Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club President Jessica Putnam, left, and Project Leader Rotarian Dave Barker discuss benefits to the region of the Magic Lantern Innovative Lab. Contributed photo
The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club is matching the first $10,000 in donations made by individuals, businesses and nonprofits in the area during July and August to support the Magic Lantern Innovation Lab Project.
Being developed by the University of Maine and the 4H Foundation, the project’s goal is to increase the educational opportunities for youth and the community.
The programs will focus on creative learning, career opportunities, internships, and UMaine research-based curriculum. The plan is to utilize the spaces at the Magic Lantern for special presentations, programs and events to support youth.
Other UMaine 4-H learning centers (there are four in Maine) are dedicated to bringing the latest research into communities. These educational programs provide students and the community opportunities to be involved directly with cutting-edge research and education. The Magic Lantern Innovation Lab will partner with schools, local nonprofits and businesses, with the intent of building a community education program that serves the needs and interests of the region.
For more information about the project and to donate, go to extension.umaine.edu or Google Magic Lantern Innovation Lab. Or mail checks payable to the UMaine 4H Foundation, mentioning the Magic Lantern Project, to York Complex #1, Orono, ME 04469. The first $10,000 raised will be matched by the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club.
“This is one of the biggest projects the Rotary Club has ever supported,” Rotary Club President Jessica Putnam said when she and Dave Barker, the club’s project leader met recently, according to a news release from the organization. “It will benefit our children and grandchildren in the years to come.”
“I’ve lived here all my life,” Barker said. “I know the community will come through. They have in the past for many community-based projects. When we heard about this effort, we felt it was something we Rotarians wanted to get behind. And, decided to pull from our reserves for this worthy initiative.”
For more information about rotary and the club’s activities, contact Putnam or Barker at lakeregionrotary@gmail.com, or visit lakeregionrotary.com or its Facebook page.
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