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By: Selena Littrell
Explorit Science Center's dreams for more space will be fulfilled after this year's "Dinner at the Dump," to be held Thursday, September 12. Explorit is pleased to have been awarded proceeds from this year's fund-raiser, and plans to purchase a portable building with the funds.
In February, Explorit began a Space Fund campaign to raise $25,000 for more public facility space. When Evelyn Buddenhagen retired after over 10 years at Explorit, she asked that money raised at her recognition dinner be used for this purpose. Thanks to Explorit's many generous supporters, nearly $7,000 was raised.
Last year's Dinner at the Dump raised $16,700 for the Yolo Family Service Agency. Explorit hopes that a comparable amount, along with the $7,000 already raised, will allow the Center to purchase a portable classroom for the Mace Ranch site.
With the addition of more space, Explorit will be better able to meet the needs of the community. Currently, indoor space is the single largest limiting factor in on-site program planning.
More space will allow Explorit to extend its current, successful services, such as vacation classes and the "Meet the Scientist" program. New programs, such as after school student programs and parent/teacher workshops, may also be offered.
Dinner at the Dump will be held from 5:30-8:00 pm on Thursday, September 12 at the Davis Waste Removal recycling center on East 2nd Street. The all-you-can-eat dinner will feature a variety of food and drinks from local businesses as well as live music.
Explorit will need an army of over 100 volunteers to help at
the event. Several time spans must be covered. During the event, 35-40 people are needed for each of the shifts from 4:30-6:30 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm. Also, early risers are needed for set-up.
Several people will be needed to oversee food and entertainment areas. These people will need to meet for one hour of orientation during the week prior to the event.
This is the perfect opportunity for your service organization to earn volunteer hours and have a great time as well. Volunteers will need to purchase tickets, but will be able to enjoy the festivities before or after shifts.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, call Explorit at 756-0191.
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Another successful summer of vacation classes came to a close today. Students from preschool to sixth grade enjoyed an array of exciting science adventures.
This year, class topics were developed as week-long series. Students who took a week's worth of classes were able to delve deeper into the subjects they chose, such as habitats, creepy crawly critters and chemistry.
Classes were filled nearly to capacity this year. Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped Explorit teachers and staff keep things running smoothly.
Explorit will offer vacation classes again this winter during the school break. Davis Joint Unified School District students will receive class flyers at school and Explorit members will receive a schedule in the November newsletter.
Explorit Science Center is located at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. Public hours are Saturday 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday 2-4:30 p.m.
Regular admission is $3. Members, teachers and children under 4 are always free.