On Saturday, March 7, Western Science Center hosted its free, monthly educational program for the public. This month, in The Science of You, students from Western Center Academy (WCA) helped explain the anatomy, physiology and biology that makes us human.

Visitors were able to engage with WCA students at various activity stations, where they explained key concepts using models and interactive tools.

“I love learning about how the human body works,” says a student of WCA, whose interest in anthropology was spurred by watching forensic television shows and taking his first physical anthropology class. “I realized how applicable this subject is to so many areas of study…I am hooked.”

One activity station displayed replicas of human skulls at various ages, as a student explained developmental stages in bone structure and how to determine age and gender based on skull anatomy. Another table described the importance of our patella bone and explained its structure and function using homemade models.

Guests also learned concepts in genetics, how our individual traits are a result of gene interactions and our environment and how traits are passed from parent to child-and from one generation to the next.

Other stations, devoted to our five senses, explained how we perceive our environment through sight, touch, smell, taste and sound, with fun activities to get kids engaged in the learning process.

“I like to take what I learn, and teach others,” says senior, Julz Leyland, who hopes Science Saturdays will encourage more people to attend WCA. “I love seeing little kids look up to us and find an interest in science.”

Science Saturdays are held the first Saturday of each month and are geared towards teaching elementary and middle school age kids. The next one, The Science of Engineering, will be held on April 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Western Science Center: 2345 Searl Parkway, Hemet, CA, 92543.

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Western Science Center holds successful benefit at Applebee’s

Patrons, charity-minded and hungry, lined up Saturday morning at the local Applebee’s to support the Western Science Center’s trip to Astrocamp in Idyllwild.

“We set an ambitious goal of $30,000 raised between all of our different benefits. This breakfast has been a great success,” said Brenda DeLuna, 8th grade honors teacher at the Western Center. DeLuna adds, “We have been working with Applebee’s for approximately five years now. They’ve been very generous to us: they split proceeds with us 50-50. It’s a very good fund-raising program.”

The Applebee’s program asks only a minimum of 100 patrons, paying $10 each for a buffet-style breakfast, and they evenly split the proceeds.

The breakfast is part of an ambitious effort to offset the cost of the Astro Camp, which will send 117 students to Idyllwild from October 21 through the 23rd. “This program is for eighth graders only, and allows the many academic and adventure-type activities. These kids will be doing things in a classroom that I’d never dream of. For example they’ll be playing with liquid nitrogen and purposely blowing things up,” says DeLuna, adding, “I love science and though I’d never do these kinds of things in the classroom, the camp instructors are professionals and go above and beyond to make the experience safe amazing, and our children love it.”

Diners were treated to pancakes, eggs toast and coffee in the clean, bright Applebee’s dining room. “It’s a wonderful facility with great food and Applebee’s is always there to help the Western Science Center,” said DeLuna.

The benefit was honored by a visit from San Jacinto Mayor Russ Utz. “It’s always great to be here at Applebee’s, to come here and have breakfast. They open up this room especially to help out different organizations. They always do a great job and are a valued community partner. The Western Science Center is extremely important as they provide many unique opportunities for kids that they may not find elsewhere.”

Those seeking to support The Western Science are asked to visit online at https://www.westernsciencecenter.com

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As a retired senior citizen, you have to be aware of the need to stay active both physically and mentally in order to maintain good health. Fortunately, Hemet and San Jacinto provide multiple options for seniors to exercise their bodies and minds so age does not become a burden but rather a period in your life to enjoy.

If you are into the intellectual pursuits, the Hemet Senior Computer Club is for you. This organization meets every third Monday of the month at Valley Wide Recreation Center, 43935 E. Acacia Ave., 10 am to noon.

The Hemet Historic Theatre has a Classic Films showings scheduled for every Monday and Tuesday. Next Monday look for the l960 film “Little Shop of Horrors” and for Tuesday the l961 movie “Night Tide”

Every Tuesday the American Legion Post 53, located at 124 N. Ramona St. in Hemet offers Early Bird Bingo starts at 5:30 pm. If your preference is dancing, every Wednesday the Senior Dance Group opens its doors from 6:30 to 9:30 at Hemet West Clubhouse with a variety of musical groups.

Or if you are a widowed person the Widowed Persons Activities Club at 305 E. Devonshire Ave. meets every second Friday of the month at 1:30 pm. Call 951-658-8657 for information.

In addition to the above activities, our community is lucky to have multiple museums like the Hemet Museum housed in one of the oldest structures in downtown Hemet with extensive exhibits of local memorabilia; The San Jacinto Museum and Estudillo Mansion with a vast collection of local photographs and artifacts; Western Science Center housing fossils and artifacts and a 270 degree movie screen that immerses viewers in the history of the valley; Estudillo Heritage Park Water Conservation Education Garden whose slogan is “Keep it Water- Wise, Keep it Beautiful” will please your eyes and nose with countless colors and aromas.

These venues and activities will keep your body and mind occupied with something that you will remember and want to share with your family and loved ones. For a full up to date calendar of Things to do in Hemet and San Jacinto, check out the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle’s D section for a running ten-day schedule.

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