In an evening that ranged from harsh criticism to offers to provide volunteer help, the Powerhouse Science Center Board heard from the community for the first time since its closure May 9.
About 40 people attended the session, which was led by Board President Kathleen O’Connor and board members Wallace Short, Rick Feeney, Chris Lopez and recent additions Amanda Kibel, who will lead fundraising efforts, and Jeff Gavlinski, a financial specialist who has been on the board for a week.
“We realize we didn’t live up to our fiduciary responsibility, and the board owns that,” O’Connor said. “We know we made mistakes. We know we messed up, and we’re truly sorry. All we can do now is learn from them and do what we can to make you guys proud again.”
The board shared some of its plans, including a phased reopening, for only a few days a week at first, starting Sept. 1.
A number of suggestions centered on recruiting and organizing a volunteer force.
“There are a lot of students at Fort Lewis (College) who would be excited to volunteer and would want to help enhance the experience. They know how to write lesson plans and understand current curriculum standards,” said Cortney “Cookie” Cook, who’s returning to FLC to complete a chemistry degree.
Kim Barker and Jessica Obleton asked pointed questions trying to understand what had happened and whether the financial projections were possible.
“I’m not rooting for the Powerhouse to fail,” Obleton said, “but after looking at all the numbers, I think we have to wonder, ‘Do we really have a big enough community to support this? Is this something the community really needs?’”
Gavlinski, who’s frustrated in not being able to look at financials from 2014 and 2015, which are being cleaned up by a certified public accountant, said those are good questions to ask, but he believes enough in the institution to see what happens after it is on more solid footing.
“Here’s what I say when donors ask if they can trust us after what’s happened: ‘Maybe you shouldn’t until we actually prove we can do it,’” he said.
Most of those who attended want to see the center succeed.
“I’ve heard a lot of negativity here,” said former Powerhouse employee Christopher “Critter” Golden, “but I saw amazing things happen down here for kids of all ages and adults, including newlyweds who pledged their love here.”
abutler@durangoherald.com
If you go
The next community listening session for the reboot of the Powerhouse Science Center will be held at 5:30 p.m. July 28 at the center, 1333 Camino del Rio.
To learn more about the progress of the board, visit www.powsci.org, sign up for the Circuit Alert enewsletter and check the center’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/powscicenter.
To share ideas or ask questions, email the Powerhouse board at bod@powsci.org.
