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Today's Letters: Aquarium does amazing work
Letters to the Editor
Published January 3, 2008
As a longtime volunteer at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, I have witnessed and supported many positive events regarding the rescue, rehabilitation and release of local marine life and the education of the aquarium's guests and surrounding community. And as far as I can see, the aquarium is gathering momentum to expand this mission and do even more amazing things. For example, by now many people have heard of Winter, our tailless dolphin calf. She is but one ambassador for marine life. While Winter's story is heartbreaking, there is hope, even for a tailless dolphin! The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a facility that provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for animals whose lives would not continue without the aquarium's help. Many animals that arrive at the aquarium present severe impact injuries from boats and cars, medical conditions like tumors and the effects of Red Tide (from pollution), the secondary complications associated with strandings (such as third-degree dolphin sunburns (ouch!) and the inability to swim or eat. The aquarium not only addresses these issues through the rescue, rehabilitation and release or housing of these lucky animals, but it also goes a step further. Through daily on- and off-site presentations, interactive programs, summer camps and an informative Web site, guests and community members are exposed to animal and environmental conservation. As more people become informed about important issues concerning habitats that we share with other species, many seem to come away with heightened compassion and a renewed motivation to make a difference. Some of them, like myself, make a lifelong commitment to participating in this important mission of conservation. Seeing is believing, and seeing an animal arrive in a seemingly hopeless state and then recover under the care of tireless individuals is an incredibly uplifting experience. This is a great opportunity to share our love and pride for our cherished beach communities. The more people care, the more they will help to keep our beaches clean and the animals safe. With the aquarium's location being just minutes from Clearwater Beach, local and traveling visitors' experiences become infinitely more memorable upon meeting a dolphin, otter, turtle and stingray at the aquarium. I hope that my commentary will gain the attention of individuals and organizations who care about marine life and ecosystems and encourage them to contribute to this very important cause. It has been proven throughout history that a single individual can make a great positive difference in the lives of so many. Each of us can be that person. Lori Mecca,Holiday Kimpton made holiday special I hope you will publish this, as the people who live on Kimpton Place off Belcher Road in Largo deserve a special thank you. Their light display has made my son and I smile since Dec. 1. He just discovered Christmas lights, so we went every night but two to see them. He loved it. Thank you, homeowners of Kimpton Place, for giving me a place to show my son some spectacular light shows before bed every night. It really made him see how great Christmastime can be. I also think it's fantastic that you support several charities and that's why you put on that show. The neighbors have a Web site, Kimptonchristmas.com. I hope people will go to their Web site and honor them with a donation for their efforts. Diane LaBeau,Clearwater Volunteers are needed to tutor United Methodist Cooperative Ministries will be hosting two free workshops in January and February that will teach volunteers the skills and practices needed to be an English tutor. Volunteers will tutor at UMCM's English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) locations for men and women with limited English skills or who are new to the country. People completing the training will receive a literacy certificate and immediate placement at one of UMCM's many ESOL sites. Workshop participants will join a community of volunteers in the area who are changing lives with UMCM. For registration information, please contact UMCM at (727) 442-6881 or email at umcoopm@verizon.net Amanda B. Crew,Clearwater
[Last modified January 2, 2008, 21:22:56]
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