2019 Museum of Discovery Science After Dark starts with Troopers vs. Trekkies

It’s a new year and the Museum of Discovery is stirring the pot by hosting an event that addresses one of the greatest arguments of all time – an argument that has allies in every corner of the galaxy.

On Thursday, January 31 from 6pm to 9pm, come to the Museum of Discovery for their first Science After Dark of 2019 and take part in “Troopers vs. Trekkies”

Whether you’re boldly going where no man has gone before or you’re already in a galaxy far, far away, you’ve probably heard the age-old debate about which of science fiction’s two biggest franchises is better.

Is it Star Wars?

Is it Star Trek?

Is the Museum crazy for doing this?

Science After Dark is for ages 21 and up. Tickets are $10 or free for members.

The 2019 presenting sponsor is Fassler Hall.  Sponsors are Stone’s Throw Brewing and Rock Town Distillery.

Who says the Museum of Discovery is only for kids?!? Not the hundreds of 21-and-older science-and-fun lovers who attend Science After Dark each month. Because, science is fun … at any age! Science After Dark provides visitors the opportunity to have fun and learn about science in a unique setting. Museum educators pick a science-related topic and build an entertaining, interactive evening around it. You never know what will sprout, pop, fizzle, or glow. We invite you to discover the science of having fun. Museum partners are there to serve pizza, and a full bar from craft beer to wine to cocktails is available. And beyond the themed activities each month, Science After Dark admission ($10, free for members) includes access to all museum galleries and our 90-plus hands-on, interactive exhibits.

Monday Musings: Janell Mason

Janell MasonThis Thursday, Janell Mason will be recognized as the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Association of Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  While she will be recognized primarily for her work with the Ronald McDonald House, she devotes her time to many worthy causes.  One of her focuses each spring is the Sculpture at the River Market show and sale.

Here, in her own words, are some thoughts about her volunteering and her responses to the Nine Monday Musings questions.

I serve on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas. The Ronald McDonald House, located directly across the street from Arkansas Children’s Hospital, is a 28-bedroom home away from home for families whose child is receiving treatment in area hospitals. Families staying there need to be close to the hospital, and are provided with comfortable beds, a hot shower, play space, nightly dinners prepared by community volunteers, and the support of other families in similar situations.  Every day families staying at the House say, “We don’t know what we would do without the Ronald McDonald House.”  Families  stay in the House for an average of 21 days, but some stay overnight while other stay for months while their child receives cancer treatment or a transplant.

I also serve as chair of the Where Hope Has a Home  capital campaign, which is raising funds for  construction of a new House at the corner of MLK and 10th. Of the $8.6 million required to build this 5-story, 35,000 sq. foot home, we need just $600,000 to complete the campaign!  While construction of a new, larger Ronald McDonald House is our ultimate goal, our House and programs are more than just a building. We pride ourselves on providing a home away from home that allows families to be at their child’s side through every step of their healing while allowing them to have a safe, private and, at times, fun place to rest, reflect and comfort one another. The success for us is being able to provide families with what matters most—time with their child.

 

-My earliest memory was (age and incident)

Very vivid – Go Texan Day. We went downtown to watch the Salt Grass Trail riders parade through town. I was wearing my black cowgirl outfit with white fringe and red cowboy boots. I loved those boots!  Age 3, Houston, TX

-When I was in high school and imagined my adulthood, I thought I would be…

a commercial photographer or journalist. My, how life has different plans for us.

-Star Wars, Star Trek, Battle of the Network Stars, or Dancing with the Stars?  

Star Trek (Live Long and Prosper). Watched it every day after school. I always wanted a tribble.

 -I most identify with the Winnie the Pooh character of…

Christopher Robin

 -The performer I’d drop everything to see is…

Two – Andrea Bocelli and Steve Perry

 -My first paying job was…

University of Houston Bookstore when I was home summer after my freshman year. I stocked shelves and organized. I especially enjoyed the smell of the books in the stock basement; the scent of knowledge.

-A book I think everyone should read is….

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

-My favorite season is…

Fall; it is so colorful in Arkansas!

-We are all geeks (or experts) about something.

My field is Volunteerism.