And they're off - again! Last year's Discovery Center Dinner & Derby event was so much fun, it's back by popular demand. The second annual "Run for the Northwoods Wild Roses," to be held Saturday, July 28, 4 - 8 p.m. will include a buffet dinner catered by Pine Baron's and wine donated by Trig's Cellar 70.

No, they're not real horses, but they're ever so cleverly decorated by the owners who pony up for them. The horses advance by a roll of the dice, but the betting is real. Participants may place $5 wagers on the thoroughbred of their choice, with winners choosing from an abundance of donated items.

Ladies - get out your best race-track hat. Gents - get out the jodhpurs and riding crop. Then head for "Statehouse Downs" this coming Saturday.

Tickets for the event are $35.00 each. Seating is limited so if you want to be part of the fun, please call now to reserve your ticket. if you have been meaning to call to make your reservation, procrastinate no more! Call now and be part of the fun.

10 years ago we invited would-be triathletes to "Just Tri It" - and they did! We are thrilled to report that the event continues to draw more athlete participants each year - this year more than 200 people participated.

Young and old, men and women, athletic and not-so athletic - it doesn't matter - all come along for the challenge and the camaraderie.

One of the fun aspects of our Just Tri It triathlon is the team category. The team category allows for the participation of those who are not great at all three legs of the event. Are you a better runner than a swimmer? Never mind. Find yourself a swimmer and a cyclist and enter a team. It is a great way for the whole family to participate.

This year's event was held on Saturday June 30 - and it was a great success! We just wanted to take a minute to thank all the volunteers who showed up and helped make the event the huge success that it was. Each year it seems we garner more and more accolades - from participants and spectators alike. So thanks to all of you who once more made it possible. We couldn't have done it without you" See you all next year.

For a complete list of results check out the PT Timing website at the link below.

Need to do a little gift shopping? Don't forget we have a small collection of quality goodies for sale in the Discovery Center Office. Bird books, note cards by Terry Daulton and Sara Muender, framed Sara Muender prints, T and polo shirts, books by local authors John Bates, Mary Burns, Buckshot Anderson, and photographer Jeff Richter.

And another gift idea - how about a Discovery Center gift certificate? Your loved one can use the voucher any time they like to enroll in the class or program of their choice.

>>> INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE <<< Our "Decade" mugs were selling for $10 each. But if you'd like a permanent souvenir of our special 10th year, act now and you can buy a set of four (4) mugs for just $28.00

So... whatever the occasion, if you need gifts. please keep the Discovery Center in mind. The gift recipient will know you care for our wonderful Northwoods, and you will be supporting our continuing efforts. Everyone wins!

If these are words you like to utter, then you may want to think about volunteering as a receptionist at The Center.

Our office volunteers do a great job at the front line of our operation - as the old saying goes, "you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression". For years now we've trusted our volunteers to create that positive first impression. And they never fail to deliver!

We currently have a two vacancies on our office volunteer schedule - Thursdays and Fridays. If you have some basic office skills and could spare us a few hours regularly on a Thursday or Friday, we'd love to hear from you. Please call Bruce at 543-2085 for more details, or use the email link below.

Our Building and Grounds coordinator, Mark Charon is something of a superman. There's no task he won't tackle to make our property more presentable. But even the man-of-steel had his weakness. In Mark's case, his cryptonite appears on the days when he has to complete a fast "turnaround". Those days when one group leaves the Center at 10 am and another group is due to check in within a couple of hours.

If you wouldn't mind pushing a broom over the cabin floors, or changing the trash can liners, or running a mop over the kitchen floor or cleaning the mirrors in the bathrooms, Mark would L-O-V-E to hear from you.

We are particularly in need of help on the following dates:

• Thursday, July 26 @ 10 am
• Tuesday, August 7 @ 10 am
• Monday, August 13 @ 11 am

If you can help on one or more of the above dates, please give Mark a call, or drop him an email using the link below.