March 2024 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
Debbie Benson
Dear March – Come in, How glad I am, I hoped for you before, Put down your hat, You must have walked, How out of breath you are — Emily Dickenson
As we enter a time of seasonal change, the greening of our hills and the blooming flowers, though somewhat unusual, remind us of the living that has been carrying on all winter. One cannot help but feel that change is now on the move. The early flowers that cannot seem to wait, are giving us the energy to appreciate and enjoy them. I enjoy seeing our gardens come to a greater activity as the lizards spend more days in the sun as the sand and rocks become warmer. The plant life under the care of our garden volunteers, shows us daily how pleasant it is to walk through the paths. The occasional cottontail silent under a creosote and our attendant hummingbird sitting at the very top of a desert willow. The work done by the volunteers is worth so very much and is appreciated by all.
We have work we continue to do, both inside the museum and out, and we appreciate the support and donations from our membership to ensure they happen. We have so many positive irons in the fire right now and it is the membership that makes it happen. We also appreciate the work of the docents and volunteers to put on events to support and encourage families to come visit. This is for our community and its visitors and we are glad to be able to share.
On March 23 at 3 pm we have our Annual Membership meeting. Hope to see you!
Be well, take care, and enjoy the Spring vistas!
Please find our March 2024 Newsletter below
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February 2024 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
Debbie Benson
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller
There are times I question if February, much like January 2024, will be a bit confusing as to what season it is. After a winter that did not, as of yet, hold us in ice for a time, there are plants that have bloomed and already seeded from the heavy rains last summer. We’re already enjoying waist-high mustard plants that have thick stalks and dark rich leaves. It’s all very interesting but does raise the question of the coming activities of spring growth. We are optimistic about the wildflowers!
Here at the Museum, it is good to see the work done to keep our gardens ready for the coming warmer seasons and many weeds cleared. A great job was done on the last clean-up but the request was made to come to pull weeds when possible or join us on February 2 at 10 am-12 noon to celebrate Groundhog Day and help clear the grounds. Either way, the help is always appreciated!
This is an active time of year when we start planning more outside tours and activities. Please watch our website and check out our events. If planning some outings of your own and would like some ideas on where to go, we have information and books in the Gift Store as well as some great advice. Make sure to have your photo-taking device charged and ready; there is much to see!
March 23 at 3 pm. will be Maturango Museum’s Annual Meeting. We will be meeting in person at the Museum. Next month we will publish more information about this event but we hope to see you there! Thank you for your help and support for these many years and your belief in the importance of what we do and contribute to our community. You make all the difference. We hope you will have a chance to stop by and see.
My best to you all!
Please find our February 2024 Newsletter below
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May Children's Hour- Reptiles & Garden Adventures
The May Children's Hour will be on Flex Friday, May 24, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. This month's event will be about Reptiles & Garden Adventures. Is that a lizard looking at me?
Nature has many changes in every season - spring, summer, fall, and winter. The Children's Hour Group looks forward to sharing this special time of fun and learning with the children!
Children's Hour at the Maturango Museum is a free monthly program following the school calendar for ages 3 to 5. Call 760-375-6900 for information about Children's Hour and the many other events at the Museum.
March Children's Hour-Fantastic Feathers
Children's Hour to Feature Birds Fantastic Feathers
The next Children's Hour at the Maturango Museum will take place on Flex Friday March 15, 2025,10:30 to 11:30 AM. Stories and activities will feature the Fantastic Feathers of Birds and the amazing ways they help birds fly and do so many birdy things. The children will learn that whether flying high in the sky, diving deep in water, or sliding across ice and snow to swim in the cold cold ocean, birds use feathers in special ways to reach the food they need to live. How do feathers keep birds warm or dry? How do birds take care of their feathers when they become tattered and old? Of the many kinds (species) of birds that live here or visit in the winter, their bodies can be large or small, legs short or long, beaks shaped for their food. Each kind of bird's feathers may be different colors, but all have similar kinds to do particular jobs. Everything about birds, including their feathers, is indeed amazing!
Children's Hour at the Maturango Museum is a free monthly program following the school calendar for ages 3 to 5. Call 760-375-6900 for information about Children's Hour and the many other events at the Museum.
February Children's Hour- Insects
The February Children's Hour will be on Flex Friday, February 16, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. This month's event will be about insects. We will read Very Quiet Cricket, Mosquito, and The Icky Bug Alphabet books. There will be a craft to go along with the theme
Nature has many changes in every season - spring, summer, fall, and winter. The Children's Hour Group looks forward to sharing this special time of fun and learning with the children!
Children's Hour at the Maturango Museum is a free monthly program following the school calendar for ages 3 to 5. Call 760-375-6900 for information about Children's Hour and the many other events at the Museum.
January 2024 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
Debbie Benson
“Kindness is the connection that links us all together and strengthens the bonds within our communities, neighborhoods, and families.” Rosalynn Carter
As we leap into 2024 there is that moment of silence when we remember the generosity shown to us. The kindnesses that have helped us through to this day. We open our calendars to see this next year of days. We will fill them with the activities of living with those around us. This year gives us that extra day to fill with care for our family and friends and for ourselves. It may be a walk in the beautiful outdoors or possibly volunteering for something you believe in. It brings up the thought of how to spend that extra 24 hours in 2024. It’s very possible it could be more fun than you think!
Thank you to each person who volunteers for and helps the Museum in any way possible. As a local non-profit who is not supported by any governmental entity, you are the ones to make a difference not only to the Museum but to our community of neighbors.
Happy New Year! Be well, be safe, and take care. Our best to you all!
Please find our January 2024 Newsletter below
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December 2023 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
Debbie Benson
Traveling for the holidays brings those we care for closer for a time. One of the greatest gifts being the discovery of new adventures. The directions sometimes being as simple as, turn left at the sign and drive until you find peace. The drive itself becomes part of the discovery.
Coming home gives that sense of familiar return and the thought of places one could give a visitor. Directions to exploration, experiences filled with amazement and perhaps unexpected peace.
Our best to you during this final month of 2023. Thank you all for your care. On to a New Year!
Please find our December 2023 Newsletter below
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December Children's Hour
Maturango Museum to host Children's Hour
The next Children's Hour will be Flex Friday, December 8, 2023, 10:30-11:30 am.
Through the featured story, "The Snow Tree", by Caroline Repchuk, the children will hear a tale of friendship, sharing, and appreciation of nature's gifts. Repeating the animals' actions by decorating a special snowy tree has become a much-loved tradition. Another wintry story, singing with bells for each child, and a fun craft will round out a joyous morning for everyone!
The Children's Hour Docents look forward to the free monthly programs (Sept.-May) hoping to foster a love of books, the nearby mountains, and the desert where they live. The Spring Schedule and Topics of programs will be available by early January 2024 at the website, maturango.org, in local newspapers, and at each program. Maturango Museum is open daily, Monday-Sat. 10-5, and Sunday 10-4.
Learn to Make Your Own Eclipse Viewing Box
Join us on Sat. Oct. 7 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Maturango Museum to create an “eclipse cereal box viewer” in preparation for the Annular Eclipse. Bring your cereal box, and the Maturango Museum will provide the necessary tools and other materials. This is a Free event