February 10

Looking back to the February 2010 Chapter Meeting - Photos by Steve

   

Photos by Steve – Click any thumbnail to open a slideshow with additional images.
More information at http://www.ShipwreckWorld.com.

January 13

Looking back to the January 2010 Chapter Meeting - Photos by Steve

   

Photos by Steve – Click any thumbnail to open a slideshow with additional images.

November 11

Looking back to the November 2009 Chapter Meeting - Photos by Jackson

   

Photos by Jackson – Click any thumbnail to open a slideshow with additional images.
Could you feel your chair shaking from all of the toe-tapping and foot-stomping around you? Was your view periodically obscured by a sea of heads or bodies bobbing to the music in front of you? If you were affected by either or both of these situations during Carl's, Casey's and the Dans' sensational program, you know what a superb evening of visual beauty and auditory delight was enjoyed by a crowd of about 320 people.
Carl Heilman, one of the finest landscape photographers in the Northeast, showed his award-winning, multi-media presentation titled "I Am the Adirondacks." Dan Berggren and Dan Duggan, two of folk music's nationally acclaimed and award-winning musicians and songwriters, sang and played some of the music from their CDs with Casey Filiaci, a nationally acclaimed and Emmy-nominated composer and pianist who happens to be from Rochester. One needn't look any further than this evening's program to understand why our passion for the Adirondacks continues to grow.
Thank you, Carl, Dan, Casey and Dan, for sharing your love of these mountains with us, and all of us look forward to your next visit!
If you wish to purchase merchandise from Carl or the Dans, here are the URLs to their web sites: http://www.carlheilman.com/, http://www.berggrenfolk.com/ and http://esperanceproductions.com/index.html. Casey does not sell merchandise, but here is the URL to his web site if you wish to learn more about him: http://caseyfiliaci.com/home.htm.

October 14

Looking back to the October 2009 Chapter Meeting

   

Photos by Steve – Click any thumbnail to open a slideshow with additional images.

September 9

Looking back to the September 2009 Chapter Meeting - Photos by Steve

   

At the September 9th chapter meeting, the following members were inducted into the High Summit Honor Society: Judy Immesoete, Dave Harrison, and Margaret Reek.
The HSHS exists to honor those distinguished members who have contributed to the continued growth and development of the Genesee Valley Chapter over an extended period of time. This year we honored three exceptional individuals who have more than met those criteria. Each person was awarded a certificate after a presentation of their outstanding contributions to the chapter. Judy, Dave, and Margaret graciously shared with us their feelings on being recognized in this manner by the chapter and on the benefits of being active participants in ADK-GVC.
I would like to give a special thanks to Bruce Tehan and Jim Bird for their presentations; to Sylvia Harrison for organizing the cake and hospitality; to Steve Tryon for photography; and to Rich Sensenbach for designing and producing the plaques received by each new HSHS member.
Deni Charpentier, HSHS Selection Committee Chair

June 13

ADK Outdoor Expo

   

Floyd   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   Carol   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   Sally

   

–   Steve   –

June 10

Looking back to the June 2009 Chapter Meeting
The following slate of candidates was approved at the June 10, 2009 meeting:

• Chair - Dave Harrison
• Vice Chair - Deni Charpentier
• Secretary - Bruce Tehan
• Treasurer - Bob Krenzer
• Director - Judy Immesoete
• Director - Tom Wallenhorst

Continuing in office are:

• Alternate Director - Shirley Thomas
• Alternate Director - Gail Soucy
• Alternate Director - Steve Tryon
• Alternate Director - Jackson Thomas

May 13

Looking back to the May 2009 Chapter Meeting
By Joanne Mitchell
For our May program Ken and Margaret Reek showed still photos and videos of their trip to Africa last year, when they visited Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and Victoria Falls. They had amazing close-ups of lions, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, antelopes, and a wide variety of birds. They had a video of a black heron hunting by spreading its wings to make a shady spot and then snatching the fish that came to enjoy the shade. One impressive photo showed a slightly blurred image of their van and then the camera pulled back to show that the van was a reflection in the eye of an antelope. They also discussed their accommodations and the food on their trip, and the options available, like hot air balloon rides and trip extensions.
Thank you, Ken and Margaret, for a superb program.

April 8

Looking back to the April 2009 Chapter Meeting
By Bill Schweinfurth
Ken Atlfather gave program that was both informative and entertaining. He started with a brief history of the origins of kayaking - first developed in the northern hemisphere by Inuit peoples as a madder of survival and the surfski was developed in the southern hemisphere in Australia for fitness and fun.
Ken continued on the theme of how events like the Open Water Challenge promote the benefits of paddling for fitness – it's challenging, physically demanding, motivational, and most of all fun. There are only about 50 people in the Rochester area who train for racing – a very small number compared to other countries who would love to have similar water resources at their back door. Ken reviewed highlights of last year's race as well as a preview into this year's June 27th race that will have both a 10 mile and 3 mile course.
Ken invited people to come out to Baycreek on Wednesday nights where they set up a 2 mile course and run individual time trials with the goal to have fun and introduce people to the sport. This is for paddlers of all abilities - boats (both canoes and kayaks) can be provided if you don't have one.

March 11

Looking back to the March 2009 Chapter Meeting

   

Jim and Carol May described their 2000 mile self-supported bicycle journey tracing one of the Underground Railroad routes from Mobile, Alabama to Owens Sound, Ontario last Spring. They talked about how their experience differed from the slaves who took that same route to freedom and how much easier it is for today's travelers to know the way and what is ahead for them. They also described how, as in the past, the kindness of many strangers (their modern-day conductors) helped them on their journey. Following an overview of their trip, the Mays showed us a slide show of their trip accompanied by songs that told the story of the underground railroad travelers.

Jim and Carol are writing a book about their trip which will be available at Lulu.com this summer. Currently available through Lulu.com is a book about their cross-country bicycle trip titled "Bicycle Odyssey: A Pilgrimage to Discover the Real America". They can also be contacted directly at c4js17@yahoo.com as they have some copies on hand.

At the beginning of the meeting, Chapter Chair Gary DeWitt thanked Joanne Mitchell for her many years of service as Geneseean editor. Joanne is stepping down after the June issue.

February 11

Looking back to the February 2009 Chapter Meeting

   

Mike Allen, Senior Wildlife Technician of the NYS DEC is a man who is passionate about his job. This was evident in his presentation on Wed eve highlighting New York State's Bald Eagle Restoration Project. This 33+ year project has reached the incredible goal of restoring the breeding population of eagles in NYS by importing young birds from other states and hand rearing them to independence and release. This process is known as hacking. Mike was joined by Paul Schnell, an educator from the Institute for Environmental Learning, and Liberty, a rescued, non-releasable, bald eagle. The moment Liberty was taken out of her hood the audience was entranced by her majestic presence. This amazing raptor was both gentle and intimidating.

January 14

Looking back to the January 2009 Chapter Meeting
By Shae Hanford
Most of us had some vague idea of how the more familiar physical features arrived on the NY landscape, without any real understanding of the overall forces or sequence of events. Tim McDonnell, (a geographer and board member of the NY Geographic Alliance who teaches at MCC and the OSHER Lifelong Institute for Learning at RIT), put the pieces altogether for us at the January program. He led us on a geological journey through time, compressing millions of years into a 1-hour program, aided with diagrams, maps, photos, and a good dose of humor. We saw the dynamic interplay of plate tectonics, the Ice Ages, and erosion over the ages producing the present day Adirondacks, Catskills, Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario, Genesee and Hudson Rivers, along with the countless eskers, drumlins, streams, and hanging waterfalls strewn across the State. We also learned why the Adirondacks are "new" old mountains, and they continue to get higher.
Tim pointed out how it was its u-NY-que geography which led to the State's economic and population boom. As the glaciers receded to the north in the waning days of the Ice Age, the northern glacial blockage caused NY's newly created glacial melt lakes to backup to the point where the force of their spillover waters, having nowhere else to go, blasted a water route E and S through the surrounding highlands, creating the Mohawk Valley and the Hudson River - the only opening through the unbroken chain of mountains along the East Coast; and hence, the only economically feasible route on the East Coast for a canal connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the "West", (ie., the Great Lakes).
From the applause Tim received at the conclusion of his presentation, and the questions swarming him before departing, I think it fair to say that it was a topic of genuine interest to the audience, and delivered in a remarkably informative, comprehensive, and fascinating way.

The proposed revision to the Articles of Association of the Genesee Valley Chapter were accepted by the membership at the January meeting. Read them here (400 kb pdf).

December 10

Looking back to the December 2008 Chapter Meeting
We started off the evening with a cookie social, serenaded by the Golden Link Folk sInging Society
Polar Bear Conservation – An In-Field Perspective
by Kim E. Goppert
Kara Masaschi, polar bear keeper and Rocky Coast supervisor at Seneca Park Zoo, shared with us her love for these wonderful "sea bears". We learned about polar bear biology, conservation, threats to these amazing predators and even the "expectant" status of Seneca Park's zoo resident polar bear, Aurora. Kara's photos and stories were from her own experiences up in Churchill, Manitoba where she has spent several weeks for the last 3 years as an in-field lecturer. I had the pleasure after Kara's presentation to witness her interaction with 3 young girls who not only were animal lovers but were in awe of her position as a keeper. They even asked for her autograph. Kara's wonderful presentation skills and personal stories interjected along the way made for a great program.
Learn more about polar bears at http://www.PolarBearsInternational.org/ and the Seneca Park Zoo Polar Bear Blog

   

November 12

Looking back to the November 2008 Chapter Meeting
From Wet to Dry and Low to High, National Park Sampler
By Al Bushnell
Debi Holt and Kathy Krenzer took the audience on a journey to three of the National Parks that they have visited in their quest to visit all 64 parks. Each journey consisted of a brief narrative of their trip & park history, followed by three wonderful multi-media presentations of spectacular photography accompanied by the perfect music. The amazing wildlife seen when canoeing through the maze of the Everglades, the slot canyons & salt beds when hiking around Death Valley, and the shear beauty of Sequoia Kings Canyon when climbing towards the summit of Mt. Whitney were all captured for us to experience. Hopefully, they'll agree to share other adventures with us at a future program.

October 8

Looking back to the October 2008 Chapter Meeting
Climbing to the Ends of the Earth - Gary Fallesen –
Our October program featured a program by Gary Fallesen. Gary left the secure structured atmosphere of a 9-5 career as the Outdoors writer at the Democrat & Chronicle to embark on a new career. His new vocation finds him travelling the world to provide both physical and spiritual assistance to people in areas where other missions are physically unable to reach them due to their remote locations and rugged terrain. An entertaining speaker, Gary took us on his journey from his early days as a sports writer to the present day as founder of Climbing For Christ through wonderful photographs of remote mountaintops and secluded villages and tribes that have chronicled his many journeys and experiences.

September 17

Looking back to the September 2008 Chapter Meeting
A Bag Lady's Dream: Kathryn Zimmerman chronicles her thru hike on the AT – Kathryn Zimmerman delighted the audience sharing touching and often humorous stories of her previous year's experiences thru hiking the AT. Others have completed this journey, but Kathryn gave the audience the sense that this goal was somehow within reach for all of us...that is as long as we were willing to work hard and stay focused. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and her tenacity was enviable. Kathryn carefully interwove spectacular photography (including several short videos), practical advice (for those who were really seriously considering hiking the trail) with the her own story of her incredible journey as she completed this 'lofty goal'. We are anxiously awaiting to hear about Kathryn's next adventure...

   

June 11

Looking back to the June 2008 Chapter Meeting
We started off with refreshments and the anual ADK Gear Swap.
The first presentation was by Steve Tryon, GVC's own Webmaster and Alternate Director. Steve Tryon has many things to be proud of: his family, his career, his volunteer work, and his artist gift as a photographer. During the June program, Steve took us on a virtual paddle of Irondequoit Creek via a spectacular slide show captured through the lens of his camera. Many have commented on the peace and beauty captured in his images. You can see more of Steve's photography at PearwoodDesigns.com.
Next, Ken Harbison presented an awe-inspiring, spectacular slide show of his (with wife Judy and two other chapter members) self arranged trip to Kauai, Maui and Lanai. Ken's presentation highlighted the spectacular wonder and beauty of this state. Ken is known for his meticulously organized and always entertaining trips whether these are official chapter trips, or (as in this case) self arranged and guided trips.

   

Genesee Valley Chapter Elections for 2008-2009

The following slate of candidates was elected at the June 11, 2008 meeting:

• Chair - Gary Dewitt
• Vice Chair - Al Bushnell
• Secretary - Bruce Tehan
• Treasurer - Bob Krenzer
• Director - Judy Immesoete
• Director - Tom Wallenhorst

Continuing in office are:

• Alternate Director - Shirley Thomas
• Alternate Director - Gail Soucy
• Alternate Director - Steve Tryon
• Alternate Director - Jackson Thomas

May 14

Looking back to the May 2008 Chapter Meeting
During the workshop, Jason Hammel of Eastern Mountain Sports gave an overview of proper bike fit, basic trail and road maintenance tips and techniques relating to better performance.
Steve Eisinger, Kevin Hoehn, Chris McManus, Bob Kuehl, Karen Mesolella, Paul Neumann, Kathy Jukubowski and Irene Liberty all contributed in the May 14th program to share with us their 18-day Pack, Paddle, Ski trip to Tibet in September 2007. Their enthusiasm was clearly evident as they described their adventures there and showed us the photographs and videos they took. They spent several days in Lhasa and then drove and trekked to Everest Base Camp. A common theme among the presenters was how much they enjoyed their interactions with the people of Tibet.

   

April 9

Looking back to the April 2008 Chapter Meeting

   

During the workship, Dave Hulburt of BayCreek Paddling Center walked us through how length, weight, style and materials affect each boats performance.
Then we accompanied long distance cyclists Brian and Karen Managan on their Pacific-to-Atlantic biking journey - all 3974 miles (!) - by video shot from their recumbent tandem, gear in tow. Strategically selected music enhanced the virtual experience - the pain of the 6500' climb up the Sierra Mountains; the desolation and agony pushing through the scorching deserts of Nevada; and the fatigue of the succession of grueling climbs up to the Continental Divide. But then, the thrill we got peering head-on over the handlebars at the pavement drops and curves on the wild 49+ mph descents! And the awe of the geological splendors of Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase, Escalante, and Capital Reef National Parks – images to be recalled when feeling the discouragement from the headwinds, sidewinds, and rains of Kansas. And at the end, as they dipped the bike into the Atlantic, we enjoyed the accomplishment of a feat artfully done.
Click here for Brian's and Karen's Trans-Am 2004 Weblog.

March 12

Looking back to the March 2008 Chapter Meeting

   

Finger Lakes Community College Professor Marty Dodge provided us a glimpse of the grandeur biological diversity of South Central Alaska and the Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Ten students travelling with Marty Dodge, hiked, back packed and kayaked in and about Prince William Sound and the Chugatch Mountains as part of of his Conservation Travel Ecology Course.

February 13

Looking back to the February 2008 Chapter Meeting

   

Outdoors writer and photographer Kris Dreessen joined us on the evening of February 13 to share her experiences in the Peruvian Amazon. Kris spent three weeks in the Lago Preto region, living aboard a vintage rubber-boom boat gathering data with international researchers and working with villagers in an effort to both preserve the region and improve healthcare for people in remote settlements.
Kris' Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon images will be on exibition March 8 - April 12.
        Ock Hee's Gallery
        2 Lehigh Street
        Honeoye Falls 14472
        585-624-4730
Related websites:

• http://www.earthwatch.org
• http://blogs.bootsnall.com/friends-project/
• http://www.krisdreessen.com/

January 13

Looking back to the January 2008 Chapter Meeting

   

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is dedicated to the protection and responsible recreational use of the New York State Forest Preserve, and other parks, wild lands, and waters vital to our members and chapters. The Club, founded in 1922, is a member-directed organization committed to public service and stewardship. ADK employs a balanced approach to outdoor recreation, advocacy, environmental education, and natural resource conservation.

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