Why we support the McWane Center

Yesterday we spent another fantastic day at the McWane Center. Out of all of our many visits (we've been members since Nate was a toddler), this was one of the most meaningful.

We went on my parents' 39th anniversary -- Nate, Mom and Dad, and me. (Shane was at home working or he would have been there too.) We'd been wanting to see the new model train exhibit, and when I mentioned that we'd be going this weekend, Nate got really excited. He especially wanted to see the sharkes in the touch tank exhibit:

Seriously, I never thought I would see my mom stick her fingers in water to touch a shark. But she did, talking the ear off the kind and knowledgeable young volunteer who answered all her questions.

As usual, Nate sprinted from exhibit to exhibit, eager to try everything and learn about the science behind each item of interest. We've been taking him long before he could walk and talk, introducing him to the textures and sounds, complete with his chemist dad explaining everything patiently. (But that's how we do in our family -- science is always around us and no questions go unanswered.)

Grandma and Grandpa got in on the act -- Grandma was particularly fond of a bird exhibit that taught us about the local tweeters (and I don't mean social media experts). Grandpa and Nate played an interactive video game that had them using their whoe bodies for drums. And Nate and I enjoyed a friendly game of virtual soccer:

We LOVED visiting the new model train exhibit -- a perfect start to the holiday season. Nate adored watching the trains go round and round (actually, he ran after them).

It was there, while he was enraptured by the trains, that I had a chance to speak with McWane CEO Tim Ritchie. I'd noticed that Tim was greeting guests at the ticket counter, dressed in the same uniform all the other McWane employees donned too. (Points there.) I thanked him for the great work he and his staff were doing and asked him about the year-end letter that we'd received.

He confirmed what I knew: McWane's funding has been dramatically reduced this year, and they've had to dramatically cut their budget. When I asked how they were able to continue to offer high-level educational programming, he didn't miss a beat in saying that it was thanks to many community partners, like the Birmingham Model Railroad Club, who are making the train exhibit possible.

Despite the challenging financial circumstances, Tim, his staff, and the volunteers and many community partners have great things in store to close out this year and kick of 2011. We talked a bit about what's in store. Eager to learn more and share more.

Most importantly, I encourage all of our friends in Birmingham to support the McWane Center:

• Check out their soon-to-come "Winter Wonderland" Exhibit, complete with snow and ice skating, starting November 26
• Volunteer your time. There are tons of opportunities.
• Consider making a tax-deductible end of year gift 

If you're already a member, think about ways that you can become more involved. I am.

Thanks Tim, and thanks McWane. Without you we wouldn't have memories like this, and another entry into the world of learning we so adore:

Related Links:

DISCO programs at McWane 

Mr. Potato Head at McWane: A Pop Culture Obsession

 

Comments

[Texas Rhea]

What a cool science center! My boys would LOVE that. And they are also huge train fans.

I'm always impressed to see a CEO at the front lines helping out. Raises my opinion of them big time.

Neat post!

[Dad]

The McWane Center is a treasure for Birmingham. Where else can you mix education and fun so effectively? We need to continue to support the center. Every time I see the John Woods Theater at McWane, it brings memories of the gentleman who brought me to Birmingham.

[Trish Bogdanchik]

We think the world of McWane-- the staff truly cares about what they're doing and they believe in it! Let me recommend their camps/classes-- my 4 year old came home discussing physical and chemical changes and I was glowing with pride! I'm a geek. :)