt. type. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 1, 2011. Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged (Word document attached to email) and should be sent to: president@herkimer.edu with the subject heading “Essay Contest.”

Hard copy submissions will also be accepted. They must be postmarked by the submission deadline date and should be sent to: Office of the President, Essay Contest, Herkimer County Community College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY 13350.

A $50 Grand Prize and two $25 Honorable Mentions will be awarded. The Grand Prize essay will be published in the Herkimer Telegram and its author will be invited to read their essay during the College’s Sept. 11th Remembrance Ceremony.

Winners will be notified approximately two weeks after the submission deadline.

For more information about the contest, students may contact their school guidance office or call the College at 866-0300, ext. 8525.

Filed Under: Annoucements, Announcements, Education, Herkimer, Herkimer County Agencies & Organizations, Youth

Jaycee’s Emerge NNY Scholarship Recipients Announced

June 16, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(June 14, 2011) The Greater Watertown Jaycees are pleased to announce David Crowder, Ogdensburg Free Academy, and Brittany Hobart, Indian River High School, as the recipients of its 2011 Emerge NNY Scholarships.

Formerly known as the Outstanding Young New Yorker Scholarships, the Jaycees awarded two $500 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors wishing to continue their education.

David Crowder is a senior at Ogdensburg Free Academy who will graduate in June with an Advanced Regents diploma and is among the school’s honor students, those with a cumulative GPA of 90 or above. He is a member of the National Honor Society and captain of his basketball team.

He has received honors for outstanding academic achievement while participating in various school sports and is actively involved in the community, including various fundraisers in support of cancer research. David demonstrates leadership through his involvement and service at school and within his community.

Brittany Hobart is a senior at Indian River High School who is a member of the National Honor Society and is actively involved in the school’s musical and theatre program. Brittany has been a recipient of several honors that exemplify her leadership qualities, including the Jefferson County Leadership Award and is actively involved in the community, including various fundraisers and benefits in support of the AIDS community.

Brittany demonstrates a level of dedication and enthusiasm for success that is an example for students and adults alike.

Applicants are reviewed on their extracurricular and school activities, community service, honors and achievements, leadership qualities, and completion of a themed-essay.

Erika Flint, Jaycee and chair for the review committee noted, “This year’s decision was difficult. However, both David and Brittany stood out as exemplary students who possess strong leadership skills in their academic and personal lives. It is with great pleasure that we award these scholarships to David and Brittany.”

Filed Under: Annoucements, Announcements, Education, Philadelphia, Watertown, Youth

After School Program Launches Canoe Program

June 14, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(May 2011) Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County’s Advantage After School Program launched their Canoe Program last month on the Upper Chaumont River.

Students practice water safety techniques and conduct a survey of the aquatic ecosystem. They collect water samples from different parts of the river and examine them under compound microscopes.

Program Educator Erika O’Connor follows student Michael Gray along the shoreline.

Filed Under: Education, Fun and recreation, Jefferson County, Youth

Baltimore Woods Nature Center Public Programs for Summer

May 11, 2011 By m3pmedia Leave a Comment

June programs

June 10 Star Party: Moon & Saturn 8:30 – 10:30pm

June is the month with the latest sunsets, but we don’t have to wait for it to get pitch dark to get good views of the moon and planets. The moon will be a beautiful crescent, with craters and mountains in bold relief due to the low angle of sunlight, and Saturn is still giving some of the best views for the year as the rings are opening up a bit more each time we see it. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family. Back-up date: June 11.

June 25 Frog Catching Party 1-3pm

June 27 Home School Expeditions Stream Stomp 1-2:30pm

Get into exploring a stream – literally! Students will wade in our stream searching for invertebrates and other animals to help us determine Baltimore Brook’s water quality. Wear sturdy water shoes and shorts, and get ready to get wet! Meet at the lower parking lot. Registration deadline is June 26. $5/child (member); $8/child (nonmember); adults free.

June 27 Nature’s Little Explorers Frog Frenzy 10-11:30am

Join us for every child’s favorite nature activity – catching frogs! We will supply the nets and you supply the child. Wear clothes and shoes that will get MUDDY! Meet at the lower parking lot. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline is June 26. $5/child (member); $8/child (nonmember); adults free.

July programs

Summer Adventure Day Camp July and August, 2011

Send your children ages 4-14 to a camp adventure they’ll remember forever! Hiking and exploring 182 acres of woods including streams, ponds and meadows. Experienced certified counselors help your children learn about nature through hands-on, minds-on activities while they play outdoors. Before and after care available. FMI including registration packets, visit www.baltimorewoods.org.

July 1 Star Party: Saturn and Summer Milky Way 9-11pm

July 9 Art Gallery Reception for artists Diana Whiting and Peggy Manring 2-4pm

Everyone is welcome to come enjoy an afternoon of art and good company. This reception for the installation of wildlife and nature photography by Whiting, and watercolors of the natural world by Manring is open to the public. Parking and admission are free.

July 23 Frog Catching Party 1-3pm

July 28 Night Buggin’! 8:30-10pm

August programs

Aug. 12 Star Party: Perseid Meteor Shower 9-11 pm.

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the year’s best meteor showers and one of our most popular astronomy programs. The bright moon will blot out some of the fainter meteors, but many brighter ones should still be visible. In addition: how about views of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune? Bring a lawn chair or blanket to lie back and gaze for meteors. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family. Back-up date: August 13.

Aug. 20 Run for the Woods at Marcellus Park 7:45am

Co-sponsored by Marcellus Rotary Club, the run benefits The Woods and community service projects in Marcellus. Runners can choose the 5-mile or 4-kilometer run. Check-in and registration is at 7:45am in Marcellus Park. A 1K fun-run for kids starts at 8:30am. Call Phyllis Dank at (315) 463-9993 for more information.

Aug. 27 Fireflies! 8:30-10pm

Fireflies know just what to do on a warm summer night. They have been delighting and mesmerizing people for time beyond measure. Come to The Woods to watch the light show and discover the fascinating and sometimes sneaky world of lightning bugs. Be sure to bring a flashlight. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108

Hours: Interpretive Center is open M-F 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sundays.

The hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk.

Baltimore Woods Nature in the City brings authentic natural science learning to K-6 grade urban school children. Supported by the Syracuse City School District and corporate sponsors, tied to the Syracuse City School District curriculum and New York State Science Standards, lesson content supports teachers while directly impacting students. Holding programs in parks and neighborhood green spaces as well as the classroom, students’ earliest learning experiences in the sciences are relevant, meaningful and fun.

Visit www.baltimorewoods.org for more information.

Filed Under: Annoucements, Calendar of Events, Education, Environment and Nature, Fun and recreation, Marcellus, Youth

Baltimore Woods Nature Center Public Programs for Summer

May 11, 2011 By m3pmedia Leave a Comment

June programs

June 10 Star Party: Moon & Saturn 8:30 – 10:30pm

June 25 Frog Catching Party 1-3pm

June 27 Home School Expeditions Stream Stomp 1-2:30pm

June 27 Nature’s Little Explorers Frog Frenzy 10-11:30am

July programs

Summer Adventure Day Camp July and August, 2011

July 1 Star Party: Saturn and Summer Milky Way 9-11pm

July 9 Art Gallery Reception for artists Diana Whiting and Peggy Manring 2-4pm

Everyone is welcome to come enjoy an afternoon of art and good company. This reception for the installation of wildlife and nature photography by Whiting, and watercolors of the natural world by Manring is open to the public. Parking and admission are free.

July 23 Frog Catching Party 1-3pm

July 28 Night Buggin’! 8:30-10pm

August programs

Aug. 12 Star Party: Perseid Meteor Shower 9-11 pm.

Aug. 20 Run for the Woods at Marcellus Park 7:45am

Aug. 27 Fireflies! 8:30-10pm

Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108

Hours: Interpretive Center is open M-F 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sundays.

The hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk.

Visit www.baltimorewoods.org for more information.

Filed Under: Annoucements, Calendar of Events, Education, Environment and Nature, Fun and recreation, Marcellus, Youth

Harry M. Fisher Elementary Winner of ‘Zero Waste’ Lunch Challenge

April 27, 2011 By m3pmedia Leave a Comment

(Mohawk, NY – April 25, 2011) In celebration of Earth Day 2011, the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority sponsored a “Zero Waste” Lunch Challenge for all public and private K-12 school buildings in Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

The purpose of the “Zero Waste” Lunch Challenge was to demonstrate how students can reduce the amount of waste they produce. Eleven school buildings from Oneida and Herkimer Counties participated in the Challenge. In preparation for the Zero Waste Lunch Challenge, schools educated students about ways to reduce the amount of lunch time waste they produce through holding assemblies for students, classroom presentations, and information displays throughout the school.

Although the Zero Waste Lunch Challenge was only based on one day, many schools practiced over many weeks. In addition, schools are taking actions that were implemented in the cafeteria through participation in the Challenge, and implementing them daily. All of the schools that participated reduced their amount of cafeteria waste by over 50%, and some schools by over 75%.

“It has been amazing to see the significant reduction in cafeteria waste that schools have achieved through their efforts,” said Jamie Tuttle, Authority School Recycling Coordinator. “The “Zero Waste” Lunch Challenge was an opportunity to urge schools to instill daily changes for reducing waste in the cafeteria, and it has been a great success,” continued Tuttle.

The school building with the lowest percentage of lunchtime waste per student on the day of the Challenge was Harry M. Fisher Elementary School of Mohawk, NY. The Authority will award Fisher Elementary School with the grand prize, which will be presentations from the Utica Zoo’s “Zoomobile.”

With 469 students, Fisher Elementary produced an average of 100 pounds of lunchtime waste every day before the Challenge- that equals over 9 tons per school year. On the day of the Challenge, Fisher Elementary School only produced an astonishing 5 pounds of cafeteria waste! Beyond the obvious conservation of materials and landfill space, if this rate were sustained, the school would save over $600.00 annually.

“This is a perfect example of how students can make a huge difference with a few small actions and I look forward to following up with schools in the weeks to come to see the lasting changes that were made through promoting waste reduction awareness,” said Tuttle.

With strong efforts from Principal Colleen Vetere, the student body, parents, custodians, and cafeteria staff, Fisher Elementary made significant impacts on the amount of cafeteria waste produced. Fisher Elementary is continuing to implement waste reduction strategies daily in the cafeteria, such as using reusable silverware and cutting down on the use of non-recyclable plastics.

Students will continue to be reminded of waste reducing strategies to use during lunchtime as well as in other aspects of daily life. The Elementary School’s Green Team, which is made up of about 20 students, promotes Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling on a weekly basis.

Filed Under: Announcements, Education, Environment and Nature, Herkimer County Agencies & Organizations, Mohawk, Youth

Local Girl Scouts Earn Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards

April 22, 2011 By m3pmedia Leave a Comment

(New Hartford, NY – April 20, 2011) Area Girl Scouts will be recognized at three ceremonies throughout the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, for earning the Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. Ceremonies will take place on May 17 at the SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica, May 20 at Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA, and May 23 at SUNY Cortland in Cortland.

The prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award a girl can earn. In order to earn the award, girls must demonstrate their leadership abilities, completing Journey activities, the essence of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and then spend at least 80 hours working on a Gold Award Take Action project that is meant to have sustainability within the community. Thirty-four girls throughout the 26-county jurisdiction of Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways earned the Gold Award this year.

Margaret Stevens of Cazenovia created and hosted a Beatrix Potter Birthday Tea Party at the Cazenovia Public Library. The project was aimed at children ages 5 to 7 and included stories, crafts, and activities to remind children of the fun that may be found in a special book.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award girls in grades 6-8 can earn. The requirements to earn the Girl Scout Silver Award help girls gain leadership skills, completing Journey activities, the essence of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and then spend at least 50 hours working on a project, either individually or with a small group, that provides a service to the community.

Some projects that area girls have completed to earn the Girl Scout Silver Award are:

Cerina Spofford, Lindsey Coonradt, Emily Spofford, and Brianna Kleist of Dolgeville renovated the nursery room at the Dolgeville Methodist Church.

Gwen Bowman, Melanie Campione, Mary Rose Creedon, Laura Miller, Brooke Walrath, and Jessica Wiegand of Little Falls planned a day camp for the Little Falls Service Unit with a theme of around the world: “Hoppin Around the World.” They each researched a different country and held activities related to that country.

Other area girls earning the Girl Scout Silver Award are: Eleni Brantley of Earlville; Saige Brantley of Earlville; Shelby Hayduk of Rome; Krystyna Hurd of Camden; Allison Leone of Whitesboro; Alaina Oropallo of Yorkville; Meako Ray of Sherburne; and Amanda Relyea of Camden.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award for Girl Scout Juniors, in grades 4 and 5. To earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award, girls must learn leadership and planning skills necessary to follow through on a project that makes a positive impact on her community. Girls can work within their troops to earn this award.

Some projects that area girls have completed to earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award are:

Girl Scout Junior Troop 20799 of Holland Patent researched the history of Holland Patent and Barneveld to see how the families that used the schoolhouse lived. They research flowers that would have grown in gardens during the 1800’s and planted a garden at the schoolhouse with those flowers in it. They also collected and donated items to Foothills Angels tags, the Evelyn House, Ronald McDonald House, Steven Swan Humane Society and Wethersfield Schoolhouse.

Girl Scout Junior Troop 20487 of Westmoreland made presents for the elderly and sang to them. They also helped the humane society by making happy socks for cats and collecting goods and donating them to the humane society.

Other area Girl Scout Junior troops earning the Girl Scout Bronze Award are: Troop 20091 of Dolgeville and Troop 20245 of Rome.

Filed Under: Announcements, Dolgeville, Little Falls, Youth

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