From the Prez
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VOLUNTEERS NEWSLETTER • November 2010 From the Prez Esther Imbagliazzo, CMA Volunteer President The November 2010 issue of I found a tremendous amount of information on the San Pedro Today magazine show- internet while researching for the article, “Volunteering in cased the 75th anniversary of America,” which I wrote for the last issue of Fins & Tales. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. On the There’s just too much information to include in this cover was our own John Olguin, newsletter. If you’re interested in finding out more, looking healthy and young as use your search engine and enter “volunteering” or ever. On page 20 was a wonderful “volunteerism.” Many organizations, from the U.S. article, “Sea of Love – Celebrating Government to the private sector, keep track of the value 75 years of the Cabrillo Marine of volunteers. An article from the Independent Sector Aquarium.” The article included the smiling face of gives an estimated value of volunteer time from state to our Director, Mike Schaadt, standing in front of the state. This isn’t an easy task, because volunteers provide mural behind the touch tank. Highlights of how many intangibles that can’t be easily quantified. The the collections of marine animals began, with a few values range from an estimated hourly rate of $11 per species in jars to present day exhibits, are included in hour to a whopping $32.74 an hour in Washington, DC. this wonderful tribute to the staff and volunteers who California estimates the value of its volunteers at $23.29. worked so hard to make CMA what it is today. I’d like CMA’s Programs Director, Larry Fukuhara, likes to reward to thank San Pedro Today for this recognition. We’re volunteers with “volunteers bucks.” It looks like you’d the only aquarium in the City of Los Angeles, and I’m better start those printing presses, Larry. Rates have just often curious as to why so many don’t know we exist. gone up. CMA is a gem that sparkles within the Department of It’s hard to believe that we’ve come to the end of another Recreation and Parks. This recognition is well deserved. year. Thanks to our experienced staff and dedicated If you don’t have a copy of this magazine, you can visit volunteers, 2010 has been a wonderful and productive their website and download the entire issue. Their web year. I wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. address is: www.sanpedrotoday.com 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. 1 CMACMA Director’s Author’s Message Message Mike 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 publicTHE festivals are supportedPORT 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 CMAOF visitors. LOS ANGELES 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. FRIENDS Floyd’s Forum Book Club Floyd Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine To all volunteers: Aquarium Book Club will Thank you for all the time and meet on Tuesday, January 25, energy you pleasantly contribute 2011. The first selected to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Since reading is a Sherlock Holmes my first day at CMA, I noticed how short story, entitled “The we rely on the generosity of our Adventure of the Lion’s volunteers. All of the volunteers are a vital part of the success of Cabrillo Marine Mane” by Sir Arthur Conan Aquarium, from the youngest to the most Doyle. FRIENDS members are experienced. From the Sea Fair to the Spring FREE. Non-members are Program and everything in between, these $5. Exquisite desserts and events and programs would not be possible refreshments will be served without your immense dedication. It’s an honor at 6:50 pm in the Virginia to be associated with generations of wonderful Reid Moore Marine Research volunteers who continue to devote themselves Library (upstairs). The Book to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Club will be led by CMA librarian, Cecily Thomas. Call 310-548-7593 for more information. 2 EDITOR’S CORNER Sherry 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 Sea Fair on October 17 was a success, although the Manhattan Beach Community Church. weather didn’t contribute much. The crafts for kids, AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) the face painting, the information exhibitors and the representatives will be on CMA premises any day Chinese dancers were great fun and the cupcakes were now, inspecting every aspect of CMA’s operations for delicious! John Olguin was, as always, a bright light for accreditation renewal. One of them may ask you - any the 75th Anniversary segment of the festival. (More Sea one of you - about CMA’s mission. You needn’t recite the Fair photos, page 6.) official mission statement in it’s entirety. Just tell the Sea Scare on October 30 was a major success, with more person why you’re here: to educate children on marine than 3,000 attendees. Our Library hosted 618 people, life - to teach the public about marine environment with 300 hand-painted Halloween bags assembled by – whatever it is that motivates you to honor the children. CMA Steering Committee member Martin commitment you chose to make to CMA. Ruby’s McDonald’s Restaurant donated dinner for the The Marineland 2010 Reunion at Terranea was held many volunteers. (Sea Scare photos, page 7.) 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? And in future issues: John Olguin’s 90th birthday February 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. 3 ROCKROCK LOBSTERSLOBSTERS -- PartPart IIII Cora Webber and Adrienne McColl continue their There are 11 stages of development prior to “settling.” In efforts to raise these little guys in the Aquatic previous years, Cora and Adrienne had their charges reach Nursery. My adopted rock lobster, brown container stage five in seven months.