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<DIV><FONT face=Arial><STRONG>Hello </STRONG> I hope you are already
registered for the March PAEE Annual Conference. If you are not, reading this
message will entice you to register right away! ! ! It starts at 6:00pm with
registration and a meet-n-greet on Thursday March 19 and ends with a full
concert by well know folk</FONT><FONT face=Arial> singer, John McCutcheon,
on Saturday evening. </FONT><FONT face=Arial>On Friday we will hear from
Caldecott Author Molly Bang and the Keynote Speaker Diane Wilson. We will also
spend time that day at our annual PAEE meeting hearing from Patti Vathis,
Kathleen Paul, and Jen Visitacion of NAAEE about what is happening in their
respective roles as leaders in environmental education. A bonfire is
planned for the evening. After lunch on Saturday Mike Weilbacker will host a
town meeting on the subject of The Future of Environmental Education. A panel of
Pennsylvania's longtime environmental leaders will assist in the discussion.
</FONT><FONT face=Arial>THEN THERE IS THE CONCERT in the evening by
world renowned folk singer John McCutcheon! ! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial><STRONG>Workshops</STRONG> are abundant! Fifty
presenters have prepared a wide range of workshops and are ready to share their
expertise. There are samples of these workshops listed at <A
href="http://www.paee.net">www.paee.net</A>. They include two workshops to be
led by the staff of the National Wildlife Federation and two presented by
Tim Grant of "Green Teacher" . Molly Bang, Diane Wilson, and John McCutcheon
will also have workshops. Diane will be around during the whole conference
hoping to get to know you. I imagine not many of you already know a lady shrimp
boat captain with a passion for the environment <STRONG>:-</STRONG>) ?? Consider
Bringing Along her book, "An Unreasonable Woman." Molly has written many books
you might want to have with you. She particularly requested you have her
book,"Picture This" if you are attending her workshop. Those of you who know
Wally Grummen and Kevin Kopp won't want to miss their workshop. Bring
your musical instruments, songs, and voices to join in. You are going to
make a CD! ! Remember, these are only a few of the workshops; the
conference is packed with opportunities to expand your knowledge and grow as an
environmental educator. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>There has been a real buzz amongst us lately about "The
Last Child in the Woods" and at this conference you have the opportunity to be
the "Last PAEE Member in the Woods". Bring, going outside, don't care if they
get a little messy, clothes; walking/ hiking shoes; and waterproof boots
for workshops to be held entirely outdoors. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Do you like <STRONG>field studies</STRONG>? We have some
for you right nearby.You can explore Lincoln Cavern and get some teaching
materials on Friday morning or go on the trip in the afternoon with your family
and do some kids activities. Trough Creek State Park is only five minutes away
and their park environmentalist Heidi Mullendore is going to host a field study
there. Juniata College's Field Station right next door is hosting a field study,
or you can drop by their Maple Festival on Saturday. You can even do a field
study right on the grounds of Raystown, touring their buildings' support
systems. The details and the chance to sign up are on the website. Keep a check
on the list as more are still being added. As you leave the conference on
Sunday morning, you are invited to stop and tour behind the scenes at Shaver's
Creek Environmental Center. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Do you know you are invited to bring the<STRONG>
family</STRONG>? While you are enjoying the conference program there will be
activities for kids. They will be enjoying activities such as birding
and smores. There is also the trip to Lincoln Cavern mentioned above. Sign
up with registration or email <A
href="mailto:beth.bollinger@email.stvincent.edu">beth.bollinger@email.stvincent.edu</A>
to find out how to add your name to this or any other field study. If your child
is too young to be away from you, feel free to bring them along to conference
activities, if they are around 12 or older they are welcome to attend all
conference activities. We have kept the costs minimal. There are kids meals (kid
appealing choices, meat or veggie, in the buffet line) at only $7 each and
an activity fee, $20, that takes a kid to all or any of the activities
(except Lincoln Cavern, including the concert). Your spouse can register for the
full conference at student rates or you can simply add their meals and the
concert to your registration. List what your family needs and send it along with
your registration. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>A few <STRONG>packing</STRONG> tips: outside gear,
flashlight, musical instruments for the workshop and Coffee House, sit-upon for
the bonfire, books mentioned above, towels unless you are staying in the Lodge,
binoculars, favorite snacks as there are no vending machines, bike if you enjoy,
a few plates and utensils if you expect to use the microwave in the Lodge room
(other lodging provides these items).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial><STRONG>Lodging</STRONG> reservations must be made
separately. See <A
href="http://www.raystownresort.com">www.raystownresort.com</A> for choices and
mention PAEE for a discount. Discount is available until February 19. There is
also some extra lodging advice on our website. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial><STRONG>Opening act:</STRONG> Check the website for
information about a speaker from the National Wildlife Federation - Thursday,
February 19 at St. Vincent College and Mach 10 at Lehigh University.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><EM><FONT face=Arial color=#008000><STRONG>I sincerely request your support
and attendance at this conference. PAEE can not continue and flourish without
you. There is a lag in registration, and I am hearing a lot about lack of
financial support due to economic times. I realize these times reach right into
your own pocket, but please consider your own commitment to the importance of
environmental education and come to network with us; have some fun
too! PAEE can be a powerful force in a time of new interest in things
environmental. Email or call me if you have any questions. Ruth
Roperti</STRONG></FONT></EM></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><EM><FONT face=Arial
color=#008000></FONT></EM></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><EM><FONT face=Arial
color=#008000></FONT></EM></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ruth Roperti</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>President PAEE<BR>965 Edgewood Road<BR>Beaver
Falls, PA 15010</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><A
href="mailto:rroperti@zoominternet.net">rroperti@zoominternet.net</A><BR>724 843
7046</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>