december 2010 : january : february 2011

december 2010 : january : february 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2
CENTER NEWS
3
VOLUNTEER NEWS
4
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
5
TEACHERS’ CORNER
6
NATURE KIDS
7
ADULT PROGRAMS
8
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
9
SPECIAL EVENTS
10
DONORS
11
MEMBERS & RENEWALS
DISCOVERY ROOM HOURS
NOON-5:30 DAILY
CLOSED MONDAYS
ADMISSION FREE
Donations are appreciated.
Groups of six or more
children by appointment.
Cost is $2/child.
MISSION
To ignite lifelong curiosity,
understanding and respect
for nature through education.
New Play Group Program
This winter, the Nature Discovery Center is offering a Nature
Program Sampler designed with play groups in mind. These play
group inspired programs will give parents and toddlers a chance to
explore various themes of nature together. In November the topic
is Owls, December – Super Senses, and January – Winter
Animals. The half hour to forty-five minute program will include
activities such as a nature walk, story, songs or finger plays, and a
guided tour through the Center's two Discovery Rooms, where
children will have up close encounters with small animals.
Play groups may schedule visits for five to fifteen children anytime
between 9:30 am and 4:45 pm Tuesday through Sunday. The cost
of the program is $5 per child with a $25 minimum charge. Adults
and children under one year of age are admitted for free. More
details are available on the Center's website,
www.naturediscoverycenter.org under “Visit & Explore”. To
schedule, call the Nature Discovery Center at 713-667-6550.
Afterwards, playgroups may stay as long as they wish, perhaps
enjoying a snack outside at the picnic tables under the pavilions,
or beside the playground at the South side of Russ Pitman Park.
Holiday Market
December 1st - 23rd from 10 am to 5 pm daily
Find that special something for the nature lovers in your life: an
insect net for a bug lover; a set of animal finger puppets for a
dramatist; bird feeders and field guides for new wildlife watchers.
We have a delightful selection of inexpensive items that can enrich
both indoor and outdoor experiences throughout the year.
Bring the whole family for Photos with Santa right here at the
Center on Saturday, December 4th from 10 am – 1 pm. Enjoy
some juice or hot chocolate and cookies, explore the Discovery
Rooms or get some holiday shopping done while you are here.
Each family will receive a FREE photo with Santa in his big sleigh,
compliments of John Daugherty Realtors.
naturediscoverycenter.org
Annual Meeting
nature discovery center
7112 NEWCASTLE
BELLAIRE, TX 77401
T 713.667.6550
F 713.667.7654
Wednesday, December 1st at 6:30 pm
What is happening at the Center? Use this opportunity to find out
about our new and expanding programs and meet some of our
board members. Light refreshments will be served. Stay for an
inside look at foraging in Houston (see Adult Lectures on p 7).
center news
2
Jenni Malone
Director
From the Director’s Desk:
Winter Wish List
Staff
As the year-end holiday season approaches, we at the
Nature Discovery Center are stepping into the new year
with new programs and plans.
We just might want what you
don’t anymore!
Mary Ann Beauchemin
Maura Denman
Eric Duran
Anne Eisner
Joanne Go
Jessica Lozano
Cindy Sherman
Laura Stokes
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Lynda Clemmons
President
Aileen McCormick
Vice President
James (Jim) D. Porter
Secretary
R. D. Mullineaux, Ph.D.
Treasurer
Steve Erickson
Past Preseident
House/Garden Needs
We have just launched a new Nature Activities Package
for Playgroups. Small groups of 5 – 15 playgroup toddlers
with their moms or dads take a guided nature walk, share
some songs, stories or finger plays, or create a craft and
tour the Discovery Rooms, learning about nature and
having fun along the way.
___ Portable computer projector (LED)
___ push brooms in good condition
___ lightly used tools for home and
garden
We are piloting Science on the Go!, a set of outreach
programs for upper elementary students, in which they
can explore photosynthesis and the ways it connects
plants to the carbon and water cycles; examine the
processes of genetic change over time; or learn about
archeology and the ways these scientists use artifacts to
reconstruct the past.
___ Working sprinklers
___ 100 foot garden hoses
___ Shovels - specifically spades
& sharp shooters
___ Hand trowels
___ Rakes in good condition
___ Heavy duty wheelbarrow
After more than a year of deliberation and planning, our
Grounds Task Force is finishing up its recommendations
for improving Russ Pitman Park as a teaching venue, a
wildlife habitat, and visitor friendly nature park.
We invite you to join us as we grow and develop additional ways to benefit both the local and wider communities.
___ good quality digital camera
___ Animal carrier large enough for
our bunnies
___ Working weed eater
___ Native plants (call for list)
___ Wood chip mulch for trails
___ Garden/work gloves (all sizes)
___ Power drill/drivers
(electric or battery operated)
___ Drill bits
___ Extension ladder
Class/Camp & Exhibit Needs
Members At Large
Christiane Copeland
Ben Cowan
David Franklin
Dr. Johnnie P. Frazier
Hana Ginzbarg
Millie Hast
Lucinda Kontos
Grady Paris
Jennifer Gillespie-Malone, Director
___ Empty thread spools
___ Clear acrylic display boxes
(like those used for footballs,
baseballs, etc.)
___ 10’ x 13’ rug - green or brown,
lightly used is ok
Birding Needs
___ Binoculars in “good condition”
In-Kind Donations Needed
Did you know …?
... we love photos!! If you take photos in the
park or at one of our classes or events, we
would love to have a copy of your photos to
share on our website or in our annual report.
___ General carpentry
___ Plumbing repair
___ Professional electrical repair
volunteer news
3
Fall Quarter
Volunteers
Animal Care
Christiaan Khurana
Allison Shay
Sara Sii
Chris Tarrand
Bird Care
Norma Barnes
Colton Borovsky
Theresa Hagstrom
Ellen Hastedt
Birding Field Trip
Betsy Black
Marcy Brown
Development
Committee
Cecilia Alatriz
Alexis Harrigan
Claudia Montenegro McCabe
Amanda Shagrin
Special Thanks to
the Following
National Charity League
Bayou Village Class of
2016 - 7th Grade Ticktockers - for watering native
plants and weeding out
non-natives
River Oaks Academy
13 student volunteers for helping to clean up,
count supplies, organize
and pack up after Pumpkin
Patch
Eagle Scouts with
Projects in Russ Pitman
Park
Cameron Snook – replaced
leaning fence in the shed
yard and made wooden
covers for garbage cans
throughout the park.
Jacob Rousseau - made
and installed two new
benches in the playground
area at the south end of the
park.
General Handymen
Gary Gray
Grounds Task Force
Beth Debenport
Betsy Black
Hana Ginzbarg
Millie Hast
Cletus Lee
Don Verser
Multi-taskers
Betsy Black
Carole McCann
National Charity League
Willing Wednesday Workers
Norma Barnes
Eugene Bullard
Fred Campbell
Marcelle Daniel
Beth Debenport
Rosemary Gendusa
Lynn Leonard
Beth Murphy
Jim Murphy
Debbie Patton
Michael Patton
Pat Roberts
Adrianne Vecchio
Nora Wolff
Park & Plant Care
Jeff Gotsdiner
Don Verser
Calling all Volunteers
Help with Holiday Market
Four volunteers are needed to work in 2 hour blocks on Saturday,
December 4 between 10 am - 2 pm. Help us kick off our Holiday
Market and welcome Photos with Santa visitors. You’ll arrange
sale items, assist shoppers with purchases, and more. Space is
limited, so please call 713-667-6550 to sign-up now.
Be a Winter Break Camp Counselor
We’re looking for counselors to help with our December BreakOut Camps over the winter break from school (Dec. 20, Dec. 21,
or Dec. 28). An ideal Nature Discovery Center Counselor is at
least 13 years old, mature and responsible for his/her age, likes to
work with kids, and can commit to being here from 9 am to 4 pm.
Space is limited, so please call to interview for your spot as a
Camp Counselor! On the job training will be provided.
***********************
Summer Volunteer
Application Deadline - April 1st
Call Jenni Malone at 713-667-6550 or e-mail her at
[email protected] to find out more
about applying as a summer volunteer for 2011.
***********************
Visit our website at
www.naturediscoverycenter.org
or call 713-667-6550 to find out
more about the many volunteer
opportunities we have available
for individuals and groups.
children’s programs
Registration Policy
For All Classes
Registration for children’s
programs is online.
Please call if you need
assistance.
Class fees are due prior to
the start of class.
No walk-ins.
FREE
Nature Story Time
Stories, puppets, specimens,
songs and more for preschoolers.
Every Wednesday
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Nature Detectives
Eco Explorers
Ages 3.5 - 5
Ages 6 - 10
Nature Detectives is our fun-tastic
school year program for 3.5 to 5
year olds and their parents,
grandparents or caregivers. Children
are introduced to basic science
concepts with animals, natural
objects, crafts, puppets, stories,
songs, and nature walks.
“Explorers” examine nature and
science topics in some depth
through experiments, crafts, and
hands-on investigations. Classes
meet for 1 hour each week, 2 or 3
weeks of the month. Classes run
September through May.
December—2 weeks only
Nature’s Gifts
December - 2 weeks only
The Park in Winter
Come and make some wonderful
gifts for your family and nature
this Holiday Season!
$20 members / $30 nonmembers
---------------------------Tues. – 7 & 14
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Wed. – 8 & 15
1:00 - 2:00 or
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Thur. - 9 & 16
3:00 - 4:00 pm
NEW Condensed Classes
Scout Programs
Bring your scout group to the
Nature Discovery Center!
See our website for complete
Scout Program offerings.
Scout Programs are offered
Friday - Sunday.
Dates fill quickly
- call soon for best availability.
Advance reservations
are required.
Starting in January, we’re offering
a special 1.5 hour condensed
class one Sunday a month.
$15 members / $25 nonmembers
Look for * below to find these
special classes.
January—Polar Animals
Learn who can survive the cold at
the extreme ends of the earth and
how they do it!
$30 members / $45 nonmembers
---------------------------Tues. – 4, 11, 18 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Wed. – 5, 12, 19 1:00 - 2:00 or
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Thur. - 6, 13, 20 3:00 - 4:00 pm
*Sun. - 9
3:00 - 4:30 pm
February—Fur, Feathers,
Skin & Scales
What are the similarities and
differences between the 5 groups
of animals with a backbone?
$30 members / $45 nonmembers
---------------------------Tues. – 1, 8, 15 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Wed. – 2, 9, 16 1:00 - 2:00 or
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Thur. - 3, 10, 17 3:00 - 4:00 pm
*Sun. - 13
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Put on your coat and come
explore the park with us as we
discover how nature copes with
winter along the Gulf Coast of
Texas. We’ll look at the adaptations of plants and animals, and
learn the science behind why
winter happens.
$20 members / $30 nonmembers
---------------------------Tues. – 7 & 14
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Wed. – 8 & 15
1:30 - 2:30 pm
January - Our Feathered
Friends
Join us for an exploration of birds
both in the class room and out in
the wild. We'll learn basic
anatomy and physiology, behavior, and ecology through art,
games, and field studies.
$30 members / $45 nonmembers
---------------------------Tues. – 4, 11, 18 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Wed. – 5, 12, 19 1:30 - 2:30 pm
4
Winter Break
Camps
Ages 5 - 10
One day camps meet from 9:30
- 3:30 each day. Register online
by signing in as the child who is
coming to camp.
Cost per day:
$40 member / $50 nonmember.
Monday, December 20th
Caves
Come learn what life is like in
the dark, damp underground.
Tuesday, December 21st
Insect Invastion
Explore insects with us and
discover their purpose. What
good are they?
Tuesday, December 28th
Let’s Hear it for Habitats!
Come join in our examination of
the who, what, when, where,
why and how of habitats.
Winter Break
Snake Camp
with
Clint “The Snake Man”
Pustejovsky
February - Houston Habitats
Monday, December 27th
The Houston area is actually a
rich biological area occupied by
several important and vibrant
ecosystems. All of these
eco-systems are important for
humans and animals alike. Join
us as we explore Houston area
grasslands, wetlands, and
forests.
$30 members / $45 nonmembers
---------------------------Tues. – 1, 8, 15 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Wed. – 2, 9, 16 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Ages: 7 +
Cost: $65/child
Time: 9 am - 3 pm
Advanced Registration Required
Call 713-934-7668 or see
www.texassnakes.net for more
information or to register.
teachers’ corner
5
Hibernation
By Jenni Malone
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For some of us, the thought of winter brings to mind images of animals tucked up for the season: a
bear curled up in a cave, a cluster of ladybugs in the crevice of a tree, toads and turtles buried under
the ground, or fish suspended motionless at the bottom of a frozen pond. Some might say they are all
hibernating. Some might say none of them are. Let’s take a look at hibernation to find out how well
each fits the description.
Hibernation is an adaptation to extreme conditions- extreme temperature (often cold) and weather, and
lack of food. The extreme dormancy (torpor) reached in hibernation allows an animal to survive for
months on stored body fat because its energy demands are decreased so much.
In hibernation, several dramatic changes take place within an animal’s body. The first stage involves a
significant decrease in metabolic rate – often to less than 10% of the normal rate. As the metabolism
slows the internal body temperature drops. Many hibernating animals, even those with a normal body
temperatures nearing 100o F (37oC), have a hibernating body temperature of about 43o F (6o Celsius).
The heart rate also slows, usually to less than 10 beats per minute, and the breathing rate decreases,
too. In fact, some hibernating animals stop breathing for an hour or more (apnea) during hibernation.
A hibernating animal can be motionless for days, won’t bleed much if cut, and can be difficult or
impossible to arouse.
By these criteria some fish, snails, and brine shrimp, bats and other small
mammals, and common poor-wills do hibernate, but bears don’t. A bear’s
body temperature drops, but only a few degrees, it breathing remains normal,
and it can respond to touch or be wakened.
Exactly what triggers hibernation varies. Some animals, including dormice,
react to the shortening daylight. For many ground squirrels, their internal
biological clock appears to trigger the process. Pygmy possums and others
can enter hibernation whenever environmental conditions become harsh.
Bears don’t hibernate.
Animals preparing to hibernate often eat large quantities of food to build up fat reserves. Some store
food at their hibernation site for added nutrition. The process of entering and emerging from hibernation varies from animal to animal, too. Some drop right in, others begin with a series of shorts bouts of
torpor first. Some emerge several times during the course of their hibernation to eat and excrete,
others don’t. The time needed to come out of hibernation appears to vary often by body mass. Smaller
animals are generally able to raise their body temperature more quickly.
Here in Houston, our winters are not severe enough to trigger hibernation. However, some animals
will become dormant during particularly severe cold spells. Hummingbirds enter a kind of
mini-hibernation nightly, reducing energy output to 1/20th their daytime resting rate. Other animals
enter a short-term or daily torpor, still others a nocturnal hypothermia in which their temperature drops
5-9oF and metabolism drops by ½.
It can be difficult to draw absolute lines among the various resting states animals use to survive
adverse conditions. However, it is a fascinating subject and one which some scientists think may
provide a key to surviving long space journeys, if we can just figure out how to do it ourselves.
Many hibernating
animals have a
body temperature
of just 43o F.
Brrrrrrrr!
©2010 Nature Discovery Center, Inc.
nature kids
6
How cold is too cold?
Have you noticed that the squirrels and birds sometimes don’t come out on cold or blustery days?
Have you ever wondered: how cold is too cold?
Here is a way to check it out. Each day record the temperature and weather
(sunny, windy, cloudy, rainy, etc) and the animals you see outside. Then you
can find out for yourself how cold it has to get to keep these animals inside.
Animals and Weather Chart
Date
Temperature
Weather
Animal
Number seen
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What is your conclusion?
I think ... _________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________.
Bring your chart into the Nature Discovery Center and get a Super Science Sleuth sticker!
©2010 Nature Discovery Center, Inc.
adult programs
Lunch with
the Birds
Adult Lectures
Wednesdays,
Noon to about 1 pm
First Wednesday of every month
from 7:00 - 8:30 pm
FREE. Light refreshments are served.
Interested in birdwatching?
Whether you are a novice or an
expert, join our free guided bird
walks through Russ Pitman
Park.
Warblers, vireos, thrushes,
flycatchers, orioles and
buntings are just a few of the
types of spring migrants you
may see. If you bring your
lunch, plan to eat it before or
after the hour long walk.
Dates: February 23rd - May 11th
Where: Meet us on the front
porch. Just drop in!
Bring: binoculars. (Or if you
need to borrow a pair, please
call ahead to make sure we
have some available.)
For the Inquisitive Naturalist
December 1st
Foraging Houston There is Such a Thing as a Free
Lunch
with Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen
We are surrounded every day all over Houston
with food and sources of medicine, and most
of us don't even know it. Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen will show us some examples of edible and
medicinal plants from right here in Houston.
We'll have a lecture as well as a tasting of
plants from Russ Pitman Park.
Tree
Identification
Walks
Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen earns his keep as a
research chemist for a Houston oil company but
his true passion is the world of wild edible and
medicinal plants. His weekends are spent
searching Texas for new wild edibles, working on
his plant blog, cultivating wild medicinal and
edible plants in his suburban permaculture food
forest, or teaching foraging at the Houston
Arboretum and other parks and nature preserves
throughout Texas.
Saturdays,
10 am to 11 am
January 5th
Would you like to learn how to
identify trees? Jim McKee, a
Master Naturalist, tree lover,
and bird watcher will be
leading two walks this winter
to teach us how to identify the
trees that live here in Russ
Pitman Park. Jim has volunteered to lead two walks and
you are welcome to come to
one or both!
Dates: December 11th and/or
February 5th
Where: Meet us on the front
porch.
Bellaire Garden
Club Meetings
The Bellaire Garden Club holds
monthly meetings at the Nature
Discovery Center at 7 pm on
the first Thursday of every
month. Everyone is invited!
Walkability and Watersheds
with Dr. John Jacob
We are losing habitat and farmland. This is our
ecological infrastructure--our ark into the future.
We need water and food. Sprawl is killing these
things--we are growing thoughtlessly. If we
rethink how we build cities, and return to urban
patterns where the pedestrian was king, we will
lose a lot less of the stuff that we need to
sustain us. And we will have a much cooler city.
Join us for a discussion of the interrelationship
of urban form, sprawl versus pedestrian
oriented development, and the state of our
natural environment.
Dr. John Jacob (Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in soils and natural resources), is registered
as a Professional Geoscientist with the State of
Texas and is a Professional Wetland Scientist.
Jacob is a recognized expert on Texas wetlands,
having been active in consulting and research
aspects of wetlands for more than 20 years.
Jacob is currently the Director of the Texas
Coastal Watershed Program which provides
education and outreach about the impact of land
use on watershed health and water quality.
February 2nd
Our Native Milkweeds
with Flo Hannah
Adding native plants to our yards allows us to
observe and enjoy the beneficial insects and
wildlife they attract. One of the most fascinating
groups of native plants in fields or gardens is the
Milkweeds, best known as an important host plant
for Monarch Butterflies. Milkweeds have a
complex and amazing natural history that we'll
uncover for the gardener and naturalist alike.
Flo is the Sr. Sanctuary Steward for Houston
Audubon since 2002. Her responsibilities include
managing several of Houston Audubon's 17
sanctuaries. She has a MS in Wildlife & Fisheries
Sciences from Texas A&M University. She is
currently a Board member for the Houston
Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, the
Outdoor Nature Club, the Cullinan Park Conservancy, and the Coastal Prairie Partnership. She is
the owner of Hannah Native Grasses, Inc., a small
business growing native coastal prairie grasses.
March 2nd
The Lives of Texas Salamanders
with Eric Duran
Salamanders often go unnoticed because of their
cryptic and hidden lifestyles. It isn't often that
most of us think to look in the mud at the bottoms
of ponds, inside rotten logs, and in the vernal
pools of forests during a heavy rain. We'll uncover
the lives of Texas Salamanders, which are stranger
and more varied than you may know.
Eric is a staff naturalist at the Nature Discovery
Center. He has been an environmental educator,
naturalist, and field biologist at a variety of nature
centers and national wildlife refuges around the
country. His fieldwork experience includes Sea
Turtles, Amphibians, Sharks, and a wide variety of
bird species from Alaska to Florida.
7
upcoming activities
8
SAVE THE DATES
Shopping Night
December 8th
6 – 8 pm
Ten Thousand Villages Community Shopping Night
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to find eco-friendly, fair trade gifts from
around the world while supporting the Nature Discovery Center. We are partnering
with Ten Thousand Villages for a special Community Shopping Night on Wednesday, December 8, from 6 – 8 pm. 15% of net sales during the shopping night will
be donated to the Center. Can’t make those exact hours? Shop earlier in the day,
and let your salesperson know you want your purchases to support the Nature
Discovery Center.
Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit, self supporting, non-government organization designed to support
artisans whose creations they market. Consumers know the products they buy were made from
sustainable resources and fairly purchased. Their store is located at 2424 A Rice Blvd. in Rice Village.
Backyard
Bird Count
February 19th
9 to 10:30 am
Need Binoculars?
Just ask!
Call ahead to check
availability of loaner pairs.
Join us for the 14th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count!
Bird watchers coast to coast will take part in the 14th annual Great Backyard Bird Count between Friday,
February 18, and Monday, February 21, 2011. Participants will join tens of thousands of volunteers of all
levels of birding experience to count birds in their backyards, local parks or wildlife refuges.
We invite you to come join us count birds in Russ Pitman Park on Saturday, February 19, 2011 from
9:00 to 10:30 am. Families are welcome. Registration is not required. We will meet at the front porch of
the Nature Discovery Center.
Checklists submitted by "citizen scientists" all over the country help researchers at the Cornell Lab of
Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how the birds are doing—and how to
protect them. Last year, participants turned in more than 93,600 checklists online, creating the
continent's largest instantaneous snapshot of bird populations ever recorded.
If you would like more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count or if you would like to have a
count in your own backyard visit: http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html
Don’t Miss the 29th Annual Bellaire Home Tour
We are excited about the upcoming Home Tour. There are three very different, unique homes committed
and others under consideration.
April 2nd & 3rd
1 - 5 pm
Special thanks to our long-time and early sponsors Mike Huff of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate,
Anderson Properties; Eric and Cat Anderson of Eurocar – Werk; Tom Daneman, President of Bellaire
Broiler Burger; Mike Livingston, Realtor Consultant; Suzanne Longley, owner of Suzanne Longley
Landscapes; and Peggy McCall of COM for CARE Assisted Living Homes. The support of our local
business partners allows us to keep our ticket price at $12 for tickets purchased in advance and $15 for
tickets purchased during the Tour weekend.
The Center is very lucky to have Linda Miner, a Broker-Associate with Better Homes and Gardens Real
Estate, Anderson Properties, chairing the Tour for the second time, ably assisted by Trisha Gunter. They
are currently searching out additional Bellaire area homes that reflect our diversity, creativity, and sense
of style.
To learn more about sponsorship, volunteering, or to inquire about other participation opportunities,
contact Linda Miner at 713-826-8077 or Jenni Malone at the Nature Discovery Center
([email protected] or 713-667-6550). We hope to see you all there!
Spring Fling
April 16th
10 am - 3 pm
Come Celebrate Earth Day with Us
Spring Fling is a free community event celebrating Earth Day with environmental exhibitors, music,
children's crafts and activities, our annual Spring Market, and the Bellaire Garden Club's annual plant
sale.
special events
Pumpkin Patch
was a Great
Success
9
We had a great turnout for this year’s two day Pumpkin Patch fall festival in part due to great weather we
that weekend. There was no rain for the first time in three years! We owe a HUGE thank you to everyone
who attended and to all of the volunteers who helped make it possible. THANK YOU! We are also
indebted to our generous Pumpkin Patch sponsors for tents, tables, and t-shirts!
Volunteers
Annunciation Orthodox School
Bellaire High School Clubs
Antares
Bellaire JV Baseball
Kids Way
Leos
SEA-ARK
Charlotte Campbell
Luke Cantrell
Girl Scouts
Junior League
Lions Club
Jonathon Mills
National Charity League
Bayou Villages
Heart of Texas
Jack Reichert
Event Sponsors
Bellaire Parks & Recreation
Thanks for a
Fantastic
16th Annual
Twilight Gala
The 16th Twilight gala, our butterfly gala, was a grand celebration of our metamorphosis and was our
first opportunity to “step out” with our new look.
November 6, 2010
The Westin Galleria
We’re greatful for the support of everyone who joined us in celebrating our new look and a new year at
the Nature Discovery Center by volunteering or donating to the gala or by attending and participating in
our live and silent auctions.
2010
Twilight Honoree
State Representative
Ellen Cohen
2010
President’s Award
Don Verser
2010 Gala
Committee Chair
Adrienne BrownFranklin
Auction Volunteer
Carole McMann
Attendees admired the Nature Discovery Center’s new banner as they arrived at the Westin Galleria
Plaza Ballroom, and were treated to a slide show highlighting the simple beauty and versatility of our
new look elements before dinner. Gorgeous etched glass centerpiece vases, designed by Adrienne
Brown-Franklin, also featured our new logo.
Table Sponsors
Gala Donors
CenterPoint Energy
Lynda Clemmons, Susan Wood,
& Meredith & Raffi Tcholakian
Christiane Copeland
Bridgette & John Goss
Millie Hast
Marathon Oil Corporation
Marion McCormack & Dick Mullineaux
Aileen & Andy McCormick
Jim & Dolores Avioli
Sonia Benjamin
Frederick & Kay Burns, Jr.
Congregation Beth Yeshurun
Victor Emanuel
Marc & Hayley Feldman
Andrew & Jennifer Friedberg
J. Kent & Ann Friedman
Karen & Larry George
Hana Ginzbarg
Joanne & John Go
Michelle Smith Hendry
Terry Hershey
Richard & Frances Howard
Betty Janicek
Brenda & Tom Koch
Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP/BC
M&M Lighting
Charles & Elizabeth (Lisa) Meacham
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Melhoff
Carolyn Truesdell & Dick Cheney
Marjory S. Patterson
Brenda J. Peters & John S. Chase, Jr.
Jim Porter & Kay Kamas
Russ Pitman
Edna A. Rice
Dr. & Mrs. Eduardo Souchon
Tom & Kim Vo
Ralph & Sandra Weaver
Sara J. Weinstein
Edith & Robert Zinn
Table Hosts
Jennifer & Ben Cowan
Johnnie & Winfred C. Frazier
Tradition Bank
Decorations Underwriting
Pat & Bob Lunn
Cindy & Bob Siegel
In-Kind Gifts
THE BUZZ MAGAZINE
Classic Crystal & Glass
Instant Glamour Company
MinuteMan Press of Bellaire
Visual Communications
and Imaging Group
The PR Boutique
Houston CPA Society Members
Kathy Ploch, CPA, CPP
Jay Goldberg
Karen Lipshy, CPA
Special thanks to all of the retail businesses
who donated to our very successful auction.
donors
The Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery
Center is most grateful to the following
corporations, foundations, and individuals for
their generous support between November 15,
2009 and November 15, 2010:
Discovery Circle
Harris County
Commissioner
Precinct 3,
Steve Radack
HOUSTON ENDOWMENT INC.
A PHILANTHROPY ENDOWED BY MR. AND MRS. JESSE H. JONES
Investigator Circle
*
THE
BROWN FOUNDATION, INC
Wildlife Benefactor
Special In-Kind Gifts
Bank of America Cultural Foundation
Bellaire Young Mothers
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate
- Anderson Properties
City Wide Tree Services*
Epic Custom Homes
Euro-Car Werk
Ray C. Fish Foundation
Johnnie & Winfred Frazier
Charles R. & Tracy Hallenberger
Herman Family Fund
Jacob & Terese Hershey Foundation
Hunting Energy Services, Inc.
Les & Mary Puckett Foundation
Marathon Oil Company Foundation
Morgan Stanley
Edward & Helen Oppenheimer Foundation
RAM Industries
Marci Rosenberg & Ben Samuels
Scurlock Foundation
W. Dennis Shepler*
Caroline Truesdell & J. Richard Cheney
Juan Ramos helped to keep our bunnies
cool this fall by donating a 50’ extension
cord to power their hutch fan. We thank
him, and our bunnies do too!
Wildlife Guardian
Alternative Power Solutions
Bellaire Broiler Burger
Susan & Michael Hawes
Integrated Media Concepts
Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP
Marquise Pools, LLC
Segreto Inc.
Southwest Building Products, Inc.
Sword Plumbing Company*
Don Verser
Sara Jow Weinstein
Xella AAC Texas, Inc.
Wildlife Supporter
The Albert and Ethel Herzstein
Charitable Foundation
Explorer Circle
10
Dr. Ed Biegert & Cathleen Trechter
BP Fabric of America Fund
Kelly & Ben Cervenka
Judy & Rodney Creel
Exxon Mobil Foundation
Bernard Freeland
Carol Noel & James Stephen King
Drs. David Queller & Joan Strassman
Robyn Rothman & John Stevenson
Jutta Werebelow Jeschek
Lalise Whorton Mason & R. Mason
* denotes In-Kind donations
Nina Sitra has added three books to our
in-house library of natural history and
science resources. We thank her for this
gift.
Sword Plumbing Company donated their
services to repair plumbing in both the
park and the house this fall. We are
greatful for their service!
In Memory of ...
Sheldon Abromowitz
Dr. & Mrs. Jaime Ganc
In Honor of ...
Lynda Clemmons
Maura Denman
Lucinda Kontos
John & Joanne Go
Ellen Cohen
J. Kent & Ann Friedman
Sonia Benjamin
Ben Cowan
Rabbi Brian Strauss
Congregation Beth Yeshurun
Dick Mullineaux
Karen & Larry George
The Nature Discovery Center
relies on contributions from
the community in order to
continue offering quality
science and nature programs
to children and families
throughout the Houston area.
We thank you all for your
support!
membership
11
New & Renewing Members
Family Members
and higher
The Nature Discovery Center is pleased to welcome the following new and
renewing members from August 15, 2010 to November 15, 2010.
Wildlife Supporter
receive discounts on
classes, camps, and field
trips, and have early
registration and pavilion
reservation privileges.
Hanna & Robert Norvell
Rachael & Victor Mukome
Mirit & Alon Shuali
Barbara & Paul Stern
N. Lynn Trelles Gaines
Priti & Kaushal Vakil
Lucia & Ronald Weiner
Sheryl Maruca
Wildlife Partner
Trica Bradbury
Robin & Lance Deutsch
David & Mary Green
Debbie & Chris Patton
Mary & Arthur Pedersen
Jane Rowland
Individual
Paula Dittrick
Lois Reynolds
Janiece West
Family
Members Only
Student/Senior
Stacy Aguirre
Miki & Jun Ando
Councilman & Mrs. James Avioli
Laurie & Stephen Bilger
Vibeesh Bose & Reshma Kulkarni
Prajnan & Rakhee Das
Susann & Gerald Dowling
Prathy Durgam
Jessica Ferdinand
& Jean-Bernard Durand
Susan & T. Kevin Golden
Beth & David Jenkins
Jenny Joyce & Cornel Fontenot
Ali & Tye Lathrop
Diana & Eric Liga
Kamren & Spencer Lightsy
Elizabeth & Nathaniel Martinez
Will Maze & Virginia Sisson
S. McNulty & D. Portnoy
Susie & Chuck Mullen
Martha Allen
Larry Dybala
Cynthia Edmondson
Hana Ginzbarg
Sandra & Hulen Hale
Robert Herman
June Hughes
John Robert Hyngstrom
& Emily Drennan
Carolie Martin
Susan Pierce
Russ Pitman
Jaclyn & Joseph Ruli
Harriet Schorr
Stephen Schorr
10% off any
ONE purchase
Holiday Market
December 1st - 23rd
10am - 5pm daily
Please present coupon to NDC Staff at
time of purchase. Limit one per household.
Membership and Gift Form
Name
Addresss
Phone
Email
City
Zip
You may acknowledge my gift (of $150 or more) in the Nature Discovery Center newsletter.
Student/Senior
$ 20
Individual
30
Family
50
Wildlife Partner
100
Wildlife Supporter 250
Wildlife Guradian
Wildlife Benefactor
Explorer Circle
Investigator Circle
Discovery Circle
Enclosed is my matching gift form. My employer’s name is:
$ 500
1,000
5,000
10,000
15,000
Will your employer match
your tax-deductible dues
and gift?
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BELLAIRE
TEXAS 77401
PERMIT NO. 356
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Winter Classes
page 4
Adult
Activities
page 7
Winter
Events
Holiday
Market
Daily
December 1st - 23rd
10 am to 5 pm
Gifts for nature lovers!
Winter Break
Camps
ages 5 to 10
9:30 am to 3:30 pm
see page 4 inside
for 2010 camp dates
Spring
Save the Dates
Home Tour
April 2nd & 3rd
Spring Fling
April 16th