Life of a Party
From 2017: The Under the Sea theme featured a larger-than-life jellyfish surrounded by waves crafted from fabrics and textural curtains.
SUPPORTING STEM EDUCATION
THE NORTH MUSEUM’S Over-the-Top, Out-of-this-World COSMIC BASH If you think a fundraiser that benefits the studies of science, technology, engineering and mathematics sounds like a staid event, think again. The North Museum’s annual Cosmic Bash is one of Lancaster’s most exciting displays of creativity, thanks to a munificent wizard, his equally dedicated and creative wife and an inspired team of volunteers and staff.
16
L A N C A S T E R CO U N T Y | M A R C H 2 0 2 0
At
the corner of College and Buchanan avenues in Lancaster, a hive of activity sits behind the stately brick walls of the North Museum. A star-gazing planetarium, a full-size model of a 200-million-year-old dinosaur and a room full of live critters including snakes, tarantulas, lizards and toads are just a few of the fascinating exhibits offering close encounters with 500 million years of science and nature. “It’s a gem of a museum,” says Executive Director Andrea Rush, “and we want to share the riches of Lancaster County.” As with all nonprofit organizations, fundraising is vital to the North Museum’s survival and ability to extend its mission to educate future generations about the opportunities that
BY JILL BROWN
lie in STEM-based careers – those who will continue to value its world-class exhibits and experiences as adults. “Our community-education programs look to create a rational career exploration of STEM jobs,” says Andrea. Additionally, the programs “serve to slow the ‘brain drain’ of STEM-related talent from our community.” Such goals are important for many Lancaster County-based businesses who rely on a technology-educated workforce for their growth and success. One such STEM-centric business is ATOMIC, located in Lititz and the Rock Lititz campus. Focused on designing and producing sets and stages for live entertainment, corporate events, television productions and trade shows, the company’s diverse client list includes – most recently – Procter & Gamble, The MTV Video Music Awards and World
