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Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD No one can deny that the majority of today's youth spend much of their time sitting in front of the television set or gaming consol. However, the parents and volunteers at the Amelia Park Children's Museum work daily to ensure that the children entering their doors are exposed to the most educational, interactive and inspirational exhibits possible. The museum, currently located at 99 Elm St. is in the process of moving and expanding its exhibits for children ages one to 12 at its new location at 29 South Broad St. In an effort to offset the costs of the museum's move, and their operational costs, the Amelia Park Children's Museum will be hosting their fourth annual Comedy Night at 7 p.m., on Oct. 19 at the Westwood Pub Banquet Room, located at 94 North Elm St. in Westfield. Tickets are $25 per person. Molly Watson, vice president of the board of directors for the Amelia Park Children's Museum said that the opening of the new facility is contingent upon raising the remaining $50,000. Thus far, the organization has raised over $2 million through large fundraisers and "grass roots efforts." "What's really interesting is that people always refer to the old museum as a kind of mom and pop shop, but the thing is that it's really the moms and pops that make this museum work," she said. "From the lemonade stands from kids to large fundraisers like Comedy Night, if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't exist." Watson noted that the museum is operated mostly by volunteers and has only one fulltime and two part-time employees. She said that at this year's Comedy Night she is hoping to match or exceed the $18,000 raised last year. Appetizers and a silent auction will begin at 7 p.m. and a live auction will begin at 8 p.m. Watson said the auction will include a one week getaway to Marco Island, Fla., one round of golf for four players at the Ranch Golf Course in Southwick, and one of only five autographed photographs of Red Sox baseball player Curt Schilling. The live entertainment will begin at 8:30 p.m., with the standup comedy of Dana Jay Bein. He said the inspiration for his shows stems from everyday life and things people might take for granted in their home or community. Bein added that it was important for him to participate in this event because the Amelia Park Children's Museum provides youth with alternative and exciting "paths of learning." "The point of a museum is to get kids in an interactive learning environment, and that's what comedy is, learning about ourselves through fun," he said. Musician Bruce Jacques will take the stage after Bein, where he will provide audience members with "celebrity spoofs." He added that his show will feature a "medley of spoofs," including Ricky Martin, Britney Spears and Garth Algar from "Wayne's World." Currently, the museum's Elm Street location is open only for birthday parties and play groups, as the organization is transitioning into the new facility. Watson said that the exhibits such as the "Kid Powered Universe" are currently being installed at the South Broad Street location. The exhibit allows museum goers to climb into the "Children Exploration Vehicle" or spaceship and once their mission is underway they can move a robotic arm to "make repairs" as well as set up a "space flight menu," she explained. Another exhibit at the new facility called, "How Does Your Garden Grow," is designated for toddlers and features a small carrot slide and a variety of stuffed flowers and vegetables for them to crawl and climb on, Watson said. She noted that the museum will offer a variety of programs for parents and their children such as leaning Korean, yoga classes and music classes. Watson said that, as a mother of two, she believes that providing children with alternative educational opportunities, such as those at the museum, gives them the "chance to succeed and make a difference in their lives." Future fundraising events include Tea with Mrs. Claus during the first week of December and the annual Penguin Plunge at the end of January. Watson said the Penguin Plunge is a large fundraiser for the museum, which allows those daring enough to plunge into the winter-chilled Congamond Lake in Southwick for a donation of $50. She noted that this event began with only 30 people plunging into the lake and as grown to 130. For more information about Comedy Night or other fundraising events at the Amelia Park Children's Museum call 572-4014 or visit their Web site at www.ameliaparkmuseum.org. | ||||||
