Children of all ages will experience “taking the controls” of a small airplane and enjoy the thrill of flying in custom-designed flight simulators built to look and feel like actual cockpits, thanks to a $30,000 gift to The Children’s Museum from Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
The new exhibit, scheduled to open this spring, will also feature flight-related hands-on activities, crafts and demonstrations, a build-your-own paper airplane “factory” with a dedicated flight launch area, flying memorabilia, dress-up area, educational information on the history of flight, and a variety of special demonstrations and activities. The simulators have been programmed to appeal to different age groups, from toddlers to young teenagers.
“Flying is fun for kids of all ages. We’re delighted that Hamilton Sundstrand has made this investment in The Children’s Museum to create an exciting, hands-on exhibit that will be dynamic, interactive and educational,” said Kevin Sullivan, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum. “Not only is Hamilton Sundstrand supporting us with this generous gift, but they also are providing flight experts who will lead quarterly programs on all aspects of flight. It’s a perfect match for our mission of making science and nature learning fun and interesting for children and families.”
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The Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Operation Fuel, which is a private, non-profit statewide program that provides emergency energy assistance to lower-income working families, the elderly and disabled individuals who are in financial crisis.
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Grants totaling $64,000 have been awarded by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to help fund two free dental clinics that are expected to attract thousands of patients needing treatment. The grants will support the third annual, statewide, two-day Mission of Mercy clinic to be held Friday and Saturday, March 12-13, at the Aetna office complex on Middle Street in Middletown and the Inner City Dental Mission to be held on Saturday, May 15, by Community Health Services, Inc. at its 500 Albany Ave. health center.
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In an effort to help the people and the country of Haiti rebuild, the law firm of Shipman & Goodwin is matching more than $15,000 in donations made by its attorneys and staff to charities that are providing direct assistance to Haiti, bringing the total of the firm’s contributions to well over $30.000. The firm’s matching contribution will be split evenly between the American Red Cross and AmeriCares.
