Science Center sets fund-raising goal
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
EASTON — Officials with the Francis Malcolm Science Center have set a lofty goal of raising over $1 million to keep the facility open for the coming decade.
“The Science Center seeks to raise $1.5 million dollars to satisfy budgetary needs over a 10-plus year operational profile,” said Director Larry Berz.
Funds will be used for day-to-day operations.
“Our annual budget totals $130,000,which includes salaries and operating costs and items,” he said.
As with any building, Berz said from time to time maintenance is required, with funds necessary for materials.
“Specific budgetary objectives include building maintenance, such as replacing the roof, siding the building, as well as strengthening and servicing the windows and deck,” Berz said.
In addition, Berz said planetarium upgrades are needed to “replace existing optico-mechanical projection with innovative, dynamic digital/video technology and providing access to the up-to-date market of new programs and related astronomical offerings.”
Berz said there’s not much time to reach the goal.
“The Francis Malcolm Institute will close its doors in approximately two years (2015) without satisfactory revenues,” said Berz.
He said monetary donations are needed for “long-range sustainability and community permanence and programming.”
“FMI will first seek its current financial targets. However, in-kind donations, whether physically or materially derived, are heartily welcomed and valuable in establishing solidarity and cooperation with our County community network,” said the Science Center’s director.
FMI currently services some 5,000 to 6,000 visitors annually, with over 60 educationally-interactive, innovative and informative programs in life science/physical science, as well as astronomy/space science-related themes, noted Berz.
“We have 300 wooded acres that additionally offer on-site educational experiences in hands-on interactive science experiences,” he said.
Seasonal programs of great community popularity include apple cider press exhibits, seasonal snowshoeing on groomed trails, holiday wreath-making and related crafts, and overnight Boy/Girl Scout learning sessions.
“The institute caters to all segments of the special needs community and offers daily programs for schools and services, usually without any fee,” Berz said.
“FMI proudly features the northernmost permanent planetarium star theatre in the continental United States — a space which now thrills two generations of visitors. And above all our two full-time educators — myself and Vaughn Martin — together represent 50 years or more of dedicated, energetic excellence to the needs of our science-seeking community,” he said.
“Our administrative and technical team continue to push towards new frontiers of efficiency and state-of-the-art applications,” added Berz.
Berz said for 30 years since opening its doors in October 1983, FMI continues to establish its unique reputation as a leader and outstanding resource for science-seeking citizens of Aroostook County and western New Brunswick.
“Our market extends towards and includes local residents, schools, tourists and virtually any organized community service. There are 73,000 County residents, 17,000 are categorized as school-age children. Data indicates 474,000 tourist trips reach the Aroostook region, with 30 percent of these visits coming as ‘overnight pleasure trips.’ We have 644,000 overnight visits per year arrive in the state of Maine, with Canadian citizens seeking entertaining and educational experiences. FMI fulfills such needs with energy, engagement and hands-on interaction,” said Berz.
Berz said the loss of FMI would be detrimental to the region and the state.
“As a non-profit facility, FMI continues to seek new and creative ways to engage the community — both locally and regionally. Its demise would terribly damage and dampen unique growth and scientific learning for a new generation of children especially. Its restoration would ensure a maximum benefit for a new wave of motivated young people,” Berz said.
Donations can be made by mailing checks or money orders made out to the Francis Malcolm Science Center and sent to: PO Box 186, Easton, ME 04740 or visit online at info@francismalcolmsciencecenter.org and click the button marked ‘donation.’
FMI is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekend special events are scheduled seasonally, including planetarium/astronomy-related shows and observations, snowshoe hikes, holiday wreath making and related crafts. Other programs include evening programs suited and scheduled for businesses, community and personal purposes (such as birthdays). For more information, call 488-5451.
