WOW Update - December 5, 2008

The past 2 months have been incredibly busy since the completion of the World of Wonders Science Museum phase one construction.

In September, John Baldwin and Marissa Sutro joined us from the San Francisco Exploratorium and oversaw the installation of 30 world-class exhibits, cementing our partnership with the Exploratorium and taking the World of Wonders Science Museum a major distance toward being able to open and support the mission statement of bringing hands-on science edutainment to the region. We must also thank Jim Pyers for his tremendous contribution of bringing two fascinating exhibitions; the History of the Microchip and the History of Modern Recording, to the museum at his own expense and labor.

Since October, many of you have seen the Navy F-14 Tomcat static flight training simulator through the windows that was donated to the WOW by Bill Meehleis. This is an exciting work in progress and we hope to get the simulator up and running soon for the enjoyment of all ages.

Thank you John, Marissa, Jim and Bill!

On Thursday, November 6, a celebration and fundraiser honoring the original Charter Elements and Construction donors was held at the museum and a group numbering 100+ was introduced to the current level of progress and the 2009 program. High points included a lively power point presentation and a surprise introduction to the juggling skills of Mr. Jay Bell as he demonstrated the concept of fund raising gravity! Take a look at photos from the evening.

Microscopy at the WOW-Donations

No scientific instrument has or continues to contribute more to the advancement of science than the microscope in all of its forms. No other instrument is as fascinating and just plain cool to well, everyone! The WOW has been blessed with two major TV microscope contributions in the past 8 weeks.

The Washington Elementary School donated a hand held video microscope through efforts directed by WOW volunteer, Marne Simpson. We would like to thank Washington Elementary, Marne, Umpqua Bank, and Fred and Margie Paulsen.

The den Hartog family has donated a lab quality desktop video microscope from a company in New Zealand. The microscope is slated to arrive this week and will play to a big screen video monitor that the den Hartogs are donating as well as the monitor’s wall mount and installation. Thank you very much, den Hartog family!

Sponsoring an Exploratorium Exhibit

The World of Wonders Science Museum graciously thanks Dave Smith from Holz Rubber Company in Lodi for their generous donation to the museum of $5,000! Holz Rubber Company will have their name prominently displayed on the exhibit of their choice. This is another wonderful gift to the WOW, thank you, Dave Smith.

Pictured are Dave Smith, Holz Rubber Company, Barbara den Hartog and Randall Blank both Board Members of the World of Wonders Science Museum.

Community Involvement

Christina Wilson, Secretary of the World of Wonders Science Museum, is working closely with the University of Pacific Academic Internship Program in order to provide selective students with an exciting opportunity to assist the WOW with its development of programs, fund raising, business operations, technology and more.

Upcoming Events

This Sunday, December 7, Omega Nu will host hors d’oeuvres and wine at the WOW for thirsty Home Tour participants. Omega Nu Home Tour Tickets, $25, may be purchased at Beckman Optometry, Pret, House of Coffees, and Uncorked.

Saturday, December 13, at the World of Wonders Science Museum, Alexander Brothers will host the unveiling of a new Grape Zinfandel Syrup at a pancake breakfast from 8:30am-11am. Lodi Lions will be donating their time as the cooks! Bring your appetite and prepare to be fascinated and amazed by the WOW Museum. (Please don’t get any syrup on the microscopes!)

That same evening, from 4pm-7pm, Blue Eagle Tax Service and Consider It Done Event Planning are sponsoring a Holiday Mixer at the WOW. All proceeds go to help open the doors of the World of Wonders Science Museum. Download the two flyers below for more information.

Watch for the announcement of our 2009 major fundraiser Kick-off Campaign at the WOW, “The Museum That Sold the Moon”

Boldly go where no Museum has gone before and lease a major body of the solar system or one of 99 selected moons! Your name will be prominently displayed on the upcoming solar system for one terrestrial orbit (one Earth year)! The De Snayer family has already leased Pluto! The fun with science never stops at the WOW Museum and we invite you to join us in January for fun, a little jazz and the area’s best wineries represented. But for now, watch the WOW Science Museum website for your opportunity to have your name boldly imprinted on your planet or moon.

Science on the Green Golf Tournament

Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Science on the Green Golf Tournament, Monday, April 6th, 2009 at the Woodbridge Golf and Country Club.

Volunteer Meeting

The next scheduled volunteer meeting is Wednesday, December 17, 6pm at the WOW. Please contact Harrison Weese if you will be able to attend at 209-329-4772.

Give the Gift of Science

What better gift for Christmas than a WOW Charter Membership. Memberships are good for one full year following our Grand Opening. Your membership also enables you to attend the San Francisco Exploratorium and the Davis Explorit museums for free! Charter Memberships are available at a discount and if purchased by December 19th, membership cards will arrive just in time for Christmas. Please view the membership flyer for details!

You Can Open the Doors of the World of Wonders Science Museum

The World of Wonders Science Museum is thankful for your continued support. Look how far the WOW Museum has come because of you. This is your Museum. There is a huge need in our community to enrich the lives of children. The primary goal of the World of Wonders Science Museum is to introduce children of all ages (including the child that lives within us all) to the wonders of science through hands-on edutainment. The World of Wonders Science Museum will fill that need. Everyone is so anxious for the doors to open. And to think, the WOW Vision is on the edge of Reality.

A personal contribution today will help open the Doors tomorrow.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

Sally Snyde
President of the World of Wonders Science Museum