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A&E briefs: Maker spaces bring science to life at Summit library

Compiled by Krista Driscoll
kdriscoll@summitdaily.com
Special to the Daily
Special to the Daily |

Maker spaces bring science to life at Summit libraries

The Summit County Libraries recently introduced “Mad Lab” maker spaces at the South Branch and Main libraries. Maker spaces are interactive community spaces for parents and students with portable experiments that encourage tinkering and creating new things.



“Many of these spaces expose young learners to STEM skills,” said Becky Astuto, library technician, referring to the acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “The summer children’s reading program theme, ‘Fizz, Boom, Read,’ led our libraries to try maker spaces as a result of introducing STEM and science projects this summer.”

Maker spaces harness community involvement and participation, and a benefit of placing these energetic new spaces of innovation in public libraries is giving kids one more reason to go to the library, where they may discover how to create more worlds of their own making.



“Now that they are in libraries, they offer what may otherwise be rare opportunities to a larger, diverse audience,” Astuto said.

With a choice of kits, projects and games, parents and children can work together to learn about science in the Mad Lab. One of the projects is the newest 3Doodler pen. Operating like a glue gun, but producing 3D objects, the pen lets kids doodle in the air and watch plastic objects appear. Other fun things to do are snap circuits, electronics kits, magic sand and gardening.

“Kids just need an adult and a library card to enjoy this free maker space — a place for invention, creativity and learning,” said Astuto.

‘Madams’ performance dates announced in Buena Vista

Performance dates have been announced for “Madams of Central Colorado,” a historical production portraying Elizabeth “Cockeyed Liz” Spurgeon, Laura Evens and other “ladies of the evening.”

Shows will be at 7 p.m. at Buena Vista Heritage Museum, 506 E. Main St. in Buena Vista, on Saturday, July 5; Saturday, Aug. 9; and Saturday, Sept. 13.

Local actresses in the show and the characters they portray include Kathi Perry, Cockeyed Liz; Melinda Duncan, Silverheels Jessie; Bonnie Schwam, Lillian Powers; Billie Love, Laura Evens; Carrie Carey, Belle Brown; and Whitney Tidwell, Laverne. Bev Werner has retired as pianist for the show and will be replaced by Teresa Roorda.

Perry, who wrote the script, describes the show as “tastefully presented but not recommended for children under 13.” She said Lois Goss, of Buena Vista, has made professional-quality costumes for the eighth season of “Madams.”

Tickets are $15 and are available at the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce, 343 Highway 24 S., the Buena Vista Heritage Museum or at the door. Proceeds benefit Buena Vista Heritage. More information is available from the museum at (970) 395-8458.

Pickin’ in the Park in Paonia kicks off in August

The seventh season of Paonia’s Pickin’ in the Park concert series begins Thursday, Aug. 7, and continues Thursday evenings through Thursday, Aug. 28. The four-show series is free to the public and family friendly and includes a children’s activities area on-site, next to the playground with a view of the stage, curated by the North Fork Creative Coalition. The audience is welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and picnics, but please note that there is no glass is allowed in the park.

Pickin’ in the Park happens every Thursday in August, with the following musical lineup: Shinyribs on Aug. 7, Miss Tess & The Talkbacks on Aug. 14, Drew Emmitt Band on Aug. 21 and Baskery on Aug. 28.

KVNF is Pickin’ in the Park’s presenting partner and will be serving beverages, including award-wining, locally brewed draft beer by Revolution Brewing, local wine from the West Elks Wineries and hard cider from Delicious Orchards. 2014 welcomes back local food vendor Delicious Orchards Organic Farm Market, as well as another food vendors to be announced. All vendors emphasize locally grown and prepared food. Cowabunga Creamery will be back, as well, serving up their tasty ice cream.

All concerts will be broadcast live on KVNF Community Radio (90.9, 89.1 FM) and will be streaming live on the net at http://www.kvnf.org. Visit http://www.pickinproductions.com for more information.


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