April 30, 2010

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP: SUPPORT NEEDED
By Explorit Science Center staff

"The economy is really taking a toll on families." Peter Willson, the Director of Marketing for Explorit Science Center comments on an all too familiar theme; money is tight. Explorit is seeing the poor economy manifest itself is through the increased requests for financial assistance for children to be able to attend our wonderful summer camp. Willson explains, "We usually have a few families that ask for assistance, but this year that number has really shot up. As we stand today we have 18 families who are seeking scholarships to be able to send their children to summer camp." Megan Contreras the Program Coordinator for Explorit explains, "We would love to simply open our doors and let everyone in, but we can't. However, with the help of the community we can make it happen, Camps range from $112 to $227 per week, so when you break it down it is a very achievable number." But time is running out. To make sure that the proper planning and equipment can be in place, donations need to be received by the middle of May to ensure that Explorit has enough materials available to support everyone. Donations can be made by visiting www.explorit.org.

"It's disappointing to know there are children out there who are hungry to learn experience a fun hands-on science education this summer, but they wont be able to because the money just isn't there," laments Willson, He adds, "I hope that the community will rally together like only the Davis community can and help deserving children by donating to our Sassenrath Scholarship Fund." People may choose to sponsor an entire week for a child, or simply contribute to the overall fund. Both donations are appreciated.

For more on what the Sassenrath fund is, continue on ...

Chances are, you may not have heard of Ethel, but part of her lasting legacy is Explorit Science Center, and more specifically, the scholarship fund named for her.

Ethel started her work with Explorit Science Center when it opened in 1982, with only a handful of volunteers running the organization out of a couple of borrowed rooms and using their personal cars to move around the exhibit components. As a scientist with a PhD. In biochemistry and with children of her own, she quickly became passionate about sharing science education in the local Davis community.

When Ethel retired from Explorit's board in 1998 after 16 years of Explorit involvement, her admirers wanted to set up a fund in her honor. It was easy for her to decide how she wanted to direct the proceeds - she just had to watch children enjoy the hands-on science experience.

The Sassenrath Scholarship Fund was created to allow Explorit Science Center the ability to provide our assistance for free or at a reduced rate, furthering the tradition of making science education as accessible as possible. To donate, please log onto www.explorit.org..

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The Davis Bicycles! School Committee is putting on a family bike ride,on May 16, "Bike Loopalooza" as part of May is Bike Month www.mayisbikemonth.com. Various stations will be set up around the ride on the Davis Bike Loop to provide water, bike checks, and fun activities for kids. Bike 4th and Explorit will have a station at the bike path intersection in Mace Ranch Community Park, behind Explorit's Nature Center.

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Tickets are still available for the May 18 "Heart Healthy" workshop. A strong, healthy heart is vital for longevity. Heart health problems include coronary heart disease, an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), heart valve disease, as well as cardiomyopathy and aorta problems, such as aortic aneurysm, and aortic valve problems. Come find out how to protect yourself in an interactive and hands on seminar presented by Woodland Healthcare Cardiologist Dr. Kathy Glatter.

The event will take place May 18 and will run from 6:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. The event will be held off site, at the Mori Seiki Lecture Hall, located at 3805 Faraday Avenue in Davis. Heart Healthy snacks like red wine and dark chocolate will be available for guests to snack on as they learn how best to protect themselves.

For reservations, ticket price or more information, please contact Lindsay Poss at Lindsay@explorit.org.

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Explorit Science Center, at 2801 Second Street, has two exhibitions on display: "Move It! Science in Action" and "Wild Planet." Admission is $4 general, free for teachers, and ages 3 and under. The museum is open to school groups by reservation and to the general public 10 a.m. -5p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. For more information: (530) 756-0191 or www.explorit.org.