GENESEO, N.Y., Aug. 15, 2025 — Mothers and fathers in the County workforce had the chance to give their children a glimpse into their public service work yesterday during Livingston County’s second annual Bring Your Child to Work Day.
Nearly 40 kids, ranging in age from 5 to 15, attended the event, where they received a firsthand look at the role their parents play in providing County programs and services to residents. Livingston County Training and Professional Development Coordinator Kelly Greenway planned and organized the half-day event.
“You can explain your work, but for younger kids seeing it for themselves is much more impactful,” she said. “I think getting to experience this in person helps them to understand and appreciate the work their parents perform for our community every day. I hope it inspires the next generation of public servants here in Livingston County.”
The youngest temporary members of the County’s workforce started the day with donuts and gift bags in Geneseo at the County Government Center. They visited the Board of Supervisors Assembly Room to experience how County government operates. The Clerk of the Board, Michele Rees, explained the process by which elected officials from each town vote to approve policies, projects, and local laws. Each child had the opportunity to represent their town during a mock board meeting and vote on simulated resolutions for public pools, lifeguard staffing, and bike trails presented by Economic Development Director Bill Bacon.
The kids then made their way to the Sheriff’s Office where they toured the department’s mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle, or MRAP. Deputies assisted them with child ID kits, which included fingerprints and physical descriptions, essential information that helps law enforcement in the case of a missing child. They also visited the 911 operations center where officers shared how telecommunicators handle calls to the County’s emergency line and how they work as a team to keep the public safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Chelsea Nichols works in the Department of Health’s Center for Sexual Health and Wellness. She attended the event with her three children, Ryker, Kade and Brinley.
“This is our first time doing this,” she said. “It was really nice. It was a great setup and they learned a lot. My kids loved the badges with their pictures on them. We’re already looking forward to next year.”
In the County Clerk’s office, Acting County Clerk Kristine Secor showed the children how deeds, marriage licenses, and other important records are preserved and made accessible to the public. She demonstrated passport processing, giving the kids a chance to step in front of the camera and get their own mock passport photos to take home.
Board of Elections Commissioners Gary Nageldinger and David DiPasquale outlined the County’s role in local elections. They gave the group a chance to use real ballots to vote for their favorite candy, color, football team, and sport. The kids were able to insert their votes into a real voting machine to see how ballots are processed for each election.
Information and Technology Services Network Administrator Grant Cox brought his son, Beckett, to experience the day.
“I love that this is done in the County,” he said. “I like that the kids get a chance to see what happens at the County and they can kind of appreciate it a little bit more.”
At the Office of Workforce Development, the children learned how the County helps residents prepare for and find meaningful employment. Deputy Director Mary Guldenschuh shared how they connect residents with training programs and support services to help land jobs and build careers. Office staff created resumes for the kids and led the group through a hands-on team-building exercise.
At the County’s Murray Hill Campus, Department of Social Services staff explained how the County supports individuals and families through programs like SNAP, child care assistance, and protective services. The children heard real-world examples of the agency’s work helping neighbors in need, such as making sure a family has food on the table, helping parents find and afford child care so they can go to work, and stepping in to protect a child or adult from harm.
The kids then went on a walking tour of the 138-acre grounds hosted by County Historian Holly Watson, Deputy Historian Madeline Friedler, and Records Inventory Supervisor Megan Sokolow. They shared the history of the campus buildings, while offering the kids a brief explanation of the work performed there by their parents now.
The day concluded with a presentation from Don Maryanski, senior public health sanitarian and watershed inspector in the County’s Health Department. Maryanski used a hands-on model to show how watersheds affect streams, lakes, and reservoirs. He demonstrated how rainwater flows through the region and the impact of pollution on the environment. He also explained the role the County plays in ensuring these natural resources remain clean and healthy for all residents.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.