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Group works to open Cary children's museum

If all goes as organizers plan, the Downtown Cary Children's Museum could open in 2013. A free concert and fundraising event is planned for Thursday.

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By
Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

Three moms are leading an effort to open a children's museum in downtown Cary.

The Downtown Cary Children's Museum would cater to toddlers to school-aged children and focus on science, technology, engineering and math. Plans for the project are only about six months old. But if all goes as planned, organizers hope to open in 2013.

Lauren Schafer, a mom and the group's treasurer, tells me that the goal is to offer kids a place where they can take part in fun and educational activities.

The group won a $500 Lazy Daze grant from Cary in January, which is being used as seed money, and it is in the process of obtaining its 501(c)(3) status. A board consists of about 20 members, who have kids of all ages. It's led by Cindy Sinkez, Schafer and Lindsey Chester, all moms.

No site has been identified, but the plan is to locate the museum in the heart of downtown Cary.

The hope is that the group can work with local businesses to develop exhibits geared towards science and technology, Schafer tells me.

The Heart of Cary Association is sponsoring a free benefit concert for the museum starting at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Ashworth Village parking lot at the corner of Chatham and Academy streets in downtown Cary. The featured performer will be local rock ‘n’ roll band SHMaK. The parking lot will open up for the event at 7 p.m.

The concert is free, but the group will be soliciting donations. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Coolers will be allowed and food, wine, beer, soda, water and light food items will be for sale. Kids are welcome or make it a date night, Schafer says.

Either way, they'd appreciate your support. The group is working on a website, but you can learn more on its Facebook page.

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