“I love science,” says John Cronin, co-founder and inspiration for John’s Crazy Socks. Indeed, John is forever curious about the world around him and always coming up the learning curve. It was only natural that he would want to visit and learn more about the Center for Science Teaching and Learning.
John, joined by his partner and father Mark and Maria Lerner, the Community Organizer for John’s Crazy Socks, spent the morning at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL). They joined elected officials, teachers, children from camps and fans for the unveiling of a new animatronic dinosaur. The CTSL has the largest collection of animatronic dinosaurs in New York. John came to witness the unveiling of two animatronic dinosaurs, Protoceratops (7 ft X 3 ft) and Pachycephalosaurs (16 ft X 6 ft). The exhibit now features 40 dinosaurs (18 partial skeletons, 12 full skeletons, 10 animatronic Dinos) and over 40 live animals.
Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, the Director of the CSTL, says, “We are all about science and fun. We want to engage people, especially children in science by making it fun.”
That is music to John’s ears as he is always looking for ways to have fun. John’s Crazy Socks and the CSTL are discussing ways in which they may be able to collaborate. Some of the ideas include:
- Creating a line of science-themed socks that could benefit the CSTL
- Creating an online science show featuring John, Dr. Havasy and other educators from the CSTL. The show would feature the educators leading John through science experiments or science learning. It would demonstrate that everyone, including people with differing abilities, can enjoy and learn from science.
- Hosting joint events
Mark X. Cronin, John’s co-founder and father, said, “We are so impressed by what Ray Ann and her colleagues have built and the work they do. We are excited about the prospect of working together.”
At the event today, John met with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman who admitted that he needs help with his sock game. He asked John to bring him some orange and blue socks to reflect the colors of Nassau County.
About the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL)
The Center for Science Teaching and Learning or CSTL, is situated within Tanglewood Preserve—a nature preserve in Rockville Centre, NY. Our mission is simple: to encourage science learning and literacy in everyone, children as well as adults. CSTL is a 501(C3) nonprofit organization that is operated by a passionate, intelligent, and highly qualified staff that includes scientists, certified teachers, former school administrators, and skilled artists and craftsman. These professionals are dedicated to incorporating each of the three basic core sciences—Life science, Physical science, and Earth science —into an experience in a way that engages people, making learning a real adventure. You can learn more at https://www.cstl.org.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $500,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
