WHAT ’ S NEWS IN MARS AREA
NASA TO LAND IN MARS BOROUGH TO RING IN THE PLANET MARS ’ NEW YEAR
The Mars New Year Celebration is a collaboration of Mars Borough , NASA centers from across the country , University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University that is inspired by exploration , innovation and celebration . The festival coincides with the planet Mars ’ New Year , which occurs every 687 Earth days , and will highlight NASA ’ s plans for future missions to send humans to the planet Mars .
The Mars New Year Celebration is a NASAinspired educational festival . The three-day event is designed to positively influence school-age children on the importance of science , technology , engineering , arts and mathematics . As part of the festival this year , students from across the region in grades nine through 12 are invited to participate in the “ Meet the MARS Challenge !”
“ NASA ’ s involvement is such an honor and an integral part of what we ’ re trying to accomplish . We want our students and community to be inspired by the possibilities of space ,” says Missy Gralish , Communications Chairperson . “ The Mars New Year Celebration brings two planets together as we celebrate the new frontier of the planet Mars right here in Mars Borough , in the heart of Butler County .”
The Blast-Off Dinner will kick-off the Mars New Year Celebration on Thursday , May 4 , at Twelve Oaks Mansion . Friday , May 5 , and Saturday , May 6 , will be packed with festivities including a sci-fi costume contest , kids ’ activities , several exhibits and demonstrations by prestigious scientists , engineers and educators from NASA , PITT Mobile Science Lab and Carnegie Science Center .
Sponsors include NASA , Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau , Mars National Bank , WTAE-TV , Austin ’ s , Armstrong , Tepco , Mars Home for Youth , Butler County Community College , Lope & Casker Law Firm , BASF The Chemical Company , Mars Area School District , Mars Area History & Landmarks Society , Butler Area Society of Homebrewers , Rich-Mar Rotary , Mars Area Business Association , Williams Printing and Mars Kiwanis .
For more information on all of the events and activities , visit marsnewyear . com .
“ MEET THE MARS CHALLENGE !” FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The planet Mars is the next “ Great Frontier .” To settle Mars , colonists are sure to encounter a variety of challenges that they must overcome to achieve a thriving settlement . High school students are being asked to identify a challenge they perceive Earthlings will encounter by using one of four categories : M . A . R . S . ( Mechanical , Agricultural , Relationships and Survival ). Students will then solve the identified challenge for a chance to win cash prizes and recognition .
The first “ Meet the MARS Challenge !” is a STEAM challenge open to any student in grades nine through 12 . Individual students or groups of up to five can work together to present their project much like a science fair . First , second , and third place winners will be announced within each of the four categories at the end of this educational festival .
Students participating in the “ Meet the MARS Challenge !” will be asked to set up their projects for judging during the Mars New Year celebration . The judges panel consists of experts and skilled , accomplished professionals in various fields .
“ This is a great opportunity for high school students to learn more about these critical industries and possibly make the decision to pursue one of them in the future ,” says Shelly Watson , lead volunteer for the “ Meet the MARS Challenge !” “ We are hopeful that schools and students will embrace this challenge and use it as a great opportunity to put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test .”
“ Our community has a real opportunity to impact a historic , worldwide event ,” says Jack Cohen , President of Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau . “ NASA is actually preparing to colonize Mars in the near future and it ’ s amazing that Mars borough and our students right here in Butler County have the opportunity to be involved in identifying the types of challenges they may face and provide solutions on how to address them .”
Sponsors include NASA , Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau , Mars National Bank , WTAE-TV , Mars Area School District , MHY Family Services , Mars Area History & Landmarks Society , Butler Area Society of Homebrewers , BASF , Breakneck Tavern , Rich- Mar Rotary and Mars Kiwanis .
Students from local area high schools and homeschooled students can register for the “ Meet the MARS Challenge !” now through Mar . 1 by using the online submission form on the Student Challenge section of marsnewyear . com .
GREYBROOKE GARDEN CLUB PROGRAMS
Regular meetings of Greybrooke Garden Club are held the second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a . m . in the Fellowship Hall of Parkwood Presbyterian Church located at 4289 Mt . Royal Blvd . in Hampton Township . The club ’ s members reside in various communities of the North Hills and guests are welcome at all meetings . A Spring Flower Arranging Workshop will be presented at the Mar . 8 meeting by club members who have served many years as National Council Master Flower Show judges . A business meeting precedes refreshments and the monthly program . For additional information , contact Barbro Kelley at 412.296.0538 .
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