Geofest 2005

The call went out to join the “gathering”. This year’s theme placed a spotlight on New York and migration. We promised to provide a worthwhile experience and a good time – it was a fest after all! Geofest 2005 delivered on every level. About 100 teachers, ranging from pre-service to retired, chose from 20 workshops, viewed the offerings of vendors, walked away with numerous giveaways, enjoyed a delicious lunch, and listened to an engaging key note address. Geofest was an opportunity to learn more, to pick up materials, become inspired, and just interact with other teachers. We’ve list but a handful of comments received from participants:

•    “This was great. I got so many ideas”;
•    “Subjects were practical. I can use materials in classroom”;
•    “Thanks to all the talented, inspirational presentations”;
•    “Great day – worth the travel of 120 miles round trip”;
•    “Excellent variety offered today”;
•    “Enjoyed the interaction with others”;
•    “I found the entire day very stimulating”;
•    “I was really impressed”;
•    “I thoroughly enjoyed all of the presentations I attended. This was my first visit to the Geofest. I hope to attend next year”.
 
Whether you attended a previous Geofest or have yet to experience the gathering, please do consider joining us in 2006. Plans are now being made for a New York City gathering.

We would be amiss not to say “thank you” to all who helped organize and to all those who presented at Geofest 2005. It always amazes us how our volunteers and presenters give of themselves for this day. Nardin Academy proved to be a spectacular host – the facilities and food were outstanding. Our appreciation to National Geographic for underwriting some of the costs associated with Geofest. 

We left Geofest 2005 with the feeling that geography in New York State took a step forward that day.

Thank you,
Stephen Vermette
Ginny Figura
Co-coordinators, NYGA

     Geography, it’s not just for kids anymore!  In a bid to bring educational courses to senior citizens, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Erie County instituted a Lifelong Learning program at some of its senior centers this fall.  I was asked to present a geography course at the Orchard Park Senior Center.  In all my years of teaching, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. These are the people who actually took geography in school!  They were enthusiastic and had many experiences to share.  One of the ladies had worked with Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Africa.  Several were former teachers.  Others had military stories to tell.

      The course, “Why Geography Matters in a Global Society”, was four weeks long and the curriculum consisted of latitude and longitude activities, the diffusion of disease, migration in literature, and global warming, presented by guest lecturer, Alliance co-coordinator, Stephen Vermette.

     When I gave the participants information about Geofest in case they had teachers in the family, several asked if they could attend.  So we offered them the “senior” student discount, and on that day, fully half of the class attended.  They were a terrific addition to the mix of teachers and pre-service teachers, and several of them won door prizes. 

     This was a wonderful opportunity for me and I highly recommend other retirees to see if they can present workshops in their senior centers. Since most of you volunteer in some capacity in our retirement, you might as well do it in an area you love, geography.  You won’t be disappointed.

     One more benefit of the program is that several of the participants asked if they could purchase the maps we were using in class.  The answer of course was a resounding yes.  In addition to having the map for their own use, many of them bought the maps for gifts for their grandchildren.  What a great way to spread geography!