1. Throughout the summer we are blessed to have regular office help from a core of committed volunteers, but as fall approaches, we find ourselves facing some gaps in our office volunteers' schedule.  Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are particularly in need of coverage.  If phones, copiers and computers don't scare you and you would like to be the first face seen by Discovery Center visitors, we'd love to hear from you!  Please  click here to send an email to Bruce. We will then arrange for one of our current office volunteers to call you to explain the job and answer any questions you may have.
2. As you have read elsewhere, this has been a wonderfully busy summer on the DC campus.  One of the many recent campus improvements was the opening of our Nature Nook - a modest yet very effective collection of educational displays and activities complete with some live critters - most notably Flash the Ferret who has quickly attained rock-star status among many of our regular younger visitors!  We plan to recruit and train a core of volunteer docents to ensure visitors to the Center get maximum value and enjoyment from their visits to the Nature Nook and other drop-in facilities.  So if you or somebody you know might be interested in being part of our Nature Nook schedule, we'd love to hear from you.  We want our docents to have a meaningful volunteer experience so if you provide time and energy - we will provide orientation and support. For more information please click on the following link: Licia, I'm interested in becoming a docent

Financial
In the midst of increases in outreach programs, attendance, and heightened community awareness of the Center and all we do, we are challenged to make ends meet. Your Discovery Center is not immune to the challenges of the current economy. Due to State budget cuts we lost a good sized government contract, along with a couple of facility use clients whose funding went away.  As the assets of many foundations shrink significantly, operating support grant revenue is subsequently down. And like many not-for profits, the average gift per donor is less this year, as individuals are similarly affected by the economic downturn.  So my plea is simple but urgent: if we are to retain staffing and program support at present levels, we need your help. When your membership renewal notice arrives in the mail, please respond promptly and positively. And if your membership is not immediately up for renewal, please consider an additional gift to our end-of-summer special gift appeal, details of which will be forthcoming. You can also help us by becoming an active booster - pass Discovery Center program guides along to friends and associates, drawing their attention to the member/donor information on page 20 and let your associates know what a wonderful facility we now offer for camps, meetings, weddings and other family celebrations!  We are in this together folks - with your help we will maintain our momentum and continue to be a source of ever-growing community pride.