The DC NEWS
Ignite, Inspire, Empower

May, 2017

The Discovery Center Welcomes New Board Member

The Discovery Center for Science and Technology has added Dr. Jennifer Boone to its board of directors.  Members serve three-year terms.  "Dr. Boone is an excellent addition to the board and to ensuring The Discovery Center's award winning programs remain in step with STEAM related educational standards," said Executive Director Vicki Holloway.
 
Dr. Boone currently serves as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the Conejo Valley Unified School District.  She works with teacher leaders to guide the implementation of the Next Generation of Science Standards ("NGSS"), supporting professional development efforts and reviewing curriculum and lesson design. 
 
Dr. Boone's passion for science took root on the Camarillo ranch where she grew up leaning to evaluate concepts and create investigations, often in her outdoor environment.  After graduating from California Lutheran University, Jennifer taught in schools in California and England for 11 years before transitioning to administration where she served as a Principal in Palm Springs Unified and the Beverly Hills Unified School Districts.  Working hand in hand with parents, teachers and community partners, Jennifer spearheaded the development of the Environmental Academy for Research Technology and Earth Sciences, fondly known as EARTHS in 2009.
 
In addition to Dr. Boone, The Discovery Center's board includes the following members (executive committee members indicated by title):
 
Carrie Glicksteen - Chairperson (Educator)  
John Bradley - CFO (Attorney, Bus.Consultant)        
Mary Jane M. Seebach - Secretary - (Bank of America)             
Ken Bauer - VP (ValueClick, Retired)    
Cathy Fudurich - VP (Communique Sales)      
Karen Lindsey - VP (Conejo Recreation & Park District, Retired)   
Linda Organ -VP (California Lutheran University, Retired)
Terri Parks- VP (Amgen, Retired)
Holly Cole (Community Advocate)                              
S tanley C. Mantooth (Ventura County Superintendent of Schools)
Nathen Fox (Managing Director at Sovance, LLC)    
V icki Murphy (CAO & Director of Alumni Services, CasaPacifica)  

Senior Capstone Project Provides DC Volunteer the Opportunity to Chase Her Passions


Vicki Holloway, The Discovery Center Executive Director, is excited to have an opportunity to serve as mentor to Sarah Lavin as part of the de Toledo High School Senior Capstone Project.  The program provides the opportunity for students to have off-campus internships in areas of professional/
personal  interest.  Having  volunteered at past science events held by The Discovery Center and having first loves of science and art, Sarah reached out to the The Discovery Center for her project.
 
Between April 24th through May 19th, Sarah will volunteer 20 hours each week learning all the ins and outs of operating a non-profit, experiencing and participating in the Discovery Center programs and helping with special projects.

Sarah Lavin is finishing up her senior year at de Toledo High School in West Hills. She lives in the Conejo Valley and has been a member of the National Charity League, Conejo Valley Chapter since 2011. She has volunteered for numerous philanthropies such as Many Mansions, Manna Food Bank, and L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue, and has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her hours of dedicated service.  She is planning to attend Brandeis University in the fall to pursue a double major in Molecular Biology and Studio Art. 

Sarah says "she looks forward to working with the Discovery Center for her senior capstone and learning more about how a non-profit organization is run."

The Discovery Center is passionate about empowering people to enjoy and think about science.

The Discovery Center @ Amgen's Volunteer Fair

The Discovery Center was very pleased to participate in a volunteer fair o n Amgen's Thousand Oaks campus on April 26th. The fair provided an opportunity for Amgen staff  members to come out during their lunch hour and learn about local nonprofit organizations looking for volunteer support. 

As a key Amgen Foundation partner, The Di scovery Center was invited to attend.  We had over 40 Amgen staff members  sign-up to find out additional information about volunteering for The Discovery Center.

(Pictured: Vicki Holloway, Executive Director and Mary Jane Seebach, Board Member)

A Successful Day:
CVUSD Spanish Speaking Parent Conference

Thank you to all our volunteers (Sue, Joshna, Benecia, Serge, David, Kurt and Shoshana) who helped The Discovery Center share our hands-on activities with over 100 adults at CVUSD's 4th Annual Conference for Spanish Speaking Parent held on April 1st.

A shout-out to Kurt who was invaluable to the day as a Spanish-speaking, science-loving and fun-filled volunteer. Thank you to Shosana Brower who also brought her Spanish-speaking skills to the day's event.
 
Molecule
Science Speaker Series - May 4th 
Through the Looking Glass: How the Symmetry of Molecules Affects Diseases

Join us as Phil Hampton, Ph.D., Prof. of Chemistry, CSUCI talks about how "Lewis Carroll's book, "Through the Looking Glass" predates modern chemistry, but presents the ideas of symmetry and "handedness" that explain the tragic Thalidomide birth defects of the 1950s. Hands-on activity included.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.discoverycentersciencespeakerseries2016.eventbrite.com 
or at the door as supply  lasts.  Open seating.

Location: Lundring Event Center located in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, 130 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Parking adjacent to center.




A Collage of Learning and Fun

What a great Saturday at the Thousand Oaks Arbor/Earth Day!  
It was all about Recycling and Recreating for The Discovery Center.

Thank you to the Villanueva/Madja family, the Holloway family, Zoe S. and Sidney Arndt 
 for all your help setting up, hosting and taking down the booths.



 

Save the Dates 
Family Science Nights at the Thousands Oaks and Newbury Park Libraries
as Part of the Summer Reading Program 

The Discovery Center will be bringing Family Science Nights to the 
Thousand Oaks city libraries this coming summer (2017).  
Below please find the dates/times.
 
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Thousand Oaks Library
1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
6:30 to 8:00pm


  

Wednesday July 19, 2017
Newbury Park Branch
2331 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320
6:30 to 8:00pm

THIS IS A PUBLIC EVENT! FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE WELCOME!

We will be sending you more information in early June 2017 regarding volunteer opportunities but hope that you'll put both these dates on your calendars.

Thank you to some of our Corporate Sponsors
 who help make our programs possible.

 
The Discovery Center relies on the support of people like you to bring our programs to the community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your generous gift is tax deductible.  Consider a gift today by going online to www.discoverycntr.org.  Thank you!