CRUMBLING CHIMNEY CRISIS AT FRANCIS MALCOLM SCIENCE CENTER

James Stepp is organizing this fundraiser to benefit Francis Malcolm Science Center Inc.

Tax deductible

As president of the Aroostook Astronomy Club, I am fortunate to have become affiliated with the Francis Malcolm Science Center in Easton, Maine. I am initiating this funding appeal because the Center, one of Aroostook County’s greatest educational assets, is facing a crisis that could force its closure. The 40-year-old massive chimney is about to collapse. I am leading the effort to raise money to replace the chimney and I am seeking your help. If many of the more than 200,000 that have enjoyed programs at the Center donate even small amounts, we will be honored. The Center is a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit, and donations are tax deductible.

Covid forced the closing of the Francis Malcolm Science Center and the termination of staff. As we have reopened the Center post COVID, all programs have been developed and delivered by a volunteer staff of four remarkable educators headed by Elaine Hendrickson. This outstanding team has delivered over 120 educational programs to 90 plus public-school groups and 20 additional groups ranging from homeschoolers to special needs groups. When I can, I help this team with appropriate shows in the Center’s 35-seat planetarium. The comments from the lucky participants thrill and inspire all of us.

I have also presented Friday evening and Saturday afternoon programs. These programs have had hundreds of participants over the past two years.

This year we focused on the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse. These programs were attended by school children, teachers and individuals to help prepare them for the eclipse. On April 8, we hosted approximately 400 people at the Science Center as they purchased solar glasses to watch the eclipse at other sites, or joined us to view a narrated, guided program about the eclipse. The 3 minutes we had of totality was a highlight for those who participated in our Eclipse Extravaganza.

The crisis with the chimney recently emerged. Experts are warning that the freezing and thawing this winter could cause it to collapse, forcing the Center to shut down. A closure would create a great educational loss for Aroostook County students and residents. With current funding from groups, grants, and donations, we are able to meet our basic operating expenses, but not solve our repair needs. The cost to replace the chimney is $29,000 if we do it now.

Please help us support the educational needs of northern Maine and western New Brunswick.

Francis Malcolm Science Center is a 501(c)3 public non-profit; donations are tax deductible.

Thank you for your consideration!

The following provides more information and you may visit our web site at:

www.francismalcolmsciencecenter.com

Visit our Facebook page for more information and pictures: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057326985337

Please look at the links below about our presence as represented on our local television station, WAGM.

Solar Flare Story (May 22, 2024)

https://www.wagmtv.com/2024/05/22/solar-flares-can-cause-disruptions/

Solar Eclipse – One Month to Go (March 8, 2024)

https://www.wagmtv.com/2024/03/08/festivities-during-april-8th-eclipse/

Leap year story (March 6, 2024)