GUESTS: Mimi Meredith with the Cosmosphere, our guest speaker. Honorary member Colby Davis and his brother Kayden.
FINES: Troy Thode with help from Rich Shelton were our Sergeant’s. In honor of our guest Mimi they fined everyone who had not been to the Cosmosphere in the past 2 weeks. Needless to say that was almost everyone.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Program Committee Meeting this Friday at 6:30 AM.
The T.E.C.H. Annual Golf Tournament will not be held this year due to scheduling problems.
PROGRAM: Harley Macklin introduced Mimi Meredith, Senior Vice President of Development and Chief Development Officer for the Cosmosphere. Mimi oversees the organization’s fundraising and marketing program. In the past 6 years just over 5,200 campers have attended space camps at the Cosmosphere an average of 876 per year. There are day, overnight and camps up to 6 days for youth Second thru Tenth Grade or above held at the Cosmosphere. As the campers advance they travel to visit other space sites such as Space 301:Texas, Space 401:Florida and Space 501:California. There are also Adult camps and special camps for International students. Students have attended from 44 states and 6 counties. The majority of students have been from Reno and Sedgwick counties but there has been and increase from Johnson county because of advertising efforts in the Kansas City area. Approximately 75% of campers are male and 25% female. A new Drome Dome program will begin this year for campers. New remodeling of the Planetarium, Dr. Goddard’s Lab and the Cafe continue to enhance visitor attendance and keep things fresh. For the future a new CosmoKids area, remodeling of the lower level and classroom renovations will proceed as funds are raised. Local lobby banners showcase other visitor opportunities in and around Hutchinson to encourage visitors to stay and see more while they are in town. Continued joint marketing of the Cosmosphere and Strataca with a special discounted pass for attending both attractions. Did you know the Cosmosphere is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program?
Lucky Ace Drawing: Rod Calhoun was chosen but to keep it fair he allowed Mimi to drew the 5 of Hearts for $5. The pot continues to grow!
Newsletter drawing: Duke didn’t have a clue.
Newsletter Question: For $50…What additional affiliation has the Cosmosphere garnered?
Next Meeting:
Editor: Steve Conard