Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces March 2024 Programs

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces March 2024 Programs

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its programs for March.
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 am – 4 pm. For more information about these and additional programs, visit the-childrens-museum.org

CLASSES
Music Together
March 1 and 8
10:15-11:00 AM
Register online: www.musictogetherofbloomsburg.com
Join Miss Kerry for this interactive music program.

Kids Culinary Corner: Breakfast in Bed
March 7
5-7 PM
Register online: https://bit.ly/bcm-kccbed
Join Miss Madi as we learn to make pancake muffins, cereal bars, and smoothies!

Wood Flower Workshop: Heart Board
March 23
1-4 PM
Register online: https://bit.ly/bcm-woodheart
Come make your own nautical rope heart board with Tiffany’s Trees & More! Choose your flowers and greenery! Dye your flowers any color you’d like.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Hak4Kidz at Bloomsburg University
March 2
10 AM – 4 PM
Register online: https://bit.ly/bcm-hak4kidz24
Ethical hackers, information security professionals, and educators will bring the benefits of white hat hacking to the children and young adults at the conference. The conference features guest speakers, workshops, and STEM workstations. Attendees have a chance to win prizes, expand their knowledge, and explore the world of hacks! General admission tickets are free to this event. There is a limited number of swag bag tickets that get you general admission and a swag bag! Visit https://www.bloomconhak4kidz.com/ for more information

Kitties with Kiddies
March 9
9:30-10:15 AM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-kitties24
Space is limited. Parents and children need to register. Proceeds benefit the Animal Resource Center

Rube Goldberg Challenge Team Meetings
March 6, 13, 20, 27
6-7:30 PM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-rube24
Students in grades 1-12 (grouped by age) design & build a ridiculous multi-step “machine” to perform one simple task. The machines will compete in the Rube Goldberg Challenge Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Central Columbia Elementary.

All Abilities Night
March 15
3-7 PM
Enjoy a reduced number of visitors, space, and freedom to explore at your own pace. We offer adapted exhibits, a quiet area, and an opportunity to network with other families with free admission.

Chick & Bunny Day
March 23
10 AM – 12 PM
Come see baby chicks and, this year – bunnies too! We will also have chick and bunny-themed activities. Included with admission!

8th Annual High School Art Show Reception
March 29, 5-7 PM
Register online: https://bit.ly/bcm-artshow8
Talented young adult artists from area high schools will be featured in this exclusive juried art exhibition. Prizes awarded to top-scoring artists

PROGRAMS
Winter Wednesday
10 AM – 12 PM
March 13th
Enjoy a special winter-themed craft with free adult admission until noon.

Toddler Time
March 14 and 28
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Join Ms. Ashley from Rohrbach’s Farm for this Pre-K program consisting of exciting stories and educational crafts to help build fine motor skills. It ends with a 30-min music & movement section to shake all those sillies out! Adult supervision required.

$2 Tuesday
March 19th
10 AM – 4 PM
On the third Tuesday of the month, there’s $2 admission all day! The Exchange will host hands-on Art Cart projects from 10 AM – 2 PM.

HOMESCHOOL HANGOUTS
March 6th
The history and cultural heritage of the Lenni Lenape with special guest Carla Messinger from Native American Heritage Programs

March 20th
H2O Investigations with Veolia Water

VISIT US OFFSITE
Saturday, March 2nd
Degenstein Library
10-11 AM

Tuesday, March 5th
Milton Public Library
4-5 PM

Saturday, March 9th
Green Free Library
10:30-11:30 AM

Saturday, March 9th
Knoxville Library
10-11 AM

Tuesday, March 12th
Benton N4C’s
5:30-6:30 PM

Thursday, March 14th
Priestly-Forsyth Library
6:30-7:30 PM

Tuesday, March 19th
Shamokin Coal-Twp. Library
6-7 PM

Thursday, March 21st
Orangeville Library
6-7 PM

Monday, March 25th
Trinity Lutheran School
10-11 AM, 1-2 PM

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Hosts 9th Annual Science Fair – Results and Pics

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Hosts 9th Annual Science Fair – Results and Pics

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is pleased to announce that 32 individual projects participated in the 9th annual science fair, which was held at the Bloomsburg Firehall on January 18th.

Representing 6 different schools, all of the students showed their creativity through their unique projects. Of the 32 projects entered, 19 students will be moving on to the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Regionals held at Susquehanna University on March 9th. There the students will have a chance to move on to the PJAS State Science Fair, held at Penn State University on May 20th.

The students who earned first place are as follows. John Grosso (Montgomery Middle School), Blake Rothermel (Line Mountain Middle School), Isabelle Clinard (Montgomery Middle School), Ben Farwell (Home School), Amelia Shrimp (Montgomery High School), Anna Kremsler (Home School), Nathan Corbeill (Home School).

Earning second-place scores were Chris Farwell (Home School), Ben Kremser (Home School), Chase Waring (Montgomery Middle School), Glayne Gozum (Montgomery High School), Charlie Corbeill (Home School), Leni Farwell (Home School).

Finishing with a third-place award were Victoria Sleiman and Ariana McWilliams (Benton Area Junior-Senior Highschool), Emily Miller (Montgomery Middle School), Lily Gingery (Montgomery Middle School), and Jackson Gabrielsen (Home school).

Also moving onto the PJAS Regionals are Ethan Vincent and Cole Sorber (Benton Area) and Tim Farwell (Home School).

Brian Houser, Field Manager at PPL and current Museum Board President, remained a fundamental component through both the organization of the event and his help as a judge. Touching on the exciting futures of these students, he is eager to see what inspiring innovations are to come.

Houser said, “As the Children’s Museum Board President, I am impressed by the remarkable displays of creativity, curiosity, and scientific inquiry showcased at the science fair.  The students who participated demonstrated their impressive dedication to their projects and overall scientific acumen. Their innovative projects illuminate the potential for bright futures and I am confident that these budding scientists will continue to make significant contributions in our communities.”

Kevin Haughan of Finishing Engineer, Kawneer and Arconic Company, has been a long-standing judge since the creation of the annual science fair. This being his 9th time as a judge, he had a very enlightening perspective.

Haughan said, “The first question I have always asked at the beginning of interacting with a participant is:  Why? Why this? The first few years, the answers were mostly that it was seen on YouTube, and they wanted to try it.  A few students would answer with honest enthusiasm for the topic, and they are typically the ones that stood out.  Now most of the students give answers as to why with a personal connection, and few students not only want to understand what they are working on but the supporting science.”

Robert Everly, local Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region 5 Director, oversees the fair and on multiple occasions has acted as a judge. He mentioned the importance of the annual science fair for both the students participating and the community alike. He also noted that students moving on to the regional competition should aim to convert their presentational formats to appeal to the differing format of the event.

Everly said, “I have attended (and helped as a judge) at each of the last few science fairs held at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum and found the student projects both interesting and well done. I could clearly see that many of the students would do well at PJAS regionals. The big difference is that they need to convert their presentation from a Tri-Fold visual presentation to a PowerPoint presentation. In PJAS, each student has 10 minutes to present their work to a panel of judges, who then have 5 minutes to ask questions. Each student has their work scored by the judges based on a set of criteria. Those who score “First Awards” qualify to present at states. The State PJAS competition is held at Penn State University in mid-May.”

He continued, “At a time when student test scores are indicating that our country is falling behind many other countries in math and science, programs like these are so important!”

This event would not have been possible without the support of the PPL Foundation. Thanks go to Brian Houser and PPL for all they do to make the science fair a success.

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit overseen by a board of directors. This organization strives to offer unique, sustainable, and dynamic learning opportunities for youth through year-round interactive exhibits, programming, and community outreach. For more information, please visit https://the-childrens-museum.org/ [the-childrens-museum.org]

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces January Programs

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces January Programs

CLASSES

Music Together
January 12, 19, and 26, 10:15-11:00 AM
Register Online: www.musictogetherofbloomsburg.com
Join Miss Kerry for this interactive music program.

Shadow Puppet Workshop
January 13th, 10 AM – 12 PM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-puppet24
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, in partnership with the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, presents this with Laurie McCants. We’ll make puppets and tell stories with them! Each registrant will receive 2 free tickets to the performance “Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North” on Tuesday, January 30th at 7:30 p.m. at The Weis Center.

Kids Culinary Corner: Cozy Winter
January 15th, 5-7 PM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-kikwinter24
Join Miss Madi as we learn to make snowman pizza and hot chocolate cupcakes!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Kitties with Kiddies
January 13th, 9:30-10:15 AM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-kittiesjan
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum in Collaboration with the Animal Resource Center, presents Kitties with Kiddies. We are excited to host this special story time with kittens from the Animal Resource Center. A themed craft is included in the program. Space is limited. Parents and children need to register. Proceeds benefit the Animal Resource Center.

SPECIAL EVENTS

$2 Tuesday
January 16th, 10 AM – 4 PM
On the third Tuesday of the month, there’s $2 admission all day! The Exchange will host hands-on Art Cart projects from 10 AM – 2 PM.

Science Fair
January 18th, 5-8 PM
Enter Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-9thscience
Our 9th Annual Science Fair will be held at the Bloomsburg Fire Hall. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to submit a project. Submissions are due no later than January 5th.

Butterflies, LIVE!
January 20th, 10 AM – 12 PM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-butterfly24
Join Folk’s Farm at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum to experience a live butterfly enclosure. Learn all about the life cycle of these winged beauties with hands-on activities.

PROGRAMS

Winter Wednesdays
10 AM – 12 PM, January 17, 31
Enjoy a special winter-themed craft with free adult admission until noon.

HOMESCHOOL HANGOUTS

Wednesday, Jan 10th
11 AM – 1 PM
“ICE ICE BABY” SUPER COOL Chemistry Experiments! Parent/child activities are designed to complement concepts taught in the homeschool curriculum, grades K-12. $5/per person admission for Homeschool families.

VISIT US OFFSITE

Tuesday, Jan 2nd Milton Public Library 4-5 PM

Saturday, Jan 6th Degenstein Library 10-11 AM

Saturday, Jan 6th Green Free Library 10:30-11:30 AM

Tuesday, Jan 9th Berwick Teen Center 5-6 PM

Thursday, Jan 11th Priestly-Forsyth Library 6:30-7:30 PM

Saturday, Jan 13th Knoxville Library 10-11 AM

Tuesday, Jan 16th Shamokin Coal-Twp. Library 6-7 PM

Monday, Jan 22nd Elkland Library 4-5 PM

Tuesday, Jan 23rd Mt Carmel Library 4-5 PM

Thursday, Jan 25th Blossburg Library 4-5 PM

Thursday, Jan 25th Montgomery House Library 6-7 PM

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Receives $14,000 Grant from PPL Foundation for “Powering Tomorrow’s Innovators: A STEAM Investment ”

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Receives $14,000 Grant from PPL Foundation for “Powering Tomorrow’s Innovators: A STEAM Investment ”

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is pleased to announce it has received a $14,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support many of the admission-free community events the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum produces each year.

Funds from this grant will be used to produce the BloomCON Hak4Kidz hacking conference (March 2nd , 2024), the Bloomsburg Maker Faire STEAM festival (April 20th, 2024), the Museum’ 6th-12th grade competitive science fair (January 18th, 2024), and the annual Juried High School Art Show (March 29th, 2024), and SWORD at the Museum annual battlebot tournament (July 27th, 2024).

“Our mission is to serve our community,” Dr. Ginny Weibel, Museum Director said. “The PPL Foundation makes it possible for us to meet this goal. The programs this grant funds serve over 12,000 people each year. We would never be able to produce free events at such a high quality without support from organizations like the PPL Foundation.”

About The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is a 501c3 nonprofit overseen by a board of directors. This organization strives to offer unique, sustainable, and dynamic learning opportunities for youth year-round interactive exhibits, programming, and community outreach. For more information, please visit https://the-childrens-museum.org/

About the PPL Foundation

The PPL Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to support community initiatives in the areas served by PPL Corporation’s utilities. Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and support children’s success from cradle to career in both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Learn more at pplcares.com. Learn more at pplcares.com.

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Currently Featuring Fiber Art and Mixed Media Artist, Juliet Doucette-Renner

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Currently Featuring Fiber Art and Mixed Media Artist, Juliet Doucette-Renner

On Display at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum:
Artwork by Fiber Art and Mixed Media Artist Juliet Doucette-Renner

December 2023 – March 2024

Juliet was born in Erie, PA to artist/art education parents and grew up in the local area.  Creative encouragement combined with boundless opportunities to try new things allowed her to crochet, sew, draw (and everything else in between!) throughout her childhood.

After her retirement from the USAF, Juliet returned to her beloved roots here in PA – where she now combines her 20+ years of travel with endless inspiration from the natural beauty around her rural home/studio.  She considers her life here as an artist her ultimate dream job!

Most of Juliet’s work begins with an upcycled element – often an ordinary household item, “trash”, or fibers from discarded clothing.  She delights in working “green”, embellishing with beads and buttons, dyes and acrylics to give her handmade paper an opulent new persona!  Her love of color, texture, and whimsy is apparent as she combines found items and unexpected technique to create a statement of joy in each project.  Juliet spends anywhere from 10 to 800 hours on each piece.

All artwork displayed is for sale.

Please contact the artist directly if you have any questions:  email [email protected], text 570-916-1373, or phone/leave message at 570-458-5471.

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ring in the New Year with BTE’s Improv

Ring in the New Year with BTE’s Improv

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – Join the Downtown First Friday festivities with BTE’s Improv Night on Friday the 5th of January at 7:30 p.m. at the Alvina Krause Theatre.

Bloomsburg’s premier improvisational comedy troupe will entertain audiences with hilarious games, ridiculous scenes, and other feats of unscripted comedy. Will cast members Amy Rene Byrne, Crystal Comuntzis, Renee Fawess, Rory Gaughan, Johanna Gelbs, Abby Golden, Abigail Leffler, Violet Race, Kyle Bower, and Michaela Tloczynski have what it takes to stay on their feet during these fast-paced, raucous shows?

Comedy lovers can buy advance tickets for $10 by calling the BTE Box Office at 570-784-5530 or visiting www.bte.org. All door tickets will cost $15.

Founded in 1978 as an artist-driven, community-based resident ensemble, BTE creates innovative work with local and national impact. Today, BTE produces a lively mix of classic and contemporary plays and original theatre education programs for all ages. For more information about our shows and programs, please see www.bte.org.