The Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County presents its technical assistance workshop series “Workshop Wednesdays: A Series of Technical Assistance Workshops to Guide Arts and Cultural Organizations and Individual Artists Through Times of Economic Challenge.”

Today's workshop is Long-term Development: Not just surviving but thriving. This workshop will be an overview of the development function for most cultural organizations. It can be implemented in a one-person office or with a staff. It will look at annual funds, membership programs, and fund raising initiatives which are specific to each organization. Both government and private foundation grant programs will be discussed. Discussion of long term funding for the organization in the form of Capital Campaigns for bricks and mortar projects, endowment funds or venue specific initiatives are all part of the workshop content.

The workshop is presented by Adair M. Saviola, Director of Development and Marketing at the Buffalo Zoo. A 1973 graduate of Niagara, Adair also holds a Masters in educational theatre from New York University. While at the Buffalo Zoo, Adair guided the Zoo’s membership effort to an increase of more than 100% as well as increased in the Zoo’s annual fund and dramatic increases in sponsorship revenue. Ms. Saviola has been instrumental in raising nearly $30 million to implement the first phase of the Zoo’s new $75 million Master Plan.

To register for any workshop in the series please contact the Arts Council at 716.856.7520 or via email.

Do you dig fossils and mastodons? What do you know about the Ice Age in Western New York? What does a paleontologist really do? What are some of the latest discoveries on dinosaurs? These and many other questions will be explored at Explorasaurus.

Explorasaurus is inspired by the ongoing Ice Age dig research conducted over the past 23 years by the Museum at the Hiscock Site in nearby Genesee County. The Hiscock site is one of North America’s richest Ice Age sites, a post-glacial marsh which has yielded thousands of plant, animal and early PaleoIndian artifacts that have greatly enriched what is known about this region 10,000-12,000 years ago.

Today marks the opening of Explorasaurus.

Ever wonder what happens at a museum when they close the doors for the day? The first-ever public overnight family experience “A Night at the Museum,” takes place tonight at the Buffalo Museum of Science. The night begins after the museum closes, and guests will help security guards close down the museum—but before guests reach the exhibit halls, they’ve become immersed in the middle of a museum mystery! Guests embark on a scavenger hunt throughout the museum and must complete science activities and tasks in various exhibit halls to gather clues. Once all activities are complete and the clues are gathered, everyone works together to solve the mystery.

After the mystery is solved, join everyone for a pizza party before more fun! Guests can enjoy a “Museum Dance Party,” crafts or a movie. The museum will also have several exhibits available to check out, including the “Palette of Life” exhibit and its hands-on “Color Lab.” At the end of the night, guests sleep surrounded by ancient fossils, real mummies, or even the Museum’s rare collection of dinosaur skeletons. Breakfast will be provided for guests on Sunday morning.

Each ticket includes admission for one adult and one child. Children must be at least 6 years of age and registration must be completed no later than April 4th. For more information, or to register, call 716-896-5200 ext. 345.

The Buffalo Museum of Science holds its fourth annual Bubblefest on today. Bubblefest is the all-day indoor-outdoor family event celebrating the science and fun of bubbles of all types: man-made, in nature, even in outer space.

Casey Carle, bubble master performer, BubbleOlogy author and Cirque du Soleil consultant, will be featured with his amazing one-man show, BubbleMania: Science, Art and Comedy. Also on the agenda: The Bubble Man from Allen Street, Bubble Tents, Best Bubble Contraption contest, Nature’s Bubbles, Susan Rozler and Dave Ruch.

All Bubblefest activities are included in a special day admission price: $8 adults, $7 senior citizens, $6 students and kids over age 3, which includes an all-access bubble bracelet. Science Museum members receive admission free but are charged $1 per person for the bubble bracelet.

The Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County presents its technical assistance workshop series “Workshop Wednesdays: A Series of Technical Assistance Workshops to Guide Arts and Cultural Organizations and Individual Artists Through Times of Economic Challenge.”

Today's workshop is titled Nonprofit Financial Management: A Fiscal Overview From A to Z. This workshop is a comprehensive overview of basic accounting practices for nonprofits. The discussion will range from reading a balance sheet, understanding P&L statements, and tracking a budget to internal controls, nonprofit tax filings, and management letters.

The workshop will be presented by Joseph J. Ryndak, a supervisor at Toski, Schaefer & Co., P.C. Ryndak provides audit, tax and consulting services to variety of nonprofit organizations. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer for several large multi-funded nonprofit organizations. He also owned and operated a successful transportation company for over 12 years. Ryndak received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1981.

To register for any workshop in the series please contact the Arts Council at 716.856.7520 or via email.