Kevin von Appen, left. Lesley Lewis, right.

Travelled out to Toronto’s East End to visit and interview former director of science communications for the Ontario Science Centre (OSC), Kevin von Appen and former CEO of said building, Lesley Lewis. Both brought insights into what it is like working for and running this special place. They gave unstintingly of their time and experience, as well as showing a trove of pictures, an Ontario Science Centre book, shirt, mug and even an OSC wrist watch.

Kevin’s home felt comfortable because there is almost no corner that does not have a book shelf. That and the fact he serves damn fine coffee that would have made David Lynch and the entire town of Twin Peaks proud. Von Appen has a background in crime reporting for a Hamilton newspaper, but discovered a love for science when writing on environmental issues and this flourished when he applied as science writer / editor for the Ontario Science Centre. In addition to books, von Appen has a cool collection of OSC Memorabilia, including a shirt, mug, book and photos.

Lesley Lewis was executive director of the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Ontario Heritage Trust before being the longest serving CEO of the Ontario Science Centre (OSC). Lewis also ran the OSC during some of the most tumultuous changes including government budget cuts and a pivot to corporate sponsorship, City-wide outbeaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), massive North American power outages, and economic shifts. Lewis also presided over the highest attendance for any Canadian public venue with the human body exhibit aka Bodyworlds at the OSC.

OSC "Timescape" wristwatch.