Caroga Arts Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to presenting world-class, interdisciplinary arts experiences in the Southern Adirondacks. Through over fifty performances and events annually, Caroga Arts brings together artists across genres to collaborate and engage with diverse audiences. Based at historic Sherman's Park in Caroga Lake—a cherished cultural gathering place with a rich legacy—Caroga Arts draws inspiration from its setting to create accessible, community-centered artistic and educational experiences. Its signature programs—including the Caroga Lake Music Festival, the Strings Project & Arts Collaborative Education (SPACE) Program, the InterArts Symposium, the Myhil Film Series, and artist residencies—serve as platforms for both artistic excellence and community connection. Committed to arts education, Caroga Arts offers outreach programs, workshops, masterclasses, and interactive school assemblies that inspire creativity and active participation in students of all ages. By combining a warm, intimate setting with innovative programming, Caroga Arts Collective creates transformative experiences that enrich, educate, and inspire.

A leading motivational speaker with 45 years of experience, since age 10, I host programs to help transform fear and ignorance into kindness and respect for those who strive to rise above adversity. Combining the topics of disability awareness, anti-bullying, leadership, and resilience, I share captivating anecdotes that have enabled me to triumph over cerebral palsy and hearing loss. These programs empower students while instilling in them the confidence they need to excel in class, treat peers and teammates with kindness and respect, understand the consequences of bullying, and be motivated to realize their dreams and goals. For example, though I encountered physical bullying in school, I chose not to respond in anger, but to forgive and help the bullies! Many students are stunned to learn why I responded this way. Love is the greatest gift we can give and receive in our lives. Using humor to engage audiences, these stories and insights elicit a cascade of emotions that help children and teens find the courage to accept and navigate life's challenges, igniting a spark of hope and optimism that leads to confidence and achievement. Each program culminates in a powerful documentary video, including skydiving, scuba diving, my artwork, and other creative expressions. Together, this represents a journey centered around an important life philosophy: "Yes I Can!" Those three words are precisely the name of my new book. I created this published resource to help teens, parents, and other special needs kids overcome self-doubt and anxiety when faced with bullying or prejudice. Each chapter is filled with stories that highlight principles such as self-love, positive attitude, support group, perseverance, resilience, and empathy. You can search my name on Amazon and read the reviews. Following my programs, I donate a signed hardcover to the school library. I suggest assemblies at multiple schools, possibly in the same district, on consecutive days to help share travel and hotel expenses from my central NJ home. Due to my hearing loss, please email me to establish initial contact before reaching out by telephone. I am flexible with speaker fees, depending on audience size. For assembly details and video testimonials, visit my online speaking resume: www.JustTheWayYouAre.com/resume

The Fredonia School of Music offers a diverse range of offerings for middle and high school students, including workshops and performances in classical, jazz, world music, and more. Faculty and faculty/student ensembles are available for performances and hands-on workshops, as well as introductory sessions in composition, music education, music therapy, ensemble performances, technique, musicianship, musicianship wellness & performance anxiety, and more. We are happy to discuss individual school interests to develop customized offerings, as well. Freodnia's faculty and alumni are GRAMMY and Tony Award winners, year after year. We look forward to collaborating with you and your students. (note the video link is to last weekend's performance of the Fredonia College Symphony with Concerto Competition winners Aaron and Boaz Mecham, piano).

Growing up a reluctant reader himself, it took Eric Luper a long time to learn to love reading and writing. Join Eric on a fun (and sometimes funny) journey through his past challenges as well as the current techniques he uses to write books for Scholastic, Cartoon Network, DC, Disney and others. Students will learn about first drafts, revision, brainstorming and other important techniques… and learn if they have what it takes to be a writer.

Taikoza is a Japanese Taiko drum group that uses the powerful rhythms of the Taiko drums to create an electrifying energy that carries audiences in a new dimension of excitement. The Taiko is a large, barrel-like drum that can fill the air with rolling thunder. Drawing from Japan's rich tradition of music and performance, Taikoza has created a new sound using a variety of traditional instruments. In addition, the Taiko Taikoza incorporates bamboo flutes. Taikoza has performed in Europe and Asia. Taikoza appeared on the History Channel and “The Last Samurai “DVD set. Taikoza presents a unique and exciting program using Japanese Taiko drums (weighing 200lb drums) and bamboo flutes. The program will take you on an unforgettable journey through Japan. It will take students to different areas and through the seasons of Japan. Students will be experiencing a new culture in a fun and exciting way, they will get a chance to see and at times touch the ancestral drums. The taiko drum can touch everyone with its thunderous sounds and vibrations. Taikoza hopes to open the student’s eyes to the richness of Japanese culture and spark an interest. We hope that this will spark an interest in other world cultures. Taiko has been associated with many aspects of Japanese culture since ancient times. It is said that Taiko was used to drive away the plague and evil spirits. In the Shinto religion, it was used to call upon and entertain the gods, or kami, and in Japanese Buddhism, its sound was the manifestation of the voice of the Buddha. Taikoza’s programs can be tailored to your school’s needs and interests. In a performance by Taikoza your students may experience: They will hear and see taiko songs. Taiko is often compared to martial arts, as the drums are played very physically using sticks that resemble baseball bats. They will hear songs played on the bamboo flutes. Some will get to play on the drums and interact with the performers.

I offer Author Visits consisting of a 45 minute multimedia presentation of me as a young reader, the writing process and a read aloud. My book "Nervous Rex" and my new book "Mort the Worry Wart" both center around mental health strategies, so I weave that into my presentation as well. I also have smaller writing workshop opportunities. I am very flexible and work with schools on format, etc. I look forward to hopefully working with you!

Sukanya Burman Dance is a contemporary dance company that combines Indian diasporic dance forms with modern dance to create meaningful artistic experiences and performances. Rooted in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and modern dance vocabularies, the company produces professional-level performances across New York State and beyond and fosters artistic collaboration among local and regional dance artists. SBD also provides dance education, offering classes and workshops that deepen understanding of both Indian classical and contemporary movement, and engages communities by bringing dance into spaces where people live, learn, and connect.

Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve is a 54-acre park located the site of a former cement quarry in Hamburg, NY. Our visitors can collect and keep Devonian Period fossils including trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, and more! Penn Dixie’s guided tours are led by our trained staff and volunteers who provide age-appropriate presentations on the history of planet Earth. Participants will learn about deep time, extinct life, Western New York’s environment during the Devonian Period and – of course- fossil collecting! Your group will experience earth science in a unique, hands-on, outdoor setting. All geological specimens found during field trips may be kept by participants! Additionally, we offer in-person and virtual classroom outreach programs focused on the natural sciences.

A former college professor with an MFA in Creative Writing, Ken Waldman combines Appalachian-style string-band music, original poetry, and smart storyteller for an experience unique to him. He's been a visiting writer at over 100 colleges, and has been a visiting artist at over 250 schools in 35 states, and works with kindergartners, at-risk and advance placement high-schoolers, and with all ages in between.

Ten different programs including 45 minute presentations on the Dutch in NY, the Erie Canal, the American Revolution, Our Hudson River Heritage, How the Railroads Built America and America's Steamboat Heritage. Marvin Bubie is the author of (3) books: "On the Trail of Henry Hudson and Our Dutch Heritage Through the Municipal Seals in New York, 1609 to 2009" "Celebrating the Revolutionary War: Municipal Symbols of a Free Country" "Along the Erie Canal with the Municipal Seals of the Cities, Towns, and Villages of NY"

Circle Values provides interactive, student-led social-emotional learning experiences that build connection, communication, and a shared sense of community. Older students are trained to facilitate age-appropriate games, activities, and circle discussions with younger students. Discussions are centered around values identified by the participating school district, giving students an opportunity to explore those values through conversation, play, and real-life experiences. The program empowers older students as positive role models and leaders while helping younger students practice listening, empathy, collaboration, and respectful communication in a fun, engaging environment.

Programs include weekday matinee performances for student field trips, school partnerships, artists-in-residence, sensory friendly experiences, programs for those with autism and other sensory needs, professional development for educators, and master classes.