January/February 2015

Penn Dixie Chronicle

A newsletter of the Penn Dixie Paleontological Outdoor Education Center Hamburg Natural History Society

Founded to Protect and Promote Education

January/February 2015 about our Natural Resources Volume 23, No.1 JANUARY PROGRAMS Cassini’s Tour of Saturn, Dawn’s Approach to Ceres, and New Horizon’s Long Trek to Pluto Penn Dixie welcomes Dr. Kevin Williams to speak on “Cassini’s Tour of Saturn, Dawn’s Approach to Ceres, and New Horizon’s Long Trek to Pluto” on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at 7 PM in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Office at 3556 Lake Shore Road, Blasdell, NY 14219.

Since arriving at Saturn in 2004, the Cassini spacecraft has returned a wealth of information about the planet, its rings, and its moons. By orbiting Saturn for over a decade now, Cassini has provided images and other data that allow us to un- derstand the Saturnian system as never before, and many of the images are not only scientifically interesting but beautiful as well. As Cassini’s mission continues, the Dawn spacecraft nears Ceres, going into orbit in April, and the New Horizons spacecraft approaches Pluto for its closest approach in July. This presentation will cover some of the results and expecta- tions from these three amazing missions. Dr. Williams is an Associate Professor of Earth Sciences at SUNY Buffalo State where his teaching focuses on gen- eral geology and surface processes on Earth and other planets. His research involves projects on Mars geologic mapping and using ground-penetrating radar to study the shallow subsurface on Earth. Williams is also the director of the Whit- worth Ferguson Planetarium at Buffalo State, which will re-open as a new, state-of-the-art facility in several years. Kevin Williams’ presentation is open to the public and no pre-registrations are required. Children, adults, scouts students, families, home schools, and groups are welcome. $5 person, Penn Dixie members are free. Call (716) 627-4560 for information and directions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The second of three cross-country skiing, snowshoe- CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, ing and/or nature walks will be held on Saturday, January 17th beginning at 10 AM at SNOWSHOEING, OR A the Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Edu- ca- NATURE WALK AT THE tion Center in Hamburg, NY. PENN DIXIE SITE ON The last of the three cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and/or nature walks will be held on Saturday, February JANUARY 17th & 7th, beginning at 10 AM. Participants must bring their own skiis and snowshoes to tour the trails and vast open FEBRUARY 7th areas of the 54-acre site. If there is insufficient snow for skiing or snowshoeing, or a nature walk will be conducted and possibly even some fossil collecting. Participants must pre-register by calling (716) 627-4560. Penn Dixie members are free, non- members $4/person. Bring your camera to photograph the wildlife, the wetlands, and winter scenes at Penn Dixie.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560  10% contribution of sales if less than $600.

 15% contribution of sales if $600 or more.

 An additional $3 will be contributed for every future pampered chef Show booking from the fundraiser.

For more information Call: 716-627-5460

At the end of the fundraiser, one item will be raffled off. Item to be raffled off will be determined based upon total sales. $1,000-microwave egg cooker $2,000-flexible cutting mats $3,000-simple slicer $4,000-food chopper $5,000-trifle bowl $6,000-round covered baker $7,000-manual food processor set $8,000-salad and berry spinner $9,000-deep covered baker $10,000-rock crock casserole

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 FEBRUARY PROGRAMS

GARDEN EXPO FEBRUARY 19-22 Erie Promotions will be promoting the Penn Dixie Site at their WNY Home and Garden Expo, February 19-22, 2015. The Penn Dixie fossil dig for kids, children’s activities, fossils, a telescope to view some heavenly bodies, and membership and program information will be available. This is an opportunity to introduce families to the Penn Dixie Site and the many programs available. Volunteers will be needed to help staff this exhibit. Free admission passes will be available at the Expo for those volunteering. Please call 627-4560 if you can volunteer a few hours. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ METEORITES: WHAT ARE THEY? WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

Penn Dixie welcomes Scott McKenzie to speak on “Meteorites: What are they? Where do they Come From?” on Thursday, February 26, 2015, at 7 PM in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Office at 3556 Lake Shore Road, Blasdell, NY 14219. Meteorites have been found in the Western New York area and more are on the ground awaiting discovery. This talk will show you real meteorites to prepare you to recognize meteorites on the ground. The talk will be illustrated and presented for people of all ages. If you have any rocks which you may think are a meteorite, bring them to the presentation for Scott to identify. Scott McKenzie, from Mercyhurst University, is an Assistant Professor in the Geology Department, Paleontology Director, and with the Mercyhurst University Archaeological Institute. Peekskill meteorite He has been finding and collecting meteorites for 43 years and presenting talks on them for the NASA Explorer School i n Texas and for groups in 4 states. McKenzie has visited meteor and comet craters all over North America and will give information about suspected craters in our area! Free examination and testing of suspected meteorites will be offered after the talk. Mr. Mckenzie’s illustrated presentation is open to the public and no pre-registrations are required. Children, adults, scouts students, families, home schools, and groups are welcome. $5 person, Penn Dixie members are free. Call (716) 627-4560 for information and directions.

Peeksill meteorite and damage to the car from the impact.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 5th ANNUAL PENN DIXIE ‘THINK YA KNOW’ GAME SHOW FUND RAISING EVENT ON FEBRUARY 28 Got cabin fever? Need a fun-filled evening out? Want to win a one-night get-away?

The 5th Annual “Penn Dixie ‘Think Ya Know’ Game Show Fund Raising Event”, will be held at the Oakwood Manor, VFW Post1419, Lake View Road, Hamburg, NY, on Saturday, Feb- ruary 28, 2015 from 7-10 PM, doors open at 6 PM. “The Quiz Master” Dennis George will conduct table trivia and a special trivia with individual winner prizes -: Including: -Two - One Night Get-Aways, room, dinner and breakfast packages -A flat screen TV -Enter to win hockey tickets the to the March 26 Sabres vs. Devils. (2 pairs)

-Enter to play to win one of four BIG PRIZES ($5 additional per person) Also: -theme auction baskets

-50/50 split raffle

There will be pizza, pop, snacks, and door prizes included with the admission. There will also be a cash bar, and a fun-filled evening will be held supporting the programs, events, and operations of the Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg. Bring your family, friends, colleagues and guests for a fun-filled evening. Pre-sale tickets-$25 each and $30 at the door. Pre-sale tickets and information may be obtained by calling (716) 627-4560.

PENN DIXIE FALL HOURS Penn Dixie may be open in November on Saturdays 9 AM-5 PM and Sundays 10AM- 5PM depending on the weather at the site. If snow is not covering the site and non-subzero temperatures are forecast, Penn Dixie will most likely be open for fossil collecting. Call the Penn Dixie number at 627-4560 and the message will indicate whether the site will be open on the weekend. The message will be changed every week. Visits may be scheduled for individuals, families, birth- day parties, schools, scouts, or groups at other times by calling (716) 627-4560 Members should bring their membership card with them during all visits, especially outside of the public hours. Please call with any questions or for information.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Calendar of Events ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ complete calendar available on the website www.penndixie.org

JANUARY March 14, 2015 9 AM-2 PM, Penn Dixie presentations at 10th Anniversary of Tech Savvy girls STEM Program January 7, 2015 – 9-11 AM, Penn Dixie presentations at Sweet Home Middle School STEM program. March 18, 2015 – 7 PM, “Four Worlds, One Country: A Look into the Diverse Treasures of Ecuador,” by January 17, 2015 – 10 AM, Cross Country skiing, Abby LaPlaca, University of Buffalo, an illustrated pre- snowshoeing, and/or nature walk at Penn Dixie. sentation in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Of- Public Welcome. Pre-registration required. $4/person, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ fice 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. $5/person, Penn Penn Dixie members FREE. Dixie members FREE. No pre-registrations required. January 28, 2015 – 7 PM, “Cassini’s Tour of Saturn, March 21-22, 2015 – Penn Dixie exhibit at Buffalo Dawn’s Approach to Ceres, and New Horizon’s Long Geological Society Show in the Grange and Market Trek to Pluto,” by Kevin Williams, Associate Professor Buildings at the Erie County Fairgrounds, Hamburg New at Buffalo State College, an illustrated presentation in the York. auditorium of the Gateway Executive Office 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. $5/person, Penn Dixie members March 27, 2015 – 6-8 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at Union FREE. No pre-registrations required. Pleasant Elementary School Science Night, Hamburg, FEBRUARY NY February 7, 2015 – 10 AM, Cross Country skiing, March 28, 2015 – 7:30 PM, Astronomy Night at Penn snowshoeing, and/or nature walk at Penn Dixie. Pub- Dixie Site. Telescopes will be available to view planets lic Welcome. Pre-registration required. $4/person, Penn and constellations. Dress for the weather. No pre-regis- Dixie members FREE. trations required. $4/person, Penn Dixie Members FREE February 26, 2015 – 7 PM, “Meteorites: What are March 28-April 4 & April 6-12, 2015 – Penn Dixie Open they? Where do they come from?, “ by Scott McK- during Spring Break, Mon- Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM & Sunday, enzie, Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA, an illustrated 10 AM–5 PM, Adults $9 and children 12 & under $7, chil- presentation, with actual meteorites, in the auditorium dren 2 and under & Penn Dixie members FREE. of the Gateway Executive Office 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. $5/person, Penn Dixie members FREE. No APRIL pre-registrations required. April 10, 2015 – 6-8 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at South Davis Elementary School February 28, 2015 – 6 PM, 5th Annual Penn Dixie Triv- ia ‘Think Ya Know’ Game Show with the Quiz Master April 16, 2015, 7 PM, “Australia and New Zealand: Dennis George at the Oakwood Manor, 2985 Lake View Great places to see “Down Under” geology & more,” Road, Hamburg, NY. Doors open at 6 PM. Call (716) by Dr, Rick Batt, Buffalo State, an illustrated presenta- 627-4560 for information and pre-sale tickets at $25 and tion in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Office $30 at the door. Public Welcome! 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. $5/person, Penn MARCH Dixie members FREE. No pre-registrations required. March 7, 2015 – 8:30 AM, Penn Dixie Members Only April 18, 2015 – 9 AM, Earth Day at Penn Dixie. Volun- Trip to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Erie, PA. teers welcome & have free admission to collect fossils. Email [email protected] or call (716) 627-4560 for information. $10/person, includes admission. April 22, 2015 – 6 PM, Williamsville North Planetarium Show and Astronomy Night with Penn Dixie telescopes March 7, 2015 – 8:30 AM- 2 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at at the Williamsville North Space Planetarium, 1595 Hop- University Day of Scouting, Greater Niagara Frontier kins Rd. Public welcome. No pre-registrations required. Council, Boy Scouts at North Campus of Erie County FREE program. Children, families, scouts and students Community College welcome. Call (716) 627-4560 for information. March 14, 2015 – 8:30 am-12 Noon, Penn Dixie Volun- April 23-26, 2015 – 11th Annual Penn Dixie Members teer Training. Call (716) 627-4560 or Only Cincinnati Field Trip. Please email jbpendix@ email [email protected] for information and/or gmail.com or call (716) 627-4560 for information. registration.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 APRIL May 16, 2015 – 7:30 PM, Astronomy Night at Penn Di- April 25, 2015 – 7 PM, Astronomy Night at Penn xie Site. Telescopes will be available to view planets and Dixie Site. Telescopes will be available to view planets constellations. Dress for the weather. $4/person, Penn and constellations. Dress for the weather. Dixie Members FREE. No pre-registrations required. No pre-registrations required. $4/person, Penn Dixie Members FREE. JUNE June 7, 2015 - 1 PM to 4 PM Children’s Day

April 26, 2015 – 9 AM, Spring Bird Walk at Penn ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Celebrate Children’s Day at Penn Dixie! Special fun Dixie led by Marilyn O’Connell, of Wild Birds Unlimited. events for children and their families, prizes for children’s Bring binoculars, boots, and dress for the weather. contests, viewing sunspots and other astronomy activi- Free program. No pre-registration required. Children ties, fossil identification, and more! welcome. Adults $9 each, children 12 and under $7, children 2 and under & Penn Dixie members FREE. April 29, 2015 – 7 PM, “Paleolithic Art: Cave paintings from France & Spain,” by Carol Miller, an June 13 - September 8, 2015, Penn Dixie open for illustrated presentation in the auditorium of the Gateway fossil collecting 7-days a week. Visit www.penndixie. Executive Office 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. org or call (716) 627-4560 for directions and information. $5/person, Penn Dixie members FREE. No pre-regis- Adults $9, Children 12 & under $7, Penn Dixie members trations required. FREE. MAY May 2-November 1, 2015 – Penn Dixie Public Days June 13, 2015 – 7:30 PM, Astronomy Night at Penn for fossil collecting, Sat. 9 AM-5 PM & Sun. 10 AM-5 Dixie Site. Telescopes will be available to view planets PM. Visits may be scheduled at other times. Adults $9 and constellations. Dress for the weather. $4/person, each, children 12 & under $7, children 2 & under and Penn Dixie Members FREE. No pre-registrations Penn Dixie members FREE. required. May 3, 2015 – 9 AM, Spring Bird Walk at Penn Dixie June 14, 2015 - 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 24th Annual Penn led by Marilyn O’Connell, Wild Birds Unlimited. Dixie Nature Cruise Tour. Call (716) 627-4560 for reg- Bring binoculars, boots, and dress for the weather. istration information and cost or visit www.penndixie.org. Free program. No pre-registration required. Limited space available. Children welcome. June 28, 2015, 2015 - 11 AM to 4 PM – May 15, 2015- 7 PM, “Utah Long-necked Dinosaurs; “Big Toys, Trucks and Bikes Event” Myths & Mysteries,” by Joe ‘PaleoJoe’ Kchodl, of Fossil collecting, viewing of sunspots, and a “Big Toys Midland, MI, an illustrated presentation with some Event” fundraiser! Sit in your favorite truck, explore a specimens, in the auditorium of the Gateway variety of vehicles, and have your picture taken in your Executive Office 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. favorite vehicle – check web site for details. Adults $9 $5/person, Penn Dixie members FREE. No pre-regis- each, children 12 and under $7, and children 2 and under trations required. & Penn Dixie members FREE. Penn Dixie has 4,100+ feet of paved trails for wheel chairs, walkers, strollers, May 16, 2015 – 9 AM, Penn Dixie’s 11th Annual ‘Dig and wagons. with the Experts’ at the site. Email jbpendix@gmail. com or call (716) 627-4560 for information and to register. Penn Dixie Members $25 and non-members $30.

! ! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NEW MEMBERSHIP AND ADMISSION RATES BEGIN IN 2015 The HNHS/Board has voted to increase membership rates in most categories in 2015. The Student, Senior, Indi- vidual, Family, Grandparents, Associate and School memberships will all increase by $5 in each category. These new rates will take affect on January 1, 2015. Current members and new members may renew at the existing rates and save a few dollars, if done before December 31, 2014. The admission rates will also be increasing in 2015 for fossil collecting for adults to $9 each, children 12 and under will be $7, and children 2 and under and Penn Dixie members will be free. The Winter/Spring lecture series will be increased to $5 per person and the astronomy programs will be $4 per person in 2015. The increase in the membership and admissions is necessary to help cover the increased operational, program, insurance, marketing, and other costs required to keep Penn Dixie operating and developing new programs and facilities.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 THE HNHS/PENN DIXIE THANKS THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATORS & AND THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE FOR RESTORINGTHE $10,000 TO THE 2015 ERIE COUNTY CULTURAL FUND FOR PENN DIXIE

Penn Dixie thanks the Erie County Legislators for restoring the $10,000 cut from the proposed 2015 County budget by the County Executive, thus restoring the funding to the 2013 & 2014 levels. Penn Dixie also thanks the County Executive for his support of Penn Dixie and the other cultural organizations. This funding is important to thousands of Erie County constituents and visitors who attend on-site and off-site natural science programs that provide a hands-on experience in exploration, investigation, discovery, inquiry, and interpretation in the natural sciences. The Erie County funding, along with the other revenues generated by Penn Dixie, help provide affordable programs for students, scouts, families, day care centers, libraries and others throughout Erie County. Penn Dixie, a 54-acre site in Hamburg, is expanding existing and new outreach programs for all ages, backgrounds, physically and mentally challenged, and visitors to Erie County. Penn Dixie is the only facility in Erie County and our region that provides the opportunity to visitors to collect and keep all the fossils they find and also experience astronomy, birding, wetland, summer day camps for girls and boys, and other natural science programs. The HNHS/Penn Dixie thanks all the members and Friends who wrote letters of support requesting this funding be restored to the 2013 and 2014 level. Please thank our Erie County Legislators and the County Executive for their continued support of the No. 1 Fossil Park in the United States. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HELP MARKET PENN DIXIE You, as a member are the best form of marketing that Penn Dixie has available. Please encourage your scout groups, schools, day care centers, recreation departments, visitors, families, friends, and neighbors to experience Penn Dixie. Many are unfamiliar with this world-class outdoor educational, cultural, recreational, and tourism attraction in Hamburg. Please help recruit new members and encourage your company and civic organization to help support Penn Dixie. Admissions and memberships are important source of revenue that help support programs, events, summer day camps, off-sit programs, and Penn Dixie operations. Your support is greatly appreciated. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PENN DIXIE IN-SCHOOL AND ON-SITE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE Busing costs prohibiting getting your students to Penn Dixie for a hands-on experience? Penn Dixie staff will visit your pre-school, day care center, libraries, after school program, and science nights. A variety of natural science programs in fossils, geology, rocks and minerals, and birds may be brought directly to your facility. Call (716) 627-4560 for information, scheduling and costs. Please leave your phone number and brief message and we will get back to you ASAP.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BOOK YOUR SCHOOL AND/OR GROUP FIELD TRIP TO PENN DIXIE NOW FOR A HANDS-ON OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE IN 2015 SSchool and group field trips to visit Penn Dixie for the Spring and Summer of 2015 are now being booked. Have your students, children and adults experience an outdoor classroom in fossils, geology, and nature. Field trips are the best way to learn, experience, and see science first hand. Please call (716) 627-4560, if you are interested in scheduling your class to visit to collect fossils, learn about what the area was like 380 million years ago, and the local geology.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 HNHS DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS ELECTED The HNHS membership elected Linda Catalano, James Eiseman, Timothy Hoelscher, Catherine Lange, and Patty O’Shei to three-year terms as Board Members. At the Novem- ber 30, 2014, the 2015 Officers were elected for one-year terms, which include: Felice Krycia – President Tammy Russell – Vice President Kim Barnashuk –Secretary Jack Flint – Treasurer. Thank you to the Directors and Officers elected and your support is needed to help them lead this organization in 2014 and into the future. In addition, we thank Directors Pete Avery and Steve Birtz for continuing in their terms to help operate the Society and the Penn Dixie Site. It takes many volunteers to help run the HNHS and Penn Dixie. If you are interested in taking a more active role on the Board, a committee, or helping with schools, groups or events please contact Felice Krycia, Jerry Bastedo or one of the Board Members. THANK YOU TO THE OUT-GOING DIRECTORS Thank you to Mark Castner, Pat Philips, and Mike Vogel who have served for many years on the Board. We thank these out-going Board Members and look forward to them staying involved with the No. 1 Fossil Park in the U.S.! Thank you all for your help and support. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Silurian Trilobites of the Rochester Shale Documentary

Discovered during the digging of the Erie Canal across New York State, these wondrous creatures were a catalyst for paleontologists both professional and avocational to scour the area in search of a time 400 million years ago when the area was a bountiful warm tropical sea that was inhabited by creatures that are extinct today. What they found inspired future paleonto@home logists to tell a story of those ancient times and describe the animal life that lived, thrived and died...... long before the age of dinosaurs. DVD’s are $ 15.00 each SHIPPING INCLUDED This DVD can be ordered through the PaleoJoe website, www.paleojoe.com Main store dropdown box. Secure payment through PayPal. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHARITABLE GIVING PLANNING WITH THE NEW YEAR As the New Year begins, many taxpayers attempt to streamline their finances to ensure that transactions that can be deducted on their tax return are completed in a timely way. This includes making gifts to charities. Do you plan to include your retirement assets in charitable donations? If so, consider how it may affect your finances. In some cases, it can be more beneficial to name the charity as a designated beneficiary of your retirement account, rather than giving the assets during your lifetime. The Hamburg Natural History Society/ Penn Dixie is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, a charitable organization. In this uncertain economic climate, the HNHS/Penn Dixie is going to be more dependent on new and additional sources of funding. A Charitable donation is a gift made by an individual or an organization to a non-profit organization, charity, or private foundation. Charitable donations are commonly in the form of cash, but can also take the form of real estate, motor vehicles, appreciated securities, or other assets and services. Charitable donations often represent the primary source of funding for many charitable organizations and non-profit organizations. Most charitable donations made by an individual will provide him or her with an income tax deduction. For more information contact our financial consultant Michael Brown, of the allW Street Financial Group, at (585) 507-2596.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 PENN DIXIE VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM MARCH 14 Penn Dixie needs volunteers! The programs, field trips, exhibits, and other activities of the Penn Dixie Site and the HNHS have continued to grow each year and reach more children and adults. The events and programs require a large number of volunteers to provide successful programs. Several of our volunteers have moved south or east, some have health concerns or family responsibilities and we need to augment our volunteer group to continue with the growing number of programs and activities. The Penn Dixie Site is currently recruiting enthusiastic and responsible individuals to help support its educational programs at the Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg. This could be your perfect opportunity if you… • Want to make a difference in your community. • Are looking for a hands-on volunteer organization. • Have three or four hours available each month. • Need to fulfill community service hours. • Are seeking teaching or mentoring opportunities. As the demand for programs continues, the need for additional volunteers also increases. Astronomy volunteers and volunteers to help with school groups and special events are needed! This is a great opportunity to introduce children and adults to the world of natural sciences available in our region. Families and visitors from 41 states, Washington, D.C., and 15 countries visited Penn Dixie in 2014. Penn Dixie has a variety of programs and projects that succeed through the volunteer efforts of individuals, groups, students, scouts, seniors and retirees. Robin Harris, Rick Batt & Linda Bastedo helping introduce Penn Dixie to children and Volunteers are needed to help with school groups, astronomy programs, spe- adults at the Erie, PA, Gem- Mineral-Fossil Show cial events, weekends, membership recruitment, marketing, Board and committee positions, and group visits to Penn Dixie. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Have a few hours a month to help introduce children and adults to the natural sciences? Help open up a whole new world to those who visit Penn Dixie – “Where Science Comes Alive.” The An- nual Volunteer Training Program is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 8:30 AM in the auditorium at the Gateway Executive Office, 3556 Lake Shore Road, Blasdell. If you are interested in helping out with groups, families, schools, day cares, etc. please call (716) 627-4560. Pre-registration is requested. Training is FREE for members and $30 each for non-members. Information on Volunteer Opportunities and an information form, that should be submitted, are available on the website under Volunteer Opportunities at www.penndixie.org. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PENN DIXIE MEMBERS ONLY TRIPS 11th ANNUAL MEMBERS ONLY CINCINNATI FIELD TRIP PENN DIXIE MEMBER TRIP TO THE Penn Dixie has scheduled a Members Only field trip to the Cincinnati, OH area TOM RIDGE ENVIRON- to collect 500 million-year old Ordovician fossils. Permission has been secured to collect in the St. Paul, IN, quarry on Friday, April 24. We are working on a MENTAL CENTER IN couple of locations for us to collect trilobites, echinoderms, brachiopods, and a ERIE, PA

va riety of other fossils. On Friday evening, for those interested, we will attend ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ the Dry Dredgers monthly meeting at the University of Cincinnati. The loca- Penn Dixie has scheduled a Members tions are still being finalized and hopefully we will be visiting a new location in Only field trip to the Tom Ridge Environ- Indiana. mental Center in Erie, PA, on Saturday, March 7. The is a one-day trip on Sat- Those who participated in the nine urday, March 7, meeting at the Gateway previous April trips had a great time Executive Office at 8:15 AM to car pool to and all found trilobites and a variety the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. A of other fossils. The trip is scheduled tour of the Aqua Lab has been scheduled for April 23-26, 2015 departing on at 10 AM, when the Center opens. There Thursday morning and returning on are exhibits and movies through out the Sunday. Participants will be car-pool- day. There will be a $10 charge/member to ing for this trip. There will be a $15 attend this trip, which will include the ad- charge/member to attend this trip. mission price. The movies are extra and a group rate will be arranged. Pre-regis- Additional information on hotel, sites tration is requested. Additional information to visit, and reservations can be ob- can be obtained by leaving a message on tained by leaving a message on the the Penn Dixie phone at (716) 627-4560 Penn Dixie phone at (716) 627-4560 or email [email protected]. or email [email protected]. Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 11th ANNUAL DIG WITH THE EXPERTS ON MAY 16TH

There were several slabs with multiple complete trilobites collected during the 2014 ‘Dig with Experts’ event. The experts will excavate an area for this program and show you how to split the shale to discover some complete specimens. Although a large complete trilobite is the goal, there are other unique fossils besides trilobites that can be found at Penn Dixie. Cephalopods, carbonized wood, fish remains, crinoid calices, and other specimens may be found with careful excavation and preparation. Join us on Saturday, May 16th when HNHS Cincinnati members Dan Cooper, Don Bissett and their team will show you how complete trilobites can be found. The program will take place from 9 AM to 5 PM. The cost will be $25/Penn Dixie member and $30/non-member. This will be a fun event and a chance to find some other interesting fossils that have been preserved in the rocks at Penn Dixie. In addition, PaleoJoe, of Michigan, will be having a ‘Utah Long- necked Dinosaurs; Myths & Mysteries’ presentation the night before on May 15 at 7 PM in the auditorium of the Gateway Execu- tive Office, not far from the site. This is a presentation for children and adults. Plan on attending both events. Participants in the “Dig” should bring gloves, a crack hammer, chisels, a pry bar, safety glasses, a small shovel, newspaper, paper towels, Elmer’s glue & water, and a collecting bag or flat for your specimens. Dan and Don have been collecting at Penn Dixie for many years and know some of the good areas to collect. Five Penn Dixie members from Michigan are already signed up for the ‘Dig’. If you are interested in signing up for this program, please call (716) 627-4560 or email [email protected].

2015 SUMMER DAY CAMPS FOR BOYS & GIRLS 8-12 YEARS OLD 2015 SCIENCE ADVENTURE DAY CAMP AT PENN DIXIE The Penn Dixie Site will be offering a five-day, 9 AM to 3 PM, Science Adventure Day Camp, for 8-12 year olds July 6-10, July 20-24, August 3-7, and August 17-21. The campers will explore geology, fossils, astronomy, weather, ecology, and rocketry at the Penn Dixie Site. The rates are $180 per camper for non-members, and $155 for family members. The registration brochure is available on the Penn Dixie web site at www.penndixie.org or by leaving your name and mailing address at (716) 627-4560 or email [email protected]. Pre-registration is requested. 2015 Dinosaurs, Fossils & Nature Science Summer Day Camp at Penn Dixie, Evangola State Park & Past & Present Science & Nature Store The Dinosaurs, Fossils & Nature Science Summer Day Camp will be held from 9 am-3 pm, July 13-17 and August 10-14 for 8-12 year olds. Campers will be at Penn Dixie Monday & Tuesday; Past & Present on Wednesday, and at Evangola State Park on Thursday and Friday. Geology, fossils, dinosaurs, and nature will feature the week’s activities. The rates are $180 per camper for the week. The registration brochure is available on the Penn Dixie web site at www. penndixie.org or by leaving your name and mailing address at (716) 627-4560 or email [email protected]. Pre-registration is requested. 2015 Summer Science Safari Summer Day Camp at Penn Dixie, Evangola State Park, Reinstein WoodsThe summer Science Safari Summer Safari Day Camp will be held from 9 am-3 pm, July 27-31 and August 24-28 for 8-12 year olds. Campers will be at Penn Dixie on Monday & Tuesday; Evangola on Wednesday & Thursday; and Reinstein Woods on Fridays. Geology, fossils, wetlands, and nature will feature the week’s activities. The rates are $180 per camper for the week. The registration brochure is available on the Penn Dixie web site at www.penndixie.org or by leaving your name and mailing address at (716) 627-4560 or email jbpen- [email protected]. Pre-registration is requested. Summer Day Camp programs are available on the Penn Dixie website.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 24th PENN DIXIE NATURE CRUISE JUNE 14TH

Make your reservations now! The Nature Cruise will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Boarding for the cruise will begin at 8:30 AM at the entrance to the Erie Basin Ma- rina, departure is promptly at 9 AM, and return to the dock at 12 Noon. The cruise will provide views from the harbor, Lake Erie, the Niagara River, the locks, and the Black Rock Canal as we travel along the Buffalo waterfront. This will be a great opportunity to view the 410-ft. tall wind turbines that have been installed on the former Bethle- hem Steel site and other changes being made on the Buffalo waterfront. Experts in aquatic biology, birding, fisheries, and geology will provide information on the formation of the lake and river, the fishing, birding opportunities, and features along the waterfront. The cost of the cruise and lighthouse tour for Penn Dixie members - $27 adults, $24 children and non- member adults - $30, children $27. This cruise gener- ally sells out, so do not wait too long to make your reserva- tion. A confirmation letter will be sent out to all registrants upon receipt of paid registrations with directions of where to board the Miss Buffalo boat at the entrance to the Erie Basin Marina. Registration forms and information may be downloaded from the website www.penndixie. org or call (716) 627-4560 and leave you name and address for information to be sent.

Canalside along the Buffalo River and the Harbor Center in the South End Lighthouse with wind turbines in the background under construction. background

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560

HNHS/PENN DIXIE 19TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS This event raised over $14,000 to help support the programs, events, and operations at the Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg, NY. Thank you to all who made donations and attended this successful event. The Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc. (HNHS)/Penn Dixie thanks Zoladz Construction Services, Inc. for the donation of the four hockey tickets to the December 27, Sabres vs. NY Islanders hockey game to help support the Penn Dixie Site on November 6, 2014. Linda Catalano, Buffalo, NY, and Bettina Hackett, Clarence, NY, were the winners of the Zoladz Construction Sabres box seat tickets for the December 27 NY Islanders game.

The 20th Annual HNHS/Penn Dixie Fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2015 at the LA Galleria Restaurant on Rt. 20 near the Ralph Wilson Football Stadium. Mark your calendar and plan on bringing a family member, friend, or colleague to this fun-filled event. Thank you for your continued support of the No. 1 Fossil Park in the U.S. and a major tourist attraction in WNY as the HNHS continues to develop the Penn Dixie Site and the educational programs in the natural sciences for future generations. Thank you to the following donors of unique gifts for the silent and voice auctions, door prizes, and/or a financial donation for the 19th Annual Penn Dixie /HNHS Fundraiser on November 6th

Anonymous Jack & Sheila Flint Karen and Richard Penfold Peter Avery First Niagara Bank – Wanakah Branch Linda and Ed Reiderer Dr. Gordon and Carol Baird J.P. Fitzgerald’s Richard and Karen Penfold Kim Barnashuk JP’s Pub & Banquet Facility Red Top Frances Bastedo Gear For Adventure Rotary Club of Hamburg Jerold and Linda Bastedo Dennis George Show Tammy Russell Dr. Rick Batt Mary Ann Gorman Derek Tatler Marcia Binda Dr. Robin Harris Ten Thousand Vines Steve and Trish Birtz Great Harvest Bread Hamburg Town Clerk Cathy Rybczynski Blasdell Rod & Gun Club Hamburg Chamber of Commerce Seasons Spa & Salon by Corto’s Buffalo Geological society, Inc. Hamburg Sunrise Rotary Club George & Sharon Semko Buffalo Raceway Margaret Hermann Janet Siulc Mark and Rosemarie Castner Hilton Garden Inn SJB/Empire Geo Services, Inc. Ciminelli Real Estate Corp. Tim and Chi Chi Hoelscher Donald Specht Steve and Kathy Condon Erin & Rich Holstein The Hamburg SUN Dr. Bob & Eleanore Corretore Mary Hughes Donna and Rich Switzer Crystal Mountain Gems John and Mary’s Walsh Duffield Insurance Group Daniels Restaurant Tom & Joan Johnston Wanakah Wine & Liquor Dara Dorsey & William Cote John J. Kaczor Funeral Home Wanakah Pharmacy Jeff Dietz Felice & Ed Krycia The Water Valley Inn Betty Ann Dietz La Galleria Restaurant West Herr Automotive Group Donna & Robert Dusel Lake Shore Savings Bank What a Woman Wants Eden Collison David Lutz Market & Mobil Judy Wilder Elizabeth’s Coffee & Tea Room Magpie Gifts & Collectables Wild Birds Unlimited Erie County Fairgrounds Mainly Hair WNY Family Magazine Erie Promotions & Expos, Inc., PA Cindy & Stan Martin Marilyn and Mark Yetter Explore New York Marcia Maitland Alan and Patty Yuhnke Father&Son Inc.-John Obstarcyzk Ins. Maxi’s Pizza Paul & Peg Zimmer Feel Rite Fresh Market Papaya Arts, Inc. Zoladz Construction Company, Inc. Audrey Fisher Past & Present Science and Museum Eloise Zoyhofski JP Fitzgeralds Gallery Pegasus Restaurant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE DUE Do you need to renew your membership? Check the mailing label and if it has 2014 above your name, your membership is up for renewal. Penn Dixie memberships are on a calendar year basis. Memberships in the HNHS are needed to help support the programs and operations of the Penn Dixie Site. Consider increasing your membership to the next level this year. The HNHS needs to triple its membership to help support the educational programs and operations of the Penn Dixie. If all the memberships could recruit or gift one or two new memberships this fall, it would be of great help to the HNHS. If each membership renewal included an extra donation of $25 to $30, this could also help close the society’s budget deficit. Your support is needed to help keep Penn Dixie moving forward. The HNHS wants to continue to offer new and interesting programs while maintaining and continuing to develop the site. Your support is needed to make certain that this happens. You can make a difference!!

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 From Rich Switzer

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 From the Director’s Desk Executive Director: Jerold Bastedo e-mail address: [email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Winter came early this year in mid-November with over 85-inches in Hamburg and other areas from South Buffalo into the southern suburbs. It was a historic accumulation of snow, at times 3-5 inches an hour. We survived it and the snow went almost as quickly as it had arrived. We heard from many members and friends from around the world, including Penn Dixie member Scott Thorsell, who is on a 28-day rotation with Chevron in Kazakhstan. The BBC kept him informed of the record snowfall that was occurring here. Since that time the snow has melted and we have had temperatures in the 50’s, visitors from Moab, Utah, and other new members collecting at Penn Dixie. The first cross-country skiing event on December 27 had 50 degrees and no snow. We are hoping for snow on the January 17 and February 7 cross-country skiing days. Thank you to all those who made donations and/or provided ads for the fundraiser brochure, listed in this newsletter. The Annual Fundraiser on November 6 raised over $14,000 to help support Penn Dixie programs, events and operations. The La Galleria Restaurant provided excellent space and wonderful food for all those who attended. Thank you to all that helped make this event successful. The 20th Annual HNHS/Penn Dixie Fundraiser is scheduled for November 5, 2015, from 6-9 PM at the La Galleria Restaurant. Hope you can attend. Thank you to all those who have renewed their memberships, gifted a membership, and new members! New members are listed in this newsletter. We thank new Life Members Kenneth Gross and Tom Kielich for their support. The $500 Life Membership is added to the Endowment Fund, which will help support Penn Dixie for years to come. We also thank the Associate, Patron and Corporate members that have renewed their memberships and are listed in this newsletter. Thank you to all those who made donations with their renewal and those that made donations, whom are listed in this newsletter. We especially thank Mary Hughes, Donald Specht, and the Rotary Club of Hamburg for your continued support. Your membership and donations help support the programs, events, and operations of the Penn Dixie Site. In addition, your support helps with the continued development of facilities at Penn Dixie. The HNHS/Penn Dixie thanks the Erie County Legislators and the County Executive for restoring the $10,000 in funding to the 2015 cultural funding for the Society. The HNHS/Penn Dixie has been working on lowering the percentage of the Erie County Funding vs the total revenues. In 2014, the revenues have increased and this percentage has been lowered significantly, but we need to lower it more in 2015. This is one of our major goals in 2015. Increased memberships, augmented programs, new programs and events, a doubling of the membership roles, increased corporate memberships and sponsorships, increased private donations, and increased attendance will help reach this goal.

Yes, Penn Dixie is doing some new programs, events, and activities in 2015. A “Pampered Chef” Fundraiser is under way from January 1-17, 2015. Everyone has a shortage of time and some do not like to attend parties to order Pam- pered Chef products and you can do it from anywhere in the country! Information is available in this newsletter and on the website at www.penndixie.org. These products are excellent, well known, and worth every penny. You can help Penn Dixie raise some funds during the winter months and enjoy your new purchase. Great gifts for weddings, birthdays and holiday gifts! Jeff Dietz, our director of Education, and I are working on new programs at Penn Dixie and off-site. You will be hear- ing more about these programs and events in the near future. We have also provided some in-school full-day programs at Pinehurst and Springville Elementary Schools. We hope that many other schools, pre-schools, day care centers, and libraries will request programs. Penn Dixie will be open for two weeks over Spring Break, beginning March 28 through April 12. Penn Dixie will be closed on Easter Sunday. There will be several different natural science programs available for families. This information will soon be posted on the website and in the March – April newsletter. If you have an idea for a Penn Dixie program or event, please let us know. There are two Penn Dixie Member Only trips scheduled in early 2015 to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, PA, on March 7 and the 11th Annual Cincinnati Fossil trip on April 23-26. Information on both of these trips is available in this newsletter. We look forward to your participation in these events. Penn Dixie needs volunteers! The annual Volunteer Training Program will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 8:30- 12 Noon in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Office, 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell. This training is for new and current volunteers. Pre-registration is requested. Members are FREE and non-members are $30 each. Information is available on the website or by calling (716) 627-4560. PENN DIXIE NEEDS YOU! The 2015 Winter/Spring Lecture Series has been finalized and will soon be up on the website as a separate flier. We have lined up some interesting presentations that you do not want to miss. The eight weeks of summer day camps for girls and boys 8-12 years old is posted on the website and may be obtained by calling (716) 627-4560. Registrations are currently being accepted. We have many programs lined up and more being planned. Hope we see you at some of the many events, programs and activities this year! Remember to bring your family, friends, visitors, and colleagues for a fun-filled experience at the No. 1 Fossil Park in the United States in 2015! Jerry

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ New Memberships & Donations ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR Alan L. De Masison – Painesville, OH Andrea Domst – Springville, NY DONATIONS TO THE HNHS/PENN DIXIE Nathaniel, Jessica, Henry & Maggie Domst – Springville, NY Carol and Gordon Baird – Fredonia, NY Tom Farrell – Lutherville, MD Linda and Jerold Bastedo – Lake View, NY Nicole Galvez & Family – Angola, NY Rick Batt and Robin Harris – Tonawanda, NY Laura Gunnells & John Nason – Springville, NY Paul Bembia – Orchard Park, NY James & Cindy Pasierb – Erie, PA Pat Castigilia – Orchard Park, NY Larry Pilon & Family – Grand Island, NY Dr. Robert Corretore – Tonawanda, NY Daniel Reinecki – Depew, NY Annie Dobies – Buffalo, NY Brian Rola & Family – Hamburg, NY Andrea Domst – Springville, NY Karl Rubeck & Family – Buffalo, NY Eileen Eich – Blasdell, NY Chris Shultz & Family – Newfane, NY Francis Evans – Hamburg, NY Jackie Smith & Family – North Tonawanda, NY Jean Feldman – Hamburg, NY Dexter & Elizabeth Snyder –Birmingham, MI Roger & Lil Foore – Hamburg, NY Kaie Stellrecht & Family – Clarence, NY Leon Goldthwait – Lancaster, NY James Trzaska & Family – Grand Island, NY Lorraine Haibach – Northeast, PA Kevin Hogan – Hamburg, NY WELCOME STUDENT MEMBERS Mary Hughes – East Amherst, NY Philip J. Stokes – Tucson, AZ Lewis Lindner – Orchard Park, NY Sierra Wiegman – Fredonia, NY Elizabeth McGrath – Cape Elizabeth, ME Michael Morgante – East Amherst, NY Richard & Karen Penfold – Orchard Park, NY WELCOME ASSOCIATE MEMBER Susan Pilon p Buffalo, NY Elizabeth McGrath – Cape Elizabeth, ME Rotary Club of Hamburg – Hamburg, NY Paul & Linda Scipione – Livonia, NY Peter Sorcie – Hamburg, NY WELCOME PATRON MEMBERS Donald Specht – Rochester, NY Peter Warn – Williamsville, NY Amy Choboy – Fredonia, NY ______Derek & Margaret Watkins – Lakewood, NY Jane D’Agostino – Williamsville, NY Bryan Hann – Hamburg, NY THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING WHO MADE Peter Warn – Williamsville, NY A DONATION TO THE ENDOWMENT FUND WELCOME CORPORATE MEMBERS Donald Specht – Rochester, NY

3rd Rock, LLC – East Aurora, NY Blasdell Rod & Gun Club – Blasdell, NY North Coast Fossil Club – Perry, OH Rotary Club of Hamburg, NY Town of Hamburg Lions, Hamburg, NY Wild Birds Unlimited – Blasdell, NY

WELCOME NEW LIFE MEMBERS GO OUTDOORS IN 2015 ! HAVE A NEW HANDS Kenneth W. Gross – East Concord, NY Tom Kielich – Hamburg, NY -ON EXPERIENCE! VISIT PENN DIXIE!

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES THAT HELP SUPPORT PENN DIXIE THROUGH THEIR MEMBERSHIPS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SCHOOL MEMBERS CORPORATE SPONSOR MEMBERS Allendale Elementary School – West Seneca, NY Buffalo Association of Professional Geologists – Bflo, NY Bennett Montessori School (2) - Buffalo, NY Hamburg Sunrise Rotary Club – Hamburg, NY Casey Elementary School (2) – East Amherst, NY Cataract Elementary School – Niagara Falls, NY Eden Elementary School (2) – Eden, NY CORPORATE BENEFACTOR MEMBER Elmwood Franklin School – Buffalo, NY U.S. Energy Development Corp., LLC – Getzville, NY Forest Elementary School (2) – Williamsville, NY Forestville Central School – Forestville, NY Forestville Elementary (2) – Forestville, NY The Penn Dixie Site/HNHS Fourteen Holy Helpers – West Seneca, NY gratefully acknowledges the Genesee Community Charter School – Rochester, NY Hinsdale Elementary School – Hinsdale, NY financial support of: Kenmore East High School – Kenmore, NY Kenmore East Science Club – Kenmore, NY The Hamburg Gaming/Buffalo Raceway Mill Middle School – Williamsville, NY The Erie County Cultural Resources North Collins Jr. & Sr. High School – North Collins, NY The Garman Family Foundation North park Middle School – Buffalo, NY The Penfold Family Foundation Olmsted School #64 (2) – Buffalo, NY National Fuel Gas Foundation St. John Vianney School – Orchard Park, NY The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation St. Mary’s Elementary School – Lancaster, NY The Federal Aviation Administration Seneca Nation of Indians – Irving, NY Gibraltar Industries SENSES Foundation School – Buffalo, NY Silver Creek Elementary School (2) – Silver Creek, NY and all those who helped make grants Southside Elementary School (4) – Buffalo, NY available for the Penn Dixie Site, including South Davis Elementary School – Orchard Park, NY the Corporate members listed above. Union Pleasant Elementary School (2) – Hamburg, NY Wales Primary School – East Aurora, NY Westminster Community Charter School (2) – Buffalo, NY THANK YOU TO MARY HUGHES FOR Williamsville East High School – East Amherst, NY DONATING $1,500 TO PENN DIXIE PATRON MEMBERS The HNHS/Penn Dixie thank Mary Hughes for her dona- Amy Choboy – Fredonia, NY tion of $1,500 to help support the programs and events at Jane D’Agostino – Williamsville, NY the Penn Dixie site. Mary also leads several Boy Scout, Donna & Robert Dusel – Hamburg, NY Webelo and Cub Scout Badge days and provides live ani- Harold & Margaret Fabinsky – Orchard Park, NY mal exhibits at several Penn Dixie events. Mary thank you Kevin Hogan – Hamburg, NY for all you do to help support Penn Dixie! Laurie Hogan – Buffalo, NY Bryan Hann – Hamburg, NY Mary Hughes, East Amherst, NY THANK YOU TO DONALD SPECHT FOR Tom & Joan Johnston – Hamburg, NY DONATING William and Regina Mastroleo – Buffalo, NY $1,000 TO THE HNHS/PENN DIXIE Robert Shoemaker – Cockeysville, MD Daniel Tack – Honeoye Falls, NY The HNHS/Penn Dixie thank Donald Specht for his dona- Peter & Manya Warn – Williamsville, NY tion of $1,000. He donated $500 to help support the programs, events, and operations of the Penn Dixie Site and CORPORATE MEMBERS $500 for the HNHS Endowment Fund. Don is a continual supporter of Penn Dixie and we thank him for his 3rd Rock, LLC – East Aurora, NY continued support. Blasdell Rod and Gun Club – Hamburg, NY Buffalo Geological Society, Inc. – Buffalo, NY THANK YOU TO THE Cincinnati Dry Dredgers – Cincinnati, OH ROTARY CLUB OF HAMBURG Delaware Valley Paleontological Soc.,West Chester, PA North Coast Fossil Club – Cleveland, OH FOR DONATING $900 TO PENN DIXIE Rotary Club of Hamburg – Hamburg, NY The Rotary Club of Hamburg has donated $900 to the HNHS/Penn Dixie to help support the programs, events, and SJB/Empire Geo Services – Hamburg, NY operations at on-site and off-site locations. The Rotary Club Town of Hamburg Lions Club – Hamburg, NY of Hamburg has supported Penn Dixie for many years. The Walsh Duffield Cos., Inc. – Hamburg, NY HNHS/Penn Dixie thank the Rotary Club of Hamburg for their Wild Birds Unlimited – Blasdell, NY continued support. ______Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 PENN DIXIE TRILOBITE POSTER

A Penn Dixie Trilobite poster of specimens collected, professionally prepared, and photographed is available for sale. Information on the back of the poster provides information on who collected the specimen. The poster was prepared by Richard Spencer. The 24x30 inch poster is available for $10 each, plus $5 for shipping and handling. Copies of the poster can be purchased at Penn Dixie and by mail order. Send your check to the HNHS/Penn Dixie P.O. Box 772, Ham- burg, NY 14075 and the poster will be shipped to you in a rolled tube. Any questions, please email jbpendix@ gmail.com or call (716) 627-4560.

THE UNITED WAY CORPORATE DONOR CHOICE PROGRAM CHARITABLE HELPS SUPPORT PENN DIXIE PLANS & The Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc./Penn Dixie Site is MEMBERSHIPS recognized to receive donations through the United Way Donor Choice Program. The United Way offers this opportunity for Many corporations have estab- donors to designate all or a portion of their United Way contribu- lished matching corporate chari- tions to the HNHS. If you would like more information on how to designate your gift, please contact the United Way or call the table donation plans for their employees to make income HNHS at 627-4560. Please note that the designation should be tax deductible donations to their preferred charity or non- to the Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc. The Penn Dixie profit organization. The Hamburg Natural History Society, Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center is listed as a Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that qualifies program under the HNHS. The United Way may be contacted at for these plans. Please check with your employer to see 887-2607. Donations received from this Donor Choice program if the HNHS can be added to their charitable donation are an important source of support for the Penn Dixie Site. plan. If you do not see your company listed in the lists of Thank you to all who have made donations to the HNHS under corporate members, please contact your company man- this program. ager or owner about helping support an important unique and classic educational, cultural, recreational and tourist attraction that you support. Memberships are a major supporter of the Penn Dixie programs and operations.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 Penn Dixie Membership Application

o New Membership o Renewal o Gift Membership from ______

Name: ______

Mailing Address: ______

______

Employer: ______

Telephone Number (Day): ______(Evening): ______

E-Mail Address: ______

Are you interested in serving on a committee? o Yes o No Are you interested in assisting us with site maintenance and cleanup? o Yes o No Are you interested in helping to run trips to Penn Dixie for groups such as school children? o Yes o No

Membership Categories 1-year 2-year o LIFE $500 o Student $25 $35 As a LIFE member you help build our endowment. (Full time K-12 or College) • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie, a copy of Amadeus o Senior (65 & up) $25 $35 W. Grabeau’s “The Geology & Paleontology of 18 Mile Creek” and 1 guided tour for up to 20 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) o Individual $30 $45 o Sponsor $500 per year o Family $45 $70 *Covers 2 adults and their children (up to 18 yrs. old) residing in • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 1 guided tour the same household per visit. for up to 20 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) o Grandparents $50 $85 o Corporate Benefactor $1000 per year *Covers 2 Grandparents and up to 5 grandchildren per visit. • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 1 guided tour for up to 100 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) o Associate $80 per year o Corporate Silver $2500 per year • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and a corporate o Corporate $100 per year event day at Penn Dixie for employees and families. (Must be • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 1 guided tour pre-scheduled) for up to 10 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) o Corporate Gold $5000 per year o Patron $100 per year • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and a corporate event • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 1 guided tour day at Penn Dixie for employees and families, (Must be pre-sched- for up to 10 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) uled) and Corporate logo will be displayed at major site events. o School (K-12) $180 per year • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 3 guided tours for up to 60 students. (Adult supervision required, must be pre- o Additional Donation $______scheduled, additional students @ $6.00 each)

o Endowment Donation $______*Please choose a membership catagory above. Check the box before the membership catagory you are applying for. All HNHS memberships, except LIFE, are good for one calendar year unless otherwise noted. All members have free access to the Penn Dixie Site during special tours and presentations and will receive our newsletter, The Penn Dixie Chronicle.

Signed: ______Date: ______

Return to: HNHS/Penn Dixie. • P.O. Box 772 • Hamburg, New York 14075 Penn Dixie Paleontological & Outdoor Education Center Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc. PO Box 772 Hamburg, New York 14075

FIRST CLASS MAIL

The Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc. was founded in 1993. Its purpose is to promote the study of the sciences with an emphasis on the field activities associated with the geological and biological sciences; to develop, administrate and maintain the Penn Dixie Site: Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg, New York; promote a regional fossil site to foster and encourage a medium for the public to study and collect fossils; encourage and promote upper level training of in-service and pre- service teachers; and to aid in obtaining and administering funds to promote the study of natural history in the Western New York Region. Programs, monthly meetings and field trips will be announced in the monthly newsletter and local newspapers. For further information, write the Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 or call (716) 627-4560.

STAFF Executive Director: Jerold C. Bastedo 627-4560 DIRECTORS Director of Education Jeffrey L. Dietz 627-4560 Peter Avery 688-0921 Steve Birtz 773-6386 Linda Catalano OFFICERS Jim Eiseman 208-5467 President: Felice Krycia 649-7296 Timothy Hoelscher 649-1647 Vice President: Tammy Russsell 662-1589 Catherine Lange 913-2554 Secretary: Kim Barnashuk 504-5784 Patty O’Shei Treasurer: John Flint 648-0787 Patrick Philipps 570-8505 Michel Vogel 997-8042

Educators: Jess Martin HNHS Programs Information 627-4560 Stan Martin HNHS Gateway Office 826-0788 Mark Yetter Homepage: http://www.penndixie.org *all phone numbers are area code 716 unless otherwise noted.