Employee Newsletter: October 2025 by Orlando Science Center

October 2025

A NIGHT OF LIGHT FRIGHTS

It’s that time of year again, when Orlando Science Center transforms into a spooky science playground for our upcoming members-only Halloween bash: Pumpkins & Protons Party!

On Friday, October 24, OSC Members will bring their little monsters, superheroes, and mad scientists for a night of safe, silly, and slightly spooky fun activities

This beloved tradition has been delighting families for over a decade Originally known as

Spooktacular, the event got its new name in 2017 thanks to a staff/volunteer naming contest Members participated in a poll to select their favorite suggestions and Pumpkins & Protons Party has become our most popular member event of the year ever since!

Guests will enjoy a variety of “spooktivities,” including live science demos, creepy crafts, hands-on lab experiments, and a special appearance by the one-and-only GHOSTFLUSTERS! Tickets are just $2 and must be purchased online in advance

This event wouldn’t be possible without the teamwork of OSC staff and volunteers across many departments From planning and marketing to

night-of magic and post-event debriefs, your dedication makes this celebration a success year after year

Thanks for helping us make science spooky and spectacular. Looking forward to seeing you at this year's party!

OSC UPDATES

Hello Volunteers!

This season, Orlando Science Center is thrilled to welcome 36 new adult volunteers and 47 new youth volunteers to our community! They'll be joined by our returning volunteers (about 160 people in total!) and are continuing their training over the next handful of weeks

Adult volunteers support both front-ofhouse and behind-the-scenes operations, often bringing rich STEM experience to share with guests through engaging conversations and demonstrations Their passion for science helps create memorable learning moments for visitors of all ages.

The Catalyst Youth Volunteer program continues to grow, offering teens opportunities to facilitate exhibit halls, lead science games and activities, and assist with supply prep. Through this program, youth volunteers build essential 21st Century skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving, while gaining valuable workforce development experience

We’re excited for the energy, curiosity, and dedication this new cohort brings -- we hope you'll join us in welcoming our new and returning team members!

Boo! Let’s get spooky!

Don’t miss OSC After Dark, our spookythemed, adult-only fundraiser on Saturday, October 25 from 8:00pm - 11:00pm.

Tickets are available and on sale now at: www.osc.org/afterdark

SPARKS

Lauren Bansberg

Dylan Bartley

Ella Binyam

Mac Bodden

Chris Bresciani

Mary Cloer

Solaris Coton

Mandi Cutting

Carl Darden

Alyssa Flores

Esha Gill

Yami Gonzalez-Mendoza

Jazlyn Griffiths

Beth Hall

Kayson Hamblen

Caprice High

Ollie Hull

Jillian Johnson-Collier

Daphne Kemak

James Kondrach

Kirby Lee

Sky Lindeman

Andrianna Mcleod

Analiese Melendez

Danielle Miller

Valentine Murphy Annabelle Neijenhuis

Cory Owens

Abby Palmer

Amanda Paneque

Angelisse Perez

Mikayla Philpot

Amy Quesinberry

Benjamin Robb

Sol Roldan-Sissa

Beck Steele

Alison Walminski

Jesse Zito

TRAVIS TOOT

Travis is this month's STAR of the Month because of his steady support for his team. His nomination read, “He’s always doing everything he can to help… and he makes work fun!”

He’s quick to offer support and consistently creates space for others to share ideas and feel heard His responsiveness and openness make him a trusted teammate and a valued resource across departments

Whether helping teammates at the Coffee Spot and Guest Services, working directly with peers, or engaging with visitors, Travis brings positivity and dedication to everything he does.

Thank you, Travis!

OCTOBER

CHEMISTRY MONTH

This month, science gets hands-on, bubbly, and a little bit explosive! We’ll be discovering the science behind the everyday (and the extraordinary)! Pleasecheckthewebsite

OCT 3 FRI OSC Grill Out

OCT 4 & 5 SAT & SUN Bank of America Weekend

Solar Saturday OCT 4 SAT Community Partner Showcase Day

OCT 11 SAT

Storytime Cinema “Casper”

OSC After Dark OCT 22 WED

OCT 25 SAT

Camp

Pumpkins & Protons Party

OCT 24 FRI Staff Pumpkin Painting

Celebrating a Climate Hero

Dr. Mario Molina, a Mexican-born chemist, is credited with literally helping save the planet In the 1970s, Molina discovered that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – chemicals found in everyday products like aerosol sprays and refrigerants – were destroying the ozone layer

His research was groundbreaking and sparked global action, leading to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, an international treaty that phased out ozone-depleting substances.

In 1995, Molina became the first Mexican-born scientist to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, sharing the honor with his colleagues who helped make it possible.

Dr. Molina’s legacy is a powerful reminder that science can help protect people and the planet. His story also highlights the importance of many different voices in STEM and how one discovery can change the course of history.

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

I loved the new nursing room The room was comfortable and welcoming and my older child also had things to do while I nursed!

This was our secondvisit withour son andhe didnot wantto leave!My husband andIare really impressedwitheverythingyou hadto offer.

Thankyouforyourkindnessand generosityduringthistoughweek forourfamily.Wewillnever forgethowwellyoutreatedour birthdaygirlatherparty!

This may sound simple, but as a parent with multiple children of different genders, having family restrooms available made our trip so much easier!

My grandkids loved it! I bought a family pass because of our experience and we’re comingback again tomorrow!

TheteamattheCoffeeSpot arealwayssonice!

JUDY

May

JUDY BRICKER - 24 years

May 30

JUDY BRICKER - 24 years

May 30

sciencehistor y

In October 1866, the first reliable transatlantic telegraph cable revolutionized global communication. Stretching over 2,000 miles beneath the ocean, the first completed and functioning cable line connected Europe and North America, enabling messages to travel in minutes instead of weeks.

This engineering feat marked a major milestone in telecommunications and international collaboration.

The cable's success followed years of failed attempts and technical challenges, including deep-sea pressure and insulation issues which had to be resolved.

BARB

Health Literacy Month

October marks Health Literacy Month, a national observance dedicated to promoting the importance of making health information accessible and understandable for all.

Founded in 1999 by health literacy advocate Helen Osborne, this month encourages individuals and organizations to

Pumpkin Painting Party

Save the date for this year’s staff Pumpkin Painting Party on Friday, October 24!

Keep an eye out for an email and When-to-Work message with details to RSVP and secure your pumpkin.

We cannot wait to see your ghoulish creations!

W E L C O M E T O T H E T E A M

recognize the vital role clear communication plays in improving health outcomes

Health literacy is more than reading ability, it’s the capacity to find, understand, and use health information to make informed personal decisions. Unfortunately, many adults in the U.S. struggle with health literacy, which can lead to poor health outcomes, increased hospital visits, and greater healthcare costs.

We're celebrating this month by encouraging small, meaningful

steps toward better health understanding Here are a few ways to get started:

Ask questions during medical appointments

Use trusted sources like your primary care doctor for preventive care tips. Review medication labels carefully and seek clarification when needed. Share resources with family and friends to promote community awareness.

By improving health literacy, we empower ourselves and others!