The Homewood Science Center celebrated its founding eight years ago with a Summer Fest party on Thursday, July 18, at Idlewild County Club.
Aimee Matthys, vice president of the science center’s board, called it a resounding success. This success is demonstrated through the invaluable support and participation of donors and community members, she said.
“Our donor contributions have been instrumental in making this event, like our fundraising, a success,” Matthys said. “The amount of support we get is humbling. It really speaks to the community, and it’s because of the community, the more we raise, the more we can do.”
The nonprofit Science Center at 18022 Dixie Highway strives to ignite an interest in science and impacting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) literacy.
“This impact is made possible by our community and their support and participation in events like the Summer Fest,” Matthys said. She noted the recent addition of the Pixel Peg’s activity board display was a result of donor and community donations.
At this year’s event, several HSC displays and activities were part of the program. Homewood resident Kiera Kuper, joined her mother for the event, she was among the first to immerse herself in the STEM activities at the Summer Fest. She particularly enjoyed the giant life-size puzzle piece display.
“This is a lot of fun and enlightening,” she shared. “I’m glad I came with my mom. The science center is a staple.”
Additionally, HSC staff answered questions about STEM activity stations. They helped inform attendees about the HSC’s programs and activities, such as its Saturday STEM days, summer camps, and community outreach initiatives.
Charlie Rohrer, STEM facilitator at HSC, said: “Being part of the science center for nearly two years, I am most proud of giving kids a space to engage in something maybe a little complicated to challenge them, to give kids a lot of autonomy.
“Our programming at the center, allows us to support these opportunities for them to have a lot of control of what they’re doing.”
Jordan Lyznicki, a Homewood Science Center marketing team member, said, “Every penny raised at the Summer Fest is directed toward our programs, particularly our free STEM Saturdays. This event isn’t just for us but our entire community and neighboring areas.”
Guests were treated to a spread of appetizers, desserts, cocktails, and a DJ for the ambiance. The silent auction was a highlight, featuring a diverse range of nearly 50 items — from a chance to get a private tour of the Thornton Quarry to a group outing at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
The HSC is a hub of science curiosity and wonder, and offers a host of programs and planned field trips, including an upcoming six-day Green-Land field trip, during which kids will learn about eco systems, test water samples and create models.
“We just want to continue to improve, adding field trips and going into programs. We don’t want it to be stale; we want it to be innovative and always pushing forward. It’s exciting,” Matthys said.
Visit Homewood Science Center for future events, programs, and more information.
