Dear editor:
Congratulations to all involved in the successful renovation of the Mid-America Science Museum. Thanks to our friends at the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, MASM was awarded at $7,800,000 capital grant to fund a comprehensive renovation and outdoor expansion. The project is completed and you will be thrilled when you see the final results.
As a condition of the grant, our community had to raise $1,600,000 for future programming. A big thank you to all who contributed. Groups like the Oaklawn Foundation and the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission made large gifts that made a significant difference. But we also raised funds from many local companies, foundations and individuals. Everyone's gift helped us reach the goal and reach it quickly. Thanks for your contributions to support science education in our area.
Thanks to Executive Director Diane LaFollette and her staff. Diane has been a very effective leader throughout the process. Hot Springs is very lucky to have her. The staff has worked tirelessly to have the museum open on time and loaded with exciting new features and exhibits. What a hardworking group!
And we must acknowledge the hard work of Chairman Lance Garner and the Board of Trustees. These community members oversaw the project and many other tasks associated with the renovation. Lance spent countless hours involved from the grant application to the final details. Most of his work was behind the scene and it is important for people to know how much effort he put into this project.
And the final thanks is to the original board of the museum. People like Cecil Cupp Jr., Courtney Crouch and many others made the museum happen and stayed in leadership roles for many years. Thanks for your vision and perseverance.
As a result of all this hard work, the renovated museum will open Saturday, March 7, 2015. To all who made this possible, a heartfelt thank you!
Elizabeth Farris
Hot Springs
Editorial on 03/04/2015