Death Valley Tourist Center • Northern Mojave Visitor Center

Death Valley Tourist Center • Northern Mojave Visitor Center
Maturango Museum • 100 E. Las Flores Ave. • Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone: 760.375.6900 • Fax: 760.375.0479 • e-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.maturango.org
Volume 49, No. 5
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Proudly serving the community for 50 years • 1962 - 2012
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May 2013
Message from Executive Director
By: Harris Brokke
We were recently honored with a visit by Captain Dennis
Lazar, Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Weapons Station
[NAWS] and his lovely wife, Shannon. During their visit, I took the
opportunity to show them the new building expansion and we also
discussed ways that the Maturango Museum and NAWS could
collaborate for the benefit of both the Museum and the station.
Shannon and Captain Lazar with Mary Lattig
One of the areas that was discussed was possible ways to
improve the process for providing training for escorts for the
Petroglyph tours as well as ways that we could make the Petroglyph
tours safer for the escorts and the participants that go on the tours.
These proposed changes to the process are currently being
reviewed.
As we get closer to completing the building expansion
project, the building committee is finalizing plans to place ten
shaman in a new garden area that will be west of the new
building adjacent to China Lake Blvd. Several days ago Bob
Westbrook, Thom Boggs and Milt Burford staged the shaman in
this garden area posing them in several possible locations –
something we refer to as the shaman shuffle. No, this is not a
new dance craze in Ridgecrest, but it was an important exercise
none-the-less.
The shaman will be placed in the garden area alongside
a walking path with desert vegetation and several huge
boulders.
Bob Westbrook, Thom Boggs and Harris Brokke
Photo by Jack Barnwell of the Daily Independent
We even had the shaman shuffle captured by the Daily
Independent for all to enjoy!
There are several fun events planned for the month of May. Please read about all of them in this newsletter
and I hope you will be able to join us for many of these events.
During the past month much work has been done on the building expansion. I’ll have more information on that
in the June newsletter. I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and it’s exciting!
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Enjoy a Fun Evening at the Museum on May 11th Regarding the Trip to Central America
There will be an informational meeting at the Maturango
Museum on May 11th to provide information on a two week
trip to Central America. This trip, donated for our November
2012 auction by Jim and Lois Gregory, will be for four
people to enjoy a two week cruise.
Anyone interested in a fun evening and a chance to learn
more about this trip should plan to attend the May 11th
meeting. Information will also be made available on the
Museum website at www.maturango.org.
Picture of the Lorena courtesy Jim Gregory
News releases will also be provided in the Daily
Independent and the News Review. The May 11th meeting
will provide details of this trip and the trip will be auctioned
off to the highest bidder at a later date.
Spring Has Sprung at the Museum Store
There may not be so many poppies out in the desert, but we have a beautiful poppy t-shirt
designed by local water colorist and board member, Nancy Crawford. Remember your
mom this month with a poppy t-shirt, or maybe an etched wine glass and a great bottle of
wine from our friends at Legendre Vineyards. If you were unable to come to the wine
tasting fundraiser, go to their website and make a purchase. Or, what about a beautiful
necklace, a pair of earrings, or a quail pin from the museum store?
Remember, as a member of the museum, you always receive a 10% discount on your
purchase (excluding trips and concerts).
Jamie Laval in Concert on May 31st
Maturango Museum will host another in a series of concerts on Friday, May 31st with Jamie Laval as the
featured artist. Tickets for this concert are $18 for adults and $8 for anyone who is a student with a valid
student ID. Tickets may be purchased at the Museum or on line at http://jamielaval.com.
Jamie performed at the Museum on September 11, 2012 and thrilled the audience. Jamie Laval and Zac
Leger will present a 90-minute program of traditional music from around the Celtic diaspora, including
Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Quebec, and Appalachia, along with observations on the cultural significance of
Celtic music and amusing stories of life as a touring artist. Their unique approach to traditional Celtic music
blends the simplicity of an ancient art form with stunning virtuosity and contemporary flair that resonates with
families, youth, seniors, and devotees of ethnic, jazz, and classical music.
Laval creates rapt audiences with his passionate performances of traditional Celtic music rendered with
the superlative tone and depth of expressivity formerly associated with classical virtuosi. Winner of the U.S.
National Scottish Fiddle Championship (2002), Laval has appeared on the NBC Today Show, Dave Mathew's
"Some Devil" album and has performed for Her Majesty the Queen. He tours nationally with over 100 concerts
per year, regularly accompanied by guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Zac Leger.
Laval's recent album, Murmurs and Drones, won "Best World Traditional Song" in the 2012
Independent Music Awards Vox Populi.
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Reception for Shereen Noon
Mixed Media Artist
The reception for our next visiting artist, Shereen Noon, will be Friday,
May 3 at 7:00 p.m.
“In 1986, after moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico, I was inspired by the
intense quality of the light and color of the earth. I then began my work in
abstracts which has gradually evolved into mixed media collage. My work
consists of cut paper, cardstock, paint, graphite, ink, marker, gel medium,
metal, plastic, wood, textiles, wire, stamps, dyes, books, maps, feathers, and
found objects. I cut images from antique and vintage books, prints, cards,
wrapping paper, magazines, letters, and anything that doesn’t move too quickly. Each piece tells a different
story representing something deeply, intimately personal and, hopefully, universal. My wish is that every piece
is giving collectors as much fulfillment and good energy as they give me in creating them.”
Trip to Getty Museum on May 29th
Join us on Wednesday May 29th for a trip to the Getty
Museum on a comfortable Motor Coach and select from the many
tours that are available. The cost for this trip is $45 members and
$55 for non-members and member guests. The charter bus will leave
the Maturango Museum at 7:30 am and arrive back about 9:30 pm.
There will be two private, Docent led tours – one at 11 am and the
other at 1:00 pm. Each of these tours will go on both the Garden tour
and the Architecture tour and can accommodate up to 30 people.
Half of us can take the Docent led tour in the morning and the other
half can take that tour in the afternoon.
When you are not on the Docent led tour there are numerous other tours and exhibits that you can
take. For a complete list of all available tours, go to the Getty Museum website at www.getty.edu/museum.
You will need to eat breakfast before you come to the Museum and bring a sandwich and other snacks
and drinks for dinner as the motor coach will not be making any stops between the Maturango Museum and
the Getty Museum. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and comfortable walking shoes as well as a camera and
binoculars.
If the Museum cancels your trip, you will be given a full refund or you may transfer the money to a
different trip. No cash refunds will be given if you cancel. However, if the trip is full and we can sell your space,
your money will be refunded. If you must cancel, please notify the Maturango Museum as soon as possible so
that people on the waiting list can be notified.
Art Night Sponsored by SpringHill Suites on May 31st
Friday, May 31st from 5-8 p.m. at SpringHill Suites on China Lake Blvd
see 20+ local artist's creations.
Food and soft drinks will be provided for all to enjoy.
A raffle for artwork to benefit the Museum will be held.
A great evening would be to see the art exhibit, have some munchies,
and then go to the Jamie Laval concert at the Museum.
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Docent Doings
By Nora Nuckles, Education Coordinator
Did you make it to the Wildflower Exhibit at the museum? As usual, Charlotte Goodson organized a wonderful
exhibit. I include this in our docent column because Charlotte is a great docent as well as the wildflower exhibit
leader. Judy Breitenstein, who organized the exhibit for many years, continues to play a major roll in the
exhibit. Judy gave two informative, delightful lectures at the USO building on Saturday. Both lectures were
well attended! Many other docents participated in the wildflower exhibit by collecting, bottling, or hosting at
the museum. Those of us who went collecting had a marvelous hunt and were proud of what we found! I do like
to brag about my fellow docents and colleagues!
We have two more schools for Sand Canyon programs-Gateway and Faller. After these programs in May
docents will have completed all the SEEP programs for this year. I would especially like to acknowledge John
and Barbara Linder who joined us for all the classroom presentations and presented at every event in Sand
Canyon. Sometimes that involved 4 days in a row! For each day in the classroom, John and Barbara brought
their truck and did most of the transporting of specimens. I would also like to acknowledge Paula Herr who was
the other transporter of specimens for the SEEP classroom programs. Yes, we DO take that much stuff! Next
month I will properly acknowledge all the docents who helped with SEEP. I might let you know who takes
charge of the snakes (either gopher or rosy boa) and other reptiles. Well, of course, our docent pet snakes!
Maria Johnson, the Natural History Curator, gave an interesting training on desert felines. She really knows the
anatomy of big cats! We even learned about ligers and such as a bonus!
The docents would like to thank all of you who made donations to our funds for the Planetarium system! We are
so fortunate to have such generous museum members. We will give you more information on the purchase of
the planetarium in next month's newsletter.
We are always happy to welcome visitors to our meetings. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, May 7th at 9:00 AM
in the museum gallery. Come at 8:45 AM to start with coffee, tea, and snacks.
May 4th Trip to Death Valley National Park - Wildrose and Harrisburg Flats explorations
Join Janet Westbrook on Saturday, May 4th for a trip to the places in Death Valley we always drive by
for lack of time - the high country of Harrisburg Flats, Pete Aguereberry's house and mine, beautiful
Aguereberry Point with a breath-taking view of Death Valley (different than from Dante's View), the Charcoal
Kilns and their connection to the mines of the Panamint Valley, and of course the wonderful history of the
Wildrose Stage Station.
At each stop learn about the people and activities that make these places an important part of the
Death Valley story. Bring a picnic lunch and a portable chair - we'll try to find a shady place for lunch but there
are no picnic tables. Bring lots of water. Be prepared for a warm but interesting day in Death Valley National
Park, places most folks never see in their hurry to get to the Valley.
We will see some late season flowers, and always a possibility of burros and Big Horn Sheep!! There is
dirt road driving, but there is not a clearance issue. Good tires will be required as part of the road to
Aguereberry view is rocky and other parts have wash board. Any sturdy vehicle with good tires can do this
trip. This trip is about 190 miles drive from Ridgecrest.
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$20,000 Donation Made by Beth and Frank Armogida for the New Planetarium
Picture above are some very happy Docents and other volunteers along with Beth and Frank Armogida.
In front: Nora Nuckles, Paula Herr, Elaine Wiley. In row 2: Ann Faith, Harris Brokke, Beth and Frank Armogida
In back: Bev and Ron Atkins, Terry Ratcliff and Mike Herr
Photo by: Liz Babcock
Donations to the Planetarium Fund
Mary Adler
Howard and Barbara Auld
Marvin and Jeanne Backman
Nancy Bass
Kenneth and Leilani Banks
Frank and Beth Armogida
Anonymous
David and Sandra Aubin in memory of Jim Dixon
Gary and Judith Bailey- in memory of Natalie Bailey
H. I. Baker
Lewis and Sharon Ballenger
Steve Benson
Paul and Margaret Bergens
Wildon and Edith Blackburn
Doris Bruce
Dolores Charles
Cecil and Lillian Daley
John and Dolores Di Pol
Eugene and Julia Breitenstein
Dennis Burge
Tim Centola/Catherine Stites
P. R. and L. E. Decker
Irene and Fred Dodson
Jerry Broaker
Suzette and John Caufield
Margaret Cox
Delta Kappa Gamma Society
Phyllis Dunn
Michael J. Ford/Denise M. Moliterno
Noel and Ellene L. Gravelle
Leo Grosbier
Ronald Heflin
Kirk and Jot Heseman
Lois Hinman
Robert L. Joy, Jr.
Evelyn M. Knierim
Joanna E. Koob
Larry and Ruth Gleason
Judith A. Hastings
High Sierra Auto & Truck Repair
Linda Klabunde
Peter and Renee Lesnick
Phil and Arlyne Lopez
Elaine Miller
Debra and Kenneth Newton
Verna Pippen
Melanie Saldana
James and Patricia Manion
Linda Miller
Clayton and Carolyn Panlaqui
Felice Plain
Nancy J. Saxton
Jan McCalester
Merritt D. and Yasuko Mullen
Larry A. and Jeri L. Peterson
Craig and Carol Porter
Searles Valley Minerals
Lois Reed
Mary C. Stites
Larry and Mary Trowsdale
Donald and Carol Zdeba
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sewell
Richard and Melba Swenson
Robert and Gail Ulrich
CDR and Mrs. Philip Souza II
Lynne and Barry Thompson
Mrs. Eleanor Winnemore
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Other Donations
Donations
Ron and Bev Atkins
Bill and Nancy Cleary
Cynthia and Anthony Damiano
Ann Faith
Thomas and Caroline Maddock
Mike Meyer
Larry and Jeri Peterson
Felice S. Plain – in honor of Liz Babcock
Felice S. Plain
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Rockwell
Joan Schipper
William and Donna Stratton Gloria Wutzke
In memory of Carl Morley
Mary Adler
Anonymous
Howard and Barbara Auld
William C. Morley
In memory of Ted Lotee
Anonymous
Thom Boggs
Fran and Bill Fenical
Mary L. Gallen
Mary Lundstrom
Andrew and Virginia Morrison
In memory of Rosemary Lackaye
Mary Adler
Gerry Wisdom
In memory of Florence Green
Gerry Wisdom
Mountain Lion Fund
Elva Younkin
Building Fund
Carolyn J. Lynch
Jan McCalester
Publications Fund
Howard and Barbara Auld
Jerry Broaker
Carol and Clay Panlaqui
New Members
Elizabeth H. Bell
Melody Hollinger
Roy B. Johanboeke
Nick Rossi
Bob and Marge Vargus
Gary Eagleson
Cait Hutnik
Dave Logan
Jeff and Vireo Schiller
Deborah K. Hickey
Ed and Christine Jesser
John and Ursula Robb
Melody Spurgeon
Your Ad could go here!
Call the Maturango Museum at
(760) 375-6900
Ask got Harris Brokke
to find out more information!
Business card size Ads or
¼ page Ads are available.
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100 E. Las Flores Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Businesses and Organizations
Supporters • Contributors • Sponsors
The Museum is open every day (except
major holidays) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Please support the following businesses and organizations
that support the Maturango Museum
This newsletter is published monthly by
Maturango Museum of the IWV
Staff
Harris Brokke, Executive Director
Mary Lattig, Store Manager/Buyer
Sandy Rogers, Archaeology Curator
Elizabeth Babcock, History Curator
Desiree Jones, Publications Specialist
Maria Johnson, Natural History Curator
Julie Stephens, Bookkeeper
Fran Van Valkenburgh, Membership
Rachel Nielson, Petroglyph Tours
Andrea Pelch, Art Gallery Coordinator
Joann Barbee, Ass’t Bookkeeper
Nora Nuckles, Education Coordinator
Steve Benson, Museum Assistant
Sue Gilbert, Museum Assistant
Nora Nuckles, Museum Assistant
Duane Rice, Museum Assistant
Andrea Pelch, Newsletter Editor
Committee Chairpersons
Thom Boggs, Building
Fran Rogers, Concerts
Paula Herr, Docent League
Milt Burford, Finance
Kathy La Shure & Dan Burnett, Garden
Sandy Rogers, Lectures
Liz Babcock, Publications
Bob Westbrook, Strategic Planning
Janet Westbrook, Webmistress
Board of Trustees
Sherry Brubaker, President
Mike Brown, Vice President
Joleigh Rafalski, Secretary
Milt Burford, Treasurer
Steven Boster
Thom Boggs
Deborah Benson
Nancy Crawford
Robert Westbrook
AltaOne Federal Credit
Union
American Association of
University Women
America’s Best Value Inn
& Suites
Ashley Furniture HomeStore
Beansters Espresso
Best Western China Lake
Inn
Boulder Creek RV Resort
Carriage Inn
Center Professional
Pharmacy
Coldwell Banker Best Realty
Daily Independent
Desert Area Teachers
Association
Desert Artist League
EconoLodge of Ridgecrest
Epsilon Systems Solutions,
Inc.
Friends of Jawbone
Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch
Resorts
Hampton Inn & Suites
Heritage Inn & Suites
High Desert Haven
High Sierra Auto/Truck
Repair
Historical Society of the
Upper Mojave Desert
Inland Adventurer
Jacobs Naval System
Group, Inc.
KPartners Hospitality Group
Kristy’s Restaurant
KZIQ/KWDJ - Sunset Media
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Law Offices of Phyllis M. Hix
Liberty Self Storage
McDonald’s
New Directions Technologies
The News Review
Oasis Garden Club
Owens Peak Group, Sierra Club
PackWrap Business Center
The Pizza Factory
Ridgecrest Area Convention and
Visitors Bureau
Ridgecrest Automotive
Ridgecrest Moving &
Storage/Atlas Van Lines
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
St. Ann Catholic School
Sand Canyon Environmental
Education Program
Searles Valley Minerals
ServiceMaster of the IWV
Sierra Odyssey Custom Tours
Sierra Sands Unified School
District
SOI Motorhome Club
Southern Sierra Medical Clinic
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
State Farm Insurance – Gary
Charlon
The Swap Sheet
Tax Time Services - Barbara
Agerton
TJ Frisbee Bicycles, Inc.
TOSS
Union Bank
USANA Health Sciences
Vagabond Inn
WACOM
Calendar of Events
May
June
Fri May 3 – Reception for Shereen Noon exhibit 7 pm
Tues June 4 – Docents meeting – 8:45 am
Sat May 4 – Trip to Death Valley high country 8 am
Sat June 8 – FREE day at the Museum
Tues May 7 – Docents meeting – 8:45 am
Sat June 8 – Trip to Trail of 100 Giants – 8 am
Sat May 11 – FREE day at the Museum
Mon June 17 – Board of Trustees meeting – 7 pm
Sat May 11 – Meeting on Central America trip – 7:30 pm
Fri June 28 – Reception for Cheryl McDonald exhibit 7 pm
Mon May 20 – Board of Trustees meeting – 7 pm
Fri May 24 – Children’s hour – 10:30 am
Wed May 29 – Bus trip to Getty Museum – 7:30 am
Fri May 31 – Concert by Jamie Laval – 7:30 pm
Petroglyph Tours and Other Museum Events
Petroglyph tour information and a slide show on the Petroglyph tours are available on our website at
www.maturango.org. The remaining spring Petroglyph tour schedule is May 4 & 5; 18 & 19; 25 & 26 and June 1 & 2.
All of the spring tours are sold out. The fall schedule of Petroglyph tours will be posted on August 19.
 China Lake Astronomical Society: 7 pm on 1st Monday of every month
 China Lake Photographic Society: 7 pm on 1st Thursday. No meetings are held in July or August.
 Owens Peak Group of the Sierra Club: 7:30 pm on 4th Monday of every month
 Kerncrest Audubon Society: 7 pm on 3rd Thursday bi-monthly [January, March, May, September, November] Not July
 Docent League presentations – brochure of topics is available.
Scan this QR code to go directly to the
Museum website at www.maturango.org
Maturango Museum of the IWV
100 E. Las Flores Ave.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-3654
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