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04/12/2017 08:45 AMMost people might think of students cobbling together baking soda volcanoes or potato batteries when they hear the words “science fair.” However, The Valley Stands Up aims to make scientific curiosity a family affair with the 50 mL Fair, a satellite event for the March for Science, co-hosted with the East Haddam-based community organization Together We Rise.
The event will include live music played by local band The Grays, events and games for children and families, and a silent auction to raise funds to cover costs associated with the event and the insurance. The two community groups are also holding a bake sale to raise funds to stage this, and future events.
“We had a successful satellite Women’s March event and wanted to put on a satellite March for Science event; we’re issues-oriented groups and this seemed like a natural fit,” said Karli Gilbertson-Spinella, a member of The Valley Stands Up and fair co-coordinator (along with Together We Rise). “We’re trying to recruit scientists, farmers, beekeepers, people connected with solar—there’s even someone who is going to be presenting on how statistics can be misused.”
The fair takes its name from an image made by one of the group’s members, depicting a beaker filled to the 50 mL line. The caption reads, “We can debate if it’s half-full or half-empty, SCIENCE tells us it’s 50 mL.”
This, to Gilbertson-Spinella, encapsulates the spirit behind the event.
The goal is to have local people with expertise and a track record in science-related fields step forward to present information to the community: familiar faces and trusted voices speaking instead of faceless experts.
“There’s always fringe elements, but there’s a common sense population trying to stick to the facts. Hopefully this is a step for grounding and getting back to facts,” said Gilbertson-Spinella.
Engagement for children and families is also important. To this end, planned activities for children include a scavenger hunt and some kind of board games. The Valley Stands Up and Together We Rise are hoping for 20 booths, and accepting applications until Saturday, April 15.
“We do feel that the denial of science has become a social issue, and it affects the disenfranchised more. Education is the way to deal with this,” said Gilbertson-Spinella, citing the organization’s emphasis on providing opportunities for education on contentious social issues, rather than being a divisive community force.
Other future issues that The Valley Stands Up hopes to focus on include free speech and LGBT issues.
The March for Science: 50 mL Fair will take place on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grange and Town Hall in East Haddam (488 Town Street). Applications to present at the fair are due Saturday, April 15. Those interested in presenting can find an application form at www.thevalleystandsup.org under the events tab. Those interested in attending can RSVP using a form on the same website. For more information about the 50 mL Fair, send inquiries to togetherwebuildct@gmail.com. Those who want to know more about The Valley Stands Up and its work can look up the group on Facebook or email thevalleystandsup@gmail.com.