Dinner for the Critters was a pasta dinner in support of the resident animals at Earthplace.  Guests enjoyed pasta, salad, bread and drinks served by Earthplace staff, Animal Care volunteers and the Junior Curators, a group of 4th through 6th graders who learned about care and maintenance of the Earthplace animal ambassadors.  A highlight of the dinner was guessing the number of mealworms in the bear jar for a prize of an Earthplace t-shirt.  After eating, guests could watch a video of two Junior Curators who appeared with Animal Care Director Linda Roberts on Channel 12's Pet Talk program, or they could explore the exhibits in Natureplace.

After dinner the Junior Curators presented an animal program and talked about important facts about each animal.  The animals included a Burmese python, a black rat snake, corn snake, guinea pigs, ferrets, dove and rabbits.  After the program everyone enjoyed a dessert of milk and cookies and said good-night to the animals in the Animal Hall.

Dinner for the Critters was a resounding success thanks to the joint efforts and support of so many: Stew Leonards' Charity Crusaders for partial sponsorship of the meal; Starbucks for providing the coffee service; Cablevision Pet Talk/12 for allowing us to promote this event; the many Earthplace Trustees and staff who underwrote many of the expenses; and finally, all the adult volunteers who helped to make the evening a success. 

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