PEEC’s Executive Director Katie Bruell accepts a check from members of the Kiwanis Boys and Girls Committee. Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos will continue to support PEEC’s monthly Family Nights. Pictured from left are Linda Daly, Rita Bronson, Melissa Mackey, Katie Bruell and Philo Shelton. Photo Courtesy PEEC
Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos is impacting the lives of children and families throughout the world and here at home in Los Alamos. The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) wishes to thank the Kiwanians for continuing to make Family Nights at the Los Alamos Nature Center possible through their generous support. On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the Kiwanis Club presented a check to PEEC Executive Director Katie Bruell and PEEC contract educator Melissa Mackey during the regular Kiwanis meeting.
Family Nights are a beloved local program for families. Since 2017, hundreds of people have come to Family Nights at the nature center to hear stories, sing songs, create crafts and learn about our local nature together. Family Nights take place once a month, on the second Tuesday, throughout the year. The most popular Family Nights take place in the summer around a campfire, with songs, games and s’mores.
“I have had the pleasure of helping many children in Los Alamos make and eat their first s’more!” Mackey says.
Kiwanis has supported Family Nights almost from its inception, and it is due to their support that the program is continuing, thanks to this most recent grant.
“While PEEC offers many programs to connect families with nature and each other, Family Nights are special because they are held in the evening and can reach children with working parents. We’re so grateful to Kiwanis for giving free Family Nights to the whole community,” Bruell says.
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Through their support of Family Nights, they are achieving their mission in Los Alamos.
About PEEC: PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events and hosts a number of interest groups from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone; however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit www.peecnature.org.