Hellow Ross:  Thanks so much for your response.  I'm sending this to the
list serve in order to clarify your wise comment - "Odd, that it wasn't
built into the construction planning process".

True, it is odd, and under other circumstances, we probably would have
built it in.  In April 97, we had a large flood here, and lost our 2
facilities, and about 25% of our exhibits.  In addition, our volunteers
were dealing with their own losses, to their homes and places of
employment.  The City of Grand Forks lost the water plant, sewer system,
electricity was cut off throughout the city, everything went under.  The
science center took from the crisis, an opportunity perspective, and
ignored the danger perspective.  We purchased a large building, and
raised enough money to complete the purchase and basic renovations such
as heat, power and water.  Much of this money came from the kind people
from all over the United States, through flood emergency funding.  At
the same time we began a major new program, funded just at the time of
the flood, and maintained our existing programs.  We have been trying to
look ahead as much as we can, but have not been able to fund floor staff
at this time.  Hopefully, over the next few years, we will have some
unrestricted streams of revenue that will help support this function,
and we can spread everything out more.

Thanks for your advice regarding leadership and example.  It is so true,
and cannot be underestimated.

V
==========================

NetScope.Net wrote:
>
> You are opening a museum and your staff has done other things than take
> responsibility for the functioning of a site, the welcoming of visitors, the
> interpretation of exhibits.
>
> I believe that it will be necessary for you to "just do it," i.e., have your
> 20-odd program staff become a museum operating staff with staggered work
> weeks and shifts so that the weekends and holidays are covered.  Until your
> funding materializes for operating staff (odd, that it wasn't built into the
> construction planning process) it will just mean less attention being paid
> to "programs" and the exhibit functions.  Some people do prefer to work
> weekends and take days off in midweek.  Others don't.  It will be a hassle
> that will require your leadership and example.  For example, I always work
> on Saturdays and take Mondays off.
> Ross Weeks Jr.
> [log in to unmask]" target="_blank">http:[log in to unmask]
>

--

Vera L.Y. Uyehara               [log in to unmask]
Executive Director              (701) 795-8500 (Voice)
Dakota Science Center   (701) 739-3150 (cell)
P.O. Box 5023                   (701) 777-2339 (FAX)
Grand Forks, ND  58206

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