Fall 2019 VAQ

FA L L 2 0 1 9

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly Member Magazine

THE PALM OIL INDUSTRY LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP TOMISTOMA CROCODILES FALL 2019 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS HOURS OF OPERATION

9 –5 AM

CONTACT INFORMATION (757) 385-0279

PM

VirginiaAquarium.com Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com

Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas

DAILY ADMISSIONS PER MEMBERSHIP LEVEL The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science

INDIVIDUAL

FAMILY

INDIVIDUAL + 1

FAMILY + 1

Center’s mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research and sustainable practices.

FALL 2019, VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4 VAQ is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center located at 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Laginestra

MEMBERSHIP PERKS Behind-the-Scenes Sea Turtles | $15 Above & Beyond | $15

$

Discounts Cafe | 10% off Aquarium stores | 10% off Additional admission tickets | $18 & $12

Cardholder must be present during each visit. Want to increase the impact of your membership?

Visit VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean and make a gift to the Aquarium Fund today.

COPY EDITORS Matthew Klepeisz, Taylor Saunders ADVISOR Caryl Thompson CONTRIBUTORS Alex Costidis, Alexis Rabon, Ashley Beerbroer, Barbara Beverage, Colin Walker, Evan Culbertson, Hales Parcells, Jenny Hill, Julie Levans, Karen Burns, Karolyn Walker, Leslie Clements, Matt Klepeisz, Mike Mizell,

Presented by Capital Group

Suzanne Savage, Taylor Saunders, Tanya Will, Trish Carrier

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

Night life with the Sea Life

October 5 | 8pm-12am At the Virginia Aquarium Music by The Deloreans!

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

Must be 21 years or older to attend.

Purchase your tickets today at www.VirginiaAquarium.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Upcoming Events Join us this fall!

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Outreach Programs

Palm Oil

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Species Survival Plans

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How is the palm oil industry impacting Tomistoma crocodiles?

Our Rays are Trained Too! | Our rays experience daily training.

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Programs & Events Guide | You won't want to miss these!

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Humpback Whale Unusual Mortality Event There have been an unusual number of humpback whale strandings.

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Kid's Page | Learn about creepy critters in your backyard!

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Employee Spotlight | We have TWO Aquarium employees that recently received awards.

On the cover Sommer the Tomistoma crocodile.

Photo by Wendy Nelson.

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Upcoming Events Night at the Aquarium Presented by Capital Group October 5 | 8pm-Midnight $75 General Admission $125 VIP Shark Lounge Tickets Night Life with the Sea Life! Join us for an exciting night of food, drink, and dancing with the Deloreans!

Enjoy a “taste of Virginia Beach� from local restaurants, get to know an animal ambassador, meet mermaids, see SCUBA divers, and play casino games. Proceeds from this 21 & over event will equip the all-new Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center with sea turtle rehabilitation systems. Dress is resort casual.

General admission includes two drink tickets.

Tickets to our VIP Shark Lounge include general admission, and access to the Shark Lounge featuring an open bar, lounge seating, and our resident sharks Tickets available at VirginiaAquairum.com.

Halloween at the Aquarium October 25 | 6pm $9.95 Members, $15.95 Non-Members Bring a trick or treat bag and come dressed in your Halloween best for an evening of games, prizes and spooky entertainment throughout the building and on the on the Marsh Loop. For a more intense, haunting, thrill, check out the frights and ghastly sights in the theater!

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children 2 and under are free. Adults only are also welcome.

Registration recommended. To purchase tickets, visit VirginiaAquarium.com.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2019

Our Rays are Trained Too!

By Evan Culbertson At the Virginia Aquarium, training our animals has numerous health and wellness benefits that are vital to their daily life.

Among them are stress reduction and enrichment, physical and mental stimulation, the ability to monitor food consumption rates and amounts, ease of data collection during veterinarian procedures, medication administration, ensuring safety of the animals and staff, as well as less-invasive medical monitoring.

Understanding the natural history of individual species is key when creating training plans. In many instances, training certain behaviors can look very similar across different species due to their behavioral characteristics.

"Conti nu behavi ed or h a s p ro a l t r a i n i n g ve n t o be a ve r y i mp o r t an to o l i n ma i n t a t in o p t i ma l w e l f a i ng re. . . "

We have found the greatest response and most successful outcome when we utilize positive reinforcement training. In this approach, the desired behaviors are rewarded and behaviors we don’t want are ignored. Once an animal gives the desired behavior, it is given a “cue� which allows it to learn that this is the behavior we want. The animal then receives a reward. Rewards can vary but typically a highly-prized food item is used and incorporated into the training sessions.

Our spotted eagle rays experience daily training sessions that include base behaviors. We work with them on a weekly basis to encourage more advanced behaviors. One of the most unique behaviors we encourage is tonic immobility. This is the process of rotating the animal so its underside is visible. This behavior is useful for many reasons including its known calming effect, which could reduce stress during handling. This behavior is helpful during veterinarian procedures when certain data collection requires the animal to be calm and still.

Continued behavioral training has proven to be a very important tool in maintaining optimal welfare and wellness in a collection of animals, and we are proud to work with many of our animals on these types of behaviors!

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e h t f o s t The effec

l i O m l Pa y r t s u d in n do a c u o y t a h w &

hew

By M a t t

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2019

Klepeis

z

Palm oil is an oil produced from the fruit of the palm plant. It is one of the most widely produced vegetable oils on the planet, and consumption of palm oil has increased precipitously every year. According to Conservation International, consumption has grown from over 34 million metric tons in 2005/2006 to more than 70 million metric tons in 2018/2019. The increased consumption of palm oil can be attributed to several factors, including its use as a good alternative to trans-fats and governmental policies banning artificial trans-fats in the United States, Canada, and other countries.

continued

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Because it is used as an alternative to trans-fats, palm oil can be found in ice cream, candy, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, hair care, soap, and in other products.

Palm oil is grown mostly in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia and Malaysia leading the way in production. Over 80% of the world’s palm oil was grown in Indonesia or Malaysia in 2018. Because of the increase in consumption and the disproportionate distribution of production areas, vital habitats are being destroyed to make room for palm oil plantations. These non-sustainable plantations are impacting critical habitats for orangutans, elephants, tigers, sun bears, rhinos, and, close to our team’s heart, the Tomistoma (false gharial) crocodiles. The deforestation and burning of peat swamps is one of the biggest challenges facing these species in their native habitat.

The good news is that you can help.

Palm oil can be, and is, sustainably produced and sourced by several high profile companies. As a consumer, you can purchase sustainably sourced palm oil products. Don’t know where to start? No problem.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has compiled a robust list of Orangutan-Friendly Products, based on companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). From chocolates and candies to barbeque supplies like condiments, chips, buns, and more, you can find plenty of sustainably-sourced palm oil products on your local store’s shelves.

Together, we can help protect the habitats of our favorite species, including the Tomistoma crocodiles we love so much.

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a m o t s i m To y d n a C y l iend Fr

Excellent: Hershey's: Twizzler's, Reese's, Almond Joy, Mr. Goodbar, Heath Bars, Jolly Ranchers, Whoppers

Mars: Snickers, Twix, M&M's, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, Dove Wrigley: Skittles, Life Savers, Starburst Monelēz International: Sour Patch Kids, Toblerone, Cadbury, Nabisco Cookies

Justin's: Peanut Butter Cups

Good: Kraft: Caramels, Fudgies Ghirardelli Chocolate: Chocolate bars, Chocolate squares, Chocolate covered nuts

Lindt: Truffles, Chocolate Bars, Chocolate covered buts

Needs Improvement: Haribo: Gummy Candy Nestle: Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Crunch Bar, Smarties Wonka: Sweetarts, Bottle Caps, Laffy Taffy, Nerds, Pixy Sticks, Goobstoppers, Fun Dip

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's OrangutanFriendly Halloween Candy List 2018

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CHANGE OUR ACTIONS

THE CHALLENGE:

Use recycled soda bottles as Halloween candy holders.

WHY:

e Member Exclusiv FREE Showing December 21 | 6pm Wear your favorite pajamas & enjoy a showing of the holiday classic, Polar Express! Seating is limited and reservations required by calling 757-385-3474 option 3. Reservations start November 14.

Not only are you re-using a single-use plastic, you're being creative too!

Don't forget to wear your favorite pajamas!

The Aquarium will be a toy drop off site for Toys for Tots this year.

November 1 to December 12, 2019 from 9am–5pm.

Bring in a toy for a great cause and receive 20% off your purchase in the Aquarium Gift Shop.

Cannot be combined with any other discounts.

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Programs & Events Guide SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019 | DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE!

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

Eleanor & Henry Watts Conservation Speaker Series:

Dr. John Cook: Making Sense of Climate Change Misinformation September 17 | 6:30pm Doors open at 5:30pm Dr. John Cook is a research assistant professor at the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University. This talk will focus on key beliefs around climate change, how misinformation about climate change seeks to confuse people and delay climate action, and how we can work together to improve climate literacy and remove roadblocks to climate action.

Free & open to the public.

Giant Screen Theater

Wild KrattsÂŽ Exhibit Opening MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW September 21 | 9am-5pm Join us for our member exclusive preview of our new changing exhibit before it opens to the general public.

Changing Exhibit Gallery

E-Cycling September 28 I 9am–12pm Drop off your personal electronics or household hazardous waste at the Aquarium East Parking Lot and ensure that it is recycled properly! Thanks to our partners, Goodwill Industries, City of Virginia Beach Public Works, and TFC Recycling.

East Parking Lot

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Special Needs Under the Sea October 13 | 7:30-9am November 20 | 5-6:30pm We are proud to welcome families with children or adults with special needs for a chance to see all of our animals and exhibits in a calm, comfortable environment.

Free for members. $24.95 Non-member adults $19.95 Non-member children Main Building

Halloween at the Aquarium October 25 | 6-9pm Join us for spooky tricks and fun treats during this evening event! Wear your costume (no masks, please), trick-ortreat, and play games throughout the Aquarium. Take a walk through the theater if you dare. $9.95 Members | $15.95 Non-members Main Building

Adults Only Evening November 7 | 6-9pm Grab a drink and explore the Aquarium during this exclusive opening for adults only. For guests 21 and older only.

Free for members | $24.95 Non-members Main Building

Scuba Santa Begins November 30 | 10:30AM See Santa swim with his fish friends every Saturday & Sunday through December 22.

Red Sea Tunnel

Polar Express Pajama Party MEMBER EXCLUSIVE December 21 | 6pm All aboard the Polar Express! Wear your favorite pajamas and enjoy a showing of the holiday classic, The Polar Express!

Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling 757-385-3474 (option 3.) Reservations start November 14.

Giant Screen Theater

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Behind-the-Scenes It takes a lot to keep our Aquarium running, and our Behind-the-Scenes experiences give you a chance to see some of the work we do!

Above & Beyond* Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, & Sundays | 12:30pm Take a peek at the inner workings of a public aquarium and learn about how we care for our fish and other marine animals during this tour of selected Aquarium service areas in the main building. $15 Members | $20 Non-members Main Building

Sea Turtles* Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | 1pm Go above the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium to observe aquarists conducting a feeding and behavioral training session with our sea turtles. $15 Members | $20 Non-members Main Building

*Reservations are required by noon. Program lasts about 45 minutes. Participants must be at least 8 years old, 48" tall and able to climb stairs. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by a paying participating adult.

Toddler Programs

S.T.E.A.M.

Boat Trips

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

Sponsored by Bob & Leslie Fort.

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.

Sponsored by Bob & Leslie Fort.

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.

Visit VAQboats.com to purchase tickets.

Hurricanes

Dolphin Discoveries

September 18 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us for wind experiments and learn how a hurricane is created while engineering a building that can sustain hurricane force winds.

Through October | Check website for dates, times, and special trips.

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

Main Building | Classroom

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.

Main Building | Changing Exhibit Hallway

Main Building | Classroom

Snakes

Take an unforgettable 90-minute excursion exploring for Virginia’s most common and charismatic marine mammal, bottlenose dolphins! $20 Members, $22.95 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

October 2 | 3:30–4:30pm Participate in a hands on activities about reptiles while meeting some of the Aquarium’s snake animal ambassadors.

Main Building | Classroom

That Gave Me Goosebumps October 16 | 3:30–4:30pm Discover what different animals do when they are afraid. Build a stethoscope to learn what happens to our bodies when we are scared.

Main Building | Classroom

Curious Scientist November 6 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us for hands on experiments while creating hypotheses and learning about the scientific method.

Main Building | Classroom

Craft Brews Cruise

Sponsored by Bold Mariner & Hoffman Beverage September 13 | 7pm Enjoy a sunset over the water as you indulge in some of the area's best craft beers. During these two hour trips, you will be treated to special offerings from our Sensible Seafood program partners. $33 Members, $35 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Ocean Collections September 14 & October 12 | 9am This 75 minute cruise allows participants to collect and observe a variety of local fish and invertebrates up close and personal. $20 Members, $22.95 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Puppet Shows September 17, October 15, November 19 10am & 11am On the third Tuesday of every month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany story time.

Main Building | Classroom

Playtime with Miss Jenny

Wednesdays | 10am–Noon Join Miss Jenny & Friends for playtime, activities and fun.

Main Building | Wildflower Garden Deck

Sharks November 20 | 3:30–4:30pm Learn about sharks through hands on experiments and activities and discover how they impact the ocean as top predators in the food web.

Main Building | Classroom

Carefully detach and enjoy the Tomistoma poster on the other side once you've been to all our events!

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Humpback Whale Unusual Mortality Event

By Alex Costidis

In January 2016, the Greater Atlantic Regional Stranding Network began responding to an alarming number of stranded humpback whales. As more whales died along the Atlantic coast, the National Marine Fisheries Service declared an “Unusual Mortality Event� or UME. This declaration was accompanied by the formation of a federal investigative team that includes Aquarium staff. A record number of mortalities in 2016 were followed by even more in 2017 and only a slight reduction in 2018. By only halfway through 2019, the Atlantic coast had already exceeded the average number of annual strandings.

Throughout this UME, Virginia has often had the unpleasant distinction of leading the entire region in the number of humpback whale strandings, and with 22 whales by June 2019, led the region in total number.

Of the 97 or more known mortalities, the identified causes of death have been predominantly related to human activities. At least 30% are believed to have succumbed to injuries sustained from a collision with a vessel, while several others have likely died due to entanglement in fishing gear. Although the contributions of recovering populations, changes in distribution, and climate change are unknown, this event should remind us all of the repercussions of human activities.

Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to gather as much data as possible, to inform federal agencies in charge of protecting these whales, and to watch over the waters from which every Virginia resident and visitor benefits. Despite Virginia being part of three additional UMEs, Stranding Response staff and volunteers continue to respond to sea turtle and dolphin strandings, and care for rehabilitation patients. Since 2016, sixteen marine mammal species have stranded in our rich Virginia waters. Find out more about UMEs at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-marine-mammal-unusualmortality-events#what-criteria-define-an-ume?

A deceased humpback whale found in February 2017 that fell victim to a vessel collision.

The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program is supported solely through grants and contributions. To support this crucial program, visit www.VirginiaAquarium. com/give/pages/Give-toStranding.aspx

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E P E Y R C ITTER

KIDS PAGE

R C

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I N YO U R B AC KYA R D !

RT S TA

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Complete the maze to help the spider find its snack!

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2019

FAMILY ACTIVITY

R O F T S JU S H G U A L

Nighttime Moth Safari Moths come in a variety of sizes and colors that are fascinating to look at. An easy way to attract moths to see them up close is to use a light source at night and their favorite food. Below you will find out how to attract moths to your backyard at night.

What You’ll Need White Sheet Container with a lid Mixing spoon Flashlight or Black light

Overripe banana Brown Sugar Paint brush

What is a rat’s favorite game?

Hide and Squeak!

Directions Making the Food: First, you will need to make the food to attract moths to your back yard.

Mash the overripe banana in a bowl mixing with two cups of brown sugar.

Once mixed, add water to the mixture until the mixture becomes the consistency of paint. Cover the mixture and set outside in the sun to let it ferment.

Attracting Moths: While the mixture is fermenting, hang a white sheet either over a clothesline or between two trees and position flashlights or black lights to shine on the sheet once it gets dark. When the sun begins to set, spread the fermented banana and brown sugar mixture on the white sheet using a paint brush. Turn on the light source and watch as it gets dark and moths flock to the white sheet.

EPY E R C T U O S AB IUM R FUN FACT A U Q A E T TH A S L A M I N A Cobra – Some cobras can spit their venom!

Hellbender – Their nickname is the snot otter!

Tomistoma – Can stay underwater for over 7 hours!

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FEATURE

Outreach Programs

By Ashley Beerbroer The Virginia Aquarium’s outreach programs are an exciting way to bring the Aquarium to your classroom.

For the 2018-2019 school year, we brought our hands-on educational programs to over 13,000 students. That’s almost 600 programs! And we are excited to see even more students this year.

Some of our favorite programs include: Mini Movers, which brings out our invertebrate friends like the whelk and hermit crab and gets students moving with animal yoga, songs, and animal charades. In Snail Science, students practice their observation skills and conduct experiments using mud snails. Our Life in the Cheaspeake Bay program connects students to local habitats, by getting their hands on a variety of bio-facts like a dolphin skull and ray teeth and by meeting a diamondback terrapin.

The best thing about our outreach programs is that we have the chance to visit students and classes that don’t often get to take a fieldtrip to the Aquarium. It is a pleasure to share our outreach animals with students of all ages across Hampton Roads and to further the mission of the Aquarium in schools, daycare centers, church groups, camps, and more. Want to learn about all we have to offer? Check out our full programs list at VirginiaAquarium.com.

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ANIMAL FEATURE

Species Survival Plans

By Julie Levans

Tomistoma

Species Survival Plans (SSPs) have been an integral part in the comeback of many animals, including the California condor and the Bongo. Each SSP has a leadership group comprised of Program Leaders and Studbook Keepers. The program leadership works with representatives from each institution to develop goals for the SSP. These goals often include in-situ (on-site) and ex-situ (off-site) conservation and research efforts as well as creating breeding and transfer plans to keep genetic diversity within our populations as high as possible.

There are currently 1,773 SSPs in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) with many more being created each year. Here at the Virginia Aquarium, we participate in SSPs for species such as our seahorses, sand tiger sharks, zebra sharks, Tomistoma, Komodo dragons, spotted eagle rays, river otters, harbor seals, and many more.

As participants in SSPs, our job is to responsibly create opportunities for species to successfully breed and rear offspring. This in turn creates a bit of a “safety net� for certain species if their wild populations suffer even larger losses and become extinct in the wild.

Zebra shark

"As participants in SSPs, our job is to responsibly create opportunities for species to successfully breed and rear offspring."

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The Virginia Aquarium serves in many capacities in these SSPs, from things as simple as being a holding facility for our painted terrapin (Batagur borneosensis) to more complex capacities like our work as an active breeding facility. Our staff are encouraging breeding behaviors from our sand tiger sharks, spotted eagle rays, and Tomistoma, based on recommendations that were given to us by the SSP leadership. We have a staff member that serves as a Studbook Keeper to the Zebra Shark SSP, and our newest SSP contribution is for the Lake Victorian cichlid program. We will be breeding, rearing, and holding these incredibly endangered animals, as well as serving on the steering committee for the program.

With the renovations and expansions of our new Darden Marine Animal Care Center and the South Building, we hope to be able to expand our contributions to SSP’s, conservation, and species survival.

Painted Terrapin

Our six spotted eagle rays are a part of a Species Survival Plan. With two males and four females, our staff encourages breeding behavior.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2019

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Michelle Joyner & Shawn Reid Employees & Award Recipients

Michelle Joyner

The Virginia Beach Employee Hall of Fame Award The Virginia Beach Employee Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor that a City member can achieve. The program began in 1985 as a way to recognize employees who consistently go above and beyond in their service to our citizens and community and are shining examples of the “best of the best.”

"I was elated to hear of my nomination by my Director, Cynthia Spanoulis and very humbled to be chosen as a recipient of the prestigious award. It’s truly an honor! " How long you have worked at the Aquarium?

24 years What you do here at the Aquarium?

I am the Executive Assistant to the Director of the Department of the Virginia Aquarium. I provide administrative support to the Director, the department, and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Foundation, including providing professional assistance to the department’s Leadership Team. I also lead the department’s Administrative Support Team.

Why do you love your job and what's the best part?

What I love about my job is working with a fun group of talented people with a passion for what they do every day. The best part of my job is that our organization’s mission is very meaningful and has a perpetual impact in the community and to the environment.

I love that I am a part of this team!

Shawn Reid

City of Virginia Beach 2018 Volunteer Resources Manager of the Year The highest honor for City of Virginia Beach Volunteer Management.

"In just the past year, you have helped over 1,700 volunteers through your daily dedication and diligent work ethic... and of course indirectly by placing caring and supportive individuals in life changing volunteer roles. You have helped transform the Aquarium’s volunteer structure – and you have done so by engaging citizens in the work of your department as volunteers."

-Vice-Mayor Jim Wood How long you have worked at the Aquarium?

8 years What you do here at the Aquarium?

I am the Volunteer Resources Manager. I oversee the Aquarium’s volunteer activities.

Why do you love your job and what's the best part?

What I love and the best part of my job are actually the same - the variety. No two days are ever the same. I love the variety of volunteers we have, the variety of activities available for volunteers, the variety of community partners we have, and the variety of work the volunteer office does.

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HONOR ROLL OF DONORS Gifts of $100 or more made April 1 – June 30, 2019

Gifts can be made at www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean The Honor Roll of Donors recognizes gifts to the Aquarium Fund, event sponsorships and other charitable support. The Aquarium Fund provides vital support to help maintain exhibits and care for thousands of animals, provide educational offerings to visitors, offer outreach programs to schools, conduct research and conservation activities and operating our nationally-recognized stranding response program. For more information, please contact the Development Office at 757-385-0260.

CONSERVATION SOCIETY MEMBERS Dale & Barbara Darr Ms. Vickie Matheis Dr. & Mrs. Julius S. Miller Vaishali Patel Mr. Brian Reynaldo

DONORS Individuals

Anonymous Ms. Beverly Baird Mr. Glenn Ballard Mr. & Mrs. Gary D. Bonnewell Mr. & Mrs. David C. Burton Mr. & Mrs. Alexander J. Campbell II Mr. & Mrs. James Cooper Victoria & Philip Dietz Mr. Martin S. Farkash Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Fort Thomas E. & Julie B. Fraim Jr. Mr. Howard E. Gill Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Jones Ellen & Kenny Keeter Ms. Kirsten Lundquist Mrs. Cheryl McLeskey/McLeskey & Associates, LLC Ms. Sherri L. Miles Dr. & Mrs. Scott D. Miller Mr. Fred J. Napolitano II Mr. Daniel R. Peterson Mr. J. Howard Rodman Mr. & Mrs. Wayne C. Sawyer Sr. Dr. & Mrs. Walker W. Shivar Ms. Susanna Skovgaard Mr. Michael Standing/Waterman’s Mr. & Mrs. George M. Temple Mr. Thomas M. Tye Ms. Elizabeth A. Upchurch Mrs. Cathie J. Vick Dr. & Mrs. D. Henry Watts Mr. & Mrs. W. Kenneth Wilson Jr.

Corporations

Allionce Group, LLC Brown Advisory Charitable Foundation GEICO Philanthropic Foundation O'Connor Brewing Otto Design + Marketing PRA Group, Inc. Tidewater Home Funding, LLC

Foundations Floyd E. Kellam Jr. Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation

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Civic Organizations Bettie Weaver Elementary School Cape Henry Rotary Foundation Virginia Beach Master Gardener Association

TRIBUTE GIFTS In Honor of Ms. Olivia Shaw Mr. John Shaw Ms. Chloe Wetzler Samantha & Kurt Wetzler

In Memory of

Kayo & Lynn Barco Mrs. Betty G. Barco Mr. William Bernstein Ms. Marilyn Ashe Ms. Wendy Auerbach Mr. & Mrs. Al Benas Ms. Eleanor A. Brooke Ms. Diane Desmond Mr. & Mrs. James Eilberg Dr. Fredric Fink Mrs. Pamela Francis Stan & Janet Glasofer David Kassner Dr. Barry Lubin Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Spitalney Ms. Julie Walden Mr. & Mrs. William R. Williamson Ms. Lynda L. Boardman Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur B. Boyer Jr. Ms. Carol LaTorre Ms. Ruth Hauck Miss Janet Hauck Mr. Douglas Loucka Ms. Gloria R. Bray Ms. Cheryl Pritchard Ms. Kimberly Pritchard Mr. Milton Rayfield Dr. Fredric Fink Mrs. Jean F. Siebert Mr. Thomas R. Frantz Ms. Kelley C. Holland Mr. Monroe Kelly III Mr. and Mrs. Von L. Piersall Williams Mullen Clark & Dobbins

2019 GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORS Title Atlantic Union Bank 19th Hole Hoffman Beverage Company

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2019

Chipping Game Tidewater Home Funding, LLC Closest to the Pin Optima Health Driving Range PRA Group, Inc. Golf Carts Summs Skip and Collateral Solutions Hole in One Beach Ford Charles Barker Automotive Norfolk Marine Company Lunch Lionheart Limited Dinner Atlantic Shores Dolphin Bank of America Merrill Lynch BB&T Coastal Hospitality Associates, LLC Dewberry Lee Entsminger First Team Automotive Group Fraim Family Foundation/ MASA Corporation Geoenvironmental Resources Dick Gregory Hobbs & Associates LifeNet Health MEB General Contractors Palladium Registered Investment Advisors PNC Bank Pool Scouts Siska Aurand Landscape Architects, Inc. Southern Trust Mortgage Studio Center SunTrust Private Wealth Taylor’s Do-It Center Waller, Todd & Sadler Architects, Inc. Hole Sponsors 360IT Partners Cavalier Realty Associates Checkered Flag Motor Company Sal & Moe DaBiero East Beach Realty Peter & Roseanne Fitzpatrick Gold Key/PHR – Cavalier Hall Automotive Brian Holland Dr. Clarence A. Holland Kerr Environmental Marathon Consulting, LLC

Jim McNaught Thomas J. O’Hara, DDS Olympia Development Corporation Orsted Wind Power North America, LLC Edward & Joan Redfearn Sinnen-Green & Associates Thomas R. & Kathleen Reed Topper’s Barber Shop Virginia Beach Travel and Tourism Foundation Web Teks, Inc. The Westnedge Family WPL

2019 SENSIBLE SEAFOOD FEST SPONSORS Title PNC Bank Oyster Leslie & Bob Fort Bluefish High Liner Foods, Inc. Hoffman Beverage PRA Group, Inc. Clam Beach Municipal FCU Clear Springs Foods MASA Corporation Carolyn & Robert Robertson Sam Rust Seafood Anne & Eric Schmudde In-Kind Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant Big Island Aquaculture Bonefish Grill Capt’n Crabby Carolina Cupcakery Catch 31 Cherrystone Aqua-Farms Hummingbird Macaroons & Desserts Murphy’s Irish Pub Natural Organic Process Enterprises O’Connor Brewing Co. Rajput Indian Cuisine Rockafeller’s on Rudee Inlet Sodexo at the Virginia Aquarium Sodexo/Centerplate at the Virginia Beach Convention Center Tautog’s Restaurant TFC Recycling Waterman’s Wicker’s Crab Pot Seafood

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

G N I L C E-CY

E C YC L I N G

2PM 1 – M A | 9 28 T R E B M KING LO R E A T P P T E S S C H , VA UM EA INIA BEA AQUARI VIRG T H B LV D , O O B L A GENER

VIRGINI 717

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

25% OFF

We are participating in Museum Stores Sunday by offering a 25% discount on December 1, 2019.

The Adventure Park remains open during the renovations.

FALL 2019 | 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

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OPEN SEPTEMBER 21 MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW. THIS CHANGING EXHIBIT WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SEPT 22

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AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL Wild Kratts®:VIRGINIA Ocean Adventure! was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum and Kratt 2019 Brothers Company. Wild Kratts® © 2019 Kratt Brothers Company Ltd/ 9 Story Media Group Inc. Wild Kratts® and Creature Power® are owned by Kratt Brothers Company Ltd.