Fall 2017 VAQ

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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

GOOSEBUMPS: THE SCIENCE OF FEAR OUR NEW CHANGING EXHIBIT

ANIMAL AMBASSADORS GETTING AN UP-CLOSE LOOK 1

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MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS HOURS OF OPERATION

9 –5 AM

PM

Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research and sustainable practices.

FALL 2017, VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 VAQ is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation located at 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

CONTACT INFORMATION (757) 385-0279 VirginiaAquarium.com Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com

DAILY ADMISSIONS PER MEMBERSHIP LEVEL INDIVIDUAL

FAMILY

INDIVIDUAL + 1

FAMILY + 1

At least one named cardholder must be present during each visit. Philanthropic membership is also available through our Giving Societies. Learn more at www.VirginiaAquarium.com/join.

EDITORS Matthew Klepeisz, Taylor Saunders ADVISOR Caryl Thompson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Laginestra CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Bernal, Barb Beverage, Karen Burns, Trish Carrier, Lynn Clements, Jason Congleton, Lisa Grigolite, Jennifer Hill, Matthew Klepeisz, Rachel Metz, Catherine Miller, Michael Mizell, Alexis Rabon, Shawn Reid, Jordan Salyers, April Strickland, Chris Witherspoon

We care about conservation VAQ is printed with soy-based inks on post-consumer recycled paper.

Please remember to recycle VAQ when you’re finished reading & sharing it.

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Hosting a holiday party?

Members receive a 10% discount on facility rentals. For more information on how you can book today, visit VirginiaAquarium.com.

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

HIGHLIGHTS

LYNN'S LINES

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Animal Encounters

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Changing Exhibit

ADVOCATING FOR OUR MISSION As you know, the mission of the Virginia Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the marine environment. We truly take that responsibility seriously! I know you are familiar with our on-site programs, our summer camps, and the many school programs we conduct, but did you know that we also educate our elected officials on the importance of our work?

Earlier this year, I visited the offices of Virginia Representatives Robert Whitman, Scott Taylor, and Bobby Scott, and Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, in Washington, D.C., as part of the annual Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Advocacy Day. My visit coincided with the release of the President's budget and the unfortunate news that many areas of federal grant funding for the Virginia Aquarium are at risk for budget cuts.

I was sure to share that our award-winning stranding response team responded to, and conducted necropsies on, five dead humpback whales this year alone. I reminded them that our research efforts rely upon federal, state, and local support. And, of course, I requested support from our congressional leaders for initiatives that support conservation, like the reauthorization of the Save Vanishing Species Semipostal Stamp whose funds support sea turtle conservation.

We take our mission very seriously, and I am very honored to represent the hard work of our talented and dedicated staff.

Yours truly,

Executive Director

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Up, Up & Away

Chesapeake Bay

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Event Guide

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Just for Kids

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Expert Q & A

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Volunteer Spotlight

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Support

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FISH FINATIC

CHAIN DOGFISH

Scyliorhinus retifer | Located by the shark exhibits

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Chain dogfish grow to be 18-19 inches in length.

Female chain dogfish lay pairs of eggs every 15-45 days, and lay 42-55 eggs per year. The egg cases are recognized by beach goers as “mermaids' purses.”

Chain dogfish usually live at depths of 180-750 feet, but can be found at 1,500 feet and deeper.

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The chain dogfish has biofluorescent properties. The fluorescent coloration on the shark’s body is visible to other chain dogfish, and can be seen by people with the help of a special light and lens.

Females can lay fertilized eggs in the absence of males, because they can store sperm from mating activities for up to 843 days.

FEATURE

COORDINATING A COLLECTION B Y R AC H E L M E T Z

At roughly 30 years old, the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium is one of the original exhibits from the Virginia Marine Science Museum. Though its former glory days as a depiction of aquatic life under the Bay Bridge have passed, we are excited because we are nearing the completion of a full makeover! When the exhibit is finished, visitors should expect to see new dĂŠcor, clearer sparkling waters, and interesting new fish.

But which fish? Clearly the aquatic life in the Chesapeake Bay is of vital importance to the Hampton Roads area; as such, we felt it important to keep within that theme, but there are about 350 species of fish found there – how do we choose?

The Chesapeake Bay has some pretty diverse ecological niches because of the influx of freshwater from watersheds and seawater from the Atlantic Ocean, so first, we needed to decide which part of the Bay we wanted to highlight in our exhibit. We settled on the waters of Kiptopeke State Park, a stunning and interesting park nestled on the Eastern Shore, and a popular area for boaters and fishermen.

After choosing the exact location to interpret, we gathered a team of directors, curators, veterinarians, aquarists, educators, life support engineers, and a few boaters and fishermen who work at the Aquarium to come up with a list of fish we would expect to see in the Kiptopeke area. The resulting list was still pretty long,

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so we narrowed it down by selecting species we expect will thrive in our Chesapeake Bay habitat. We also looked for species that demonstrate the diversity of fish found in the Bay, and those with interesting stories we can share with you. Some of the fascinating animals and stories include sea robins, which have flexible spines they use to “walk” along the bottom; flounders, who, as they mature from juveniles to adults have one eye migrate around one side of the body until both are on the same side of their heads; and black drum, one of the largest species found in the Bay, and also one of the loudest – they can vibrate their swim bladder to produce low-frequency sounds that can carry through the ground.

We also had to consider the dynamics of a group of fish living together and the importance of providing a safe home for them. The aquarium’s new décor will include a divider that separates larger fish from the smaller ones, so we can keep a more diverse group of animals. We also designed hiding spots for oyster toadfish and other species that like to lay low.

As you can see, we’ve put a lot of thought into the reimagining of this exhibit, from the animals to the décor.

We’re really excited about the upgraded Chesapeake Bay exhibit, and we hope you’ll visit to see our new residents when it reopens later this year!

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Black drum, one of the largest species found in the Bay, and also one of the loudest – they can vibrate their swim bladder to produce low-frequency sounds that can carry through the ground.

ANIMAL FEATURE

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

BY KAREN BUR N S

Every day, visitors to the Virginia Aquarium have the opportunity to meet a variety of reptiles, birds, and furry mammals. These are our Animal Ambassadors, and they are an important part of the daily programs conducted in Conservation Station, Changing Exhibits Gallery, and the Marsh Pavilion. These programs offer guests a chance to take a closer look at and, in many cases, touch an animal they might not otherwise encounter.

Presentations with live animals are ways to foster an appreciation for the sometimes scary (or not-so-cuddly) critters, by learning about their natural behaviors and the important roles they play in their native habitats. Animal Ambassador Programs also provide guests a way to connect with nature in a safe environment.

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At the Marsh Pavilion, guests can meet a screech owl, a barred owl, or even a turkey vulture! What a fantastic way to gain an appreciation for these amazing birds by seeing them up close and personal.

Guests can also talk with the educators and the staff who care for these animals daily. In Conservation Station, guests can meet staff favorite Zula, a blue tongue skink, or Bernie, an Egyptian uromastyx. Encounters with these large, long-lived lizards provide a valuable way to engage and educate audiences of all ages.

We also have many species of snakes in our Animal Ambassador collection. Snakes generally elicit a sense of fear with many people, and conducting presentations with snakes of all sizes provides educators an opportunity to dispel myths that are frequently associated with these animals. Seeing the look on a guest’s face after they have touched a snake for the first time, or their smile when they realize they have overcome their fear, is a very powerful moment.

Once we, as educators, can help break down those barriers, guests are more interested and willing to learn about the animal and thereby gain an appreciation for them. Our Animal Ambassador Programs provide the powerful moments that make an impact and inspire all of us to conserve and appreciate nature.

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A CHANGING EXHIBIT THAT HIGHLIGHTS WHY FEAR EXISTS

By Matthew Klepeisz Fear is one of the most powerful and natural responses in the living world, and it can make you react physically, emotionally, and socially! With Halloween and scary movies right around the corner, now is the perfect time to learn about the science behind this powerful emotion.

Are you scared of animals? Or would you be willing to get zapped by a jolt of electricity?

Does a loud thump in the night send you flying under the covers? Why are you scared of these things, and what does your body do in reaction to them?

Learn all about fear at the Aquarium’s newest changing exhibit, Goose Bumps: the Science of Fear!

You will be able to face your biggest fears in the Fear Challenge Course, featuring the Fear of Animals Room, the Fear of Electric Shock Room, the Fear of Loud Noises Room, and the Fear of Falling. Each one will allow you to feel the anticipation of the event, the reaction to the event, and an opportunity to think about what happened.

As you continue, you can meet Mr. Goose Bumps, a larger than life figure that uses interesting and fun animations to show how

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the brain and body work together to respond to danger. These interactive experiences will help you delve even deeper into the brain systems and pathways activated by fear, and allow you to learn about the cutting edge emotion research being done around the world!

Goose Bumps: the Science of Fear also features a chance to see how your facial expressions change with fear. Faces of Emotion explores these expressions using an experimental software program that tries to analyze and identify your facial expressions.

Or, if you’re feeling extra bold, check out the Fear Theater! With a live demo that focuses on the process of fear conditioning, you will learn how scientists measure fear responses in laboratory settings and watch a brief video about the interaction between our collective fears and entertainment, history, and culture.

Now that you’ve been thoroughly scared, learn the way fears change over a lifetime and how people are helping children deal with their fears!

FEAR IN THE WILD

“But you’re an Aquarium. Why aren’t you talking about animals?” Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about our furry, slimy, and scaly friends! Goose Bumps includes Fear in the Wild, an exploration of how animals survive in their natural environment through adaptations, defense mechanisms, and more.

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SEE IT IN PERSON

Some of the animals at the Aquarium have distinct and interesting adaptations for survival. One of the most interesting is the octopus, located in the Bay & Ocean Pavilion. Sometimes you can see it, sometimes you can’t.

That’s because the octopus can change color to match its surroundings! Or, take a look at the cownose rays in the ray touch pool. These docile animals have a great self-defense mechanism. Each one has a barb on its tail that can be used in the event of an attack. Or how about a puffer fish that inflates to look like a larger fish.

With so many opportunities to learn about animal adaptations, Goose Bumps is sure to be a hit!

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PROGRAM& EVENTS GUIDE

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2017 | DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE

SPECIAL EVENTS Special events are free with admission, unless otherwise noted.

Fairy Farewell September 1 | 9:30am–11:30am Enjoy activities and refreshments as we say goodbye to the Nature Play Place fairies as they return to the forest until next year.

NATURE PLAY PLACE

Mentoring Young Scientists Info Night September 15 | 5:30pm

Commotion in the Ocean October 7 | 8–11pm Sample delicious food, browse the silent auction, and enjoy dancing and entertainment. All proceeds benefit the Virginia Aquarium Foundation. Visit our website for tickets.

$125 per ticket BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Monster Madness & Creepy Creek Dress in your Halloween best and join us for an evening of family friendly activities. And for those who dare, explore Creepy Creek!

Volunteer Open House

Climate & Weather Weekend

Fall E-cycling September 30 | 9am–12pm

Saturdays & Sundays | November 25 through December 24 | 11am

Visit our website for a list of items accepted, including household hazardous waste.

EAST PARKING LOT

Watch Santa dive with resident sea life like our zebra shark and colorful tropical fish.

RED SEA AQUARIUM

What is Fear?

Sundays with Santa

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Every Tuesday | 10am, 11am & 12:30pm Bring your little ones for this ageappropriate program that includes story time, songs, and activities.

MARSH PAVILION

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

November 11–12 | 11am–3pm

After you check out our new exhibit, join us in the classroom to learn more about the science of fear and why we fear the unknown!

CLASSROOM

Toddler Tuesdays

$10 Members | $12 Non-Members

Learn about volunteer opportunities and meet department representatives who will be available to answer your questions and take applications. Youth, adult, and internship positions are available.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

September 30 & October 1 | 9:30am–1pm

These specially designed programs help encourage life long learning and are included with admission.

October 27 | 6–9pm

Do you know a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader who is enthusiastic about science? Join us for the Mentoring Young Scientists information session.

MARSH PAVILION

September 21 | 4pm–6pm

TODDLER PROGRAMS

Guests will learn the role that the ocean plays in our planet’s changing climate and weather systems.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

SCUBA Santa

November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 24 | 12–3pm Join Santa and his elves for festivities and fun activities.

MARSH PAVILION

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Toddler Trek Every Thursday | 10am & 11am Join us for an exploration session for early learners to discover a new animal, color, and shape through fun outdoor activities. Takes place inside during inclement weather.

MARSH PAVILION

Puppet Shows September 19, October 17, November 21 10am, 11am & 12:30pm On the third Tuesday of every month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany our story time.

MARSH PAVILION

S.T.E.A.M.

BEHIND THE SCENES SEA ADVENTURES

Geared for ages 3–7 and focused on integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Reservations required. Call (757) 385–0278 or email programs@virginiaaquarium.com to register. $7 Members; $9 Non-members

Go beyond the Aquarium glass for a closer look. Reservations required by noon the day of the program. Book online or call (757) 385-FISH. Some age and height restrictions apply. Must be able to climb stairs.

Virginia Aquarium boat trips engage adults, families and student groups in coastal marine ecology by providing opportunities to observe dolphins, whales, and other marine life in their natural habitat. Sightings not guaranteed.

Are You Talking to Me?

Sea Turtles

Dolphin Discoveries

September 6 & 13 | 3:30–4:30pm

Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 1pm

Through October 31

Learn the different ways animals communicate while creating a lightning bug that lights up using an L.E.D. light.

DISCOVERY ROOM | MARSH PAVILION

Go above the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium to observe aquarists conducting a feeding and behavioral training session with the sea turtles. 45 minutes.

The Heart of the Matter

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

September 20 & 27 | 3:30–4:30pm Create a working heart model while learning why blood is so important and how it moves through the body.

DISCOVERY ROOM | MARSH PAVILION

Sink or Float October 4 & 11 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us for buoyancy experiments, learn how animals stay afloat in the water column, and create a shark that does not sink.

DISCOVERY ROOM | MARSH PAVILION

$15 Members | $20 Non-members

Take an unforgettable 90-minute excursion exploring for Virginia’s most common and charismatic marine mammal, bottlenose dolphins!

$20 Members | $22 Non-members AQUARIUM BOAT DOCK

Above & Beyond Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday | 12:30pm Tour selected service areas for a peek at the “inner workings” of a public aquarium and find out how we care for our fish and other marine animals. 45 minutes.

$15 Members | $20 Non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

That Gives me Goosebumps October 18 & 25 | 3:30–4:30pm Discover what animals do when they are afraid. Then, build a stethoscope to learn what happens to our bodies when we are scared.

DISCOVERY ROOM | MARSH PAVILION

Erosion November 1 & 8 | 3:30–4:30pm

Ocean Collections September 23 & October 14 | 9am This 75 minute cruise, led by Aquarium educators, allows participants to collect and observe a variety of local fish and invertebrates up close and personal.

$20 Members | $22 Non-members AQUARIUM BOAT DOCK

Join us for activities to learn about erosion and experiment to find out the best ways to combat erosion in different environments.

DISCOVERY ROOM | MARSH PAVILION

Bright Light, Bright Light!

November 15 & 29 | 3:30–4:30pm Learn how animals have adapted to living in the dark while creating an angler fish with a working light-up lure.

DISCOVERY ROOM | MARSH PAVILION

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JUST FOR KIDS

EAR? F S I T A H W Family Activity How can you tell when you or others are scared?

When we are frightened, our brain sends a “fight or flight” message to our body to make sure that we are prepared to react appropriately to the frightening situation. Let’s learn about one way our body prepares itself.

What You’ll Need Scissors Plastic funnel Duct tape

Cardboard tube from a paper towel roll Time piece that counts seconds

What Happened?

Set-up: Place the narrow end of the funnel into the cardboard tube and secure with duct tape. Make sure to completely secure where the edge of the cardboard tube touches the funnel so there are no gaps or spaces.

Use the stethoscope you have just built to measure a friend or family member’s resting heart rate. To measure the person’s resting heart rate,

DIDYO KNOW

place the funnel end of the stethoscope on the person’s chest near their heart and press your ear to the open end of the cardboard tube. While listening to their heart, count how many times it beats in one minute. Repeat measuring the person’s heartbeat when they are frightened. To find a safe, but slightly frightening, situation to complete the experiment you could visit the Aquarium’s new Goose Bumps exhibit.

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The resting heart rate of a person is slower than the heart rate of a person that is frightened. When we are frightened, our brain sends a message to our body to make sure the body is in tip-top shape to protect itself if need be. When scared your heart rate increases, to provide more blood and thereby oxygen to your muscles and brain to keep them running optimally.

Beavers tell their friends there is danger by slapping their tail on the water to sound the alarm!

...or we might freeze and stand still just like an opossum does when it is playing dead!

Sometimes we show fear just like animals do!

We might throw-up like a vulture does when it is trying to get away from a predator...

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FAN PHOTOS

SEND US YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE AQUARIUM The top picks will be included in VAQ. Send a max of 3 high resolution jpeg files to VAQmag@VirginiaAquarium.com. Sending photos grants the Virginia Aquarium the right to use the photos in promotional materials. Please limit attachments to 10MB per email.

Erupting Volcanoes Nicole King

Max & Teman Peggy Harding

Meeting Mermaids Amanda Underwood

Mackenzie

Mindy Stolworthy

Thumbs Up for Divers Ashley Scifres

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Mallory Clark

EXPERT Q & A

JASON CONGLETON Executive Chef for Sodexo What do you do for the Aquarium?

I am the Executive Chef for Sodexo at the Virginia Aquarium.

What is an average day like?

Most days are spent preparing food for our guests and staff. A large part is also preparing and executing special event catering functions, keeping our mission of sustainability at the forefront of our menus. This is especially important to me because my family and I enjoy the beach, sea life, and the ocean and we want to ensure that it’s healthy for future generations.

What do you like best about your work & why?

I love being able to cook as a profession. I love taking something that is fresh, enhancing its natural flavor, and turning it into a dish that our guests enjoy. Teaching our visitors that they can cook and eat invasive fish, which include blue catfish, lionfish, and snakehead, that endanger our local fish population, and they taste great, is especially rewarding.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

The hardest part is trying to fit everything in every day.

What advice would you offer to someone interested in this career?

It is a very demanding profession but can also be a very rewarding one. You have to have a serious passion for what you do, and be prepared to give the time and energy to perfecting your craft as a culinarian.

What is your favorite animal at the Aquarium?

The lobster. For some reason we connect on a certain level.

What is your favorite experience while working at the Aquarium?

There have been many great experiences during my time here, but my favorite is the Sensible Seafood Fest. Our team has won two People’s Choice Award, a Judge’s Award for Best Presentation, and the Award for Most Sustainable Dish. This goes a long way to say to our guests that we are serious in our partnership with the Aquarium and the Sensible Seafood program, and that’s what is important.

Jason and his team won the Most Sustainable Dish at this year's Sensible Seafood Fest. The dish was "Coastal Chicken & Waffles" with Crispy Virginia Blue Crab Fritter, Citrus Remoulade, Island Mousse, Mini Waffle Cone -- a 100% edible & sustainable dish.

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MONSTER MA DNESS OCTOBER 27 | 6 PM–9PM

Dress in your Halloween be st and join us a puppet sho for games wit w, encounters h prizes, with the Aqu arium’s creep and other fam ie s t creatures, ily-friendly ac tivities PLUS a Room on the screening of Broom, includ e d w ith admission A paying adul t must accom . pany children.

For reservat ions call Gue Children 2 & st Services at under are fre e.

757-385-FISH . $12 for nonmembers.

$10 MEMBERS Looking for more of a scare?

CREEPY CREEK INCLUDED WITH MONSTER MADNESS ADMISSION

If you dare, head outside and brave the Creepy Creek for a more intense Halloween experience. Walking along the haunted trail, you will soon discover that you are not alone. The residents of the forest will be sure to greet you and make sure that your walk is anything but relaxing.…

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Members get a

10% discount on photo packages

Movie Favorites RETURN TO THE BIG SCREEN Members $5 | Non-Members $7.95 Room On The Broom October 28 & 29 | Times Vary

Frozen 3D November 25 | 6:30pm

Elf December 2 | 6:30pm

A Christmas Story

Polar Express

December 15 | 6:30pm Free Member-Exclusive Event December 17 | 4pm Free Member-Exclusive Event December 20–23 | 4pm December 24 | 2pm

December 16 | 6:30pm

For more information & tickets visit VirginiaAquarium.com/visit/movies

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Michael Bates

BY S H AW N R E I D

Michael Bates has been an Aquarium volunteer since March 2016. In just that short time, the native Australian who relocated from Washington, D.C. to Virginia Beach, has found his experiences with the Stranding Response Program both “awesome” and “gratifying!” Michael is retired, but after moving to Virginia Beach, he saw the stranding signs on the pier at Little Island, and believed he could make a positive difference while supporting our marine environment.

You can find him at the Stranding Center on Wednesdays, or spending time with his soul mate Patty or having a mango cup at Sweet Frogs with his granddaughters!

For information about volunteering, call (757) 385-0274 or visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com/volunteer

IN OUR HANDS Plastic is now found in almost every marine habitat on Earth, and we’re producing more than we can sustainably manage.

We have committed to reducing single-use plastic & you can too. By using reusable bags, bottles, and straws, you can help our oceans become a safer home for marine life.

Visit www.OurHands.org.

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FEATURE

UP, UP & AWAY

BY JENN Y HI LL

Recently, the Virginia Aquarium developed a program that taught our early learners the importance of conservation, while empowering them to take action. We ran a few practice classes and were encouraged by the successes we saw. During the programs, children were thinking creatively, developing fine motor skills, and learning ways to take care of the environment. Building on these early successes, we are excited to launch our newest Early Learners program: UPCycling.

We’re finding that this program helps to break down conservation messages into attainable goals...

During each UPCycling program, children will craft a purposeful item using recyclable and non-recyclable materials. Recently, we recycled plastic straws to create a hand-held marble maze.

With it, we learned about food chains and what happens when plastics accidentally enter our own food chain. We’re finding that this program helps to break down conservation messages into attainable goals, like using fewer straws, which children can accomplish on their own.

If you would like to join the UPCycling fun, advanced registration is required. $7 for Aquarium members; $9 for non-members.

For more information or to register, call (757) 385-0278 or email programs@virginiaaquarium.com

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STARTING THIS FALL UPcycling programs will be offered on

September 12 & 26 October 10 & 24 November 14 & 28 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in the Discovery Room of the Marsh Pavilion for our 4-10 year old guests.

SUPPORT

OUR WORLD, OUR OCEAN PRESERVING, PROTECTING & EDUCATING

BY APRIL STR I CKLA N D

As a member, you’re getting a sneak peek into our future plans. And we’ve got big ones!

Imagine being surrounded by a pulsating frenzy of jellies, and then coming eye to eye with a giant Pacific octopus, all in a completely renovated Marsh Pavilion. Now picture yourself learning about the properties of water – while you splash and play in it! Animal ambassadors will delight visitors in a new outdoor theater, and aspiring veterinarians will watch in awe as Aquarium animals are cared for right in front of them. Sea turtles and marine mammals will be rehabilitated in a new state-of-the-art facility dedicated to their care. New and exciting animals, exhibits, and facilities are on the way for your aquarium.

Watch for an exciting announcement in October!

For more information call (757) 385-0262.

Top: The renovated Marsh Pavilion will be home to new animals!

Bottom: Rescued sea turtles will be treated in a state-of-the-art facility.

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THANK YOU TO OUR PHILANTHROPISTS! Contributions from April - June 2017 | To donate visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean

*Gifts of $250 or greater are listed. To see a complete list of contributors, visit VirginiaAquarium.com

SOCIETY MEMBERS James Randolph Bellamy, Jr. Dale & Barbara Darr Jennifer Harris Colleen Roach Larkin Julie Nguyen Cathryn Perry Kittipong Prakalapakorn Brian Reynaldo Barbara Unkle DONORS* Anonymous Beach Chemical & Paper Company Benevity Community Impact Fund Alexander & Eleanor Campbell CFC of South Hampton Roads Floyd E. Kellam Jr. Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Thomas E. & Julie B. Fraim, Jr. Meeta Gupta Hoffman Beverage Company Clarence A. Holland Johnson Electric Company Junior Virginia Beach Garden Club Ellen Keeter Wiley Mitchell Mythics Kathryn O’Hara PRA Group Christopher Rusbuldt Wasserhund Brewing Company Wells Fargo Foundation Corporate Matching Gifts ExxonMobil Foundation Norfolk Southern SunTrust Foundation 2017 GOLF CLASSIC Title Sponsor PRA Group 19th Hole Sponsor Hoffman Beverage Company Beverage Carts Sponsor Noah Enterprises, Inc. 22

Chipping Game Sponsor Taylor’s Do-It Center Closest to the Pin Sponsor Optima Health RK Auto Driving Range Sponsor Tidewater Home Funding Golf Cart Sponsor Summs Skip and Collateral Solutions Putting Green Sponsor The Fain Family Hole in One Sponsors Beach Ford Norfolk Marine Lunch Sponsor Lionheart Limited Dinner Sonsor Black Angus Restaurant Hole Sponsors 360 IT Partners Capital Concrete Hampton Roads Financial, LLC Clarence A. Holland Marathon Consulting, LLC Dr. Thomas O’Hara, DDS & Dr. Patrick Grube, DDS Olympia Development Corporation TR & Kathleen Reed Sinnen-Green & Associates Tidewater Fleet Supply Virginia Beach Travel & Tourism Foundation Web Teks Wolcott, Rivers, Gates 2017 SENSIBLE SEAFOOD FEST Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank Clam Level Sponsors Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy Bob & Leslie Fort Hoffman Beverage Company, Inc. PRA Group Tidewater Home Funding The Williamsburg Winery Shrimp Level Sponsors Beach Municipal FCU Hap & Becky Chalmers Clear Springs Food, Inc. Fraim Family Foundation

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Gold Key I PHR High Liner Foods, Inc. H.M. Terry Company Anne G. Kellam Noah Enterprises The Oceanfront Inn Dr. Thomas O’Hara & Dr. Patrick Grube Sam Rust Seafood In-Kind Support Cavalier Sportswear Natural Organic Process Enterprises (NOPE) O’Connor Brewing Co. Sodexo at the Virginia Aquarium TFC Recycling Whitlock The Williamsburg Winery 2017 BREWS CRUISE SERIES Presenting Sponsor Lager Heads Supporting Sponsors Hoffman Beverage Company O’Connor Brewing Co. TRIBUTE GIFTS In Honor Of Brandon McConnell Douglas “Bo” McConnell Katie O’Hara’s Birthday Benjamin & Constance Klemanowicz TJ O’Hara’s Birthday Benjamin & Constance Klemanowicz Christina Trapani Craig Grube In Memory Of Kayo & Lynn Barco Betty G. Barco Gig Grube Craig Grube

M U I R A U Q A A I N VIRGI VENT

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RKIN E A S T P A B E A C H , VA

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F O R D E TA I L S , V I S I T VIRGINIAAQUARIUM.COM

FALL SAVINGS ROUGH DECEMBER NOVEMBER TH

PURCHASE OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP...

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40% OFF COUPON GOOD FOR AQUARIUM STORE PURCHASES OR FUTURE MEMBERSHIPS. Coupon received with membership cards.

FALL 2017 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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717 GENERAL BOOTH BLVD VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451 (757) 385-FISH VirginiaAquarium.com A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums, and World Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

Postmaster: Please deliver by September 30, 2017

Aquarium Connection’s 15th Annual Fundraiser

IN THE Presented by Capital Group

OCTOBER 7 | 8–11pm Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach

TICKETS $125 | VIP TICKETS $225 BLACK TIE PREFERRED Cocktails & Appetizers | Silent & Live Auctions Games & Live Music | Exclusive Demos

TO PUCHASE TICKETS Call 757-385-4549 or visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com Proceeds benefit the Virginia Aquarium's mission based programs 24 VIRGINIA AQUARIUM

QUARTERLY | FALL 2017