PHOTO: Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary President Jessica Putnam and project leader Dave Barker discuss benefits to the region of the Magic Lantern Innovative Lab. (Submitted photo)
BRIDGTON — The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club is matching the first $10,000 in donations made by individuals, businesses and nonprofits during July and August to support the Magic Lantern Innovation Lab Project.
The project is being developed by the University of Maine and the 4H Foundation to increase the educational opportunities for youth and the community. The programs will focus on creative learning, career opportunities, internships,and UMaine research-based curriculum. The plan is to use the spaces at the Magic Lantern for special presentations, programs and events.
Other UMaine 4-H learning centers (there are four already in Maine) are dedicated to bringing the latest research into communities. The educational programs provide students and the community opportunities to be involved directly with cutting-edge research and education.
The Magic Lantern Innovation Lab will partner with schools, local nonprofits and businesses to build a community education program serving the needs and interests of Bridgton and the region.
“This is one of the biggest projects the Rotary Club has ever supported,” BLR Rotary President Jessica Putnam said. :It will benefit our children and grandchildren in the years to come.”
Dave Barker, a longtime Rotarian and the project leader, said, “I’ve lived here all my life. I know the community will come through. They have in the past for many community-based projects. When we heard about this effort, we felt it was something we Rotarians wanted to get behind and decided to pull from our reserves for this worthy initiative.”
For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/magic-lantern.
