Spring Salutations!

At long last, it seems that spring has finally arrived at The Health Adventure.� Flowers are starting to bloom in the courtyards, and the trees are showing their first hints of green.� I'm sure there will be one last freeze before the winter disappears, but for now we can all at least enjoy some sunshine.� I'll probably be singing a different tune in a few weeks when everything is dry and hot, but for now�it's lovely to see the flowers blooming.

Here at The Health Adventure, we're looking ahead to summer.� And with summer comes�summer camp.� � This year, we're offering two weeks of Young Adventurers camps for rising 1st and 2nd graders and�two weeks of Discover Science camps for rising 3rd - 6th graders.� We'll also, of course, have our usual Pack Place Potpourri and GIRLS Quest camps.� Camps are filling earlier than last year, so call now if you still need to reserve your spot!� We also still have volunteer slots available for the summer.� Just give me a call or an email for more information!

And don't forget about our special "Tropical Tweets and Treats" celebration on April 27th from 5:30-7:00 p.m.!� Look for more information below...

In Memoriam

In the past few weeks, we have lost two dear friends.� Ed Lederer and Michael McGauhey were two of the finest people--both generous, both thoughtful, both truly dedicated to The Health Adventure.

Ed Lederer worked with us for over 16 years.� He helped with�everything from redesigning problematic aspects of traveling exhibits to�repairing our teeth models used during dental month, from creating our clown troupe's "poop patrol" wagon to serving as our exhibit department's "Mr. Fix It."� Ed received The Health Adventure's prestigious TAM (Thanks a Million) volunteer award in 1999 and earned a Governor's Volunteer Award in 2000.� There never seemed to be a problem that Ed couldn't fix or create an invention to solve.� Active all over the community, Ed was happiest when he could fix something to make someone else's life a little easier.� Ed died on March�11, 2006�from complications related to a recent stroke.� We all miss him dearly.

Michael McGauhey was the facility manager for Pack Place since it opened in 1992.� He knew every nook and cranny of this building--where to look when anything broke and who to call to fix it.� An avid cyclist, Michael could be seen on his bike all over Asheville.� We all saw him taking his bicycle to his office on countless mornings after riding to work.� After learning of Lance Armstrong's struggle with testicular cancer, Michael became involved in the Lance Armstrong Foundation's efforts to raise funds for cancer research.� Michael drove to Texas to ride in the Foundation's Ride for the Roses.� Then, in 2002, Michael's hands went numb.� Within a few months, he was diagnosed with�multiple myeloma, an aggressive form of lymphoma.� Since his dianosis, Michael underwent everything from chemotherapy to�experimental treatments.� He never lost his hope for a cure and his joy in living life to its fullest.� Michael died near midnight on April 8, 2006.

Welcome, New Volunteers!

Shanice Jones joins us as a new volunteer from A.C. Reynolds High School.� She is volunteering for her North Carolina Graduation Project and is doing a great job out on the floor with our guests!

Jason Dunn comes to us from AB-Tech where he is in the physiology department.� Jason is also a martial arts student who hopes to open his own school in a few years.� We're all thrilled with his skills in guest interaction!

WELCOME to all of our new volunteers!� If you know someone who would like to be a new volunteer for The Health Adventure, please have them contact me!

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Signing up for a volunteer opportunity is easy!� Just give me a call (254-6373 x322) or an email (JessicaL@thehealthadventure.org).� I look forward to seeing you here soon!

Tropical Tweets and Treats

We love all of our volunteers! �Without you, we wouldn't be able to offer the same high-quality programs, exhibits, events, and guest experiences.

As a special thank you for everything you do for us, please be our guest for a special volunteer event on Thursday, April 27 from 5:30-7:00 here at The Health Adventure.� Enjoy a delicious dinner of tropical-themed fare, explore our "Rainforest ALIVE" exhibit, and experience a special program on "Parrots in the Wild," presented by our feathered and human friends at Phoenix Landing, a parrot rescue organization.

To RSVP, just give me a call (254-6373 x322) or an email (JessicaL@thehealthadventure.org).

We look forward to seeing you there!