Laura and Marvin Mausner
Sensory Garden Project
About Laura
Laura was a lifelong teacher, starting her career in New York City and then teaching pre-kindergarten in the Hackensack Public Schools and tutoring in Teaneck's Lowell School after retirement. She ran The Music Hour preschool from her home in the '60's and in later years taught cello, piano and music theory to students of all ages. Laura's love for TCC was evident in her many hours spent on the trails with hiking club friends.
About Marvin
Marvin’s work with the Witco Chemical Corporation included researching detergent ingredients that would minimize impact on waterways; in his last years with that company he did environmental reporting and process evaluations to adhere to EPA regulations. In retirement Marvin consulted with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection on early plans for the Meadowlands, was instrumental in the beginnings of the Hackensack River Greenway Advisory Board (formed in 1995), and was an active member of Teaneck’s Environmental Commission.
Together
Laura and Marvin moved to Teaneck in 1959 with their children Claudia and Dan, and have been longtime supporters of the Conservancy. They enjoyed a lifetime of hiking, camping, canoeing and cycling around the world.
Sensory Garden Project
The Sensory Garden will provide an interactive experience for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. For the first project students will design and build a Harmony Garden with “musical” instruments from natural and found materials. This eco-art project will be inspired by the surrounding Teaneck Creek watershed, working with natural materials similar to those found in this landscape such as reeds, bamboo, and clay; the instruments may include human-made or “found” objects from the grounds as well as thematically appropriate items from their homes. Native plants will be selected and planted within the Sensory Garden to surround the Harmony Garden within, and further enhance the sights, sounds, and smells in this setting.
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+ For Parents
WHAT THE SENSORY GARDEN PROJECT WILL MEAN TO YOUR CHILDREN
This school-based project will offer skill building and creative experimentation for middle school aged children in Teaneck. Working with their peers and with adult supervision they will create eco-art using a variety of materials, and will work collaboratively to design and assemble a Harmony Garden of constructed musical instruments. Youngsters will learn about native plants and gardening as the larger Sensory Garden is created, and about the Teaneck Creek Conservancy ecosystem. Students will earn the pride of creating a public space and the satisfaction of contributing to their community. And most important, involvement in this project will be fun!
+ For Teachers and Administrators
HOW THIS PROJECT TIES IN TO THE CURRICULUM
Middle school students will enjoy a unique, guided outdoor experience right in the neighborhood. Students engaged in the creation of the Sensory Garden will gain new skills and build competencies, earn the pride of creating a public space within walking distance of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural environment. Research has shown that exposure to nature experience offers children both learning and health benefits.
TCC's Sensory Garden project will build competencies for music and visual arts as stated in the NJ Visual and Performing Arts Standard for grades 5 and 8. In the classroom and on-site, younger students will cultivate ear training and listening through guidance by TJ teachers and visiting artists, and will have a chance to learn about elements of music such as pitch and vibrato. Older students will be introduced to specific musical traditions and try their hand at composition as they create eco-art objects. Students of all ages will explore elements of art and design, culture-specific expression, and even emotional communication through involvement in this project.
+ For Donors
WHERE YOUR DOLLARS WILL GO
The Sensory Garden project at Teaneck Creek Conservancy will meet NJ state music and art curriculum standards while encouraging students' creativity and inspiring an appreciation for nature, a feeling of responsibility for this local sanctuary, and a feeling of community through a shared project.
The Mausner family has agreed to provide up to $3,000 in matching funds for contributions to the Laura and Marvin Mausner Fund.
Funding can be offered for the overall Sensory Garden project or funds can be earmarked for specific components.
Teaneck Creek Conservancy is a 501 (c)3 Organization, all contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent as allowed by law.