The Troubadour

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Thoughts. A Save the Space Center Update. The Imaginarium

Shine Forth!
Hello Troops,
Our mega inversion has made the air barely breathable and highly visible. From my vantage point on the east bench, Utah Valley resembles an alien landscape in Pollution's canvas of red, brown, yellow and orange hues illuminated by the rays of a dying late afternoon sun.
For one hour each day I stand outside in this mucky air adorned in my vest of hunter orange draped over my green coat (coat is a generous term); one twenty minute shift at Central in the early A.M. and two, twenty minute P.M. shifts at Shelley). The kids are fun to talk to as they come and go. One young Shelley Elementary 1st grader is eager to keep me in the know about Zombies. One day last week he gave me a mini lecture outlining Zombie origins. Another day he demonstrated how to defend oneself if attacked by Zombies. The other days of the week consisted of general Zombie related discussions. He wants me to be prepare for their inevitable coming (according to his older brother). I'm touched he cares so much about my welfare.
I saw the funniest thing at Walmart this weekend. My mother asked me to take her to Lindon's Walmart to fill a prescription and pick up a few things in what she labeled a ' I'll only be a minute' half hour shopping trip.
It was just after 9:00 A.M. I was sitting in the parking lot waiting for her to come out. A gray haired grandma and her middle aged daughter exited the store. The grandma was pushing a half full shopping cart. An adult child helping her mother with her shopping wasn't anything out of the ordinary. I was there doing the same.
What happened next was the extraordinary part of this story. The grandma started running toward her car with the cart. The daughter looked surprised. The grandmother was laughing as the distance between her and her daughter increased. She had released the little girl locked up inside her.
Then to my surprise, grandma jumped up on the back of the shopping cart and rode it like a Roman chariot down the parking lot's long decline.
"Stop. Stop!" the Daughter shouted as she ran behind trying to catch up to steady the cart. It was obvious grandma wasn't going to stop.
"Be Careful!" the daughter shouted, realizing her mother was committed to the adventure. I could tell she was aware people were watching. She seemed embarrassed.
I learned a lesson from watching Gladiator Grandma. We must let our inner child escape its chains from time to time. The Space Center did that for me and thousands of other people. It was our chariot ride across a Walmart parking lot.
Mr. Williamson

The State of the Space Center. An Open Letter from the Save the Space Center Group:

Dear Friends of the Space Center,

A lot has happened this year and it's not even the end of January! We would like to answer some questions and concerns that have been coming in about the future of the Space Center. Consider it a "State of the Space Center" message to start the new year.

This Save the Space Center page and accompanying websites are a grassroots effort by concerned friends and former staff of the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center in Pleasant Grove. We are not backed by Alpine School District or any other organization - we are people volunteering our time and resources to make sure that students can continue to experience the magic and the learning found only at the Space Center. Our grassroots efforts include rallies, participation at civic meetings, and the timely dissemination of accurate information to the public. We want to keep everyone completely informed as decisions are made and steps are taken to reopen the Space Center and to secure its future.

The District launched a Committee last year after the Space Center we know and love was abruptly and unexpectedly closed. This committee meets every week and is focused on reopening the Space Center at Central Elementary as soon as possible for field trips. The District reports that the Space Center will reopen at the end of January or early February and that field trips will resume shortly thereafter. Due to various risk and liability issues, the District is not opening after school programs *yet*. From our contacts on the District committee, we understand that the first priority is field trips. As soon as field trips resume, the District can begin to focus on how to reopen for after school programs. One proposed solution is for a third-party
organization to assume responsibility for private flights and carry the burden of liability. Another is for the district itself to provide insurance and liability coverage for after school programs. These are questions that will be answered in the coming weeks, but for now we do know that the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center in Pleasant Grove *will reopen* on a limited basis for field trips.

Of the 5 simulators operating last year, only 3 will reopen: The Magellan, Phoenix, and Galileo simulators. The Voyager and the Odyssey were deemed too expensive to upgrade to the latest electrical and accessibility requirements. The Odyssey has been demolished completely, while the Voyager is now serving as storage space and will not be reopened. While the loss of two simulators means that fewer students can fly at a time, the three other simulators will be made available for field trips as soon as possible.

Earlier this week, Mr. Williamson wrote a blog post regarding the Discovery Space Center, a for-profit endeavor to replicate the Space Center experience at the Stonegate Reception Center in Pleasant Grove. This effort is supported by a number of former Space Center staff and friends who are eagerly painting, drilling, framing, and preparing 4 new simulators. Although the Discovery Center is completely independent of Alpine School District, the Discovery Space Center intends to pick up field trips, birthday parties, and private programs in lieu of the original Space Center's reduced capacity. Because the Discovery Space Center is owned and operated by a for-profit entity, they cannot support volunteer programs in the same fashion as the original Space Center. They do plan to offer programing, acting, and other classes, and high school students may be offered internships to help staff the facility. More details about the Discovery Space Center are available on their website discoveryspacecenter.com.

Since the closing of the Space Center, many of you have proposed that the Space Center form an independent nonprofit to house the Space Center brand and advance the art and science of simulation-based education experienced at the Space Center. We are pleased to announce that under the direction of Mr. Williamson and with the backing of a number of longtime Space Center staff, the Space EdVentures Foundation is being incorporated with assistance from the Vantus Law Group. A totally independent nonprofit, this foundation has a threefold mission:

Protect and promote the Space Center brand

Develop new curriculum, missions, software, and creative resources

Advance the art and science of simulation-based education

As noted earlier, this nonprofit could also serve as the sponsoring organization for volunteer guilds, after school private programs, birthday parties, and camps at the Space Center at Central Elementary.

To become a fully recognized, 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit is a lengthy process. As such, donations to this foundation will not be tax-exempt until full approval by the IRS. In the meantime, the foundation will be able to accept non deductible donations to fund up-front costs and to initiate the development of new Space Center oriented STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum, new missions, and other supporting technical and creative resources. Use of funds will be in full compliance with nonprofit disclosure laws and will go towards protecting and advancing the Space Center that we all know and love.

We hope that this report on the latest state of the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center helps to answer questions, dispel rumors, and otherwise establish current efforts to preserve the Space Center. We will provide more information about the Space EdVentures Foundation as soon as various legal and tax requirements have been met.

Thank you for your support of the Space Center!

An Update from Gary Gardiner's Dream Flight Adventures in Pennsylvania.

Gary Gardiner is a former Space Center enthuasist who grew up, graduated from school, got married, had children and started his own Space Center company called 'Dream Flight Adventures'. He is building his first starship simulator at a school just outside of Pittsburgh. He recently posted this on his web site. I'd like to share it with you.

Mr. W.

Hello,
I’m excited to announce a brand new video that introduces all 16 stations in our simulators. This is a great resource to review prior to a mission with us.
Also, teachers, please note that this video goes great with the “Infinity Knights Job Application” activity that is included in the Instructor Packets that come with each mission.
Now, without further ado, this video:

The Imaginarium
The Imaginarium is a place where we exercise our creativity and imagination. Remember, use your imagination or lose it. The Imginarium reminds you to always explore ways to make the ordinary, extraordinary.

An Automaton of Marie Antoinette. The genius and imagination of the 18th Century David Roentgen (1743 - 1807).

David Roentgen was the 18th century's most celebrated cabinetmaker, famous for adding mechanical fittings and secret drawers to his ornate furniture. In 1784, he surprised his patron, France's King Louis XVI with this marvelous automaton of his queen, Marie Antoinette, playing the dulcimer. The mechanical proficiency of this device is quite remarkable; even today, we can see the hammers in the automatic queen's hands strike the strings precisely and in perfect rhythm. And, unlike the real Marie Antoinette, this creation has managed to keep her head.
This automaton is part of the exhibit Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens, on display at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art through January 27th, 2013.

A napkin at a Mexican restaurant.

Creativity: A

A book nook under the stairs.

A creative way to use that space.

Who knew light sabers were powered by Duracell's?

Steam Punked Modern Devices.

I'd love to build a Steam Punked Simulator. Any one else interested? Shall we do it?

A sign found at an engineering school.

The Work of one of our Imagineers.

Don't be Alarmed by the Alarmed Door.

A Vesuvian snow event.

A winter Pompeii catastrophe!

A True South Park fan.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Discovery Space Center EXPOSED!

Rumors are spreading through the Space Center community about another Space Center in Pleasant Grove. One rumor says it is the new Space Center. Another rumor overhead at local bus and train stations says the Space Center at Central School has been closed and a new Space Center at Stonegate is taking its place. Still another insidious rumor being bantered about playground and faculty rooms involves the Alpine School District backing and supporting a new Space Center, leaving the original Center to wallow and decay.

Are any of these rumors true? What is the story behind this new Discovery Space Center causing good Christian's in the know to gossip in such numbers? What is the secret behind this not so secret society headquartered in what was once an LDS church in the Manilla section of Pleasant Grove?

The editors of The Troubadour set out to find answers to these questions and more. Our investigative report infiltrated this Society of Space Center Friends (SSCF) to discover the truth behind the Discovery Space Center. His findings are presented in this "special edition" post of The Troubadour. What you are about to read may shock and disturb the young and innocent. We recommend reader discretion.

The Discovery Space Center EXPOSED!

Nestled to the north by a serious overgrowth of bush and trees, and to the south a somewhat busy, sidewalkless road leading to the Mt. Timpanogoes Temple, sits the Stonegate Center for the Arts. Stonegate was once an old LDS church. The property was purchased and completely renovated by the Bott family of Pleasant Grove. A large pre-school operates out of the bottom section of the building. The main floor has two large wedding reception halls where dance classes are held during the week.

I spent some time with a few of the Space Center's most senior staff before taking this assignment to infiltrate the Discovery Space Center. I needed to learn Space Center vocabulary, Space Center staff and volunteer mannerisms, Space Center inside jokes and Space Center 'round the water cooler' stories if I wanted to be accepted as a Space Center volunteer by the SSCF who are building and operating this new Discovery Space Center.

"You're going to have to nerd up if you want them to believe you're one of us," Bill Schuler warned me after grilling me on my last vocabulary lesson. Bill is the Space Center's Director of Special Operations. The Director assigned him to train and prepare me for this delicate assignment. "Knowing what a warp drive engine is and how its powered is one thing, but looking like you bath regularly and spend the money on a hair stylist will make them suspect your true identity. Its too dangerous. If you're caught, you know the Director will disavow any knowledge of your actions. Mr. Williamson will drop you like a hot potato. Get this right or you'll end up swimming with the carp in Utah Lake."

After two weeks of intense training and shadowing Bill, I felt I was ready to take on the SSCF. It was time to expose the Discovery Space Center.

Saturday, January 12.

9:00 A.M.
Bill dropped me off two blocks east of the Discovery Space Center to ensure my cover wouldn't be blown. It was bitter cold. My new missionary haircut (again, doing my best to look like I fit in) left my ears defenseless to frostbite. I looked down at my coat as I worked my way across the ice and snow. The strategically applied stains down the front zipper were a good final touch, giving me the appearance of a Space Center worker too preoccupied with my own inner universe to care about my outward appearance.

9:10 A.M.
I noticed the security cameras first as I approached the compound. One camera turned to face me directly. I removed my glove and flashed the Vulcan V salute. I replaced my glove. I expected someone to stop me before I reached the back entrance. I wasn't. I debated whether to knock on the door or just go in. I decided to go for it and just walk in.

I stood in the entrance waiting to be stopped by the Discovery Space Center's security. I heard people upstairs

"Hello?" I called out. The air smelled of fresh paint. I touched the steel gray wall. The paint was still tacky.

"Can I help you?" I looked up to see a high school student standing on the stairway landing above me. It was time to put my training to the test. I couldn't risk having my cover blown. I needed to be convincing if I wanted to be accepted as a SSCF.

"I'm a volunteer over at the Space Center and heard about this place, so I thought I'd come over and see what you guys are up to," I answered. He looked at me curiously - as if he was trying to access some long forgotten memory to put a name to my face.

"I don't remember you." He was genuinely stumped. I had to think fast.

"You and I only worked together once. I'm trying to remember your name too." My training taught me to turn the doubt back onto the doubter.

"My name's Jorden."

"That's right...... Jorden. Now I remember. It was right on the tip of my tongue. You and I worked together on that one Shadows mission. You know the one I'm talking about, right? Where that kid.........., Ah...... help me out."

"Where the kid threw up?" Jorden volunteered.

"That's it! Where the kid threw up. Hey, my name is Earl?"

I picked Earl as my undercover name because I thought it sounded like a Space Center name. Jorden was still confused. My heart beat faster. I reached into my pocket and got ready to push the emergency extraction panic button. The Troubadour team was parked just out of camera range further up the hill. One push of the panic button and they'd be at Stonegate's front door in seconds.

And once again, my training kicked in. "Hey Jorden, how would I remember about the kid throwing up if I wasn't there. Come on, its me Earl." There was a long, uncomfortable pause. My scheme was working. Jorden looked like he couldn't trust his memory.

"Now I remember you?" he lied, but said it anyway not wanting to cause offense.

"So, what's going on?" I quickly changed the subject once I knew he had taken the bait. Jorden took a few minutes to fill me in on the very basics. His intell was good, but I wasn't there to talk to a minor functionary. I wanted to talk to the big cheese himself. I knew he was there. His late model car was in the parking lot.

"Is Casey here?" I asked nonchalantly, hoping it wouldn't set off warning bells in Jorden's head.

"Sure, wait here. I'll go get him." Jorden disappeared up the stairs. I was surprised it was so easy to gain access to the mastermind himself.

Casey walked down the stairs and took my hand in a warm greeting. He looked like the picture I memorized in my briefing; somewhat tall, somewhat lanky, somewhat young, and somewhat clean shaven. He looked like someone who needed a few nights of uninterrupted sleep.

9:27 A.M.
Casey Voeks took me on an unrestricted tour of the Discovery Center. Everyone he introduced me to was friendly and answered all my questions. I snapped pictures as we walked.

9:50 A.M.
I asked Casey if we could sit down and chat for a second. I told him I had a few more questions. He took me into his small office in the back of the building.

Me: "Is the Discovery Center taking the place of the Space Center at Central School?"
Casey: "Absolutely not. The Space Center is going to reopen with the Magellan, Phoenix and Galileo simulators. Pleasant Grove will have two Space Centers."
Me: "Some people say the Discovery Center is either sponsored or partnered with the Alpine School District. Is this true?"
Casey: "No, where are you hearing these rumors? We are not sponsored by the Alpine School District. The Space Center belongs to the Alpine School District and The Discovery Space Center belongs to the owners of Stonegate."
Me: "Are the two Space Center going to be competitors?"
Casey: "No. Remember, the Space Center will only be taking one class per day on a field trip. That means very few classes will be able to go on a Space Center field trip. The Discovery Space Center will be taking two or three classes per day. That means schools that would not be able to go to the Space Center can come here. Nobody gets left out. Between the Space Center and the Discover Space Center we will be able to take care of all the Alpine District Schools. The Discovery Center will also be able to take field trips from schools outside of the Alpine School District. The Space Center will not . Its a win win situation."
Me: "What about private missions and camps?"
Casey: "Right now, the Space Center will not be running an after school private mission program or summer camps. That might change, but for now they will be running field trips only. The Discovery Space Center will be running after school, evening and weekend private missions and camps. Everybody can still get the Space Center experience at the Discovery Center."
Me: "I'm impressed."
Casey: "You should be, but there's more. We're going to be offering classes to anyone interested in computer programming, script writing, and film making. There's more, but I don't remember them at the moment."
Me: "What about volunteers?"
Casey: "The Discovery Space Center cannot have volunteers. We are a for profit Center. We will offer internships to students who graduate from our classes."
Me: "I've heard you're stealing staff away from the Space Center to come work here. Is this true?"
Casey: "Not stealing. Remember, the Space Center's staff was layed off in October when the Space Center closed for repair. Most of them will not be able to go back to the Space Center until the Center opens for after school private missions. So, its either come work for us or not have a Space Center job."
Me: "So, Utah County is going to have two Space Centers, one belonging to the Alpine School District and one here at Stonegate?"
Casey: "That's right. We're not competing. The Space Center will continue its field trip program for one class. Discovery will pick up the rest. The Space Center's fans are the real winners."
Me: "Will the Discovery Space Center's simulators be operating in a Star Trek like universe like the Space Center?
Casey: "No, we have our own science fiction universe."
Me: "When do you expect to open?"
Casey: "We hope to open mid March if all goes well."
Me: "How do people contact you?"
Casey: "Through our web site. Discoveryspacecenter.com.

10:00 A.M.
I thanked Casey for his time and left. Did I EXPOSE the Discovery Space Center? Yes, I believe I did. I exposed it for what it is, a new Space Education Center working to provide a service to the thousands and thousands of people in Utah who loved the Space Center experience and want to continue to participate in its unique blend of entertainment and education where ever they can.

Welcome Discovery Space Center into the SpaceEdVentures Organization!

BJ Warner, former Odyssey flight director, working on the a few finishing touches to an

exterior wall of the Discovery Space Center

One of the new engineering panels destine to keep some young engineer very very busy and stressed in new upcoming missions at the Discovery Space Center.

The latest construction techniques with foam are being utilized in the Discovery Space Center's

Simulators. These foam pieces are sitting the the Galileo Room of the Discovery Center. This will be the main entrance into the Center.

The captain's platform in one of the four new simulators under construction at

the Discovery Space Center

Jon and Connor manhandling one of the new foam ceiling pieces into one of the simulators.

Casey, posing with a paint roller, giving the impression he is just 'one of the guys' and mucks in

to get the dirty work done. I'll bet he was back in his office sipping a Diet Coke seconds after

this photo was taken.

Was I Right?!

Here he is working on new missions and taking bookings for school field trips.

The main stairway leading from the main level up to the ships.

The Atlantis, the Discovery Center's large 14-16 person simulators under construction.

Two inductees of the SSCF

There is a great deal of energy at the Discovery Space Center. You can't visit without

picking up a hammer and joining right in with the good old country barn raising!

A raised platform in one of the two bigger simulators at the Discovery Space Center.

Looking out from the Atlantis bridge toward the Galileo Room.

Randy and Ryan Bott (owners of Stonegate) traveled to Oregon to pick up the four 'transporters' for the simulators.

The Transporters sit in the Galileo Room awaiting placement into the simulators.

Hello Troops,

This tongue in cheek essay introduces our Space Center fans to the Discovery Space Center in Pleasant Grove.

I'm working with the Alpine District to find a way to open our simulators after school and Saturdays for camps and classes. Our volunteer program will continue when we resolve the liability issue. One idea under discussion would be to allow our non profit Space EdVentures Foundation to rent the Space Center's simulators and provide our own insurance. We may be asking for your help to raise enough funds necessary to do this. More to follow in future posts.

The Troubadour is the home for friends of all the education centers that practice our Discipline of Wonder. Be sure to read The Troubadour often for news on The Discovery Space Center in Pleasant Grove. Other posts will give you news about Gary Gardiner's Dream Flight Adventures in Pennsylvania and James Porter's Space Center in development in Logan, Utah.

And of course, the Mother Center - The Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center at Central School: All members of our Space EdVentures organization.

Please feel free to post comments and questions. Your questions will be answered in a later post.

Mr. W.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

A Report on Monday's Space Center Committee Meeting. The Imaginarium.

Hello Troops,
Another meeting of the school district's Space Center Committee was held at Central School Monday afternoon. The committee members were given a tour of the renovation.

The Space Center's old office has new walls and lighting. The room is much bigger without the Odyssey. It is looking very good.
The Magellan's ceiling lights were replaced with canned, fluorescent lights which do not dim. This will be a problem for our Magellan flight team. The Magellan's red alert lights were taken out as well. The simulator cannot go to red lights for red alert. Another concern is the brightness of the new lights. The room is very bright. I'm concerned our students will not see the main tactical screen properly. District Maintenance is working to find good solutions.
The Galileo is waiting on rivets before the walls can be put back up.
The Phoenix is having new electrical sockets installed in the control room.

Several of the Space Center's All Star Staff will be returning to help run our field trips. Lorraine will be teaching. Zac Hirschi and Devin Sudwicks will be in the Magellan. Megan Warner will be in the Phoenix. Devin will be working A days. Aleta Clegg will be working on B days. We won't run the Galileo unless needed. Lunch room noise makes it difficult to operate the Galileo during lunch times.

There are volunteer opportunities for anyone able to work between 10:00 A.M. and Noon; and between Noon and 1:45 P.M.

We have three options for running private missions and day camps after school, Saturdays and weekends. The options will will be discussed at future Space Center Committee meetings.

Not do them.
Run them under the school district's insurance coverage.
Run them under the management of a newly formed Space Center Foundation. The Foundation would rent the Space Center after school hours from the District and provide its own insurance.

The Space Center Volunteering Club will resume if the school district decides on options 2 or 3.

Many more updates to follow in future posts to The Troubadour

A Few Minutes of Perfection

The Imaginarium

Your imagination is a muscle. You must use it or lose it. The Imaginarium celebrates human imagination and creativity. Remember to always look for ways to use your creativity and imagination to make the ordinary, extraordinary.