What's Happening at the Rancho? |
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Until regional health orders for museums change,
the Rancho remains
temporarily closed.
We will continue to follow government safety guidelines for museums to protect the health and wellbeing of our volunteers, staff, and visitors. We will communicate volunteer updates and provide virtual opportunities for volunteer enrichment in the coming weeks.
Let's stay connected! Fill out a short survey to let us know how you'd like to connect with the Rancho community while we are closed.
Be sure to check for Volgistics emails and Meanwhile Back at the Ranch e-news bulletins for updates. You can also check our website for details: rancholosalamitos.org.
Essential staff and some volunteers may continue to work on site maintenance and within the COVID-19 regulations.
Thank you for your continued support.
Stay safe so we can enjoy your company again soon!
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Being closed doesn't mean we're not staying busy! |
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In the first two weeks of January, the Moreton Bay Figs and other mature trees got pruned, staff began a spring-cleaning project in the Barns, and Duane is preparing to launch his e-commerce site (aka online gift shop).
We're also continuing to develop the virtual Tongva Tovaave 3rd-grade field trip with our Tongva Cultural Educators and offering live Footprints on the Land tours via Zoom to local 4th graders.
If that wasn't enough, the Education and Programs staff is also interviewing potential interns for several projects this year, we're conceptualizing the year in programming with purpose, and the Women's History Research Group is preparing their research to become a lively virtual tour! In short, we're staying very busy and making good use of this season.
Keep reading to learn more.
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Rancho Education, Curatorial, and Grounds staff are taking time to clean and organize the Stallion Barn and Dairy Barn storage areas. |
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The Rancho has accumulated a copious amount of non-collection baskets and continually encounters storage constraints.
Are you interested in rehousing some
of these interesting baskets in your own collection?
If so, please contact Ambyr, Katie, or Karen ASAP. The remaining baskets will be donated at the end of January.
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The Moreton Bay Fig Trees got their annual pruning! |
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(left) While pruning, several fruit trees emerged! Peach, Citrus, and Avocado trees were found and are now being nurtured and researched.
Crews from Bartlett Tree Trimming - the Rancho's longtime ally in tree care -
worked over several days to ensure our historic trees were well cared for (right).
Annual pruning helps keep these historic trees healthy!
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Janette White, Kaj Malmsten, and Dave Carroll
prepare for a virtual field trip about blacksmithing.
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Our School Docents have done amazing work this year, developing and perfecting the cutting-edge platform for
Footprints on the Land school tours.
The best part is that our Docents are
even having fun!
And, in the fall of 2020, we actually served more students than in the previous fall!
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We gladly welcome two new volunteer leaders
joining the VSC Steering Committee!
Cheryl Schwartz has joined the committee in a newly created position, as Greeter Representative. Because we want to properly recognize the vital role that our Rancho Center Greeters, Barnyard Roustabouts, and Garden Friends fill, it is important for volunteers in those capacities to enjoy representative leadership. In the coming months, Cheryl and the RLA Education team will be developing fun ways to engage and appreciate our wonderful Greeters!
Cindy Morlock is also joining the Steering Committee, as the newly appointed Volunteer Enrichment Representative. Enrichment includes fun and education, and in this role, Cindy will help the Steering Committee and Education and Programs staff come up with interesting volunteer programs and activities. Please don't hesitate to share your ideas with us.
Cheryl and Cindy will sit on the Steering Committee as liaisons between you, the volunteers, and the Rancho Staff and Foundation. Be sure to help us welcome them to the team!
Are you interested in joining the Steering Committee, too? We still have some position vacancies, including Public Programs and Docent Representatives. Contact Ambyr or VSC President Susan Bradley-Barta to learn more.
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CONCIERGE SHOPPING AT
THE RANCHO MUSEUM GIFT SHOP
Make a reservation for your half-hour private shopping experience.
Reservations are limited to family households only.
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Museum Gift Shop Hours
Wed. - Sun.
9:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Be Safe. Shop Small. Shop Local.
Our Museum Gift Shop is open with your safety in mind.
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or call (562)431-3541 to schedule your visit.
Find unique items and gifts for the home, garden, local history,
artisan food, and one-of-a-kind jewelry!
Deep Discounts on remaining Holiday Merchandise!
NOTE: The Rancho is following COVID-19 protocols to
ensure a safe shopping experience.
Proceeds from gift shop sales support our educational mission.
Thank you for supporting Rancho Los Alamitos.
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VOLUNTEER SCHEDULES
All dates are tentative!
If you were scheduled for a
shift this week (Jan 13-17)
please do not come to the Rancho.
We will reopen outdoor spaces to guests as soon as possible and will notify you when the Rancho plans to reopen.
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Save the Dates for 2021
VSC MEETINGS
9:30 am Saturday mornings
- February 20
- April 17
- June 19
- August 21
- October 16
- December 18
We will continue to meet virtually via Zoom until it is safe to meet in person again.
Please contact Ambyr if you would like to learn more about connecting via Zoom!
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The Rancho has a new phone service!
The new service is expected to be more reliable and prevent the
frequent interruptions we've experienced in the past.
The Main Office number is staying the same.
Please note the new staff extensions below so you can contact us easily after hours.
If you need to cancel a scheduled volunteer shift or have an urgent matter,
please contact the Rancho Office.
Please reach out to Ambyr or Katie with volunteer scheduling or activities inquiries.
If you have livestock questions or concerns, you may contact
the Ranch Office, Ambyr or Katie, or
Livestock and Grounds Manager, Karen Thompson.
Thank you for helping us inspire, educate, and engage our community!
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