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Education Pavilion Dedication Planned At Audubon

The public is invited to join Audubon Community Nature Center and Bob and Kathy Frucella to dedicate the Stephanie Frucella Education Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 22. Located in Audubon’s backyard, this pavilion greatly increases the space available for education programs, lunches for school groups and day campers, events, and more.

As a child, Stephanie Frucella loved to come to Audubon Community Nature Center with her family to walk the trails and discover wildlife, flowers and the beauty of nature.

She grew up to become a fourth grade teacher who shared her passion for nature and strived daily to make a difference in the lives of her students and her community.

For more than a decade, Bob and Kathy Frucella have continued their daughter’s legacy by supporting ACNC’s mission through the Stephanie Frucella Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The public is invited to join Audubon and the Frucellas to dedicate the recently constructed Stephanie Frucella Education Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. A brief ceremony starting at 1 p.m. will include a blessing by the Rev. Darrell Duffy of St. James Roman Catholic Church. Local violinist Elizabeth Lutgen will provide music.

“We are thrilled to be able to expand our capacity for learning with this beautiful structure in Audubon’s backyard,” said Leigh Rovegno, Audubon Community Nature Center executive director. “The pavilion greatly increases the space available for education programs, lunches for school groups and day campers, events, and even rentals. We are so grateful to the Frucellas for making this possible, and we look forward to sharing more at the dedication ceremony about the building and the remarkable woman for whom it is named.”

Because, like their daughter, the Jamestown couple believes in what Audubon does, the Frucellas have supported ACNC in many ways. They created the Stephanie Frucella Memorial Scholarship Fund that awards an annual merit-based camp scholarship. They funded the first year’s salary for a new naturalist position with the expansion of Audubon’s presence in Warren (Pa.) County Schools in 2018. In addition, they supported the Nature Center’s third floor transformation into a nature play area.

Food and beverages will be provided at the dedication. All are welcome to attend.

The event takes place outdoors, and guests will be asked to adhere to safe distancing recommendations. Those attending should bring their own face covering that is required to wear during the ceremony and while receiving lunch.

Reservations for the rain or shine event are appreciated by Friday, Aug. 14, but walk-ins are welcome. Call the Nature Center at 569-2345 or go to AudubonCNC.org/Programs and click on “Current Schedule.”

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