CEO CHATTER WITH JACK LIGHTON

Dear friends of LMC:

Pictured: Jack Lighton, Lynne Wells – Courtesy of LILA Photo

This week marks six weeks until our Eighth Annual Go Blue Awards! The luncheon will be held at PGA National Resort & Spa and features entrancing keynote speaker Paul Nicklen. He is a globally-acclaimed, Canadian-born photographer and marine biologist who has been documenting both the beauty and the plight of our planet’s polar regions and our world’s oceans for over 20 years. As a photographer for National Geographic Magazine, he has been able to capture the imagination of a global audience. His personal mission is to use his images, which are often highly emotional, evocative and very beautiful, to ignite a conversation about the future of our planet’s natural wonders and to inspire action.

The Eighth Annual Go Blue Awards Luncheon will recognize businesses, non-profits and individuals who have promoted, implemented or contributed to a “Blue” lifestyle of marine conservation. Awards will be given to those who are leading the way in raising awareness and have made significant contributions to improve and protect our oceans, beaches and wildlife. This year, WPTV News Channel 5 Meteorologist Glenn Glazer will serve as the introductory host.

The esteemed panel of judges that selected this year’s finalists and winners includes; Gary Adkison – U.S. Shark Foundation, Director; Fabien Cousteau – aquanaut, oceanographic explorer, conservationist and documentary filmmaker; Jim Harvey – Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Co-Chairman; Greg Marshall – National Geographic Society, Inventor & Scientist; Sally Murray – Daughter of LMC Founder, Eleanor Fletcher;  Susan Murray – Oceana Deputy Vice President U.S. Pacific, Granddaughter of LMC Founder, Eleanor Fletcher; Joel Sartore – Photographer, speaker, author, teacher, and a 20-year contributor to National Geographic magazine; and Jim Toomey – Mission Blue Executive Director, Creator of Sherman’s Lagoon Comic Strip.

The Go Blue Awards program was created to recognize individuals and businesses that directly or indirectly support LMC’s mission to promote conservation of ocean ecosystems with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. Previous Go Blue Award recipients include Dr. Guy Harvey, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation; Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue; Hardy Jones – Executive Director, Bluevoice.org; Nathaniel Reed, Everglades Foundation; Dr. Edith Widder, Ocean Research & Conservation Association; Florida Power & Light Company; Gary Adkison, U.S. Shark Foundation; International Game Fish Association; and Coral Restoration Foundation.

During our Blue Friends Society September Social on Thursday, October 22 at PGA National Resort & Spa, guests will have the opportunity to meet the 2016 Go Blue Awards Finalists. These amazing group of ocean conservation heroes have been nominated in one of five categories: Eleanor Fletcher Lifetime Achievement, Blue Friend of the Year, Blue Ambassador of the Year, Blue Business of the Year and the youth category, the Blue Hatchling of the Year. Please join us at our September social, one of the most highly-anticipated Blue Friends Society events, as we announce our finalists to the public.

Tickets:

Individual – $75 *Price increases to $100 on October 7

Arctic Ocean Sponsor – $500

Table Sponsor – $1,000

Southern Ocean Sponsor – $1,000

Indian Ocean Sponsor – $2,500

Pacific Ocean Sponsor – $5,000

Atlantic Ocean Sponsor – $10,000

World Ocean Sponsor – $20,000

  International Coastal Clean-up

Sip, Shop and Support LMC

Rehab Takes on Water Quality

Do you ever wonder what our volunteers and interns are doing to help the rehabilitation department? There are many tasks that must be accomplished throughout the day to provide the best medical care and daily husbandry to our turtle patients. If you have visited our world-class facility, you may have seen the rehabilitation volunteers cleaning tanks and making sure the turtle yard is clean. What you may not be familiar with is what they do behind the scenes. One of the important daily tasks is to conduct water quality tests. Every day, they take a sample of water from a few of our sea turtle tanks to test specific parameters measured to make sure our turtles are kept in the best possible environment. The results are examined by our hospital staff and reported to Florida Fish and Wildlife. Proper water quality is important to the health of our patients and the rest of the ocean’s animals.

 SWIM Padre Ramos, Nicaragua

SWIM – Padre Ramos, Nicaragua – Eastern Pacific Sea Turtle Monitoring & Conservation. This week, SWIM participants join members of the LMC staff in traveling to Estero Padre Ramos Natural Reserve in Nicaragua on our final 2016 SWIM destination eco-tour program. The Serving the World’s Imperiled Marine life (SWIM) program aims to help other conservation-minded organizations with central projects to aid in local and global conservation efforts. During this SWIM program, participants will assist with in-water sea turtle monitoring, sea turtle nesting activity, mangrove reforestation, community-based tourism and educational activities in one of the most ecologically-important natural areas in Nicaragua. During SWIM participants’ stay, they will attend the annual Hawksbill Festival – a community event that aims to educate locals about sea turtle protection and awareness. For more information on how to become involved and to book future SWIM conservation eco-tours, please contact Hannah at hcampbell@marinelife.org.

 Juno Beach Pier Underwater Clean-ups

On August 9, a team of divers from LMC and Jupiter Dive Center held an underwater clean-up at the Juno Beach Pier. Though over 80 pounds of debris were collected, much more remained. LMC staff returned on August 24 and brought the total amount of debris removed in the month of August to just over 100 pounds. Volunteers are currently working at the center to sort the debris. Monofilament line will be sent off for recycling, lead weights will be melted down and used to make dive weights and fishing gear will be salvaged to help teach responsible angling lessons at the pier. Thank you to Jupiter Dive Center, Jeff Biege Photography and LMC volunteers for your dedicated work to clean up the environment.

2016 Beach Programs Recap!

Thank you to all of the guests, volunteers and staff who participated in this seasons’ beach programs! Over the course of August and September, our guests had the opportunity to participate in our Biologist Beach Walks and Hatchling Release programs. These programs allowed guests to experience what it’s like to be a sea turtle researcher, as well as learn more about sea turtle nesting and hatching. Our Biologist Beach Walk program gave guests the opportunity to observe a permitted LMC staff member perform a nest excavation – an essential step in collecting critical date in order to understand sea turtle activity on our beaches. Thank you to all of the guests who shared their photos of their experiences with us! If you have photos of your experience, please consider emailing your photos to hdeadman@marinelife.org or posting them on our Facebook page.

 Program Spotlight: Astronomy Nights

LMC’s popular stargazing program has returned for its second season! In partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches, LMC will host its Astronomy Nights program each month based on celestial events. The first program will be held on Friday, October 7 from 7-9:30 p.m. The night will begin with a seminar led by the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches, entitled Planetpalooza. You will be able to view several planets on this very popular stargazing night, including Venus, Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Join us as we discuss the different physical attributes of each planet and why you can view them on this particular day. Then, join us in Loggerhead Park to peer through powerful telescopes and binoculars to get a closer look! In case of inclement weather, the presentation will be extended to include additional information on a related astronomical topic. Cost is $10/adults, $5/children and can be paid upon entrance. For more information, please contact Hannah Campbell at hcampbell@marinelife.org or (561) 627-8280 ext. 105.

Marine Science AcadeMY

KIDS’ PIER FISHING

Do you know an aspiring young angler? Join us for a Kids’ Fishing Program at the Juno Beach Pier! Upcoming programs will be held on September 24 and October 2 from 8-11 a.m. Participants will learn basic techniques including knot tying, casting, species identification and proper release protocols in addition to conservation measures such as habitat protection, sea turtle rescue and the importance of collecting and recycling monofilament fishing line. Participants will leave with the knowledge and experience necessary to serve as responsible anglers. The cost is $10 per angler. To reserve a spot in a fishing program, please contact Demi at (561) 627-8280 ext. 107 or dfox@marinelife.org. Space is limited.

Private Fishing Lessons

Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Juno Beach Pier staff are now offering private fishing lessons for adults and kids, ages 8 and up! If you’d like to learn from expert anglers about fishing techniques and how you can help protect and restore the marine environment, please contact Demi at dfox@marinelife.org. One-hour lessons will be held on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Virtual Field Trips

Bring LMC to your classroom this school year! With just a computer and a Skype account, Virtual Field Trips allow students to experience our sea turtle hospital. Staff connects with classrooms worldwide for a lesson on sea turtle ecology, an introduction to each of our sea turtle patients, and plenty of time for questions at the end. If you know a classroom that may be interested in booking a Virtual Field Trip, or have any questions, please contact Demi at 561-627-8280 ext. 107 or dfox@marinelife.org.

Winter Programming Showcase

Winter programming is back at LMC! October marks the return of our popular winter programs and we need you to help us kick off the season! Come check out this year’s winter program offerings by visiting us on October 9 for our Winter Program Showcase event. Our regularly scheduled programs will be jam-packed in one day and offered for FREE from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for children of all ages*. New this year: walk through our birthday party room and check out what it’s like to party with sea turtles! Free cake samples and birthday party craft activities will be offered during the event as well as information on our new deluxe theme packages! Programs include Dr. Logger, Guided Tours and a Birthday Party Open House, plus information on all 2016-2017 seasonal offerings! For more information and to check out the exciting event program schedule, please visit www.marinelife.org/showcase. *On campus registration only on a first come, first serve basis. See you there!

TurtleWeen

Our annual “spook-tacular” Halloween event is on October 22, 2016 and is sure to be a blast for the entire family! From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., bring your ghouls and goblins for a visit with our sea turtle patients and receive a free turtle-y awesome reusable trick-or-treat bag to use on the big day! Then, peek into the Haunted Hospital, experiment with our mad scientists in the Mad Science Lab and swim around our center through this year’s new Strange Seas Exhibit. From estuaries to the open ocean, children will be led through corals reefs, Jelly Junction and the Abyssopelagic Zone to explore the weird and wonderful mysteries of the deep. Two costume contests will be held at noon and 2:30 p.m. that will award the best-dressed with turtley-awesome LMC giveaways. Don’t forget the Halloween-inspired crafts and face painting to get you in the TurtleWeen spirit! For more information, please visit our website.

 VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

 We would like to give a huge congratulations to LMC’s September volunteer of the month, Donna Kaminski! Donna is a volunteer in the LMC Education Department. Donna started volunteering at LMC in July of 2015. Since starting at LMC, Donna has volunteered for 315 hours. She volunteers at least once per weekend as well as assists with all of our special events, extra programs and conservation initiatives. Donna always has a great attitude, is extremely helpful to Education staff and enjoys educating our visitors about our sea turtle patients.

Donna is trained in many education programs including the Junior Vet Lab, Fish Feedings and Scout Programs. She leads the Junior Vet Lab three times per shift on Saturdays and the attendees always enjoy her great program. Donna also assists with our Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Project by collecting water samples from the Juno Beach Pier each week.

When not volunteering at LMC, Donna is busy attending classes at Palm Beach State College where she studies environmental science. It is because of loyal and hardworking volunteers like Donna that we are able to continue saving sea turtles. We thank Donna for being such a great addition to the LMC volunteer team.

A Fresh Breath of Salt Air -VENDOR SPOTLIGHT WITH Geoffrey Schmidt

Name: Geoffrey Schmidt
Company: Florida Salt Scrubs
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
Dream superpower: The superpower of making music.
Estore product: Florida Salt Scrubs

How long have you been creating salt scrubs? Our business started in January of 2012. This came when we experienced salt scrubs in a Florida Keys restroom bathroom sink. I’m into natural living, healthy living, things like that. It was through that natural curiosity and the salt scrubs. So, I asked how we could make it better and take it to the next level. We went to green markets, which was a great opportunity to have people try the product. I figured that if they bought it, they would be on the positive side – they at least liked it beyond 50 percent, which was really good. We modified the formulas just to see what sold better than others. Over time, I’d like to think we really got our signature formula. Now it can be purchased across the state!

Where did you learn this skill? I’m self taught. When I get into something, I dive deep. Once we had the formula and our demand was increasing, I took it to a contract manufacturer, who made the formula come to life. But, the formula has to pass their lab testing, such as good manufacturing practices and quality control. After I sent it over to them, they came back and asked if I had a background in chemistry, and told me there was nothing to add to the formula. And they ran with it!

Tell us about your product and what separates it from similar products? There’s huge distinctions – one of the biggest ones is the salt grain size – which is pulverized into powder-grain size. It’s gentler on someone’s skin – that being said, the customer can benefit more. This delivers minerals into your skin more easily. We use Atlantic sea salts and coconut oil, which is the best for the skin. The scents are all from Florida, like key lime, orange, coconut, lemongrass, grapefruit, lemon and coconut mango.

Where do you find ideas for your work? Where do you like to see art? I look at it like how you would look at life. People like to put everything in a box and label it and put it on the shelf. But everything is happening around you all the time and is all connected. The rules that apply in business apply in life – they never change. The only thing that might change is the name we put on it. Art is everywhere – it’s life. Some people think you have to see art at a museum, but there are masterpieces all around you. Office space allows for a different kind of artwork than a painter would create, but it’s still art. People value what they want and what makes them feel good. So I want to make people feel. The product should create an instant connection, create a memory. Once that connection is in place, they can then take it home and be blown away with what’s inside. Often, something looks aesthetically pleasing, but what’s inside? It’s “eh.” And some killer products have horrible packaging. We want people to have an all-around great experience. So, we don’t spare expense when it comes to making a great product.

What do you love about your work? We make our products with love – no joke! Everyone is here because they want to be here. Lots of positive energy.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve heard when it comes to chasing your dreams? I was a business coach and I had a company that I built and sold called Florida Surf Lessons. After I sold it I went into business coaching. I’ve always believed in following your intuition. How many times have you talked with your family and friends who have great ideas, but nothing happens because no one takes action? An idea is a gift. You have to take action. In a business, you’ll be tested. Roads will not always be smooth. People are going to get tested, but you better pick up the ball and grow and thrive and get stronger in life. Go in with a mindset of being real. You don’t need thousands of dollars either – I only spent 35 dollars to get to the first green market I did.

How is your business sustainable, and what is the benefit of buying local? There’s no shortage of salts. And we get our coconut oil from coconut farms. We use essential oils made from leftover oranges or other produce that isn’t fit to be sold at a market. We use a Prius, and our big truck is a Ford Transit, which has better gas mileage. As for buying local? It’s great because you support the local economy when it’s good business.

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THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SUPPORTERS

Thank you to Tideline Resort for donating a percentage of food and beverage sales at the Worth Avenue Association Turtle Tuesday beach clean-up last month!

Volunteers in front of the Tideline Resort during a Turtle Tuesday beach clean-up

 

Special thanks to the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) for raising over $1,300 for Loggerhead at their latest conference.

Fletch selling raffle tickets at HFTP

Thank you to Maxwell Vanderslice, who requested that friends and family donate to LMC in lieu of giving gifts for his 10th birthday in August. We are grateful to Maxwell’s friends and family for celebrating his birthday by supporting the center!

Max (left) and Liam (right) visiting LMC

Thank you to Lavinia Lloyd, who chose to not receive gifts for her 6th birthday, but instead to raise money to “help save turtles.” We are incredibly thankful for Lavinia’s generous and kind act!

Lavinia visiting with Pearson at LMC