Ticket Prices: $75.00 | Go to reconnetworking.com to sign up

Where: Powerhouse Science Center (400 Jibboom Street)

When: May 17, 2012, 5:30 to 8:30 PM

The Powerhouse Science Center has been selected as the recipient charity for the RECON & Regional Builders co-hosted special event: “A Night on the River.” Guests will have a unique opportunity to take a sneak peek at the landmark PG&E building and hear the latest on plans to turn the historic building into an iconic state-of-the-art science center.

This one-of-a-kind event will provide guests the exclusive opportunity to enjoy refreshments and appetizers on the City’s Water Intake Facility while enjoying an amazing sunset over the Sacramento River, all while supporting the creation of an invaluable community asset for the entire region.

Each attendee will receive a bottle of Rail Bridge Cellars RECON Reserve Cabernet, specially blended and bottled to commemorate the Powerhouse Science Center’s “Night on the River.”

This real estate and construction industry event is hosted by RECON Networking and Region Builders. All proceeds will go to the Powerhouse Science Center.

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The Powerhouse Science Center in Sacramento today announced that Wildlands has joined the campaign to build the premier science learning center serving Northern California.

As a founding partner, Wildlands joins other regional leaders and organizations in a cooperative effort to support the development of this vital new community asset.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center will function as a model for 21st-century experiential STEM education (science, math, technology, engineering, space) and environmental stewardship. The design will be an exemplary “green” building that serves as an environmental teaching lab.

“Wildlands has been protecting environmental resources in the Sacramento region for over 20 years, and we are so pleased to partner with the Powerhouse Science Center to continue raising awareness of the importance of science, math and engineering,” said Brian Monaghan, Project Director for Wildlands. “These are all disciplines we employ every day at Wildlands. The Powerhouse Science Center can help be a breeding ground for future conservationists, scientists and engineers who can contribute to the overall environmental health and well-being of our region.”

Wildlands joins the regional effort to create a home for a high-tech, hands-on science museum for the Greater Sacramento region that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Powerhouse Science Center will play a key role in inspiring young people to become the future engineers and scientists that California and our nation desperately need.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome aboard Wildlands as one of our founding partners,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “Wildlands brings unique environmental expertise necessary to our goal of transforming a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting-edge educational center, featuring a museum, planetarium, restaurant, and conference center. The Powerhouse Science Center is a tremendous collaborative effort between many dedicated groups and individuals that are all playing a significant role in making this vision of a premier science education center become a reality.”

Supporters of the Powerhouse Science Center include business and civic leaders, clubs and organizations, individuals, and the City of Sacramento. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson recognizes this project as a top priority for Sacramento’s future.

The facility will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue accessible to the entire family. The Center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. It will also be a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade students from throughout the region.

The Center, which will cost an estimated $50 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 61-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to move from its current location and become the Powerhouse Science Center (www.powerhousesciencecenter.org) in 2014.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or contact Beth Callahan, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, at 916 853-0343.

About Wildlands

Wildlands, a private mitigation and conservation banking firm based in Rocklin, CA, has been in business since 1991. With mitigation and conservation projects throughout California, Oregon and Washington, Wildlands has preserved and protected over 40,000 acres of habitat, offering mitigation and conservation credits to public and private developers.

For additional information about Wildlands, contact:

Kathy Daniel,

Wildlands,

(916) 435-3555,

wildlands@wildlandsinc.com

By Danielle Starkey, Correspondent

Friday, February 24, 2012, 3:00am PST

As a former vice principal of an elementary school, Peter Willson has a pretty good sense of the leading reasons for children to miss class. Near the top of the list are dental appointments.

Now the director of development for the Powerhouse Science Center, a museum scheduled to open in 2014, Wilson saw a potential connection between the new exhibition space and children’s teeth.

Located in a former Pacific Gas & Electric power plant along the Sacramento River just north of Old Sacramento, the center will be an expansion of the 57-year-old Discovery Museum, and will consist of interactive exhibits on such things as robotics, archeological digs and wildlife.

Another exhibit in the 90,000-square-foot space is a gallery dedicated to an exploration of the human body. That’s where Willson saw the opening. He approached the California Dental Association, a nonprofit organization founded in 1870 with more than 25,000 members, and invited it to become a founding partner of the science center. The association, which agreed to contribute $25,000 to the human-body exhibit, joins other founding partners, including Aerojet, which contributed $1.5 million to sponsor the Science Center’s Challenger Learning Center.

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to bring to light what the CDA does and will give them as much attention as they deserve,” Willson said. “They are bringing dental health and (education about) oral hygiene to families and communities who may not prioritize having good dental hygiene.” Pediatric dentist Lindsey Robinson, who is president-elect of CDA, said tooth decay affects more children in the United States than any other chronic disease. “It’s seven times more prevalent than asthma,” and is especially prevalent in Hispanic and African-American children, she said.

The exhibit they’ve sponsored will be interactive so children can get involved and watch things move and change, she explained. It also will showcase advancements in dentistry. “The most important aspect of it is we’ll be teaching children and their families how to take care of their oral health, the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and the importance of regular visits to the dentist. “CDA feels it was a fantastic opportunity to spread the message about oral health,” she said.

Robinson, who said that a specialty in pediatric dentistry requires two additional years of training beyond the four years of dental school, noted that statistics from the Centers for Disease Control reveal an uptick in cavities in the youngest children, especially those that are 2 to 5. “There are a variety of barriers that prevent (low-income families and recent immigrants) from going to the dentist,” she said. “Many are on government sponsored programs that have greater difficulty finding care, and there also are cultural barriers” in knowing about preventative care. “When we see cavities in very young children, it’s often from inappropriate use of a bottle; many don’t know it should be water only” and not juice or milk when the baby goes to bed. “Many families don’t realize how important it is to brush even an infant’s teeth,” she added.

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The Powerhouse Science Center in Sacramento today announced that PAIR Design has joined the campaign to build the premier science learning center serving Northern California.

As a founding partner, PAIR Design joins other regional leaders and organizations in a cooperative effort to support the development of this vital new community asset.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center will function as a model for 21st-century experiential STEM education (science, math, technology, engineering, space) and environmental stewardship. The design will be an exemplary “green” building that serves as an environmental teaching lab.

“When we first heard about this major Sacramento project we wanted to be a part of it,” said Jason Wister, co-founder of PAIR Design. “The opportunity to help shape and market one of Sacramento’s biggest projects was very exciting. Our strength in marketing and environmental graphics make this project a perfect fit for PAIR design. We are excited to be a part of the team.”

PAIR Design joins the regional effort to create a home for a high-tech, hands-on science museum for the Greater Sacramento region that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Powerhouse Science Center will play a key role in inspiring young people to become the future engineers and scientists that California and our nation desperately need.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome aboard PAIR Design as one of our founding partners,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “PAIR Design shares our goal of transforming a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting edge educational center, featuring a museum, planetarium, restaurant, and conference center. The Powerhouse Science Center is a tremendous collaborative effort between many dedicated groups and individuals that are all playing a significant role in making this vision of a premier science education center become a reality.”

Supporters of the Powerhouse Science Center include business and civic leaders, clubs and organizations, individuals, and the City of Sacramento. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson recognizes this project as a top priority for Sacramento’s future.

The facility will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue accessible to the entire family. The Center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. It will also be a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12^th grade students from throughout the region.

The Center, which will cost an estimated $50 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 60-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to move from its current location and become the Powerhouse Science Center (www.powerhousesciencecenter.org) in 2014.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or contact Beth Callahan, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, at 916 853-0343.

About PAIR Design

PAIR design is a full-service graphic design firm based in Gold River, CA. They merge strategic thinking and creative design into print, Web, and environmental solutions that blend who, what, and why into memorable graphics. Since 1998, they’ve helped companies in a variety of industries develop eye-catching marketing campaigns, build lasting brands for user conferences and events, and establish corporate communication tools that unify and send a clear message.  For more information, visit www.pairdesign.net.

As a founding partner, Keller Group Office Environments joins other regional leaders and organizations in a cooperative effort to support the development of this vital new community asset.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center will function as a model for 21st-century experiential STEM education (science, math, technology, engineering, space) and environmental stewardship. The design will be an exemplary “green” building that serves as an environmental teaching lab.

“We are honored to be a partner on such an incredible project benefitting not only Sacramento but the greater state and national communities, said Dianne Keller, President of Keller Group Office Environments.

Keller Group joins the regional effort to create a home for a high-tech, hands-on science museum for the Greater Sacramento region that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Powerhouse Science Center will play a key role in inspiring young people to become the future engineers and scientists that California and our nation desperately need.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome aboard Keller Group Office Environments as one of our founding partners,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “The Keller Group shares our goal of transforming a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting edge educational center, featuring a museum, planetarium, restaurant, and conference center. The Powerhouse Science Center is a tremendous collaborative effort between many dedicated groups and individuals that are all playing a significant role in making this vision of a premier science education center become a reality.”

Supporters of the Powerhouse Science Center include business and civic leaders, clubs and organizations, individuals, and the City of Sacramento. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson recognizes this project as a top priority for Sacramento’s future.

The facility will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue accessible to the entire family. The Center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. It will also be a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12^th grade students from throughout the region.

The Center, which will cost an estimated $50 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 60-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to move from its current location and become the Powerhouse Science Center (www.powerhousesciencecenter.org) in 2014.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or contact Beth Callahan, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, at 916 853-0343.

About Keller Group Office Environments

www.kelleroffice.com

Keller Group is a leading resource for providing office and public space furnishings when businesses or organizations seek to improve the aesthetics and function of their environment. With two comprehensive showrooms in Sacramento and Modesto, our team is able to demonstrate solutions while working with clients on their specific needs. Our services include Design & Planning, Furniture Specification, Project Management, Relocation Management and Installation. Our uncompromised dedication to client satisfaction has allowed us to gain an extensive list of clients in all sectors of the regional economy including: Government, Education, Private Sector Business and Healthcare. Our client base extends to 22 counties and partnered with Allsteel we are the primary servicing dealer for the State of California.

Keller Group teams conduct numerous projects each year that require design planning with integration for new construction.  For each project our skilled team members work with the architectural, engineering, construction and client project teams, to coordinate with other contractors, merge into project processes, and enhance project planning and completion.

Keller Group is proud to have been a partner in “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certified Green Building Rated projects. Examples include the State of California East End Complex, Blocks 225 and 172, Sacramento, Caltrans District 7 Headquarters, Los Angeles, Caltrans District 11 San Diego, and Solano County Administration Center, Fairfield. Demonstrated by hard work, responsiveness, and professionalism we strive to be a positive contributor to each project team!

Contact Dianne Keller at 916-737-3300 or email dianne.keller@kelleroffice.com

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 8, 2011 The Powerhouse Science Center and Aerojet today announced a $1.5 million gift from Aerojet that will launch the new science complex’s cutting-edge simulated NASA space mission program, to be named the Aerojet Challenger Learning Center.

The current, heavily-used 17-year-old Challenger Learning Center is in full operation at the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, which will relocate and become the Powerhouse Science Center when the new facility opens in 2014. Recently honored as one of the nation’s most successful Challenger Centers, Sacramento’s Challenger adventure inspires future astronauts with suspension-of-disbelief scenarios and problems, challenging students to apply the math, science, and communications skills learned in the classroom to “real-life” situations.

Aerojet strives to influence and attract this nation’s next generation of rocket scientists, astronauts, doctors, and teachers, and has partnered with Powerhouse to encourage students to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This major contribution highlights the company’s commitment to enriching the Greater Sacramento region and championing STEM education for the future workforce.

“America’s many successes in space exploration have always benefitted from the tremendous sources of technical talent graduating from our educational institutions,” said Scott Seymour, Aerojet President. “Continued successes will require the same from future generations and our partnership with the Powerhouse Science Center and Challenger Learning Center will serve to inspire today’s youth toward that end.”

“Since 1997, Aerojet and the GenCorp Foundation have committed approximately $500,000 in support for our highly successful Challenger Learning Center at the Discovery Museum,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director of the Powerhouse Science Center. “Now, as Discovery grows and expands into the Powerhouse Science Center, we are honored that Aerojet has stepped up to be our first title sponsor. The new Aerojet Challenger Learning Center at the Powerhouse will be the most advanced of the 54 Challenger Centers worldwide.”The new Aerojet Challenger Center will be located on the Powerhouse Science Center campus in the Earth & Space Sciences Center, which will also include a 150-seat full-dome Planetarium Theater and interactive exhibits that focus on the relationship of the four spheres: air/atmosphere, water/hydrosphere, earth/lithosphere/ and life/biosphere. Exterior experiences will include water conservation, green energy, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center is situated in the River District at 400 Jibboom Street. In addition to the Earth & Space Sciences Center, the Powerhouse campus will also include innovative, hands-on exhibit halls; science laboratories and classrooms; Robotics programs; an artificial wetlands; outdoor stage and screen; a restaurant with riverfront views, and more. The Center has nearly completed its pre-construction phase and will begin breaking ground in 2012.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call (916) 853-0343. Visit the Center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

A selection of Powerhouse Science Center images can be viewed at http://www.dreyfussblackford.com/Powerhouse.

Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader principally serving the missile and space propulsion, defense and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate segment that includes activities related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of the company’s excess real estate assets. Additional information about Aerojet and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies’ websites at http://www.Aerojet.com and http://www.GenCorp.com.

A big reminder of what’s to come at the home of the future Powerhouse Science Center was spread out Thursday.

A 30-foot banner was draped over the old PG&E Jiboom Street power station as dignitaries watched.

The center, which is in a pre-construction phase, will break ground in the fall. The entire campus is expected to cost $50 million, and the first part of that, $7 million, comes from Proposition 84, a 2006 bond measure that provided $5 billion for water-quality projects, that includes public access to natural resources.

Grants can be used to fund foster nature education and research facilities, for buildings and public galleries.

The center, on the bank of the Sacramento River, should be completed in 2013. It is expected to help create more than 300 jobs and open up the land for more public use.

The Discovery Museum and Science Center will move to the location when complete, and assume its new name. It is expected to be a model for STEM education — science, math, technology, engineering, space, as well as environmental stewardship.

The grant via Prop. 84 will fund the first of three buildings at the center — the Earth and Space Sciences Center.

“The Powerhouse Science Center will help revitalize our riverfront, provide children and families with a world class education center, and become a popular destination point within our region,” Congresswoman Doris Matsui said in a statement. She was among the dignitaries and onlookers gathered to watch the unveiling of the banner. Other supporters included Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, State Sen. Darrell Steinberg, Assemblyman Roger Dickinson, city councilwoman Angelique Ashby and other representatives of businesses and organizations n the region.

“This is an exciting day for Sacramento and those who have worked so hard to make this one-of-a-kind science learning center a reality,” Steinberg said in a statement. “This project is a perfect example of what voters wanted when they approved Prop. — an investment that will enrich the community in many ways for years to come.”

Johnson said the project will “create a regional destination and education hub for school children.”

Posted by Melissa Wiese. Contact her at mwiese@bizjournals.com or 916-558-7866

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The Powerhouse Science Center took a major step forward in funding with the announcement today that the project has been awarded a $7 million grant provided by Proposition 84.

Proposition 84’s Nature Education Facilities committee awarded the grant to build the Earth & Space Sciences Center, which will feature a full-dome, 150-seat planetarium, an updated Challenger Learning Center, and interactive exhibits focusing on natural sciences.

Planned as a destination for school groups, families, and tourists, the Earth & Space Sciences Center will address the goals of California’s Education and the Environment Initiative to increase environmental literacy for kindergarten through 12^th grade students by teaching science, history, and social science within an environmental context.

The Earth & Space Sciences Center is one of three learning centers that comprise the entire PowerhouseScienceCentercampus, an estimated $50 million project that has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The Center is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

The new facility will create more than 300 jobs and help vitalize Sacramento’s riverfront area and open the space for more public usage.

“As a long time supporter of an expanded Powerhouse Science Center, I am thrilled to hear we have received $7 million in Prop 84 funds,” Sacramento Assembly member Roger Dickinson said. “The goal of the Powerhouse Science Center is to cultivate an interest in science and math. The new Science Center will be a destination for families from all parts of California.”

“This is exactly what we need in the City of Sacramento,” said Angelique Ashby, Sacramento City Council member, District 1. “The Powerhouse Science Center will bring jobs, education and a family experience for everyone who lives in or visits our region. What an amazing opportunity!”

Proposition 84 Nature Education Facilities grants make funding available to foster nature education and research facilities, and equipment to non-profit organizations and public institutions. Grants are used for buildings, structures, and exhibit galleries to inspire and educate the public.

Over 500 support letters were collected and submitted on behalf of the Powerhouse Science Center. Letters came from Congressional representatives Doris Matsui and Dan Lungren; three State assemblymen and two State senators; four Sacramento County Board of Supervisors; Mayor Kevin Johnson and the entire Sacramento City Council; eight members of the Sacramento County Office of Education, including Superintend David Gordon; and numerous company presidents, CEOs, educators and community leaders from throughout the Greater Sacramento region.

“I am very excited that the State of California has awarded this grant to the Powerhouse Science Center and was pleased to support their efforts,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “The Center will add to our beautiful riverfront, serve as a catalyst for redevelopment in the River District, and most importantly will give our region’s children a premier state-of-the–art science center to explore.”

Congresswoman Matsui has been a constant champion for STEM education in Sacramento and our nation’s capitol. The Congresswoman advocated for the Powerhouse Science Center to the State of California for this grant.

“We feel extremely honored to be chosen for the Nature Education Facilities grant. This is a giant step forward to help fund the Center,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “I want to personally thank all the people who helped make this possible. Support letters came from our state and local civic leaders, business owners, museum partners, parents, teachers, museum members and patrons, and even children. This was a real collaborative effort by many people.”

Features inside the Earth & Space Sciences Center include a150-seat full-dome Planetarium Theater that will take visitors beyond astronomy to study nature education, and an expanded Challenger Learning Center providing simulated NASA space missions. Exterior experiences will include water conservation, green energy, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

“At our Earth & Space Sciences Center, we’ll both educate the natural sciences and inspire environmental stewardship,” explained Raymond Burnell, Powerhouse Education Director. “Through such signature experiences, visitors of all ages will enjoy focused learning about Earth’s four natural spheres through the eyes of ever-expanding environmental literacy.”

Representatives from the Nature Education Facilities committee made two site visits to the planned location of the Powerhouse Science Center, which is situated in the River District off Jibboom Street in Sacramento. The historic PG&E Power Station B was the first-choice location for the Center because the historic building’s position on the riverfront is highly visible, creating greater awareness for the imaginative science facility.

In addition to the Earth & Space Sciences Center, the Powerhouse campus will also include innovative, hands-on exhibit halls, science laboratories and classrooms; Robotics programs; an artificial wetlands; outdoor stage and screen; restaurant with riverfront views; and more.

The facility will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue that is accessible to the entire family. The Center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. It will also be utilized as a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12^th grade students from throughout the region.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 916 853-0343. Visit the Center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

Through this framework, visitors will achieve a multi-layered and interdisciplinary understanding of the significance, value, challenges, solutions, and relationships of natural resources. Educational and interactive opportunities will be offered via the following features:

• 150 seat, 55 foot full domed multi purpose theater, which also serves as a planetarium.
• 2 floors of exhibit space, with exhibits such as the Challenger Learning Center and the Magic Planet.
• Outdoor exhibits and interpretive signage.
• Open-air stage and screen.
• State-of-the-art multimedia equipment.
• Sustainable, environmentally friendly design elements.