In September, the Warren City Firefighters Union hosted a golf scramble in honor of the discovery center. The proceeds were more than $4,500. Firefighter Hunter Seelinger was in attendance at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center for a fire safety training, where he learned about the updates for the center — often referred to as a children’s museum as well. He recalled fond memories of visiting a children’s museum as a child. He felt moved to do something that would help bring that experience to our own community.

Executive Director Jennifer Madigan said, “Some of this programming will be made possible with the help of the Amazon wishlist purchases. The programming vision is coming together and we are hopeful to share details on that by the end of spring. We have been engaged in conversations with a couple other museums discussing concepts that have worked or not worked for them and have taken their lessons learned to heart.”

Something else to be on the lookout for is programming within all communities of the county, not just Warren. Once the weather breaks, work will begin to take place at the property on Market Street, next to Aldi, to make it usable for programming purposes for summer, fall, and winter.

While the capital campaign for the Kinzua Area Discovery Center has not been announced just yet, there have been donations rolling in. People have donated anywhere from $10 to $10,000. Some make monthly contributions to the Discovery Center and Madigan, is very grateful for everyone’s enthusiasm and contributions.

Pictured with Kizua Area Discovery Center’s Executive Director Jennifer Madigan is Firefighter Hunter Seelinger donating to the center after a golf scramble.

She reported, “We are actively working with potential local funders, potential regional funders, and potential national funders. We know that building a new museum is going to have a large price tag. That multi-million dollar number has frightened some people. We believe in the project and want to deliver a destination type experience, not just a small town museum.”

The project has a $10 million price tag on it, and Madigan said some local residents are hesitant to put money toward it since it is a new business and they recognize and are understanding of that.

Programming with some upcoming events are meant to begin building trust, relationships, and statistics for the financial support that is being sought out for the project. The community has spoken through surveys, in person conversations, social media conversations, and with each other. It is something that people want to see in Warren County. “A lengthy list of individuals and organizations that have volunteered to help with varied tasks from stuffing envelopes, baking brownies, helping with programming, to helping clear the property and beyond. Some have been very vocal in that their checkbook isn’t going to be the financial support we need, but their heart, their time, their dedication is going to be their contribution. That is huge! We are humbled,” said Madigan.

Programming opportunities will likely happen throughout the county, not just at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center, in order to contribute to funds needed to make this community asset happen, which will only support the tourism that many have been enthusiastic and working toward lately. “We are working on ways to be involved and be seen. It is the intention for those interactions to drive trust, fun-raising, and also the fund-raising,” noted Madigan.

Conversations with local businesses to partner together, Madigan shared, will hopefully offer a little something different to their customer base. “Many things are happening behind the scenes. We are excited to see things come together and look forward to working with the children, families, and businesses of Warren County,” said Madigan. “Greater things happen through collaboration and togetherness!”

An Amazon Wishlist is available with items that will help with programs that will be offered while working through the capital campaign and building process. This list will likely be ever changing, and the organization is wanting to build relationships with the people in the community and have already been listening to the input. Some upcoming programs that will be held at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center in Warren include Lunar New Year Activities, St. Patrick’s Day and author Tomie dePaola as well as Remake Learning Days.

To see the Amazon wishlist visithttps://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3NVJ1LGAW2DBN?ref_=wl_share

Grateful in advance for the support that is offered, Kinzua Area Discovery Center will be a huge attraction and educational benefit to the community. Keep updated with its progress on the Facebook Page.

Tax deductible donations can now be made via the website at https://www.kinzuaareadiscoverycenter.org/donate-1

Events currently on the calendar, with most held at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center are:

— Feb 17. 5 to 7 p.m., Lunar New Year.

— Feb 27 5:30 to 7 p.m., Dr. Seuss Night.

— March 17, 5 to 7 p.m.,St. Patrick’s Day;

— May 7, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Remake Learning Days Cardboard Carnival.

— June 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Touch A Truck at Betts Park.

Donations will be welcome, but not required, at all events.