Spooky Mad Science

A SPOOKY GOOD TIME

By Zohreh Khoshnamak, Youth Committee

Much has changed in the past six months, yet we continue to try to keep life as normal as possible, especially for WAL kids. COVID-19 notwithstanding, the WAL Science Club and the Youth Committee held the Fourth Annual Spooky Mad Science Expo on Saturday, October 17. The weather forecast was predicted to be windy and chilly but it turned out to be a gorgeous, sunny and beautiful day. It gave our kids the opportunity to have some muchneeded fun together, celebrating science and Halloween after a long time in quarantine. The Expo observed the City of Alexandria’s COVID-19 regulations. Temperatures were taken at the entrance and masks were mandatory; all our kids wore them and hand sanitizer was at every station. Many of the organizations which usually joined our event were unable to participate due to government regulations. Yet, we had new ones step in and they, along with WAL parents, helped us hold an amazing event. I want to thank the American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Chemical Society of Washington (ACS), TC Williams’ Robotics Team and all the WAL youth, teens and adults who volunteered.

The Science Club distributed over $1000 worth of books donated by national organizations to attendees. They also got bags of snacks and candy donated by our neighbors, Youth Committee and WAL since there isn’t any Trick or Treating in our community this year. The kids and parents had a great time. We look forward to continuing this event in the spring—without all the restrictions and precautions.