Alice Monet loves science, so when she learned that budget cuts threatened the David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington, she sprung into action. Monet now presides over the local grass-roots nonprofit Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium. The organization’s goal is to raise enough money to support the facility’s annual operating costs, as well as fund upgrades to the 40-year-old landmark. The group receives donations through a variety of avenues, including a series of concerts at IOTA Club & Cafe. The next concert is this Sunday.
| IF YOU GO |
| Arlington Planetarium benefit show |
| » When: 8 p.m. Sunday |
| » Where: IOTA Club & Cafe |
| » Info: $10 donation, saveplanetarium.org, iotaclubandcafe.com |
“I’m not a one-topic person, but I love science,” said Monet, of Arlington, over coffee earlier this month. “It’s exciting. I see that I’m not alone. A lot of people are turned on when they understand it, when they get it.”
As a money-saving measure earlier this year, the Arlington County School Board threatened to close the Planetarium. That’s when Monet, who retired from the U.S. Naval Observatory after 35 years as an astronomer and holds a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Virginia, and others came together to create Friends. The group incorporated in March, Monet became president in April and the organization earned 501(c)(3) status in August.
Monet estimates the planetarium needs approximately $250,000 for annual operating costs, and $400,000 for upgrades to equipment. So far the group has raised more than $120,000 in donations and pledges, but is only halfway to its 2010 goal.
Located adjacent to Washington-Lee High School, the planetarium opened in 1969 at the height of the space race. It was later renamed for David M. Brown, an Arlington native and astronaut who died in 2003 on the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Monet says the facility is fully operational, but could use some updates from its old slide projector into the digital age.
To keep the facility open, the group has raised money through its Web site, open houses at the planetarium, seat dedications, direct mailings and grant proposals. Monet is now trying to drum up support from major corporations.
Recently, Pennsylvania-based Spitz Inc., that manufactures digital projectors for planetariums, demonstrated the new technology.
“It blew my socks off,” Monet said. “I had no idea. I was able to experience it on a visceral level.”
The IOTA concerts have brought in funds as well as raised awareness for the cause.
“It’s been really amazing,” said Arlington resident and local musician Ted Zook, who organizes the concerts. “There’s been a real resonance in the community.”
Zook remembers how much his now-adult children loved the Planetarium.
“Once you lose something like that, it can’t be replaced,” he said.
Monet sees the planetarium having a bigger role in the community in general.
“It’s not your grandfather’s planetarium any more,” she said. “With the new equipment and programming, this will be a center for science education. Its going to put Arlington right at the forefront of science education.
“A place like the planetarium can make all the difference.”
