Nature and Science Center
shoots for stars with annual event
By Jeff Gallatin
Bay Village
Published Sept. 1, 2010

Staff and supporters of the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center are ready to help people discover the center’s wonders at its annual benefit Sept. 11.

This year’s theme “Discover the Cosmos” is different from other themes in recent years, Catherine Timko, the center director, said.

“It doesn’t focus on animals and that part of the natural world,” she said. “But, the cosmos and stars are a big part of science and nature, which is a good area to focus some attention on.”

Timko said the Center’s Walter R. Schuele planetarium also will be getting well-deserved attention as part of the event.

“It’s one of the most popular parts of the center,” Timko said. “Jay (Reynolds, the planetarium’s director) has many great programs for people when they come to the center and he’s also a great speaker when he discusses it with different groups.”

During the event, people will be able to check out some “out of this word” decorating for the festivities throughout the center, as well as views of different constellations inside the planetarium, she said.

“It should be a lot of fun,” Shawn Salamone, communications director for the center said. “People will be able to go in there and check out the different views as well as walk all over the different parts of the center. They can even dress to compete in the galaxy costume for the event.”

Timko, who is in her first year as director, said she’s looking forward to meeting with the guests and checking out the different parts of the event.

“It’s a great chance for people to get to know each other a little better and see what’s going on in here,” she said. “I’m been impressed by the level of support and commitment people have to the center in the area.”

Salamone noted the event’s auction is no longer a silent auction and that they’ve condensed prize packages and other parts of the event.

“There was a lot of different prizes and packages before and people seemed to have a hard time taking in all the different parts,” she said. “It should be a little easier now.”

Guests and people who can’t make the event but still want to contribute can still buy a raffle booklet for $15 with five chances to win two Continental Airlines round trip tickets, a luminous Sterling silver Chamilia charm bracelet from Charles S. Rivchun or a one-of-kind “Wild for Nature” quilt handmade by Dale Pizer Williams and Viva Pizer.

“Co-chairs Allison Muth and Marianna Orro have done a great job,” Salamone said. ‘I know they’re working closely with all the people supporting the project and the center.”

Auctions donations and corporate underwriters are still being taken with RSVPs sought by Sept. 6.

Timko said it’s also a good way to let people know the center is run via donations and other funding and is not funded by the Metroparks or any other governmental organization.

“We’re a proud affiliate of the Metroparks, but our funding comes through others,” she said. “This is the biggest event of the year for us in terms of bringing in funds.”

Public officials do support the center and its work.

“It’s a great place for families and all sorts of events, like this one,” Bay Village Mayor Debbie Sutherland said. “It’s one of the jewels of our city with its different educational, research and entertaining programs.”

Tickets are $65 per person or patron level support of $300 for four tickets. To charge reservations by phone or seek further information, call (440)871-2900 or visit online at www.lensc.org.

On the Web:

• Lake Erie Nature & Science Center