2013 Annual Report - Hands On! Regional Museum

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2013 Annual
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Vision:
To become the premier regional
destination for interactive discovery.
Mission:
The mission of Hands On!
Regional Museum is to inspire
the discovery and understanding
of science and the arts in a place
where learning and fun go hand
in hand!
Form the Executive Director
Staff
Executive Director
Andy Marquart
Finance Manager
Kay Hobbs
Marketing Manager
Kristine Carter
Science & Education Manager
Heather Watson
Exhibits & Art Program Coordinator
Liz Nevil-Smith
Reservationist
Elizabeth Carmack
Facilities Manager
Mike Shell
Outreach Coordinator
Shannon Walsh
Weekend Manager
Julie Dial
Education Staff
Audra Brackins
Vanessa Bryant
Beth Davis
Claire Heard
Kristen Jackson
Sarah Laposky
Alisha Padgett
Emily Weaver
Imagine that you’re an eight-year-old child in
rural Northeast Tennessee. Your folks work
hard but might not have that much money,
in fact you haven’t been on a family vacation
once in your entire life. Your days are spent
in school where you enjoy your classes but
you are consistently worried about the next
quiz or test that will inevitably come before
the end of the week. You take the bus home
every day on a 45 minute trip where you
bond with your friends. The next day, you
do it all over again. At some point you begin
to wonder what the point of everything is.
What is the point of school? Of the routine?
Then one day your teacher announces that
you will be taking a field trip to Hands On!
Regional Museum in Johnson City…
A couple months later the anticipation is
palpable as you get on the bus to go to
the Museum. You have never been to the
Museum. Heck you’ve only been to Johnson
City a few times. Your friends are excited
and so are you. What will you see? What
will you do? All the expectations are boiling
over. After all, you get to go somewhere with
your best friends in the whole world on a day
where you normally would be in school. This
is YOUR very own vacation! When you get
to the Museum you see the world around
you come to life. You see a giant lock and
dam where you can manipulate the water, a
tornado you can touch, you even get to do
an experiment in a real science lab! Not to
mention that in one day you got to go inside
a coal mine, fly an airplane, dig for dinosaur
bones, tell a story on the local news, and put
on a play with your friends on a real stage.
It’s all over before you know it, but
the memories will rest in your mind
forever. On the bus ride home you
think about school and all the things
you learn from your teacher, and
how at the Museum you saw
things that she talks about every
day. Those quizzes don’t seem
so hard anymore.
To me, this is why we do
what we do. As museum
professionals we may never
know the true impact we
have to inspire a child or bring
families closer together, but
we know it happens. We
can see it in their faces, and
we hear it from parents and
teachers. It’s enough for us, and
it’s why I am proud to be a part of
Hands On! Regional Museum.
From the Board Chairman
In 1995, a job change brought me to Kingsport.
My nine year old daughter was a very
introspective, quiet, thoughtful, and studious
child. Kristen excelled at two things academics
and soccer. We were very surprised when
she came home from school one day and was
excited to tell us about a museum in Johnson
City called the Hands On! Museum and
that we HAD to go. She could even give us
directions! Understand, the directions were
get on the interstate to JC and follow the signs
to the museum, never the less, we experienced
the museum for the first time thanks to a
school trip impacting my daughter.
The exciting part of museum’s growth is
just beginning and I am proud to be part
of the effort to see us grow. This is a huge
undertaking, but is obviously needed so
that we can realize the vision of being a
destination location. My vision is that this
is truly regional, not just the Tri Cities. I
want people to come here from Ashville
and Knoxville because we have something
different, unique and special that they do
not have. With the hiring of Andy Marquart
as the Executive Director, his expertise in
the museum field, and support from
everyone in the community, we
can make this happen.
To become a destination location, we must
have some destination exhibits. We have
recently approved a contract to build a
musical Tesla coil, to begin strategic planning
for the new building, piloting an after school
program with the Bristol schools, and are
working on a contract for a special 2015
exhibit. We are working to become more
efficient and effective operationally, so that
your contributions can go directly to exhibits
and not be for operations of the museum. I
am very excited for our future and where
we are going. With your support – both
financially and politically we will make this
happen.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve
you, the people of the area, and most of all,
the children that want to learn in new and
exciting fashions about the world around
them.
Sincerely,
Doug Fabick
Board of Directors
Chairman
Mr. Doug Fabick
Vice Chairman
Dr. Robbie Anderson
Treasurer
Mr. Will Barrett
Past Chairman
Mr. James Smith
Secretary
Mrs. Amanda Adams
Board Members
Mr. Scott Barnes
Mr. Tony Benton
Mr. Matt Bolton
Mrs. Cathy Byers
Mrs. Linda Calvert
Mrs. Jody Cheek
Mr. Scott Jenkinson
Ms. Tracy Kilgore
Ms. Amy Malkus
Mr. Josh McLaughlin
Mr. Steve Scheu
Ms. Audrey Smith
Mrs. Dineen West
Revenue
State Funding: The Science Alliance of Tennessee Special Appropriation is annually
under consideration within the Governor’s budget for the State of Tennessee. The
amount of funding awarded to Hands On! was based on 2011-2012 program delivery.
Expenses
75,047 Total attendance, representing 43 states. A 15% increase for the fiscal year.
110,939
Programs provided to children and their families
46%
Percentage of visitors from Johnson City
13%
Percentage of visitors from Sullivan County
35%
Percentage of adult visitors
715
Number of families who purchased an annual membership
March 29th - Dino Egg Hunt
464 guests had a day of EGG-cellent day of
prehistoric fun at the 2nd Annual Dino Egg
Hunt with science and art activities.
September 22, 2012 May 12, 2013 - Dinosaurs!
Dinosaurs! featured six half-sized, roaring,
robotic dinosaurs including the king of
dinosaurs - Tyrannosaurus rex - Triceratops,
Pachycephalosaurus, Dimetrodon, Stegosaurus,
and a mother Apatosaurus protecting
her newly hatched babies. Visitors could
go beyond the bones and see how these
prehistoric creatures may have looked and
sounded when they roamed the Earth millions
of years ago.
Our children had a
great time and learned a
lot. Children from Kennedy
Elementary are not often able to
participate in field trips such as the one at
Hands On!, thank you for making this possible.
It was over heard by more than one child that this was
“the best day ever.”
- Paula Jones, Kennedy Elementary
January 2013 - Collaboration
with Johnson City PTA
In the immediate aftermath of the Sandy Hook
Elementary School tragedy, the Connecticut
PTA asked for other PTAs to help turn the
school into a winter wonderland. This idea
went viral and supporters worldwide created
snowflakes meant to transform the school
for its reopening. The response was so over
whelming, in lieu of sending snowflakes to
Sandy Hook, they asked supporters to decorate
their own communities. Johnson City Council
of PTAs and students from Johnson City
Schools partnered with Hands On! to decorate
the museum’s display windows creating a
blizzard of support.
April 27 Hot Tea & Totes Fundraiser
150 women and girls were treated to a tea
brunch and auction at the 6th Annual Hot Tea
& Totes Fundraiser, “See Jane Bid & Sparkle”. 60
purses, bags, and totes were auctioned raising
money for the museum’s programs and exhibits.
This is super duper cool.
- Ava, age 5
April 11, 2013 Hunter Elementary Earth Day
To celebrate Earth Day, 5th and 6th graders at
Hunter Elementary worked with the museum’s
AmeriCorps volunteer to learn about pollution
and recycling by turning “trash” into treasure!
May 9th Bubble Builders workshop
Workshop participants made their own
bubble gum, made a miniature lava lamp, and
formulated a bubbling Co2 “sandwich.”
Loved it! My kids had
a blast! Thank you!!!
-Central Elementary
July 26 Summer Golf Classic
This year’s event, held at Buffalo Valley Golf
Course, featured two flights: a 4-person select
shot and a 2-person modified alternate shot
(adult and child 16 or younger).
June 8 - Sept 1, 2013 Body Carnival
This feature exhibit explored the physical
science of the human body. The concepts of
force, pressure, light, sound, mathematics,
and the laws of motion are all part of how
our bodies interact with the world. Through
a variety of exciting and engaging activities,
children able to understand the science of how
their body works. Learning zones included
Balancing Act, Dizzy Tunnel, Walk the Plank,
Hang Time, Think Fast, and more!
June 17-21 & July 15-19 Kid’s Kaleidoscope Summer Camp
Children ages 5-12 enjoyed activities like
making their own custom-fit hula hoop, tiedyed a Hands On! t-shirt, sculpted 3-D figures,
blasted Mentos geysers into the air, made
volcanos, built miniature hovercraft, and
created exploding toothpaste.
August 12 New Director’s First Day of Work
After a six-month national search Andy
Marquart was selected as the new Executive
Director for Hands On! Regional Museum.
Sept 6th - Birthday Bash
Hands On! celebrated its 26th year with a
Touch-a-Truck in the streets and fun activities
for the whole family.
August 13 Shark Dissection workshop
Workshop participants worked with a partner
to dissect a dogfish shark to discover the inner
working of one of the ocean’s mysterious
creatures.
Thanks so much for
our fun experience! We loved
watching the volcano erupt, climbing the
Rain Forest Tree, and driving all the vehicles!
- Carter’s Valley Elementary Kindergarten
October 4th Discovery After Dark
Starting in October Hands On! provided new
events for downtown’s First Fridays - just
for Grown-Ups. Themes included Science of
Coffee and Dry Ice experiments.
I went to Hands on!
as a child and loved the grocery
store. Now my two daughters love it too!
- Kate S.
October 25 - Boo!Seum
September 28, 2013 January 5, 2014
Rainforest Adventure
Visitors explored rainforests from around the
world learning about the challenges facing
these ecological wonders and how they could
make a difference. The exhibit featured over
40 interactive components. Visitors could
explore a gorilla nest, climb a 9’ kapok tree,
weave on a loom, and climb through a tree
log to discover animals that make their home
there.
A spook-tacular, but not too scary, evening
of fun! Activities included games, treats,
science experiments, arts and crafts, and more!
Visitors wore their halloween costumes for this
all-ages, free event.
November 2013 Funderground opens
With the installation of the new Funderground
exhibit, visitors can discover the world under
their feet. They can explore the secret
underground habitats of animals, learn about
the important role of root systems, crawl
through a log, and use a Wentzscope to view
underground plants and animals. Funding for
this exhibit was provided by the Dr. S. Martin
Bronson Memorial Enrichment Program.
My boys love
flying the airplane.
-Jennifer N.
November 22 Festival of Trees
Night of Lights Gala
What’s better than a one-year membership to a
jelly of the month club? Tickets to the Night of
Lights Gala! Over 200 guests took a Christmas
Vacation to escape the craziness of the holidays
and joined the museum in its biggest fundraiser
of the year. Designer decorated greenery items,
entertainment packages, unique Christmas
gifts, getaways, and much more were auctioned
to raise money for the museum. Guests were
treated to a delicious dinner by Main Street Cafe
and Catering and dancing with music by SPANK.
It was the perfect start to the holiday season the hap, hap, happiest time of year!
Presidential $20,000+
State of Tennessee
WJHL NewsChannel 11
Guarantor $10,000-$19,999
Eastman Chemical Company
Iris Glen Environmental Center Waste
Management
Sustainer $5,000-$9,999
City of Johnson City Community Relations
Jim Norton’s Taxidermy
Lamar Advertising
Mooneyhan Family Foundation
Mountain States Health Alliance
Speedway Children’s Charities
United Company Charitable Foundation
Washington County
Benefactor $2,500-$4,999
Bowman Jewelers
Creative Energy
K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.
Massengill-DeFriece Foundation
N.N. Inc.
Nuclear Fuel Services
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Scheu
The Chamber of Commerce Convention &
Visitors Bureau
Principal $1,000-$2,499
Bank of Tennessee
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Barnes
Citizens Bank Tri-Cities
Dr. E.C. Goulding, III
Grindstaff Automotive Group
IPE, Inc.
Mrs. Clarinda Jeanes
Mrs. Duffie Jones
Mahoney’s
Mullican Flooring
Sir Speedy
Time & Pay
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Dr. Janis Zink
Associate $250-$499
Sponsor $500-$999
Absolute Energy Massage
Dr. Andrew Armbrister, DDS
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Calvert
Camp Ruff-N-More
Celebrate
Ciao Bella
Courtyard by Marriott
Doe River Gorge
Eastman Credit Union
EnKore Salon/Day Spa
Ms. Cindy Ferguson
Firehouse
First Presbyterian Church
Mr. John Hutchinson
Johnson City Schools Foundation
Judge Randy and Mrs. Jonya Kennedy
New River Naturals
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Niswonger
Picsee Studio
Mrs. Sandy Powell
S.B. White Co., Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. James Smith
Strongwell
The Christmas Shop on Main
The Wellness Center
Tina Wilson Photography
Wal-Mart
List reflects giving between July 1, 2012 -June 30, 2013.
Mrs. Deborah Adams
American Screen Designs
Mr. Cliff and Dr. Robbie Anderson
Barnes Exterminating Company
Blackthorn Club at the Ridges
Bristol Herald Courier
Bristol Motor Speedway
Brit Bowers, DDS
Mrs. April Bunch
CainRashWest Architects, Inc
Mrs. Heidi Dulebohn
East Tennessee Foundation
Eastern Fly Outfitters, LLC
ETSU
Mr. and Mrs. Al and Lori Fatherree
General Shale
Gourmet & Company
Mrs. Joan Guggenheim
Mrs. Tricia Huffman
Inspire Business Interiors
Johnson City Family Skate Center
Ms. Amber Lee
Mark S. Durkee C.P.A
Ms. Merry McKenna
Morton Photography
Omar Canvas & Awning
Mrs. Trish Patterson
Mr. Dennis Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Steadman
Symphony of the Mountains
The Barn at Boone Falls
The Country Club of Bristol
The General Morgan Inn
Uptown Salon & Day Spa
The Virginian
Voice Works Promotions
Friend $100-$249
Advanced Flight Training
Mr. Matthew Almaroad
Alpine Ski Center
American & Import Auto Repair
Mrs. Nancy Amerine
Mr. and Ms. Will Barrett
Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Amy Benton
Blackburn, Childers, & Steagall
Blue Lizard Sun Products
Mr. Bill Breeding
Bright’s Zoo
Mrs. Linda Browder
Mrs. Betty Brown
Mrs. Liz Bushong
Mrs. Melissa Butler
Mrs. Cathy Byers
Cafe Lola
Mrs. Nancy Campbell
Mr. and Mrs. Chad Capps
Carefree Boat Club
Mrs. Marcy Carrier
Mrs. Karyn Carriger
Mrs. Wendi Carter
Charter Media Tri-Cities
Chef’s Pizzeria
Cherokee Distributing Company
Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Johnson City
Ms. Clark Collins
Mrs. Anne Darden
Dempsey’s Jewelers
First Community Bank
Free Service Tire Company, Inc.
GFWC Johnson City Jr. Monday Club
Mr. and Mrs. Jason and Emily Goepel
Mrs. Rhonda Goodson
Dr. E.C. Goulding, III
Heart of Tennessee Gymastics
Ms. Vickie Hinton
Holston Distributing Company
International Storytelling Center
ITD Interactive
Mr. and Ms. Scott E. Jenkinson
Johnson City Bedding Company/Restonic
Mattress Gallery
Johnson City Power Board
Mr. Carleton A. Jones
Mrs. Linda Keller
Ms. Valerie Ketron
Kingsport Ballet Company
Mrs. Annette Kitchen
Dr. M.B. Knowles
Mrs. Mary Lancaster
Mrs. Camilla Lyle
Mrs. Mary Beth Malone
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Manhard
Mattress Firm
Mr. Josh McLaughlin
Mrs. Anna Morgan
Ms. Linda Moulton
Networking and Computer Connection
Mrs. Michelle O’Patick-Ollis
Ms.Ann O’Quinn
One-Stop Liquor & Wine
Mrs. Danielle Parker
Parkway Discount Wine and Liquor
Pepsi
Sam East Insurance Services
Ms. Tressa Samdal
Mrs. Janice Sanders
Dr. and Mrs. William Schermer
Ms. Julie Sears
Shady Oaks Garden Club
Shamrock Beverage and Tobacco Shop
Sheer Elegance
Mr. and Mrs. Rich Smith
Mrs. Deborah Soike
SportClips Haircuts
Stella & Dot
Mrs. Kate Strickland
Successful Organizational Strategies
Mrs. Nita Summers
The Carnegie Hotel
The Posy Shop
Mrs. Teresa Treadway
TruPoint Bank
Tweetsie Railroad
Mrs. Sheila Wandell
Watauga Lakeshore Marina, Inc.
Wellington’s Restaurant
Mr. Selman Welt
Mrs. Dineen West
Mrs. Lynda Wexler
Widener Insurance Agency
Ms. Patricia Williams
Willow House
Mrs. Louise Woodhall
Please contact me about a gift to Hands On! in my will.
I have other thoughts, please contact me.
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initiate adjustments (if necessary) for any transactions debited in error. This
authority will remain in effect until I/we notify in writing to cancel it allowing a
reasonable opportunity to act on it.
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Hands On! Regional Museum, 315 E. Main St., Johnson City, TN 37601
Yes, I Will Join Hands!