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From the PrezEsther Imbagliazzo, CMA Volunteer President

VOLUNTEERS NEWSLETTER • November 2010

The November 2010 issue ofSan Pedro Today magazine show-cased the 75th anniversary of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. On the cover was our own John Olguin, looking healthy and young as ever. On page 20 was a wonderful article, “Sea of Love – Celebrating 75 years of the Cabrillo Marine

Aquarium.” The article included the smiling face of our Director, Mike Schaadt, standing in front of the mural behind the touch tank. Highlights of how the collections of marine animals began, with a few species in jars to present day exhibits, are included in this wonderful tribute to the staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make CMA what it is today. I’d like to thank San Pedro Today for this recognition. We’re the only aquarium in the City of Los Angeles, and I’m often curious as to why so many don’t know we exist. CMA is a gem that sparkles within the Department of Recreation and Parks. This recognition is well deserved. If you don’t have a copy of this magazine, you can visit their website and download the entire issue. Their web address is: www.sanpedrotoday.com

I found a tremendous amount of information on the internet while researching for the article, “Volunteering in America,” which I wrote for the last issue of Fins & Tales.There’s just too much information to include in this newsletter. If you’re interested in finding out more, use your search engine and enter “volunteering” or “volunteerism.” Many organizations, from the U.S. Government to the private sector, keep track of the value of volunteers. An article from the Independent Sector gives an estimated value of volunteer time from state to state. This isn’t an easy task, because volunteers provide many intangibles that can’t be easily quantified. The values range from an estimated hourly rate of $11 per hour to a whopping $32.74 an hour in Washington, DC. California estimates the value of its volunteers at $23.29. CMA’s Programs Director, Larry Fukuhara, likes to reward volunteers with “volunteers bucks.” It looks like you’d better start those printing presses, Larry. Rates have just gone up. It’s hard to believe that we’ve come to the end of another year. Thanks to our experienced staff and dedicated volunteers, 2010 has been a wonderful and productive year. I wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. My wish for 2011 is that it’s vastly slower than 2010. Somehow, I don’t think that wish will be granted.

Note from Paula Moore, FRIENDS Executive Director Last month, FRIENDS Board Chair Jack Ferrell was hospitalized due to a sudden, serious illness and subsequent surgery; he is still recuperating in the hospital. Jack’s appreciation of CMA – its volunteers, professional staff, programs and successes – has made him a steadfast supporter for many years, and a devoted leader of the FRIENDS organization. We wish him steady progress in his recovery and look forward to his return. Board Vice Chair Phil Nicolay is providing interim leadership as he continues to also serve as Corporate Circle Committee chair, a fundraising committee he has energized for the past several years. Phil’s acceptance of this additional responsibility is greatly appreciated and demonstrates the high value he places on support of the FRIENDS organization and CMA.

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THE PORTOF LOS ANGELES

CMA Author’s MessageMike Schaadt, CMA Director

With all the gloomy economic news, many of you may wonder about the financial health of CMA. Here’s a quick primer on just how we’re able to “keep engaging all visitors in education, recreation and research to promote knowledge, appreciation and conservation of the marine life of Southern California” (CMA’s mission statement re-approved in 2003). CMA is part of the Recreation and Parks Department (R&P Dept.) of the City of Los Angeles, but the majority of funding for CMA comes from revenue generated by the activities of the Port of Los Angeles (Port). CMA is located on public land that is under the control and jurisdiction of the Port. This land is held in trust for the people of the State of California, a mandate referred to as the Tidelands Trust (Trust). The Port is under obligation to the State to use Trust properties in accordance with explicit purposes in the public interest, principally, to operate a port. Some ancillary uses can also be considered to fulfill the public trust, such as recreating on a beach or park or exploring sea life in an Aquarium. In those cases, the State has concurred with use of revenue from the Trust (Port revenue) being spent on such ancillary uses. For example, the cost of operating CMA can be appropriately reimbursed by the Port to the City’s General Fund, which designates the funds to the R&P Dept. where CMA’s accounts are located. Funding from the Port covers city personnel staffing, utilities, maintenance, office supplies and contracts with specialized vendors (e.g.. bioillustration and veterinarian services). The non-profit support group FRIENDS of CMA (FCMA), of which the CMA Volunteers are a part, raises much needed funds for CMA exhibits, programs and equipment. School tours and public festivals are supported by Port funds and the generosity of donors to FCMA. Some CMA programs are partially supported by participant fees, but, thanks to the Port and FCMA, these fees are kept affordable for CMA visitors. Without the Port, CMA would receive much less funding, especially in today’s trying economic times. And without FCMA, the exciting exhibits and programs would be a shell of what they are today.

CMA Director’s Message

Floyd’s ForumFloyd Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator

To all volunteers: Thank you for all the time and energy you pleasantly contribute to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Since my first day at CMA, I noticed how we rely on the generosity of our volunteers. All of the volunteers are a vital part of the success of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, from the youngest to the most experienced. From the Sea Fair to the Spring Program and everything in between, these events and programs would not be possible without your immense dedication. It’s an honor to be associated with generations of wonderful volunteers who continue to devote themselves to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

FRIENDSBook Club

FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Book Club will meet on Tuesday, January 25,2011. The first selected reading is a Sherlock Holmes short story, entitled “The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. FRIENDS members are FREE. Non-members are $5. Exquisite desserts and refreshments will be served at 6:50 pm in the Virginia Reid Moore Marine Research Library (upstairs). The Book Club will be led by CMA librarian, Cecily Thomas.Call 310-548-7593 for more information.

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Sea Fair on October 17 was a success, although the weather didn’t contribute much. The crafts for kids, the face painting, the information exhibitors and the Chinese dancers were great fun and the cupcakes were delicious! John Olguin was, as always, a bright light for the 75th Anniversary segment of the festival. (More Sea Fair photos, page 6.) Sea Scare on October 30 was a major success, with more than 3,000 attendees. Our Library hosted 618 people, with 300 hand-painted Halloween bags assembled by children. CMA Steering Committee member Martin Ruby’s McDonald’s Restaurant donated dinner for the many volunteers. (Sea Scare photos, page 7.)

And in future issues:

John Olguin’s 90th birthdayFebruary 2011 • Time/Location TBA

The Grand Grunion Gala • May 2011,Doubletree Hotel. Henry’s Farmers Market is donating the wine and Doubletree is waiving their corkage fees.

New CMA Curator II to be announced soon.

EDITOR’S CORNERSherry Ruffer, Editor

Dorothy “Dottie” Todd(1919-2010)Dottie Todd, a long-time resident of Manhattan Beach and CMA docent, passed away Friday, October 1. Her 91 years were filled with social service and volunteer activities, most involving children - including her own three. Her long-time friend and co-CMA docent, Bobbie Hedges, told me Dottie was an avid cook/baker, RV camper in Mexico and shell collector, known by many as “the

shell lady.” A memorial service was held November 6 at Manhattan Beach Community Church. AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums)representatives will be on CMA premises any day now, inspecting every aspect of CMA’s operations for accreditation renewal. One of them may ask you - any one of you - about CMA’s mission. You needn’t recite the official mission statement in it’s entirety. Just tell theperson why you’re here: to educate children on marine life - to teach the public about marine environment – whatever it is that motivates you to honor the commitment you chose to make to CMA. The Marineland 2010 Reunion at Terranea was held in September, bringing back staff, volunteers and prior attendees. Unfortunately, I was out of town and missed it. My family didn’t go there often, as we figured “it’ll always be there.” I’ve heard from several people that the memories and memorabilia at the reunion were wonderful! Do you recognize Ela being kissed by a really huge sea lion?

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CHECK THIS OUTCelebrate Cabrillo Marine Aquarium this holiday season by shopping at Borders in Torrance! A percentage of the net sales raised from the voucher will be donated to the

Aquarium. Simplify your holiday shopping by making your purchases on-line, or visit the Borders Torrance on Friday, November 26 and Saturday 27 to redeem your

voucher. Spread the good news to your friends, family and neighbors. You can make a positive impact this holiday

season! For more information, contact Cheryl Anderson-Butler at membership@cmaqua.org or call 310-548-7593.

Thank you for your continued support of theCabrillo Marine Aquarium.

Excludes previous purchases, gift cards, newspapers, magazines, coupon books, digital downloads, comics, special orders, video games, Smartbox products, Rosetta Stone software, and shipping. Void where prohibited by law. Any other use constitutes fraud. Cash value .01¢. Not redeemable for cash. Valid on 11/26/10.

Cashiers: Ring items, select S3, select S4, scan or enter barcode #, select S1, enter $0.01, and Total. Note: if a customer presents a Total Purchase coupon, such as "$5 off Total Purchase" or "10% off Total Purchase", use this barcode to ring that discount. Follow the instructions on the original coupon, but scan the barcode on the Benefits Day voucher. The register will only accept one barcode for Total Purchase coupons. Borders Online Code:

CAAQ1126E

valid 11/26/10 – 11/27/10

Valuable Voucher to Benefit Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

a percentage of the net sales raised from this coupon will be donated to the

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Benefit Days – our way of giving back

Excludes previous purchases, gift cards, newspapers, magazines, coupon books, digital downloads, comics, special orders, video games, Smartbox products, Rosetta Stone software, and shipping. Void where prohibited by law. Any other use constitutes fraud. Cash value .01¢. Not redeemable for cash. Valid on 11/26/10.

Cashiers: Ring items, select S3, select S4, scan or enter barcode #, select S1, enter $0.01, and Total. Note: if a customer presents a Total Purchase coupon, such as "$5 off Total Purchase" or "10% off Total Purchase", use this barcode to ring that discount. Follow the instructions on the original coupon, but scan the barcode on the Benefits Day voucher. The register will only accept one barcode for Total Purchase coupons. Borders Online Code:

CAAQ1126E

valid 11/26/10 – 11/27/10

Valuable Voucher to Benefit Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

a percentage of the net sales raised from this coupon will be donated to the

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Benefit Days – our way of giving back

Excludes previous purchases, gift cards, newspapers, magazines, coupon books, digital downloads, comics, special orders, video games, Smartbox products, Rosetta Stone software, and shipping. Void where prohibited by law. Any other use constitutes fraud. Cash value .01¢. Not redeemable for cash. Valid on 11/26/10.

Cashiers: Ring items, select S3, select S4, scan or enter barcode #, select S1, enter $0.01, and Total. Note: if a customer presents a Total Purchase coupon, such as "$5 off Total Purchase" or "10% off Total Purchase", use this barcode to ring that discount. Follow the instructions on the original coupon, but scan the barcode on the Benefits Day voucher. The register will only accept one barcode for Total Purchase coupons. Borders Online Code:

CAAQ1126E

valid 11/26/10 – 11/27/10

Valuable Voucher to Benefit Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

a percentage of the net sales raised from this coupon will be donated to the

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Benefit Days – our way of giving back

ROCK LOBSTERS - Part II Cora Webber and Adrienne McColl continue their efforts to raise these little guys in the Aquatic Nursery. My adopted rock lobster, brown container #1 (“brownie”) is still alive! Fifteen of the original fifty babies are alive and doing very well at 134 days old. While this survival rate may not sound like much - it is.

There are 11 stages of development prior to “settling.” In previous years, Cora and Adrienne had their charges reach stage five in seven months. None lived past this term. This batch is at or approaching stage five in under five months. If any or all of them achieve twelve months, it will be time for celebration. I hope “brownie” will be there.

ROCK LOBSTERS - Part II

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OFF THE WALL Nancy Cook, Programs

(The answers to this test are found in the courtyard and,for the cheaters among you, they are also below.)

1. The largest of the pinnipeds, the adult male elephant seal, can weigh up to ______ tons and reach ___ feet in length.

2. They hold the current record for deep-diving mammals with a dive of over _______ feet that lasted 119 minutes. They spend most of their time in the open ocean, from Baja California to _________ ___________ , feeding on bottom fish and ______ .

3. The opah relies on camouflage to get near its prey. In dimly lit, deeper water (400-1,000 feet) the ________ color reflects light and disguises its silhouette and the _____ fins appear black.

4. The ____________ turtle can travel over 3,700 miles in a single year searching for its favorite food, jellyfish. Over 40% of these animals examined had ________ _____ in their stomachs.

Answers

1. 2½; 18 2. 5,000; British Columbia; squid3. silver; red 4. leatherback; plastic bags

If you missed the Gift Shop 2nd Annual Holiday Review on November 6-7, you still have a chance to view the 12 aquatic-themed Christmas trees throughout November and December. “Christmas at Cabrillo” has never been this glorious! You’ll find ornaments in every color under the sea: Nautical Lighthouses, Sunken Pirate Ships, Crystal Fantasy, Under the Blue Sea, Purple Jellies, Beach Spruce, Frolickin’ Fish, Traditional Fun, Peacocks and Octopi, Golden Nature, Native Garden Wine and Blue Dolphins. This year you might want to start decorating a second tree for your family room or kitchen area. Larger ornaments and floral picks can be used to create focal points in designing your new tree. Ask Jean for decorating ideas. There’s also an assortment of beach-related Santas, Christmas cards and miniature glass Christmas trees. There are many new creative ideas in the Shop for your gift-giving pleasure, including new Brighton-like silver jewelry from Rhode Island, home decor from Florida and glass sealife art.

FRIENDS is sponsoring a special evening, Thursday, December 16, 5:30-9pm, for your shopping pleasure (wine and hor d’oueves will be served). So, think of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Gift Shop for your Christmas shopping and support the place where you love to volunteer. Remember: volunteers, Aquarium staff and FRIENDS members get a 20% discount off all regular-priced items at all times.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmasfrom Jean and all the volunteers and staff

in the Gift Shop!

CMA GIFT SHOP Jean Steinmetz, Manager

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AutumnSea Fair

2010

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Fins & Tales Editor: Sherry Ruffer • Graphics/Layout: Linda Ayers • Photos: Gary Florin, Paula Boubary

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

December 2010: 4 Native Garden Workday/Beach Cleanup • 8-10am 4 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 1-2:30pm 5 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 1:30-3pm 5 San Pedro Holiday Parade 12 Salt Marsh Open House • 11am 12 Wilmington Holiday Parade 16 Gift Shop open house for FRIENDS • 5:30 - 9pm • Light refreshments will be served 18 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 12:30-2pm 19 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 1-2:30pm 25 Holiday – Aquarium closed 26 Cabrillo Whalewatch through March: Tue – Fri from various landings, 8:30am-1pm • Call 310-548-8397 for locations/fees

January 2011: 1 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 12:30-2pm 2 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 1-2:30pm 8 Native Garden Workday/Beach Cleanup • 8-10am 12 Aquatic Nursery Docent Training • 9am 15 Underwater Parks Day • 11am 15 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 11:30am-1pm 16 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 12noon-1:30pm 17 Holiday – Aquarium closed 22 Salt Marsh Open House • 2pm

SEASCARE2010