In the Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
(805) 545-5874
mjenkins@slocm.org
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Maps an Exciting 2024
2024 Board of Directors Installed; New Exhibits & Programs Planned
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (January 16, 2024) –The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is kicking off 2024 with new board members, and plans for additional exhibits and expanded programs.
The Museum’s Exhibits Committee just saw the Amazing Airmaze exhibit completed, thanks to funding from the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust; the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County sponsored the revitalized Augmented Reality Sandbox; and the Hind, Sence and Schlinger Family Foundations funded The Adventure Playscape, found in the Museum’s backyard.
Exhibits currently in the planning stages include a laser exhibit, a LEGO App table, and a spinning sand table. Updates to the Mock Elevator and fire station are also in the works.
Special programs, which saw significant increases in attendance during 2023, will continue throughout this year. These include: Museums 4 All (discounted admission for EBT card holders), the City Play Program (for unhoused children and their families), Sensory Nights (free time for kiddos on the spectrum), and Moonlight Hours (free play once a month from 5-7pm). A unique new visitation program, with a goal to support local schools with k-3 grades, will be rolled out in Fall 2024.
Dozens of dedicated locals have served the Children’s Museum as board members over the years, steering it steadily through recessions, capital campaigns, growth and a pandemic. Most recently, the Board of Directors added five new members to its ranks and elected an executive team. Michael Morris, Candice Custodio, Madeline Kacsinta, Elizabeth Howard and Cody Dawson have been elected to three-year terms. Officers include Tyler Skinner (president), Allison Patrick (vice president), Michael Moresco (treasurer) and Sue Roberts (secretary). Returning directors include Annie Braff, Nikki Billinsley, Stephen Gonzales, Anthony Gomes and Claire Wexler.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10 and their families, and is located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Visit www.slocm.org for visitor and program information.
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December 20, 2023
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum’s Annual Membership Special is Underway!
San Luis Obispo, CA— With each membership purchased through the end of the year, guests will receive a little activity box themed around kindness, growth, and the Grinch’s heartfelt transformation.
“Grow” science snow, water beads, and holiday capsules with a bit of water. Also grow wildflowers from a red seeded-paper heart. Use the measuring tape to chart your child’s growth. Make a friend’s day by giving them the two included free SLO Children’s Museum passes so they can visit with you. Try new, fun adventures by visiting the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum and Paso Robles Children’s Museum with the enclosed passes, or buying a discounted membership at the Central Coast Aquarium. Practice the enclosed tips on showing kindness, everything from donating books to Little Free Libraries to writing sweet messages for your neighbors using the enclosed red chalk.
Annual memberships are a fun and economical way to visit the Children’s Museum all year long, and start at only $95. Members receive discounts on birthday parties, guest visits, and Shop purchases. Two of the three membership packages include reciprocal benefits, which let guests visit more than 200 participating nationwide children’s museums for fifty percent off.
Additionally, The Shop is filled with amusing and quirky gift options like sensory kits, kinetic sand, adorable handmade plush animals, Buddha Boards, and fun SLO-branded T-shirts.
For more information call (805)545-5874 or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.slocm.org" www.slocm.org.
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October 4, 2023
Contact: Michelle Jenkins, (805) 545-5874
SLO Children’s Museum Benefit set for October 13th Riffs Off of Night at the Museum Franchise
San Luis Obispo, CA— The San Luis Obispo Children's Museum will hold its annual fundraiser, this year themed "Night at the (Children’s) Museum,” Friday, October thirteenth, with all proceeds benefitting the Museum’s many exhibits, programs, activities and events.
Dress as your favorite character from the movies, play games and explore the exhibits, dance, enjoy a strolling dinner featuring elevated kids’ food by Chef Candice Custodio, and bid on unique auction items – all in a playful natural history museum theme. Longtime champion of the Children’s Museum, Lindsey Haring, will be honored for her many years of service to the organization.
The Children’s Museum is grateful to all of its event sponsors, particularly SESLOC Federal Credit Union, the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, and Cameron & Moresco CPAs, LLP. Special thanks to SM2 Trust, Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic, The Mountain Air, The Switchback, Opolo Vineyards, and SLO Brew.
This adults-only adventure begins at 6 p.m. at the Museum, 1010 Nipomo Street in Downtown SLO. Tickets are $125 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets call (805)545-5874 or visit slocm.org/ridiculous.
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For immediate release
Contact:
Susana Lewis, Coordinating Librarian, Youth Services
San Luis Obispo County Library
Telephone: (805) 781-4796
E-mail: slewis@slolibrary.org
Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Telephone: (805) 545-5874
E-mail: mjenkins@slocm.org
The San Luis Obispo County Library and the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Team Up to Provide Museum Passes to Young Readers During September
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (September 12, 2023) – In celebration of September being Library Card Sign-Up Month, local children registering for their first library card will also receive a free admission pass to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum (SLOCM). More than 400 free passes are expected to be distributed for the duration of the program.
Library Card Sign-up Month was created in 1987 and is a national campaign that emphasizes the importance of library cards to a child’s education and to combat illiteracy.
“This is a great way to learn about all the free services the library has to offer,” said Susana Lewis, Coordinating Librarian, Youth Services of County of SLO Public Libraries, “and to enjoy the wonders of the Children's Museum.” Michelle Jenkins, SLOCM’s Executive Director, added, “Not only does this program encourage reading, but it also enables the Children’s Museum to introduce itself to children throughout our community.”
The Children’s Museum and the SLO County Library have collaborated in the past on the Library’s popular Summer Reading Program, as well as a STEM-based online learning program during the pandemic.
The mission of the San Luis Obispo County Library is to provide materials and services to people seeking knowledge, lifelong learning, and recreation, as well as to ensure that all patrons of the library may use those materials and services to the maximum extent possible.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo St. in downtown San Luis Obispo. Visit www.slocm.org for open hours, program information and more.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2022
Contact: Michelle Jenkins
(805) 545-5874
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum’s Launches Annual Membership Special: Winter is Magic
San Luis Obispo, CA— With each membership purchased between November 25 and December 31, guests will receive a creative kit bursting with winter-themed activities.
Winter is Magic will take families outdoors for a nature scavenger hunt. Using those items, the included supplies and a few other easy-to-find materials, make: nature confetti with an origami envelope, leaf garlands, popcorn strings, cranberry structures, pom pom pinecone, glowing luminaria, frozen suncatcher, orange peel birdfeeder, and plant a daffodil bulb for spring. Play flashlight tag, make cranberry slime and head outside for a holiday light scavenger hunt.
Also included are two free admission passes and a coupon for ten dollars off a birthday party.
Membership levels range from only $95 for two members to $195 for six. All memberships last one full year and include discounts on guest admissions, birthday parties and shop purchases. Two levels include reciprocal benefits, which allow guests to visit more than 200 participating children’s museums for fifty percent off.
Additionally, The Shop is filled with fun and quirky gift options like dino excavation kits, kinetic sand, adorable plush animals, Skip-Its, and fun SLO-branded T-shirts.
For more information call (805)545-5874 or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.slocm.org" www.slocm.org.
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September 30, 2022
TO: ALL MEDIA
FROM: Rachel Lackmann
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Marketing@DowntownSLO.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ROCK ‘N’ RETRO HOLIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN SAN LUIS OBISPO!
2022 Downtown SLO Holiday Happenings Announced
San Luis Obispo, CA — Classic cars, shining stars, and electric guitars — cruise on over to downtown San Luis Obispo this holiday season for a nostalgic, rockin’ good time!
Downtown SLO, in partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo, is delighted to announce that the theme of the 2022 Holiday Happenings is “Rock ‘n’ Retro!” This year, treasured community traditions will continue, and brand-new activations will make the holiday experience bigger and brighter!
46TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE presented by American Riviera Bank
Friday, December 2, 2022, from 7–9 PM
The Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade returns for its 46th year! This beloved Central Coast holiday tradition will feature over 80 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, dancers, and more, representing all kinds of organizations. The Downtown SLO Holiday Parade is one of the largest parades on the Central Coast, attracting thousands of spectators.
Applications will be open from October 1–November 1, 2022. Please note that participation is limited. Apply at DowntownSLO.com/HolidayParade.
Leading the 2022 Holiday Parade will be Grand Marshal Carl Dudley. Recently retired from Pacific Western Bank, Carl has served on the Board of Directors of Downtown SLO, KCBX, the SLO Symphony, and United Way, and is a longtime member of the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
The 46th Annual Holiday Parade is sponsored by: Astound Broadband, SLO Credit Union, Coastal Pediatric Dentistry, Guaranteed Rate, Injectors Direct, Wilde Wealth Management, Friday Night Lights Flag Football, Sunset Honda, Meathead Movers, and ASAP Movers.
THE HOLIDAY PLAZA presented by The San Luis Obispo Collection
In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo
Opens Friday, November 25, 2022, at 12:00 PM
Mission Plaza is the centerpiece of downtown San Luis Obispo — it all happens here! The 20-foot Holiday Tree (sponsored by Dignity Health) will be lit in an official ceremony on Friday, November 25, 2022, at 5:45 PM. The Plaza will also feature many show-stopping photo opportunities, including a dazzling walk-through ornament, 6-foot-tall sparkly SLO letters, a lighted tree forest, animated light tunnels, and larger-than-life decorations. These stunning lights will synchronize with music as part of the brand-new Musical Light Show (sponsored by PG&E & Lola & Ivy), which will occur nearly every evening in the Plaza.
Join Downtown SLO on Friday, November 25, 2022, at noon to watch Santa ride into Mission Plaza on a firetruck, enjoy a live performance from the SLO County Band, and celebrate the opening of all the fun in the Holiday Plaza.
SANTA’S HOUSE sponsored by American Riviera Bank
Friday, November 25, 2022 – Saturday, December 24, 2022
A beloved tradition, Santa’s House returns to the Plaza. Young visitors can recite their holiday wish list and pose for photos with Santa out on his front lawn before entering the house to purchase their souvenir photo package and receive free goodies!
LETTERS TO SANTA sponsored by Tenet Health Central Coast
Kids can send their letters to Santa using the mailbox in front of Santa’s House and receive a hand-written response!
THE SEARCH FOR SANTA’S MOUSE SCAVENGER HUNT sponsored by SESLOC
In partnership with the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Children can grab a free booklet and follow clever clues to different storefront locations, each containing a miniature scene with clues about the mouse’s whereabouts. Upon completion, families can enter to win a membership to the Children’s Museum.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Downtown SLO invites the community to keep their dollars local this holiday season and support local businesses when shopping for gifts. Downtown SLO offers holiday shopping opportunities unlike any other, with a diverse line-up of small merchants. Shoppers can find a complete directory of small businesses downtown at DowntownSLO.com/ShopSmall.
DECORATED WINDOW SHOWCASE
This December, downtown businesses will enliven the streets with their creative Rock ‘n’ Retro-inspired window displays. An online map will be published with a list of participating businesses. Visitors will be able to scan the QR code in their favorite window to cast their vote for People’s Choice.
JOIN IN ON THE ROCK ‘N’ RETRO FUN!
There are only a few more sponsorship opportunities left for the 2022 holiday season — spread cheer to hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors!
There are plenty of chances to volunteer at the Holiday Parade and Santa’s House this season — subscribe to the weekly Deliver-E newsletter to be notified of opportunities.
For more information on Downtown SLO Holiday Happenings, please visit SLOHolidays.com, follow @DowntownSLO on Instagram, and like @ExperienceDowntownSLO on Facebook.
Thank you to media sponsors KSBY, New Times, and American General Media.
A media kit for the 2022 Holiday Happenings is available here. Please contact Rachel Lackmann, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, for additional materials and information: marketing@downtownslo.com.
About Downtown SLO: Downtown SLO is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit founded in 1975 whose mission is to foster an economically vibrant Downtown. Downtown SLO serves the community by working on initiatives like parking and beautification efforts, coordinating special events and the weekly Farmers’ Market, supporting economic activities, and examining Downtown issues.
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August 27, 2021
Michelle Jenkins
(805) 545-5874
SLO Children’s Museum Makes 1,000 Busy Box Activity Drawstring Backpacks Available
Free Outdoor Adventures kits available at three SESLOC locations while supplies last
San Luis Obispo, CA— With many families looking for ways to stay active and engaged during this challenging time, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has relaunched its Busy Box program, this time with a local adventure twist. Each drawstring bag is filled with hiking recommendations, local wildlife information, crafts, and at-home project ideas, and is perfect for ages 5-10 years.
Follow the over-lake boardwalk at Oso Flaco Lake and look for the amazing osprey using the included binoculars.
Learn about El Moro Elfin Forest, tide pools along our coast, The SLO Botanical Garden, and the critters living among us in Downtown SLO. Directions, seek-and-finds, and more included.
Make an ant farm, bee hotel, and pressed flowers using basic household supplies.
Plant the included milkweed seeds in an effort to help monarch butterflies.
Busy Box: Outdoor Adventure packs are free, and made possible through a partnership with SESLOC Federal Credit Union and funding from the Janssen Foundation Youth & Youth Sports Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County.
SESLOC locations in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, and Atascadero will distribute the string packs while supplies last beginning Friday, August 27, 2021. To check on availability, follow along on Instagram @childrensmuseumslo and at slocm.org/busybox.
For more San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum information: 805 545-5874 and slocm.org.
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July 6, 2021
Contact: Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth
jacqui@slochamber.org
July’s Plaza Pop-Up is Out of This World
City of SLO Partners with San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum to Host Fourth Plaza Pop-Up Installation
San Luis Obispo, CA - Now through the end of July, San Luis Obispo residents and visitors can enjoy an expansive new pop-up installation in Mission Plaza for free, brought to the community by the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum and the City of San Luis Obispo.
The Children’s Museum Plaza Pop-Up installation “Home.” explores the incredible planet that we live on and our place in the solar system. The free community exhibit showcases everything from an overhead asteroid belt to ways to experience Earth’s rotation on its axis, and features some of San Luis Obispo's own unique ties to space exploration.
There will be multiple stations throughout the plaza with opportunities to learn about phases of the moon, the best places to see the stars, upcoming celestial events, how the sky has inspired art throughout history, and more fun facts about the Earth. Visitors can take photos in front of celestial backdrops, participate in a community sticker mosaic art project, and look up at the 10-foot lighted Earth suspended over Mission Plaza!
“Each cultural nonprofit has executed such different artistic installations, unique to their mission,” said Molly Cano, SLO City Tourism Manager. “It’s been so rewarding for the City to be able to offer this opportunity to these fantastic organizations, and to watch the creative visions come to life and be enjoyed by the community.”
After visiting the Plaza Pop-Up, community members are encouraged to continue learning and engaging with the galactic experience by visiting The Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, Mission to Mars! There they can experience liftoff in a launch vehicle, manipulate a robotic arm and rover on a martian habitat, and command mission control to communicate with the astronauts in the vehicle. The Children’s Museum is located just steps away from the Plaza at 1010 Nipomo Street.
“Our goal at the Children’s Museum is to inspire learning through play, and our Plaza Pop-Up takes that mission to the next level,” said Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum. “Home. is an opportunity to learn more about this precious planet we live on and the wonder in the skies that surround us.”
This vibrant, immersive installation is the fourth of a series of month-long activations that have adorned Mission Plaza through the summer. Each Plaza Pop-Up features a different cultural nonprofit who, through funding by the City, creates an art installation unique to their mission. The City has tapped local event expert Karson Butler Events to produce the activations, working closely with each nonprofit to help their vision come to life.
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May 18, 2021
Michelle Jenkins/Sheryl Flores
(805) 545-5874
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Reopens after Thirteen-Month Closure due to COVID19
SLOCM also named “Best Kid’s Art Program” in New Times 2021 Best of SLO County Readers Poll
San Luis Obispo, CA — The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has reopened to members and the general public after being closed for more than a year due to the pandemic.
Two sessions are being offered each open day, Wednesday through Monday, 10am – noon and 2pm– 4pm. Reservations are required for attendance and can be made at www.slocm.org/reserve.
Memberships offer year-round visits and range from only $75 for two members to $175 for six. All memberships include discounts on guest admissions and special event invitations. Two levels include discounts at The Shop as well as reciprocal benefits, which allow guests to visit participating children’s museums for 50% off.
Guests are required to wear masks while visiting, and capacity limits are being maintained at 25% to ensure social distancing is possible.
The Museum is proud to have had its at-home art programs honored by the community in the 2021 New Times Best of SLO County reader poll. Staff created and distributed 2,600 Busy Boxes, filled with art and science activities, to local children. It also kept up an engaging online presence, bringing activities and explorations directly to kiddos stuck at home.
Watch the Museum’s reopening video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgWlD-6bM2M&t=2s
For more information call (805)545-5874 or visit www.slocm.org.
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For immediate release
December 17, 2020
Contact:
Michelle Jenkins
(805) 545-5874
SLO Children’s Museum Plans Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
The Museum’s most popular program turns 13 and will be virtual
San Luis Obispo, CA — The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has reimagined its annual Noon Year’s Eve party and will host it virtually this year. While 1,000 party bags will be made available to the general public, most of the project components can be downloaded from the museum’s website. This program is perfect for ages 4–10 years.
The live stream will begin at 11:45am on December 31st and will last until the countdown and balloon drop at noon. Learn about New Year’s Eve traditions around the world and how time zones work, participate in a Museum scavenger hunt and more.
Party kits are free, and made possible through a partnership with Glenn Burdette.
SESLOC locations in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo and Atascadero, as well as the SLO Chamber Visitor Center in downtown SLO, will distribute the bags while supplies last. To check on availability and download content, visit slocm.org/noonyears or follow along on Instagram @childrensmuseumslo.
For more San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum information: 805 545-5874 and slocm.org.
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December 1, 2020
Contact:
Bettina Swigger, CEO, Downtown SLO, (805) 234-9677
Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director, San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, (805)545-5874
SCAVENGER HUNT DOWNTOWN INVITES CHILDREN TO SEARCH FOR SANTA’S MOUSE
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum and Downtown SLO Partner on COVID-Safe Holiday Activity
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — Downtown San Luis Obispo has been the region’s destination for making holiday memories for more than 40 years. This year, with COVID safety at top of mind, community partners in Downtown are reimagining the season to keep everyone safe, while still staying festive.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has been closed to the public since March 2020, but their creative team has stayed hard at work behind the scenes, and their newest creation is a collaboration with Downtown SLO, the business association whose popular events like Thursday Night Farmers’ Market and the Holiday Parade have been canceled due to COVID.
“We started planning for the holidays months ago,” said Downtown SLO Bettina Swigger. “Historically, we have given a coloring book to each child who has visited Santa’s House but this year we wanted to shine a spotlight on all of the wonderful corners of our downtown, so we thought about preparing a scavenger hunt that would entertain children and show them areas of the downtown that they might not have visited before.”
Swigger reached out to Michelle Jenkins, who was reminded of a children’s book from many years ago, Santa Mouse by Michael Brown. Jenkins and her graphic designer, Rachel Lackmann, created several tiny scenes for the mouse, and the Search for Santa’s Mouse was born.
This free activity book, available at Santa’s House and at shops around downtown, features a charming story, and a scavenger hunt with eight clues for kids and families to find together as they stroll downtown. Each activity book features the opportunity to win an annual membership to the Children’s Museum! The Search for Santa’s Mouse Scavenger Hunt is brought to you in partnership with the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum in support of a safe holiday celebration activity.
The clues can be found at the following locations throughout Downtown:
Santa’s House in Mission Plaza
The Visitors Center at the SLO Chamber on Monterey
The SLO County Library on Palm
Court Street near SLO Sweets
Downtown SLO’s office on Chorro
The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
The Creamery near Nite Creamery
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June 22, 2020
Contact: Michelle Jenkins
(805) 545-5874
SLO Children’s Museum Makes 1,000 Busy Boxes Available at SESLOC Locations
Free, fun activity kits available to the community while supplies last
San Luis Obispo, CA— With many families looking for ways to stay active and engaged during this challenging time, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has relaunched its Busy Box program. Each Busy Box is filled with activities, crafts, and at-home science & recipe ideas, and is perfect for ages 4–9 years.
Busy Boxes are free, and made possible through a partnership with SESLOC Federal Credit Union and funding from the Janssen Foundation Youth & Youth Sports Fund.
SESLOC locations in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo and Atascadero will distribute the boxes while supplies last. To check on availability, visit slocm.org/busybox or follow along on Instagram @childrensmuseumslo.
Visit https://www.slocm.org/busybox for games, activities and online resources. For more San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum information: (805) 545-5874 and slocm.org.
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March 13, 2020
Contact: Michelle Jenkins
(805) 545-5874
SLO Children’s Museum Closing in Tandem with Local Schools in Response to COVID-19
San Luis Obispo, CA— The San Luis Obispo Children's Museum will close to the public while local schools are in recess in response to COVID-19 concerns. The closure will begin March 16, 2020 and is anticipated to last through at least March 31st.
Museum memberships will be frozen during this time.
With many families looking for ways to stay active and engaged during this period, the Children’s Museum has launched an at-home, drive-thru program called Busy Box, in partnership with SESLOC Federal Credit Union. Visit https://www.slocm.org/busybox for games, activities and online resources.
Within the next week, the Children’s Museum will be hosting a drive-thru along Monterey Street, where families with children can pick up a free Busy Box. Each box is filled with fun crafts, science projects and games with instructions to match. Busy Boxes will also be available countywide at SESLOC branches.
Sign up for the Museum’s eFlyer and follow along on Instagram (@childrensmuseumslo) and Facebook to find out when the first drive-thru will take place, and when the Children’s Museum will reopen.
For more San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum information: 805 545-5874 and slocm.org.
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February 13, 2020
Contact: Michelle Jenkins/Sheryl Flores
(805) 545-5874
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Celebrates 30th Anniversary
2020 Board of Directors Installed; New Exhibits & Programs Planned
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum first opening its doors. Originally a transmission shop, the Nipomo Street location operated for 14 years before being entirely rebuilt and then relaunched in 2008.
As part of the board’s ongoing efforts to keep the exhibits fresh and engaging, the long-anticipated Mission to Mars exhibit will be opening this month. Composed of a capsule, mission control and Martian habitat, this exhibit encourages guests to explore science and technology activities, and puts them in control of a realistic launch and exploration scenario. The Museum thanks its many exhibit donors for their support, in particular Roy and Linda Rawlings.
Also launching this year is an ambitious SESLOC-sponsored program that will encourage all SLO County elementary schools to participate. Each school will be given the opportunity to exclusively visit the Museum for an evening. Their time may be used as a fundraising activity, incentive or celebration. Invitations to all schools will be delivered during the spring, with a fall 2020 kick off.
Dozens of dedicated locals have served the Children’s Museum as board members over the years, steering it steadily through recessions, capital campaigns and growth. Most recently, the Board of Directors added six new members to its ranks and elected a new executive team. Sacha Steele, Jennifer Prather Nankervis, Carlee Starkey, Tony Gomes, Tyler Skinner and Dr. Ryan McGaughey have been elected to three-year terms. Officers include Kelli Fite (president), Annie Braff (vice president), Craig Filipponi (treasurer) and Ann Dinh (secretary). Returning directors include Linda Minton, Colby Courter, Matt Pearce and Maureen Vazquez.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Visit www.slocm.org for visitor and program information.
November 29, 2019
Contact: Michelle Jenkins/Sheryl Flores
(805) 545-5874
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum’s Annual Membership Special Encourages Kids to Try New Things
San Luis Obispo, CA— The San Luis Obispo Children's Museum membership special launches November 29th and runs through December 31st, and includes a book and vouchers for fifteen local activities. With each membership purchased, guests will receive the board book, “Peep & Egg, I’m Not Hatching,” an inspiring tale designed to teach children that new experiences need not be scary. Also included are vouchers for free and discounted classes to try, including sculpting, rock climbing, bread making, gymnastics, fitness, trampolining, yoga, theatre, gardening, pet rescue, dancing, horseback riding (discount), baseball (discount), and music.
Membership levels range from only $75 for two members to $175 for six. All memberships last one full year and include discounts on guest admissions and special event invitations. Two levels include discounts at The Shop and on birthday parties, as well as reciprocal benefits, which allow guests to visit participating children’s museums for 50% off.
Special thanks to our partners: SLO REP, Performance Athletics. The Pad, SLO Blues Baseball, House of Bread, SLO Monart, Central Coast Gymnastics, Foss Farm, Hug-a-Bug Music, SLO Yoga Center, Cali Kids Fitness, San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, Woods Humane Society, Core Dance and the San Luis Obispo Symphony.
Additionally, The Shop is filled for the holidays with items such as plushes from Jellycat, kinetic sand, and the ever-popular squishy dinos.
For more information call (805)545-5874 or visit www.slocm.org.
September 18, 2019
Contact: Michelle Jenkins/Sheryl Flores
(805) 545-5874
SLO Children’s Museum Benefit, set for October 19thh, will be a Rockin’ Good Time
San Luis Obispo, CA— The San Luis Obispo Children's Museum will hold its annual fundraiser, this year themed "Backstage Pass: Together We Rock,” Saturday, October 19 with all proceeds benefitting the Museum’s many exciting exhibits, programs, activities and events.
Dress as your favorite rock star, pose for photos with an anaconda, play games, dance, sing, enjoy a delicious family-style meal and bid on unique auction items — all in a rock concert-theme. Longtime champion of the Children’s Museum, Roy Rawlings, will be honored for his many years of service.
The Children’s Museum is grateful to all of its event sponsors, particularly title sponsor SESLOC Federal Credit Union. Special thanks to Glenn Burdette, Central Elevator Services, PrintPal Promotions & Printing, Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Opolo Vineyards and 805 Magic Mirror.
This wild adults-only night begins at 5:30 p.m. at SLO Brew Rock. $125 per person, tables of ten available. For more information and tickets call (805)545-5874 or visit www.slocm.org/backstagepass.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
(805) 545-5874
mjenkins@slocm.org
New Exhibits Planned for San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
2019 Board of Directors Installed
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (February 12, 2019) – The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is planning to wow guests with two new exhibits that will be installed later this year: Fundraising is now underway to complete the large-scale exhibits: a whimsical Mist Garden in the outdoor playscape and a STEM-based Mission to Mars exhibit for the first floor.
Recently, the Board of Directors added two new members to its ranks and elected a new executive team.
Ann Dinh and Matt Pearce have been elected to three-year terms. Re-elected officers include Lisa Rizzo (president), Courtney Anderson (vice president), Craig Filipponi (treasurer) and Lindsay Waylett (secretary). Returning directors include Annie Braff (event chair), Linda Minton, Shelley McConnell, Colby Courter, Kelli Fite and Maureen Vazquez.
Ann Dinh is a trauma nurse who is taking time from her career to raise her young daughter, Ellie. Ann is married to pediatric dentist, Vik Tiku. Since becoming a mother, Ann greatly enjoys seeing the world from a child’s point of view and is excited to be a part of an organization that helps foster children’s learning, development and curiosity. Ann is looking forward to leading the Exhibits Committee during 2019.
Matt Pearce owns Old San Luis BBQ Co., a downtown neighbor of the Children’s Museum. He has a son and daughter with his wife, Danae, and enjoys sharing his love of local cuisine with locals and visitors alike. In addition to helping to guide SLOCM, Matt will be spending the coming year opening a new SLO BBQ location at 3870 Broad St.
The Children’s Museum now counts more than six hundred households as members. The Museum supports the community by hosting free nights each month (sponsored by Lindamood-Bell learning Processes during 2019), sensory-sensitive nights for children on the autism spectrum quarterly, and donates hundreds of admission passes to youth-serving organizations state-wide.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Visit www.slocm.org for visitor and program information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Telephone: (805) 545-5874
E-mail: mjenkins@slocm.org
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Celebrates New Exhibits and Membership Growth
2018 Board of Directors Installed
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (January 24, 2018) – The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Board of Directors recently welcomed two new members to its ranks and elected a new executive team.
Dr. Vik Tiku and Kelli Fite have been elected to three-year terms. Newly elected officers include Lisa Rizzo (president), Courtney Anderson (vice president), Craig Filipponi (treasurer), Lindsay Waylett (secretary). Returning directors include Lindsey Haring (exhibits chair), Annie Braff (event chair), Linda Minton, Dawn Hinchman and Byron McFarland.
Dr. Vik Tiku, owner and dentist at SLO Pediatric Dental, grew up in Camarillo, attended Dartmouth College, and earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco.
Kelli Fite serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Operations Officer for SESLOC Federal Credit Union. She grew her career in Southern California before returning to her hometown of Arroyo Grande to raise her son.
During 2017, the Old SLO Western Town exhibit was unveiled, and the Central Coast Pediatrics-sponsored medical office exhibit was completely renovated and renamed SLO Town Pediatrics.
Hundreds of families are now members of the Children’s Museum. Members receive unlimited visits, discounts for birthday parties & guest admission, and half off admission at 200-plus children’s museums nationwide. Through the Museum’s monthly Moonlight Hours program, more than 24,000 guests have visited free of charge since the Museum’s reopening in 2008.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Visit www.slocm.org for visitor and program information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2017
Contact: Michelle Jenkins/Sheryl Flores
(805) 545-5874
SLO Children’s Museum Benefit, set for October 27th, will be a Rootin’ Tootin’ Good Time
San Luis Obispo, CA— The San Luis Obispo Children's Museum will hold its annual fundraiser, "Woody’s Round Up,” Friday, October 27 with all proceeds benefitting the Museum and its many exciting exhibits, programs, activities and events.
Dress as your favorite Toy Story character, bend an elbow at the saloon, play games & dance, enjoy delicious grub, and bid on unique auction items – all in a playful western theme. Board member emeritus, Missy Reitner-Cameron, will be honored for her many years of service to the Children’s Museum.
The Children’s Museum is grateful to all of its event sponsors, particularly title sponsor Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. Special thanks to iii DESiGN, Glenn Burdette, iPromote, San Luis Pediatric Dental, Dylan & Sheri Robesky, SESLOC Federal Credit Union, MindSplash, Colleen Gnos Art, Opolo Vineyards, Science After Dark, Lola Red Design Group, SLO Brew, PrintPal Promotions & Printing, DiBuduo & DeFendis and Jeff Priolo, Coast 104.5 FM, Quota International of San Luis Obispo, Inhouse Security, Hep Kat Clothing, Bill Gaines Audio and ACI Jet.
This wild adults-only ride begins at 5:30 p.m. in the SLO Vets Hall. For more information and tickets call 545-5874 or log onto www.slocm.org/woody.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2017
Contact: Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Telephone: (805) 545-5874
E-mail: mjenkins@slocm.org
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Announces Access Program for Low-Income Families
Museums for All to increase access to high-quality museum learning resources
San Luis Obispo-- - Today the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum announced that it has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to encourage families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. The program will run through 2017 and enables low-income families to visit the Museum for a minimal fee of $3 per person when they present an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Museums for All is part of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum’s broad commitment to include and welcome all.
The goal of the Museums for All initiative is to reach more children and parents, especially those living in poverty. The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, with its focus on bringing children and families together, is committed to providing access to valuable learning resources for all San Luis Obispo County families. Each year, children’s museums host more than 31 million visitors and SLOCM welcomed more than 55,000 guests in 2016.
About the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Visit www.slocm.org for admission and visit information.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nations 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.
About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)
ACM provides leadership, professional development, advocacy and resources for its member organizations and individuals. To learn more about ACM and to find ACM-member children’s museums near you, visit www.ChildrensMuseums.org
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Telephone: (805) 545-5874
E-mail: mjenkins@slocm.org
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Celebrates 2016 Growth
2017 Expected to be a Stellar Year for New Exhibits
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (March 20, 2017) – The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Board of Directors recently welcomed five new members to its ranks, just as the organization realized all-time highs in membership & attendance, and made plans for new exhibits.
Dawn Hinchman, Lindsay Waylett, Annie Braff, Courtney Anderson and Byron McFarland have each been elected to three-year terms. Newly elected officers include Ellen Drews (president), John Summer (vice president), Craig Filipponi (treasurer), Alison Bell (secretary) and Lindsey Haring (past president). Returning directors include Lisa Rizzo (exhibits chair), and Linda Minton (event chair).
Dawn Hinchman has served on the Lucia Mar Foundation for Innovation, Central Coast STEM Collaborative, and SLO County Workforce Development Board Business and Youth Committees. She also served two terms on the Lucia Mar Unified School District Board of Trustees and currently coordinates Science After Dark. Lindsay Waylett is a Commercial/SBA lender with Premier Valley Bank who has been in banking for 15+ years, resides in North County and is a mom and wife. She also has years of service on the SLO County CASA board. Annie Braff has over ten years of new business development and marketing experience and served on the Young Professional's Board for Starlight Children's Foundation. Annie lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband and three-year-old son. Courtney Anderson is the owner of Cash in the Closet, an online consignment boutique, and Spark'l Apple Watch bands. She graduated from Cal Poly in 2005 with a degree in Communication Studies and lives in San Luis Obispo with her fiancé and two step daughters. Byron McFarland is Old San Luis BBQ’s General Manager and an advocate for downtown businesses. He received a degree in physics from Cal Poly and lives in Grover Beach with his wife.
More than 650 families are now members of the Children’s Museum. Members receive unlimited visits, discounts for birthday parties & guest admission, and half off admission at more than 200 children’s museums nationwide.
The Children’s Museum will be launching a Western Town exhibit as well as a Central Coast Pediatrics-sponsored renovation of the medical exhibit. Additionally, October 27th has been set for the Museum’s costume benefit. To receive program, exhibit and event information, sign up at www.slocm.org.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown San Luis Obispo.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2016
Contact: Michelle Jenkins
(805) 545-5874
SLO Children’s Museum Shifts Focus to Adults for Oct 28 Fundraiser
Explore the Final FUNtier at “Space” themed event
San Luis Obispo, CA—The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum’s annual benefit is known for being packed with the fun and unexpected, and this year’s event will not disappoint.
Guests are invited to dress in costume and come prepared to dance, dine and play at the Museum’s space-themed fundraiser starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 28th at the Vet’s Hall in San Luis Obispo. KSBY’s Scott Daniels will serve as the evening’s emcee and Cody Dawson as auctioneer.
Unique live auction packages include an ultimate child’s birthday party and sleepover at the Children’s Museum, a “Bucket List” adventure package, and three amazing getaways. All proceeds will benefit the museum and its ongoing programs, interactive exhibits and community events.
“We will be honoring past-president and longtime board member, Shelley McConnell, for her generosity, years of hard work and inspiring leadership,” said Michelle Jenkins, the museum’s executive director.
The mission of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is to inspire learning through play.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of dedicated event sponsors, led by presenting sponsor, Central Coast Pediatrics. Special thanks also go out to ACI Jet, Glenn Burdette, Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, iii DESiGN, Autozone, Opolo Vineyards, SLO Brew, RSH Construction, Dignity Health, SESLOC Federal Credit Union, Sinsheimer Juhnke McIvor & Stroh LLP, Premier Valley Bank, Bill Gaines Audio, Associated Backflow, Inhouse Security Service, Tolosa Press, and Hep Kat Clothing & Beauty Parlor.
Tickets are $100 per person for this adults-only event. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (805) 545-5874 or visit www.slocm.org/space-the-final-funtier.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Telephone: (805) 545-5874
E-mail: mjenkins@slocm.org
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Installs New Board and Hits Attendance Record
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (Jan. 27, 2016) – The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Board of Directors recently welcomed two new board members to its ranks, just as the organization saw all-time highs in members and attendance during 2015.
Wells Fargo Bank’s Linda Minton and Jessica Chavez of El Dorado Broadcasters have each been elected to three-year terms. Newly elected officers include Lindsey Haring (president), Ellen Drews (vice president), Craig Filipponi (treasurer) and Carla Swift (secretary). Returning directors include Marsha Lifter, Alison Bell, Lisa Rizzo and John Summer.
The Children’s Museum just concluded a record-breaking year. Close to 600 families are now members of the Children’s Museum. More than 50,000 guests visited the Museum, many on field trip scholarships or through free-pass partnerships with local nonprofits. In addition, the Children’s Museum welcomes all community members to enter for free during “Moonlight Hours,” offered the third Thursday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Children’s Museum will be rolling out a half dozen new and improved exhibits during 2016 and will host its annual fundraiser in October. Sign up for monthly eFlyers at www.slocm.org to receive the latest news on these exhibits, as well as programs and exciting community partnerships.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo St. in downtown San Luis Obispo.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2015
Contact: Michelle Jenkins
(805) 545-5874
SLO Children’s Museum Shifts Focus to Adults for Oct 9 Fundraiser
Eat, Drink and Be Scary at “Day of the Dead” themed event
San Luis Obispo, CA—The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum’s annual benefit is known for being packed with the fun and unexpected, and this year’s event will not disappoint.
Guests are invited to dress in costume and come prepared to dance, dine and play at the Museum’s Day of the Dead-themed fundraiser starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9th at the Vet’s Hall in San Luis Obispo. The incomparable Betsey Nash will serve as the evening’s emcee and Jim Glines as auctioneer extraordinaire.
All proceeds will benefit the museum and its ongoing programs, interactive exhibits, member activities and community events.
“We’ll be dancing to DK Malik, eating a themed dinner and bidding on fantastic live auction packages – including a luxury Mexican vacation for ten, a food-lovers package and an ultimate child’s birthday party at the Museum. We will also be honoring past-President, Allison Alltucker, for her years of hard work before, during and after construction of the “new” Museum,” said Michelle Jenkins, the museum’s executive director.
The silent auction will again be placed online due to its success last year and for greater community reach. View and bid on items and cool experiences at www.biddingforgood.com/slocmauction.
The mission of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is to inspire learning through play. This fundraiser ensures that the museum is around for families to enjoy for years to come.
Of course, this event would not be possible without the generous support of dedicated event sponsors, led by presenting sponsor, Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. Special thanks go out to Glenn Burdette, iii DESiGN, Cannon, Heritage Oaks Bank, Opolo Vineyards, PrintPal Promotions and Printing, Jeff & Cheryl Priolo and DiBuduo & DeFendis, Cindrich & Company, Dignity Health, Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, SESLOC Federal Credit Union, Sinsheimer Juhnke McIvor & Stroh LLP, Premier Valley Bank, Bill Gaines Audio, Inhouse Security Service, Hep Kat Clothing & Beauty Parlor, KSBY-TV, Coast 101.3-FM and Testa Catering.
Tickets are $100 per person for this adults-only event. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (805) 545-5874 or visit www.slocm.org/noche.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rosalyn Pierini, South County Regional Librarian
San Luis Obispo County Library
Telephone: (805) 473-7165
E-mail: rpierini@slolibrary.org
Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Telephone: (805) 545-5874
E-mail: mjenkins@slocm.org
The San Luis Obispo County Library and the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Team Up to Provide Museum Passes to Young Readers
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (May 19, 2015) – Beginning June 1, local children registering for their first library card will also receive a free child’s admission to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum (SLOCM). More than 800 passes are expected to be distributed during the duration of the twelve month program.
“The San Luis Obispo County Library is pleased to partner with the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum on this exciting community initiative,” said Rosalyn Pierini, South County Regional Librarian for the library system. “We hope families will take advantage of this wonderful cultural and educational opportunity.”
Children ages 2–10 who register for their first library card at any of the fifteen SLO County Library branches will receive a pass to visit the SLO Children’s Museum.
The Children’s Museum and the County Library have collaborated in the past on the Library’s popular Summer Reading Program. In addition, the Library hosts events featuring the Museum’s Lindamood-Bell Imagination Playground.
Michelle Jenkins, SLOCM’s Executive Director, added, “Not only does this program encourage reading, it enables the Museum to introduce itself to children new to our community.”
The mission of the San Luis Obispo County Library is to provide materials and services to people seeking knowledge, lifelong learning, and recreation, as well as to ensure that all patrons of the library may use those materials and services to the maximum extent possible.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2–10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo St. in downtown San Luis Obispo. Visit www.slocm.org for open hours, program information and more.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2014
Contact:
Kelli Beck, SESLOC
(805) 543-1816 ext. 210
Michelle Jenkins, SLOCM
(805) 545-5874
SESLOC Federal Credit Union Sponsors Popular SLO Children’s Museum Banking Exhibit
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — SESLOC Federal Credit Union, who believes it’s never too early to teach children about money management, is sponsoring the Zoomtown ATM at the SLO Children’s Museum. Zoomtown is the name of the museum’s second-floor mini village, where the ATM has been a popular stop since the museum reopened in 2008.
“We were so excited when the ATM exhibit became available,” said Kelli Beck, senior vice president of marketing and service management at SESLOC, “because the exhibit gives us the opportunity to promote youth education in a fun atmosphere of learning, creativity and innovation. It was a natural fit.”
The ATM, familiar for its brightly colored keys, engaging display and interactive screen, allows guests to slide a numbered ATM card and enter a PIN to begin a transaction. The screen prompts children to calculate simple banking transactions that debit from their pretend “account,” exposing them to basic banking and math terminology. A bank teller counter with a calculator, abacus and room for deposit and withdrawal slips is located adjacent to the ATM.
“SESLOC and the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum share a history of working together to promote playful and lifelong learning through museum programs,” said Michelle Jenkins, museum executive director. She said SESLOC’s longtime support includes everything from board membership and event sponsorship, to “an always ready ‘yes’ when it comes to local children.”
SESLOC Federal Credit Union, with 37,000 members, 119 employees and assets of $632 million, has been serving people in San Luis Obispo County since 1942. It is a full-service financial institution with branch locations in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande and Atascadero. For more information on SESLOC, visit www.sesloc.org.
The mission of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is to provide a fun place for children and families to explore, discover and learn through hands-on exhibits and programs. Visitor information including admission pricing, exhibits and activities is available at www.slocm.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2014
Contact: Michelle Jenkins
(805) 545-5874
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum annual benefit, Boogie Woogie Bash, to be the cat’s meow
Fundraiser Planned for Saturday, October 18th
San Luis Obispo, CA — The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum’s annual benefit is always a good time, but this year promises to be “a gas and a half.”
Guests are invited to don 40s attire and step back in time at the Museum’s USO-themed fundraiser starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18th at the Vet’s Hall in San Luis Obispo.
All proceeds will benefit the museum and its ongoing programs, interactive exhibits, member activities and community events.
“We’ll be dancing to Riptide Big Band, eating a themed dinner and bidding on fantastic live auction packages – including Grammy tickets, a custom pizza oven, and the chance to be a fighter pilot for a day. We will also be honoring past-President, Linda Rawlings, for her unwavering commitment to the organization,” said Michelle Jenkins, the museum’s executive director.
In a new twist, the silent auction has been placed online for greater community reach. View and bid on items at BiddingForGood.
The mission of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is to provide a fun place for children and families to explore, discover and learn through hands-on exhibits and programs. This fundraiser ensures that the museum is around for families to enjoy for years to come.
Of course, this event would not be possible without the generous support of dedicated event sponsors. Special thanks go out to Glenn Burdette, iii DESiGN, GALA of the Central Coast, Trapezoid Construction, Cannon, Opolo Vineyards, Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, SunRun, Dignity Health, Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green LLP, Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, SESLOC Federal Credit Union, Sinsheimer Juhnke McIvor & Stroh LLP, iPromote, MacSuperstore, Bill Gaines Audio, Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab, SLO Camp & Pack, Inhouse Security Service, Hep Kat Clothing.
Tickets are $100 per person for this spiffy grown-up event. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (805) 545-5874 or visit www.slocm.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2014
Contact: Wes Willhoit
(805) 238-1031
A Treehouse to Call Your Own!
San Luis Obispo, CA — The Home Builders Association of the Central Coast (HBACC) is proud to partner with the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum (SLOCM) to present a unique fundraiser benefitting both organizations: a Treehouse Raffle!
Generously donated by Paso Robles-based Wood Family Carvers, the hand-crafted “tree” house and local installation are worth an estimated $10,000.
Tickets are only $20 each and can be purchased by calling (805)545-5874, onsite at the Children’s Museum or by visiting the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast Facebook page.
Only 750 tickets will be made available. The drawing will be held on September 14th at Via dei Colori near the Mission in downtown San Luis Obispo. Need not be present to win.
About the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast - The Home Builders Association of the Central Coast is a non-profit California corporation – a trade association representing builders, developers and related industry professionals in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
About the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum - The mission of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is to provide a fun place for children and families to explore, discover and learn through hands-on exhibits and programs. Each year, the Children’s Museum is proud to offer tens of thousands of children, their families, caregivers and teachers a variety of educational experiences that enrich their lives. Program and activity information can be found at www.slocm.org or by calling (805) 545-5874.
About Wood Family Carvers - Everything from home décor candle holders to one of a kind play environments. Wood Family Carvers is a family run chainsaw carving business, creating unique art pieces, as well as home and gardening décor.
HBACC Raffle Registration Number RF008854
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2014
Contact: Karen Ames
(805) 239-9333
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Partners with Educator Karen Ames to Launch Preschool Enrichment Program Fall 2014
San Luis Obispo, CA — The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum will soon be home to The Thinkery, a children’s museum-based preschool enrichment program serving two-and-a-half to five-year-olds.
Led by director, Karen Ames, The Thinkery has been designed as a play-centered program that provides a unique environment where children can create, explore and discover. The Children’s Museum’s 8,400 square foot facility, which features an art center, outdoor playscape and three floors of exhibits, will serve as a backdrop to this unique learning experience.
“My passion for the work being done at the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum and my love of children make this a perfect match for me,” says Karen Ames. “The Thinkery is unique in that it is offered at this amazing and educational environment.”
Registration is currently open for the 2014-2015 school year, which kicks off September 2, 2014.
For more information about this program, tuition cost or schedules, please contact Karen Ames at (805) 239-9333 or karen@imaginariumfun.com. Additionally, meet Karen at the Museum from 10a.m. – noon on August 7th or 21st.
About the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum - The mission of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is to provide a fun place for children and families to explore, discover and learn through hands-on exhibits and programs. Each year, the Children’s Museum is proud to offer tens of thousands of children, their families, caregivers and teachers a variety of educational experiences that enrich their lives. Program and activity information can be found at www.slocm.org or by calling (805) 545-5874.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2013
Contact: Michelle Jenkins
(805) 545-5874
San Luis Obispo Adults to Step Through the Looking Glass in October
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Annual Benefit Planned for Friday, October 11
San Luis Obispo, CA —The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum’s annual benefit is always a smashing good time, but this year guests will have to be quite “mad” to attend “Adventures in Wonderland.”
Guests can don their Wonderland best and venture down the rabbit hole at the Museum’s annual fundraiser starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 11 in the Venetian Room at Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.
All proceeds will benefit the museum and its ongoing programs, interactive exhibits, member activities and community events.
“We’ll ‘begin at the beginning’ with appetizers, entertainment and fantastic silent and live auction packages – including an Alaskan fishing trip, a Tuscany vacation rental, tickets to the Indy Car World Championship and several surprises – all auctioned off by the incomparable Jim Glines,” said Michelle Jenkins, the museum’s executive director.
The mission of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is to provide a fun place for children and families to explore, discover and learn through hands-on exhibits and programs. Since opening in 1990, the museum has been committed to offering experiences that both invoke curiosity and imagination about the world and promote active exploration, investigation and creation. The Children’s Museum is proud to offer thousands of children and families, caregivers and teachers a variety of educational experiences that enrich their lives. And this event ensures that the museum is around for families to enjoy for years to come.
Tickets are $100 each for this grown-up event, where guests can dance to jams courtesy of DJ Malik, enter a Wonderland costume contest, drink Opolo wines and enjoy a sumptuous Madonna Inn feast.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the Children Museum’s sponsors. A special thanks goes out to Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, Glenn Burdette, iii DESiGN, Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Opolo Vineyards, Jeff Priolo/Dibuduo & Defendis, The Tribune, Cannon, Sky River RV, MacSuperstore, Bill Gaines Audio and Arsenal Equipment Rentals.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call (805) 545-5874 or visit www.slocm.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2013
Contact: Michelle Jenkins (805) 545-5874
The Secrets of Bees Mini-Exhibit at the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum through Labor Day
San Luis Obispo, CA — The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is pleased to present a traveling exhibit dedicated entirely to bees. Expertly crafted by Arroyo Grande resident Karen Ames, The Secrets of Bees includes a wide variety of creative, interactive activities to help children appreciate this amazing insect that we frequently encounter and often misunderstand.
Studying bees adds significantly to the wider education of children, specifically adressing: the food chain, the importance of pollination, the structure of societies, adaptation and engineering.
In this exhibit, young guests will study a fascinating plexiglass “observation hive” set up with a looped video of a bee hive in action. Dressed like honey bees, they can “fly” to the garden of five foot tall flowers, gather pollen into their pollen sacks, then “fly” into the giant hive. In the hive, they will pack pollen and nectar into honey comb, make and fan honey, feed and care for larvae, clean and protect the hive, and tend to the queen. Children can also don protective keeper gear and work real wooden hives and then extract “honey” from the frames, fill honey bear jars and then sell the honey at a roadside stand.
The Museum’s education staff will complement the exhibit with a wide variety of science and art programming.
For more information about the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, visit www.slocm.org or call (805) 545-5874.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Jenkins, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Telephone: (805) 545-5874
E-mail: mjenkins@slocm.org
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Unveils New Exhibits and Member Savings Event
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (December 15, 2012) – The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum board and staff have been busy creating holiday magic!! Visit within the next three months to try out the exciting and novel Hurricane Booth. Read all about hurricane formation and naming criteria and then step inside the booth to experience the 80 mph winds of a Category 1 hurricane! $2 per experience.
In addition, Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa has funded a brand new permanent exhibit, the Bernoulli Blower. Test different balls on an invisible stream of air as you experiment with Bernoulli’s Principle of air flow and pressure. The Children’s Museum is indebted to Rotary de Tolosa for their continuing support.
December is also a great time to purchase any of the Children’s Museum’s four membership offerings. Through December 22nd, receive four free guest passes (a $32 value) and two beautiful hardcover children’s books penned by local author Pam Copeland when purchasing or renewing a membership.
The Children’s Museum would also like to thank Kevin Harris and the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre for allowing us to host the November 29 performance of It’s a Wonderful Life. Children’s Museum members were treated to a spectacular performance many of whom were first time theater-goers.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo St. in downtown San Luis Obispo. Program and activity information can be found at www.slocm.org or by calling (805) 545-5874.
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