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ScienceSouth Finds New Home
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Florence, SC -- ScienceSouth has traveled to schools across the Pee
Dee for four years delivering engaging and informative hands-on science
programming, but now has found a new home in the City of Florence.
On Monday the Florence City Council voted unanimously in approval of a
long-term lease agreement with ScienceSouth for a site along Jefferies
Creek and north of Freedom Florence. “The Freedom Florence site provides
ScienceSouth with 100 acres on which to create a learning resource center
for the Pee Dee region,” said Mayor Willis. "We welcome ScienceSouth not
only as our neighbor but as our partner in determining a bright future
for our city.” With this agreement, ScienceSouth can move directly into
its next stage of development; the construction of a 5,000 square foot
prototype facility.
The planned facility will serve two purposes: it will provide a base
for ongoing operation of the ScienceSouth on Wheels outreach programs
and it will enable ScienceSouth to initiate family based programs,
setting the stage for further expansion.
“The City of Florence is very pleased to be able to facilitate the
long-term goals of ScienceSouth by entering into a lease agreement
that will afford this organization an exceptional home-site for many
years to come,” said Florence City Manager David Williams. “By having
a permanent base of operations here in Florence, ScienceSouth’s
contributions to the quality of life and educational environment of
this community will truly be remarkable.”
“ScienceSouth is thrilled about the partnership with the
City of Florence,” said Hood Temple, Chairman of ScienceSouth.
“For the past five years ScienceSouth has made its home at Roche
Carolina. We are so very appreciative of the support we have had
from Roche and other community partners. With the help of Roche,
McLeod Health, the Junior League of Florence, Sen. Hugh Leatherman
and others, we have implemented the Science on Wheels outreach programs.
We look forward to working with the City of Florence and building new
partnerships as we embark on the next stage of our development.”
The prototype facility will have education program spaces specifically
designed to encourage intergenerational learning. Interactive laboratory
spaces are planned which will engage young people in activities that build
connections between family, school, play and the workforce community.
Over the next four months ScienceSouth will develop detailed plans for the facility.
ScienceSouth expects construction to be complete in the early months of 2008.
Project Director Colleen Zilio indicated that, as in past phases of development,
ScienceSouth will actively seek the involvement of the community in program development.
Details surrounding the committee and volunteer opportunities will be available
in the coming months.
About ScienceSouth:
ScienceSouth is a 501 (c) 3 educational enterprise dedicated to improving science
and technology education. ScienceSouth develops and delivers hands-on science and
mathematics experiences for students, teachers, and families in communities across
the Pee Dee region.
Our mission is to inspire life long learning and achievement in science and
technology by involving both teachers and students with standardized,
high quality science and technology learning experiences.
CONTACT:
Colleen Zilio
ScienceSouth
(843) 629-4040
FAX (843) 629-4341
zilio@sciencesouth.org
www.sciencesouth.org
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