Bits and Pieces

Children’s Museum reports growth, outreach, and unique new exhibits 

At the April 2, 2025 Town Council meeting, Hillary Van Alsburg, Executive director of the Children’s Museum, delivered an update highlighting the museum’s continued growth and community outreach. She reported that over 31,000 people visited the museum at Tohono Chul in the past year, and nearly 3,000 attended the “Chillin at the Chul” program. Additional outreach brought activities to five Oro Valley parks, reaching nearly 200 children, and special events like “Hallow Halloween” and the Oro Valley 50th Anniversary Parade drew 1,800 participants. New educational features were introduced, including “Ready-Set-Explore” backpacks for garden exploration and monthly clay art sessions with professional artists. She also previewed upcoming additions such as an agriculture-themed play area, the La Comunidad pretend market space, and a new prickly pear exhibit—reportedly the only one of its kind in the world. Learn more about the Children’s Museum.

“Serving with Compassion—Not at the Expense of Neighbors”

Resident Vicki Tarris sent us thoughts regarding the OVCN proposed sanctuary height meeting. About fourteen church member spoke at the meeting.  

"I listened to the Town Council meeting on April 2, 2025. A lot of people from OVCN came to give testimonials on what OVCN means in their life.  I am really happy that so many people have found OVCN to meet their spiritual needs.

 

However, they implied that OVCN was the only church in town that offers children’s programs and helps the needy.

 

I am happy to say that I get a great deal of spiritual comfort from my own church.  We also have a very active children's program. We also feed the homeless. We also help the poor. We also have numerous ways that people can become involved.

 

However, the one way that my church differs from OVCN is that my church does not deliberately harm their neighbors!"

Solomon urged unity—if you agree with OVCN

Former town council member Steve Solomon spoke passionately in support of OVCN during the April 2 meeting. He described the church as “amazing” and shared how it had positively transformed his life. He expressed admiration for the church’s outreach and missions—specifically mentioning a woman he met at work who was going to Guatemala to teach women how to sew. Solomon emphasized the importance of kindness and community, saying, “We just need to love each other and be kind and get along.” 

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Heather's Corner: Children's Museum Is On Its Way To Oro Valley

Great news Oro Valley Parents and caregivers!

We are well on our way to having our very own children's museum right here and are officially one step closer as the location has been locked down.  Last week, the Town Of Oro Valley issued media release announcing that the Oro Valley branch of the Tucson Children's Museum will be at the Steam Pump Village Shops, 11015 North Oracle Road.

"We are pleased to have just signed a lease at the Steam Pump Village Shops, which brings us one step closer to our goal of opening the Children's Museum Oro Valley. We are excited to create a space that stimulates curiosity and motivates early learning for young children and their families. We're looking forward to the continued development of the Museum and are very grateful for the support and partnership from the Mayor, Council and Town of Oro Valley officials. We are proud to serve families with young children in Oro Valley and nearby communities with innovative and educational exhibits and programming," said Michael Luria, Executive Director of the Children's Museum Tucson.

Conception of the satellite location began in the winter of 2013 with talks between Mayor Hiremath and the Museum. The anticipated start-up costs are expected around $600,000, with one-third of the funds coming from the museum, one-third coming from the Town of Oro Valley, and the remainder from individuals and organizations from which the museum is actively seeking donors and partnerships.

The 3,000 square foot space will provide an opportunity for exploration and encouragement in the areas of health and wellness, art, literacy, and science-based activities and looks to open Spring 2015.

If the Tucson Children's Museum is any indication of it's potential success, we are looking at an educational environment that serves thousands of children and families yearly.

How happy are we to celebrate a new outlet for our children to learn and explore safely in an air-conditioned enclosed space? Bring it on summer heat of 2015! Stay tuned for updates.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)