Hamilton Amateur Astronomers: The Mars 100… My Story So Far
As a reporter with CHCH-tv for many years, Karen Cumming was used to telling other people’s stories. Turns out she has a pretty interesting one of her own to tell now. In February of last year, Karen was chosen as one of 100 people from around the world who are moving on to the final round of astronaut selection in the Mars One Mission. They’re known as “The Mars 100”. Their goal?
To colonize Mars. Oh, and did we mention? It’s a one way trip. To say the whole experience has been surreal would be an understatement. Join Karen on January 15th as she tells us about her own unique space story.
Karen Cumming grew up in Ancaster. She has worked as an educator for a decade now, and before that spent more than 20 years in the media. Karen was on the air at CHML for many years, reporting and producing talk shows there. She also worked in the media in Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton before settling down as a reporter at CHCH-tv in Hamilton. As well, she was fortunate to work as a reporter/producer at the London 2012 Olympics, and as a media liaison at the Pan Am Games in Toronto.
A couple of years ago, Karen applied for the adventure of a lifetime… a one-way trip to Mars. Last February, she became one of “The Mars 100”… a group of people from all over the world who have made it through to the next round of astronaut selection. She still pinches herself every day to make sure she isn’t dreaming.
Door Prizes
There will be a draw for door prizes at the meeting and a free door prize ticket to all who arrive before the 7:30 start time!
Food Share Donations
Donations of non-perishable food for the Hamilton Food Share program will be collected at this meeting. Please drop off any items at the drop-box located near the entrance of the auditorium. All donations are gratefully accepted. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve collected thousands of pounds of food since we began. Let’s keep up the great work as the need continues.
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Reservations: Not required
Organized by: Hamilton Amateur Astronomers
Location: Hamilton Spectator building, 44 Frid Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3G3 (near the junction of Highway 403 and Main St. West)