Ear to the ground:

“I gotta say, Caitlyn Jenner is prettier than any of the Kardashians.”
– Local observation on Vanity Fair’s much-discussed July cover

Blinding them with science

Panicking because school’s out and you still haven’t figured out what to do with the kids? Or maybe you’re worried that their fertile brains will turn into mush over the summer?

Fortunately, there’s still a chance to keep them busy and maybe even grow a little gray matter in the process. The former crew at the Powerhouse Science Center has banded together with the Durango Maker Club, iOiO Spark Shop and School District 9-R to offer “MakerLab,” a series of summer science camps this summer.

“Seeing the great need for science programming in our community, the Durango 9R School District has decided to sponsor our camp program this summer,” Sarah Margoles, former education director at the Powerhouse, wrote in an email.

The idea for the camps came about after the Powerhouse abruptly closed May 9, effectively cancelling its popular summer science camps.

So far, eight weeklong camps are offered, including robotics, chemistry and a special girls-only maker camp. Locations are yet to be announced. For more information or to sign up, go to www.durango maker.com or email Margoles at sarahmar goles@gmail.com.

And speaking of the currently defunct Powerhouse, its remaining skeleton crew is seeking volunteers to “help get the center in shape” on Sat., June 6, 7:30 a.m.-noon. There are a variety of areas that need attention, from gardening and weeding to painting and office organization. For more information, call Director Nana Naisbitt at 970-708-0004.

Put your back into it

It’s National Trails Day this Sat., June 6. And what better way to show your appreciation for the area’s infinite singletrack than to get out there and put in a little sweat equity?

Trails 2000 recently formed a partnership with the City of Durango to offer “mini grants” to community organizations in exchange for trail work.

As part of the City’s Community Support funding program, Trails 2000 was awarded a recreation block grant last fall to encourage more volunteers to attend trail work and give back to local trails.

Local groups that attend and recruit volunteers for trail work can receive up to $250 in grant money for their programs.

Interested organizations can apply online at www.Trails2000.org/2015/04/mini-grant/. Applications will be accepted throughout the trail season and require 30 days advance notice prior to proposed trail work date.