WESTFIELD-Volunteers and businesses received accolades – and plaques – Wednesday night at the annual community meeting of the Amelia Park Children’s Museum.
Chuck Kelly, chair, board of directors, welcomed the more than 40 area residents who attended the event and noted the importance of recognizing “folks who have helped us” through the years since the museum opened its doors.
A ribbon cutting for the dedication of the Amelia Park Children’s Museum sign was conducted Wednesday night. Jane O’Donoghue, on left, looks on as her daughter, Mary Jane McMahon, cuts the ceremonial ribbon. Museum executive director Katherine Daly is seen on the right.
Founded by teachers and parents, the museum was created in 1994 and opened its doors first at 99 Elm St. in 1997, and then moved to its current location at 29 South Broad St. in 2008.
Prior to the annual meeting, area residents had an opportunity to take a tour of the museum, guided by staff members. A “Coming Soon” sign among the exhibits promoted a new science area with microscopes, a career closet with dress-up clothes and a mirror to see oneself, books to read about countries around the world, a television studio with a news desk and weather station, and more musical instruments to play.
Mary Jane McMahon, one of the founding board members, attended the event with her mother Jane O’Donoghue.
“My mother was an early volunteer for the museum,” said McMahon during a tour with staff member Moira McDonald, adding her father, the late Thomas O’Donoghue, was also instrumental in helping build sets including the original puppet stage on Elm Street.
As part of the community meeting festivities, McMahon and O’Donoghue cut a ceremonial ribbon to dedicate the new Amelia Park Children’s Museum sign at the museum entrance. A plaque on the back of the sign reads: “Dedicated to the memory of Thomas O’Donoghue and Josephine Gusek.” Upon the passing of O’Donoghue and Gusek, their families requested that memorial donations be made to the museum.
Diana McLean and Katherine Daly review last-minute notes prior to the start of the annual community meeting of the Amelia Park Children’s Museum.
O’Donoghue said her daughter had suggested volunteering and she and her husband were immediately on board.
“We saw a need for the museum and wanted to help,” said O’Donoghue. “Looking at how far it has come today with all of the exhibits – it’s a fabulous place for the kids.”
Katherine Daly, executive director, noted in her remarks there are “five ways to be a kid.”
Daly said the museum’s mission encourages children to be creative, courageous, to laugh, to nurture friendships and notice the little things.
“We encourage children to be creative through arts and crafts, to be courageous through exhibits and role playing, and to participate in play groups where friendships are formed,” said Daly. “We also change the books and crafts and children notice those little things.”
Daly added that her staff members “hear laughter throughout the day” when engaging in activities with children and parents.
“It’s the simplest things that make us laugh,” said Daly, pledging to “drive the museum to new heights.”
Michele Minniera, representing Home Depot, accepts a “Galaxy” plaque from Chuck Kelly as Katherine Daly looks on.
Highlights of the annual meeting included a short video starring the staff enjoying a day at the museum, and the presentation of awards.
Diana McLean, a member of the board of directors and past chair, thanked each of the recipients of the “Brightest Stars” awards for their continued volunteer support of the museum. Recipients were Andy Gloss, Boy Scout Troop 109, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Comcast Spotlight, Creative Kids, Dave Ritchie, Fran Cain, Jay Pagluica, Jeff Daley, Keller Williams Realty, Nick Morganelli, Police Auxiliary, Rite Aid, the Roache family, Westfield Bank, Westfield Fire Local 1111, Westfield Gas & Electric, and the Westfield High School National Honor Society.
McLean also thanked the recipients of the “Galaxy” awards – given to those who have made “significant contributions” – which included Air Compressor Engineering, Berkshire Bank, Big Y Foods, Inc., Cornerstone Kids Dentistry, Elm Electric, Forish Construction, Home Depot, and Westfield State University.
Board members recognized for their individual contributions by Kelly and McLean included Michael Roundy, who serves as second chair, Barbara Giacometti, secretary, Susan Austin, Lolly Templeton, Rick Barry, Jennifer Hanselman, Kathleen Dubuque, Darin Burniske and Michelle Coache.
Moira McDonald introduces Cornelia the corn snake to Jane O’Donoghue prior to the annual community meeting at the Amelia Park Children’s Museum on Wednesday night.
“We couldn’t do what we do here without them,” said Kelly, adding that the board “greatly appreciates” the work that Daly and her staff members execute to ensure every child has a memorable experience from their day at the museum.
McLean also presented Daly with a bouquet of flowers from the board.
“Kate pays attention to the littlest details at the museum and we are so fortunate to have her,” said McLean, adding, “We love her and we are very proud of her.”
As the evening came to a close, Kelly thanked everyone for their ongoing support for the museum, and noted that board members are focused on four key areas – finance, programs, community outreach and new exhibits.
“New exhibits coming include a Dino Dig allowing children to become archeologists, and a fire safety exhibit with help from the Westfield Fire Department,” said Kelly, adding he also is in need of “plungers,” referencing the 2018 Penguin Plunge which is the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year.
“As we move forward, our sights are set on continuing to be a part of the fabric of the community,” said Kelly.
