Issue 35
November 2011
In This Issue

Entrance Fees to be Waived on Veterans Day Weekend

Member Reception on Luminaria Night

Senate Subcommittee Hearing Held in the Park

Free Lectures for November

STAFF FAVORITES: National Geographic’s “Mysteries in Our National Parks” series

Your Calendar Is (Almost) in the Mail

Quick Links

Your Calendar Is (Almost) in the Mail
Mesa Verde Association members look forward to this change of seasons if for no other reason than it’s the time of year they receive a coveted membership benefit: the beautiful “Ancient Civilizations” wall calendar. The 2012 edition will be mailed to all 1,800+ Association members this month, with our thanks for the vital support our members provide to both the Mesa Verde Foundation and the Mesa Verde Museum Association through this unique joint membership program.

Not sure if your membership is current? Call us at 970-529-4445 or 800-305-6053 and we’ll be glad to check for you!
The Mesa Verde Association is a joint membership program of the Mesa Verde Museum Association and the Mesa Verde Foundation. Your MVA membership supports both of these 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
 
The Mesa Verde Museum Association (tax ID 84-1404606) provides educational and interpretive material to visitors of Mesa Verde National Park through an active publishing program and the operation of retail bookstores online, in the park, and in Cortez, CO. Our services enhance the visitor experience and promote stewardship of Mesa Verde's world-renowned archeological resources and natural landscapes. Proceeds from all Association operations are donated to the park's interpretive, research, and education programs.

The Mesa Verde Foundation (tax ID 84-046967) funds capital improvements, projects, and educational endeavors for Mesa Verde National Park. Our projects include construction of a new Visitor and Research Center near the park's entrance and remodeling the existing Far View Visitor Center into a Tribal Cultures Center to enhance understanding of the connection between the Ancestral Puebloans and contemporary Native American tribes.
 
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Welcome to "Verde Views," the e-newsletter for Mesa Verde Association members and friends. This periodic publication will keep you informed about Association news and events, park happenings, new products and special sales.
Entrance Fees to be Waived on Veterans Day Weekend


Mesa Verde National Park will be joining national park units around the country as they waive entrance fees on Veterans Day Weekend in recognition of current and former servicemen and –women.

“In honor of veterans, entry to Mesa Verde National Park will be free on Veterans Day Weekend,” stated Cliff Spencer, Superintendent. “I encourage everyone to visit the places that our veterans have kept safe for us.”

All visitors who arrive at Mesa Verde National Park on Veterans Day Weekend, November 11-13, 2011, will be allowed free entry into the park. Regular entrance fees will be collected for any additional days spent in the park beyond Veteran's Day Weekend. In addition, the Mesa Verde Museum Association will be offering a very special promotional package that weekend in its Chapin Archeological Museum store. Proceeds from all MVMA store purchases support Mesa Verde National Park.

For more information about the waiving of fees at Mesa Verde National Park on Veterans Day, please call 970-529-4465. For information on NPS battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that commemorate the service of American veterans please visit the NPS web site at www.nps.gov/pub_aff/veterans/honor.htm. For information on visiting Mesa Verde National Park, please visit the park's web site at www.nps.gov/meve, or call 970-529-4465.

The fee free waiver does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations, tours and use of concessions. To find other national park sites near you, go to www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm

Member Reception on Luminaria Night


Mesa Verde Association members are cordially invited to a special free reception on Thursday, December 8, 2011! The evening of Mesa Verde’s annual free open house and luminaria lighting, we’ll be holding a special members-only reception to kick off the event. Plan to drop in to “Quarters One” (the historic superintendent’s house) between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time to meet park leadership and like-minded park supporters.

Please contact us by Monday, December 5 if you’ll be able to attend our special reception--call us at 970-529-4445 or 800-305-6053, or e-mail us at info@mesaverde.org. Not a member yet? It’s not too late to join! Call us or click here to sign up today.


Senate Subcommittee Hearing Held in the Park


The US Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks held a field hearing in Mesa Verde National Park on Saturday, November 5, 2011, with Senator Mark Udall, committee chairman, in attendance. Former Mesa Verde Foundation board member Jim Dyer was among those giving testimony. Read about the proceedings in this article, courtesy of The Durango Herald.

Free Lectures for November


Our free Four Corners Lecture Series programs conclude this year with:

November 15, 5:30 p.m., Fort Lewis College, 120 Center of Southwest Studies
Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Nez Denetdale
Title: “The Navajo Nation: Hastiin Ch’ilhajíní dóó Diné bi Naat’áanii Bahane’/Chief Manuelito and Diné leadership”

STAFF FAVORITES: National Geographic’s “Mysteries in Our National Parks” series


Cliff-Hanger: A Mystery in Mesa Verde National Park, Over the Edge: A Mystery in Grand Canyon National Park, and Ghost Horses: A Mystery in Zion National Park are all written by award-winning mystery writer Alane Ferguson and award-winning science writer Gloria Skurzynski. This real-life mother-daughter team visits each national park to do their research, then work together to craft thrilling tales that appeal to young readers. Our staff recommends them for children ages 8 and up. Once you get started, you’ll want to read the whole series! And at just $4.99 per title, these are quite affordable armchair adventures. There are at least a dozen titles in the series, but these are some of our favorites.

Click here to order yours today! As always, Mesa Verde Association members receive a 20% discount on all purchases when you order by phone or shop in our stores. Place your order today at 800-305-6053 or 970-529-4445. Not a member yet? It’s easy to join! Just click here or call us.
 
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