Local businesses sponsor covered wagons for local history adventure
Story by Kay Ardenski, Special to the Daily Press
Left, Virgil and Armida Murphy from Hamilton Landon GMAC Realty, Tom Ardenski, owner of A.G.P. Evictions
Victor Valley businesses have 'jumped on the wagon' to supply third grade students the opportunity to experience the westward movement and learn about our local area history.
Wagons have been donated by the following businesses: Virgil Murphy, realtor for Hamilton Landon GMAC Realty in Apple Valley; Tom Ardenski, owner of A.G.P. Evictions; B. R. Tinsley, Real Estate & Construction; The Historic Apple Valley Inn, the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce; and Tim Baggerly, a Lewis Center volunteer, donated two wagons. It is businesses like these that make hands-on educational programs available to every child in the Victor Valley.
The Lewis Center for Educational Research will offer the "Trails West" program to students of the High Desert and beyond through its Local Outreach Department. Approximately 5000 students visit the Lewis Center each school year for various hands-on educational programs. Most of the programs are conducted in Mineral City, a simulated mining town, on the Mojave River Campus.
Seven of twelve wagons have already been sponsored at $200.00 per wagon. Business name and phone number is placed on each sponsored wagon. The Lewis Center is also looking for businesses to sponsor three log cabin kits that students will build once they reach their new 'settlement'. Each kit costs approximately $400.00.
Currently, the 4th grade California Gold Rush program is the Center’s most popular program where the day in the life of a miner is the focus. "Trails West" looks to be as popular. Volunteers from throughout the valley implement the Center's non-profit outreach programs.
The Lewis Center is accepting sponsorships from local businesses and volunteer applications. Volunteers do not need any experience, but enthusiasm is required. All sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Kay Ardenski, supervisor of the Lewis Center Local Outreach at 760-946-5414, ext. 276.
Those who would like to join our volunteer organization or have questions, please contact Laura Unferdorfer, Volunteer Coordinator, at 760-946-5414, ext. 277.
Used with permission by Daily Press, Freedom Communication, 2006