FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — The Francis Malcolm Science Center recently received a donation of $2,060 from Fields Realty that will go toward the expansion and modernization of future programs at the Easton-based center.
On Saturday, Dec. 22, a small group of Fields Realty staff members and Francis Malcolm board members gathered at the Fort Fairfield Public Library for a special raffle drawing of an ice fishing house.
Stephanie Beaulieu, designated broker at Fields Realty had used the 7-foot by 9-foot house built by Fort Fairfield High School construction students as part of the company’s float in the Potato Blossom Parade this past July. After the parade, Beaulieu decided that the best use for the house would be to hold a raffle and give the proceeds of ticket sales to the science center.
Beaulieu’s family has a personal connection to the science center. During high school her brother, Scott Fields, contributed his voice to an audio presentation on Halley’s comet and asteroids in the solar system that the center still uses today and her daughter, Sarah Beaulieu, was a regular visitor there while growing up.
“The science center is a local treasure that has great programs for people of all ages,” Beaulieu said. “We want to thank everyone who purchased tickets and Star City IGA for helping us sell them.”
The winner of the raffle was Amber Oakes of Chapman.
Larry Berz, planetarium director and astronomy educator for the Francis Malcolm Science Center, noted that the donation from Fields Realty will contribute to a matching grant project for the center. Recently an anonymous donor pledged to match all donations of up to a $30,000 total that the center receives by Dec. 31. If the center reaches $30,000 the benefactor will double that amount, making the fundraising total $60,000.
Thus far, the center has received $10,000 in donations and hoped to achieve the $30,000 goal by the end of the year. Berz invites all members of the public to donate and said that the Francis Malcolm staff will use the funds to further modernize the center and expand the number of programs offered.
In 2016, the center received a $38,500 gift from benefactors in Houston, Texas, to purchase a digital planetarium system. Staff also hope to expand the programs offered through their more than 140-acre outdoor snowshoe and hiking trails. Center supporters regularly raise funds through their Star Challenge for elementary students and Galaxy of Stars program, but Berz said that they hope to create larger donation opportunities to move the center forward into the future.
“The science center is open to the entire community whether you’re nine or 90 years old,” Berz said. “The more people know about the center the more they can realize the sheer joy of learning.”
The Francis Malcolm Science Center is located at 776 Houlton Road in Easton. Anyone who wishes to donate can contact the center at P.O. Box 186, Easton, ME 04730 or (207) 488-5451 or donate online.
