ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Dear Friends,
Thanks to all of you who have written or called to see how the Orlando Science Center weathered 120+ mile/hour gusts in ground-zero for Hurricane Charley, the worst storm to hit Orlando in 40 years. We are grateful that there was no serious damage to the building, although our beautiful park lost many glorious trees. Our staff was out in the pre-dawn hours after the storm, securing the building, and making preparations for getting back open the next day. After assuring that there were safe roads to travel, we offered free admission to residents in the storm path, who were suffering without power and communications. Over 750 people came that day, even with the difficulties of transportation. When the local school systems were forced to close for a week, we opened up Camp Charley, an instant "one-room schoolhouse" for parents to drop-off their children for the day. With power out for nearly a million residents, getting the word out has been a challenge, but we have seen tremendous cooperation from radio, TV, print outlets, and neighborhood word-of-mouth.. 

We look forward to seeing all our friends and colleagues at ASTC. Join us for a coffee, and we can hold a mini-RAP on "science centers and disaster response"!

Best regards,
Brian Tonner
President
Orlando Science Center



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