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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: matmus@maturango.org • Web: www.maturango.org

Volume 46, No. 8 September 2010 Maturango Museum Announces Building Expansion

The Board of Trustees of the Maturango Museum is pleased to announce that the Museum is now ready to begin construction on a long-awaited museum expansion with ground breaking this Fall.

The Board has approved negotiation with Valley Steel of Bakersfield for Phase I of construction. Completion of Phase I will result in:

• The entire external structure (roof, walls, floor) • The completion for occupancy for the Museum Store, Office, restrooms and break-room • Rough-in construction for the remainder

Phase II will complete the construction. The cost estimate for building Phase I is approximately $650,000 and we’re just $50,000 shy of having

that amount. With your continuing support, we’re sure to have that amount and more available before the bill comes due.

The Board and the Building Committee are encouraged and enthusiastic. We are close to our long held dream of expanding service to the community and with your help we are sure to achieve our goal.

FREE Family Fun Day at the Maturango Museum The Museum is proud to announce the first of our monthly ‘FREE Family Fun Days’ was held Saturday,

August 14, sponsored by Placer Title, https://www.placertitle.com. Terry Springstead, along with Mary Heseman, and Chino Jacobs, are now with Placer Title located at 330 East Ridgecrest Blvd. You can contact them at 760-375-4444.

FREE Family Fun Day at the Museum allows families to attend the museum exhibits and gallery FREE of charge. So, bring the whole gang and plan a day at the museum. See the current exhibit of Edward Curtis’ Photogravures, check out all the critters and birds in the exhibit room, read about our local history and cultures and let the kids explore the discovery boxes. All for FREE!

The next ‘FREE Family Fun Day’ will be Saturday, September 11, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Family Food Pantry, a new shopping option for customers who utilize vouchers, owners Mandy and Carl Laughlin are proud to offer this new grocery experience. Stop by and check them out and be sure to say Thanks for sponsoring the FREE Family Fun Day at Maturango Museum. Located in the shopping center next to the Dollar Tree.

Folk Dance Costumes Display The next exhibit in the Sylvia Winslow Exhibit Gallery is "Folk Dance Costumes"

mostly from the work of Wilma Simmons, Nora Nuckles, Merilyn Gentry and Cindy Cotes representing the Desert Dancers. Wilma has been researching and making costumes since the 1950's. The Mojave Desert Dancers Group began at NOTS in 1945 and the Indian Wells Valley is rich in its dance history. Visit our new exhibit to see costumes, shawls, head pieces and jewelry representing many different countries. The opening reception, which is free and open to the public, is at 7:00 p.m. on Friday September 10. The exhibit runs from September 11 through October 13.

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Message from the Executive Director By: Harris Brokke

As you can see from the September and October calendar of events, the Museum is very busy with

numerous events including chamber concerts, Petroglyph tours, field trips, and a Bat Class. Until September 8th, stop in to the Sylvia Winslow Exhibit Gallery to enjoy the Curators’ Show, Edward

Curtis Photogravures. From September 11th through October 13th you can enjoy the Folk Dance Costumes on display followed by the Open Studio Exhibit starting on October 16th. Also remember that there is a reception on the Friday evening prior to the start of each exhibit starting at 7 p.m. with a presentation by the artists at 7:30 p.m. Finally, don’t miss the always popular Open Studio Tour which will be held on October 23rd and 24th.

The Eastern Sierra Cultural Heritage Alliance (ESCHA) celebration of women of Eastern California continues with an exhibit at the Museum of pioneering women of the high desert region that will run through the end of September.

Tell all of your friends about what the Museum has to offer. We’d love to see them at the Museum and would welcome them as new members.

We at the Museum continue to need additional volunteers to work in the Museum store and to serve as Docents. For more information about becoming a store volunteer, please check with Mary Lattig. For information on the programs offered by the Docents, please stop in or call and ask for Nora Nuckles.

Thanks to all of you who have recently made donations and contributions to the Museum. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

We are excited to be able to announce that the Museum building expansion project is about to begin as indicated in a separate article in the newsletter. More information is imminent. Listen for more information on the radio and watch for information in the newspapers.

Finally, I welcome any and all comments that you may have about the Museum. Your comments are a critical element of our continuous improvement efforts at the Museum. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Please complete this application and bring in or mail to the Museum along with you dues and contributions)

ANNUAL DUES ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS ! Individual $40 ! Contributor $100* ! Family $50 ! Benefactor $500* ! Senior [55+] Individual $35 ! Founder $1,000* ! Senior [55+] Family $45 ! Patron $5,000 ! Non-Profits $130

These contributions become part of the Museum Endowment Fund unless donor indicates otherwise. * Additional donations can accumulate to obtain Patron status

Name ___________________________________________ Phone (___)___________________ Address __________________________________________________________ Apt No. _____ City __________________________________________ State ______ Zip Code ____________ Gift from __________________________________ Sponsored by __________________ (If a gift membership) (If membership drive) Please send renewal to ! Donor ! Gift Recipient

Membership Application 100 East Las Flores Avenue – Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Tel. (760) 375-6900 Fax. (760) 375-0479 Website: www.maturango.org E-Mail: matmus@maturango.org

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Fall Concerts By Fran Rogers

As the opener for the 2010-2011 Maturango Museum’s concert series, Dr. Thomas Foggia, classical

guitarist, will perform two concerts in the Sylvia Winslow Exhibit Gallery on Friday, September 17 and Saturday, September 18. Both concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. Seats each concert night are limited to 60, so avoid disappointment, and purchase your tickets now for this concert in the museum store. The price is $10 per adult and $5 per child 12 and younger.

In the concert, entitled “Four Centuries of the Classical Guitar”, Dr. Foggia will perform a variety of classical guitar pieces spanning the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras. His repertoire will cover a wide range of composers including: Milan, Narvaez, Bach, Rossini, Albeniz, Lauro, Barrios, Martin, Jobim, Dyens, and Brouwer. Dr. Foggia will also perform a series of pieces by famous South American classical guitarists/composers, drawing from Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, and Paraguay. The program will cover the full spectrum of classical guitar music available.

Dr. Thomas Foggia, a native of Chicago, began his studies in classical guitar with Michael Adamczyk. At age 18, he won first prize in the Illinois String Competition. Dr. Foggia holds a Bachelor of Music degree with highest honors from California State University, Sacramento where he was awarded the CSUS Music Scholarship four years in a row. He also won first prize in the Bertha Stevers Scholarship String Division. Dr. Foggia holds a Master of Music degree from Arizona State University where he received two Regents Scholarships as well as a two-year Teaching Assistantship. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook where he received full scholarship and a Teaching Assistantship in music theory and guitar. Dr. Foggia has had the opportunity to study with some of the worlds most gifted artists among which include Manuel Barrueco, Elliot Fisk, Paul O'dette, Jerry Williard, Benjamin Verdery, Albert Fuller, and Joe Diorio. Dr. Foggia has served on the faculty at ASU, SUNY at Stony Brook, CSU Stanislaus, Modesto Junior College, and Columbia College. Dr. Foggia currently serves on the faculty at Cerro Coso Community College. Questions? Contact: Fran Rogers 375-4271 akrogers1@verizon.net

Kern Plateau and Southern Sierra Nevada The Kern Plateau and the southern Sierra Nevada are not as well known as the rugged High Sierra farther north but they have just as much to offer those who appreciate the spectacular array of landscapes found in California. The gems found here include not only golden trout and Giant Sequoias but also an enormous diversity of plants and wildlife seldom found in one discrete corner of the Earth. Our collection of books is the best for local information on hikes, OHV, insects, lizards, birds, flowers, native plants, gardening, rock art and so much more. Check out our great selection of children's titles! Museum field trips in September and October

Sept. 25 McFarland Toll Road & the Greenhorns with Phyllis Hix: - Car caravan to Kernville to

meet Phyllis, who will show us a Tubatulabal site and other fascinating local attractions. Four-wheel drive and some strenuous walking are involved. Please sign up by 04/26. Meet at the Museum at 7:15 a.m. for a 7:30 a.m. departure. Cost is $35 for Museum members and $50 for non-members and member guests. More information is available at the Museum store or on the Museum website at www.maturango.org.

Oct. 02 Around Owens Lake: - Car caravan to explore side roads and interesting historical sites.

The tour starts at Little Lake, then goes on to Olancha to Lone Pine to Keeler and back to Olancha. There are Petroglyphs, mines, kilns, lots of neat places to visit. Hopefully we'll be able to go out onto Owens Lake to view what DWP is doing, and maybe even visit one of the DWP power plants. This tour is led by Janet Westbrook and will go on some graded dirt roads. Meet at the Museum at 7:45 a.m. for 8 am departure. Cost is $30 for Museum members and $35 for non-members. Please sign up by 09/27.

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Open Studio Tour

Everybody mark your calendars, it’s almost time to come to the tour! 2010 is the seventh year of The Maturango Museum’s Open Studio Tour. This is an event that has grown in popularity and attendance and we are proud of it and the artists involved. The Tour is a shared experience between the artists, their studio environments and the public. The

opportunities for viewing and purchasing local art created by local artists, sharing ideas and having discussions are magnified by the number of artists who are participating. We are excited to have new artists joining our returning artists and the Burroughs High School Art Department.

The Tour will open with the Artists’ Reception celebrating the opening of the Artists Exhibit at the Sylvia Winslow Gallery at the Maturango Museum on October 15 at 7 p.m. The show will be up for a month and all of the artwork will be for sale. The Tour itself will be on the weekend of October 23 & 24. The Studios will be open both days from 10a.m. – 5p.m. The $15 tickets and Tour Maps will be available at the Museum during the month of October and on both days of the Tour. This event is in support of local artists and is a fundraiser for the Museum with a percentage of all sales going to the Museum. The tour receives funding from The Arts Council of Kern. We are eager to open our studios and share our creative endeavors and time with you! Mark the dates on your calendar and get ready to come on out and see us.

A SAD DAY FOR THE MUSEUM

We here at the Museum were saddened to learn of the passing on June 15, of Mary Witcher, one of our most valued volunteers. Mary Witcher volunteered for close to 30 years. She served on the Board of Trustees, and after her term of office was over, she volunteered to come in weekly and count money and do the accounting for it. When the Museum grew and the accounting became a job for a staff member, she continued to volunteer by counting the money and doing deposits twice a week. She worked in the Museum Store as a volunteer on an as-needed basis and then volunteered there on a weekly basis for more than a year. She produced a book “32 Adventures”, that we continue to sell in the Museum Store. This book names interesting area around Ridgecrest and has maps to all these areas.

Mary served on the Gallery Committee for about 22 years. She would design the invitations and prepare the small signs posted by the art telling the name and media. She was a talented artist who did wonderful pottery; in addition she designed a T-shirt for the Museum and helped with other designs. For several years she made small pottery pieces that sold in the Museum Store.

Whenever a Museum fundraiser was being planned, Mary was always there doing a great deal of the work. She helped cook for the Sue Byrd luncheons that the Museum held for several years. There was no job too large or small for her to tackle.

She was the “memory” of the Museum, and we could always count on her wonderful recall of events when we needed information. Her sharp mind was always there when we needed help. She also assisted the City of Ridgecrest by serving on the Planning Commission. She was a member for many years of the League of Women Voters. We miss her greatly, and we send our deepest sympathy to her family.

What’s New in the Store? The museum store is bustling again with new merchandise. Mary has been on three buying trips and brought back beautiful, one of a kind jewelry; sterling silver, exquisite turquoise earrings, rings, money clips, key rings, and stud earrings. New t-shirts are arriving every day, and petroglyph jackets (reversible) won’t last long as we head into fall. Also, new plush animals for the kids, more books for all ages and interests. Beautiful beaded badge holders for those of you wearing a badge to work and new handbags! Keep coming to the store as often as you can for the best selection.

We want to set up a communication tool to get Museum information out to you in a more timely manner. To enable us to do this, we ask that each of you, our members and anyone interested in the Museum’s events, provide us with your email address. As soon as we have your email address, you will be added to the e-blast

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list for information on Museum store specials and Museum events. To get placed on this email list, please send an email to Harris Brokke at matmus6@maturango.org.

This newsletter is published monthly by Maturango Museum of the IWV

100 E. Las Flores Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555 The Museum is open every day (except major holidays) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Businesses and Organizations Supporters • Contributors • Sponsors

Please support the businesses and organizations that support the Maturango Museum

Staff Harris Brokke, Executive Director Mary Lattig, Store Manager Sandy Rogers, Curator, Archaeology Elizabeth Babcock, Curator, History Camille Anderson, Curator, Natural

History Terry Ratcliff, Bookkeeper Fran Van Valkenburgh, Membership,

Petroglyphs Andrea Pelch, Gallery Coordinator Mary Adler, Bookkeeping Assistant Nora Nuckles, Education Coordinator Steve Benson, Museum Assistant Duane Rice, Museum Assistant Jessica Waid, Museum Assistant Andrea Pelch, Newsletter Editor

Volunteer Chairpersons

Dan Burnett and Susan Moore Co-Presidents, Docent League Fran Rogers, Chair, Concert

Committee Sandy Rogers, Chair, Lecture

Committee Janet Westbrook, Webmistress

Board of Trustees

Steven F. Boster, President Joleigh S. Rafalski, Vice President Ronald L. Atkins, Secretary Carroll L. Evans Jr, Treasurer Michael C. Baskerville Thomas L. Boggs Sherry L. Brubaker Daniel G. Burnett Leslie T. Layfield

ACE Cogeneration Company Albertsons - North Albertsons - South AltaOne Federal Credit Union Altrusa American Association of University

Women Ashley Furniture HomeStore Best Western China Lake Inn BevLen Haus Bed & Breakfast Boulder Creek RV Resort Carriage Inn Center Pharmacy Coldwell Banker Best Realty Comfort Inn Daily Independent DART Desert Area Teachers Association Desert Artist League Earth Industries, Inc. EconoLodge of Ridgecrest Elks, B.P.O.E. Lodge 1913 Exchange Club of Ridgecrest The Flower Shoppe Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resorts Goeppinger Cellular – AT&T Hampton Inn & Suites Heritage Inn & Suites High Desert Haven High Sierra Auto/Truck Repair Historical Society of the Upper

Mojave Desert Inland Adventurer IWV Charter Bus IWV Water District Jacobs Naval System Group, Inc. J.P. Gorman Welding Kiwanis Club KPartners Hospitality Group Kristy’s Restaurant KZIQ/KWDJ - Sunset Media Law Offices of Phyllis M. Hix The Library Press, Dr. Lorraine Blair Liberty Self Storage Lockheed Martin Lugo’s Grill Maddy’s Cottage McDonald’s

Mediacom Mojave Desert Bank Motel 6 New Directions Technologies, Inc. News Review Oasis Garden Club Optimist Club Owens Peak Group, Sierra Club PG&E PackWrap Business Center Gail Marie Petty, AAMS-Edward

Jones The Pizza Factory R.B. Sweeping Service Ridgecrest Area Convention and

Visitors Bureau Ridgecrest Automotive Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce Ridgecrest Moving & Storage/Atlas

Van Lines Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Ridgecrest Septic Service Roadrunner Trading Post Rotary Club of China Lake St. Ann Catholic School Sand Canyon Environmental

Education Program Santa’s Art Shop SASS Searles Valley Minerals Sears Hometown Store 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 Studio Eight The Swap Sheet TJ Frisbee Bicycles, Inc. Tokyo House TOSS Union Bank Vagabond Inn The Vintage Vault WACOM

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SOUTHWESTERN DESERT BATS CLASS October 1 – 3, 2010 Patricia Brown-Berry, Ph.D. will offer a class on Southwestern Desert Bats sponsored by

the Maturango Museum to be held at the Desert Studies Center (DSC) at Soda Springs (Zzyzx) south of Baker, California from the evening of October 1 until noon on October 3. She has taught this class (or variations) at the DSC for the past 27 years. Dr. Brown-Berry has conducted research on bats for the past 42 years, is a Research Associate at UCLA, and former Director of the Maturango Museum (1982-92). She currently consults with state and federal agencies on bat surveys and conservation issues, in particular with regard to abandoned mine closures. Bats are important components of the desert ecosystem, yet because of their nocturnal nature they are usually difficult to observe. This course will introduce the participants to the world of bats and to some of the techniques used by scientists to study these amazing mammals. Nightly field work will allow participants to use ultrasonic bat detectors and night vision equipment and to observe the mist-netting of wild bats (unless it’s windy). Diurnal lectures and videos will supplement the field experiences. Bring a field notebook, camp chair and flashlight (headlight preferred). A camera and binoculars are desirable.

Soda Springs (a.k.a. Zzyzx) has a rich history, with Native American petroglyphs in the vicinity. Subsequently, it served at times as a fort along the Mojave Road, railroad stop, and health spa under Dr. Curtis Springer before becoming part of the California State University Preserve system. The Desert Studies Center lies within the Mojave National Preserve. Throughout the year, the DSC hosts a variety of desert-oriented courses in several disciplines as well as scientific research. Students will stay in dormitory rooms with desks and bunk beds (students bring their own bedding and towel). If available, couples will be accommodated in bungalows with double beds. Other facilities include classrooms, library, laboratory, kitchen and restroom facilities, and a pool. The DSC is “off the grid” and power is by solar, wind and a back-up generator. The meals are provided by Eric, a gourmet chef. If you have special dietary needs, let us know in advance. You will enjoy your stay at this fascinating facility.

Cost of the program is $225/person and includes instruction, two nights’ lodging at the Center, a snack Friday evening and five meals beginning with breakfast on Saturday. A detailed itinerary will be sent upon registration. You can register by calling the Maturango Museum (760 375 6900) or through the website www.maturango.org. Enrollment is limited to 25 students.

There is a cancellation fee which is a $40 processing fee after September 1. For a cancellation after September 15, there is no refund unless medical or family emergency. However, if we can sell your space, we will refund all except the $40 processing fee.

Exclusive Tours & Maturango Museum present

Italy, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and the Passion Play, OBERAMMERGAU September 8 – September 22, 2010 15 Days

The centerpiece of this trip will be to attend the Passion Play at Oberammergau - in September of 2010. This fascinating cultural event occurs only once every ten years and involves the participation of the entire population of a small town in Southern Germany. Besides the play, areas in Austria, Italy, and the Czech Republic will be included. In these regions, we will visit Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Salzberg, including the Hallstatt Lake District, "Mad" King Ludwig's most famous castle at Neuschwanstein, Hitler's "Eagles Nest," at Berchtesgaden, Venice, Lake Como, and Milan. A detailed brochure is available: http://www.conceptio.cc/leo/. If you have any questions about this trip, please feel free to contact me, Leo Girardot at 760-375-8737 or Email: magics@ridgenet.net.

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Donations Desert Planters of Ridgecrest Jim and Elaine Janson Thomas and Caroline S. Maddock Burton and Ann Wagner In Memory of Mary Witcher Mary L. Adler John and Nancy Royer Elva Younkin In memory of Nan Bailey Elwood and Martha Smith Mrs. Ray Van Aken In memory of Jean Bennett Susan Hueber In Memory of Dolly Dillinger Sheila and Robert Rockwell In memory of Mary Lee McBride William B. McBride In memory of Rod McClung Thom and Toni Boggs - Building Fund James and Eleanor Campbell Robert Henry and Lee Foote Building Fund Thom and Toni Boggs Docent Programs Friends of the Kern County Library Friends of the Mojave Library Friends of the Ridgecrest Library Owens Peak Group A.K.A. Sierra Club for SEEP Tehachapi Friends of the Library Carroll Evans Handyman Fund Felice S. Plain Summer Appeal Anne Alpers Ian and Camille Anderson Linda Anderson Ken and Nani Banks Thom and Toni Boggs Phyllis L. Brock

Summer Appeal (continued) Lloyd Brubaker Sherlyn Brubaker Frank and Miriam Cartwright Tim Centola Paul Colter Mr. and Mrs. John Cox Eileen Dietz Carroll Evans Louise W. Feist Nancy George Norman and Suzanne George Gary and Carol Hewer Florence Joles Linda Klabunde Daniel T. Kus Phillip and Phyllis Lilly Phil and Arlyne Lopez Nora Nuckles and Family Terry Mitchell Pat Moore Owens Peak Group A.K.A. Sierra Club Clayton and Carolyn Panlaqui Mr. and Mrs. Bruno J. Pannuto Don Peterson Jacqueline H. Renne Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Rogers Melba and John Swenson John Ward Ken Wetzel and Pat Wharton Eleanor Winnemore Al and Joan Woodman Wildflower Fund Desert Empire District New Members Sharon Backman Mrs. Shirley Craver Dianne Dilley Susan Ernst Peggy Howes Joyce Koffman Norma J. Munson Imogene C. Parr Steven Porter/Carlene Cashdollar Debra Poteat June Wasserman Renee Whitman

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Calendar of Events September 2010

Tues., Sept. 7 – Docents meeting – 8:45 a.m. Fri., Sept. 10 – Reception in Sylvia Winslow Exhibit

Gallery for Folk Dance Exhibit – 7:00 p.m. Sat., Sept. 25 – Trip to McFarland Toll Road &

The Greenhorns Mon. Sept. 20 – Board of Trustees – 7:00 p.m. Tues., Sept. 21 – Art Gallery meeting – 9:00 a.m.

October 2010 Fri-Sun. Oct 1-3 Bat Class at Soda Springs Sat., Oct. 2 – Trip around Owens Lake Tues., Oct. 5 – Docents meeting – 8:45 a.m. Fri., Oct. 15 – Reception in Sylvia Winslow Exhibit Gallery

for the Open Studio Exhibit Mon., Oct. 18 – Board of Trustees – 7:00 p.m. Sat-Sun, Oct. 23-24 – Open Studio Tour

Fall Petroglyph Trips The fa l l schedule of Petroglyph trips, tour information and application as well as a sl ide show on the Petroglyph trips are now available on our website at www.maturango.org. The scheduled dates are also shown below. Sept. 18 & 19; 25 & 26 Oct. 2 & 3; 9 & 10; 23 & 24 Nov. 6 & 7; 13 & 14; 20 & 21 Dec. 4 & 5

Other Events which happen at the Museum that might interest you too...

• China Lake Astronomical Society meetings generally 7:30 p.m. 1st Mondays • China Lake Photographic Society meetings generally 7 p.m. 1st Thursdays • Owens Peak Group of the Sierra Club meetings generally 7:30 p.m. 4th Mondays; • Kerncrest Audubon Society meetings generally 7:00 p.m. 3rd Thursdays; • California Native Plant Society, Creosote Ring Subchapter of Bristlecone Chapter, 1st Wednesdays • Docent League presentations - brochure of topics available.

Docents meet 1st Tuesday of each month, 9 a.m. at the Museum. Have some spare time? Interested in becoming a docent for our Museum? Call for info.

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