Granite Man

‘Cue The Grill

Science Center is Certifi ed Sensory Inclusive

KultureCity has partnered with Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to make the live animal exhibit trail sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue that visit Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

The certifi cation process entailed the staff at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fi dget tools, and verbal cue cards are also available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. The bags are available for visitors to borrow at the Admissions area of the Welcome Center.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions (1 in 6 individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise. With its new certifi cation, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when walking the live animal exhibit trail.

Prior to visiting the Science Center, families can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying a visit to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner with the Science Center to provide a truly inclusive experience for all guests!” Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity.

KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 1,000 sensory-inclusive venues in 6 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, and MLB All-Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a fi nalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, KultureCity was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 and 2020 by FastCompany and won the Industry Partner Award in TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards 2019.

Learn more about accessibility at the Science Center at nhnature.org/visit.

Makers Mill is Open for Membership and Classes

After fi ve years of visioning, designing, building, outfi tting, and lots of fundraising, grantwriting and red tape in between, Carroll County’s fi rst dedicated makerspace and vocation hub, Makers Mill, has opened its doors for membership and classes at 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro. Every mile of this journey has been accomplished with the support and encouragement of volunteers and donors - thousands of hours, hundreds of thousands of dollars, innumerable gifted items that now have a new home in the makerspace, and megawatts of creative energy and ideas.

There are many ways to participate in Makers Mill: as a member, a class attendee, an instructor, or a volunteer. It is open to all levels of makers: students, hobbyists, and professionals; providing a place where people feed off one another’s interests, curiosity, enthusiasm, ideas, feedback, and projects; and facilitating collaboration, mentorship, and learning exchanges.

The website makersmill.org is the best resource for information on the different membership levels and it provides a robust calendar of events for upcoming classes where members and non-members alike can register to attend.

In a nutshell, Shop Membership requires that an Orientation and Tool Safety Class/es are successfully completed before a member can use the space and tools independently for personal or professional projects 24/7. Shop Membership is $65 per month or $699 per year. The Tool Safety Classes are additionally fee-based and information on these can be found on the website event calendar.

For those simply interested in classes, and not independent access to the shops and tools, the Maker Member is the best membership option at $35 per month or $375 per year. Both types of membership have additional benefi ts including class and household discounts, advance notifi cation of classes, and free access to the Tool Lending Library. More detailed information on membership is found on the website membership page.

Building the program of classes is ongoing but some of those already open for registration include the Woodshop Tool Safety Class this Saturday, October 8; Creating Upcycled Art from Hubcaps on Saturday, Oct 15; Macrame, Braid & Cordage, Oct 15; Sewing 101 Oct 18; Craft your Comic, Oct 22; Basic Floor Loom & Weaving, Oct 25; Advancing Your Career, Oct 27; and Beginner Metal Jewelry, Nov 19-20. In addition, a certifi ed career councelor will be available, for in-person or virtual coaching sessions, every other Wednesday from Noon-4pm, by reservation. New classes are continually being added to the website, makersmill.org/events.

“We’re super excited to be offering classes starting this week,” shared Programs Director, Carol Holyoake. “We would also love to hear from people who have in interest in teaching mission-aligned classes in our various shops - those with knowledge in woodworking, metalsmithing, fi ber arts, fi ne arts, mixed media crafts, technology, electronics & robotics, digital fabrication, workforce development, and entrepreneurship for starters. Prospect instructors can either contact me directly at carol@makersmill.org or complete our online form at makersmill.org/access.”

Makers Mill is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization located at 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro NH 03894. Inquiries can be directed to info@makersmill.org or 603-569-1500.