in your family's history with AtlantiCare Primary Care Plus.

More documents

Recommendations

Info

health of marine mammals and sea turtles in the world.” Sadly, the greatest threat to marine life and one of the main reasons they end up at the MMSC is trash and pollution. Plastic bags, fishing-line, cigarette butts, balloons, and plastic beverage rings have injured or killed countless marine animals, an epidemic that is so easily prevented. Occasionally, the MMSC will receive an animal that is not able to be released back into the wild. Meet Ziggy, a little grey seal that washed up in Longport. Ziggy had an infection and was partially paralyzed. Unable to return to the wild, Ziggy remained at the MMSC for five months and then moved to the Albuquerque Bio-Park in New Mexico. There, this little seal could swim free in the 350,000-gallon tank, with several harbor seals and sea lions. Despite a few situations like Ziggy’s, after 35 years in operation, the Marina Mammal Stranding Center boasts a rehabilitation success rate of 90%. However, financially speaking, this has not been an easy road. One year in operation costs roughly $650,000. This budget includes: the salaries of the four full-time employees, $16,000 for animal food, $35,000 for medical care, laboratory expenses, mechanical maintenance, insurance for two boats and four transportation vehicles, the cost to perform rescues, and mechanical maintenance for the center. Furthermore, federal budget cuts and Hurricane Sandy have added to the center’s operational expense. Sandy’s strength damaged a state-of-the-art animal over-flow tent, two storage sheds filled with maintenance equipment, the tent storage unit for the zodiac rescue boat, and the generator that kept the center operational during the storm and maintained the life-support systems for the rescued animals. Consequently, the financial outcome of the center is uncertain. “How we keep money coming in every month is a challenge,” according to Schoelkopf. “We are very careful in how we spend the money, where we use it, where we look for grants and private donations and bequeathments that help us quite a bit. But we can never count on that because we don’t know what’s coming in or the number or volume of animals that are going to be alive versus dead.” When forced to consider what the impact would be if the MMSC were to close, Schoelkopf stated that there, “would be a lot of animals lying on the beach slowly dying or people deciding that they would take the animals home for treatment to have them die there and the people get bit in the process.” This is a dangerous prospect for both the sea life and the people who may come into contact with these injured animals. Although these animals look cute and cuddly, they are anything but—the seals in particular. When a seal is injured and stranded on the beach, it is important to remember that they too are very scared. As such, it is likely that this animal will bite and cause damage to those who may try to approach it. Furthermore, these animals may be sick and could easily spread diseases. The MMSC recommends that if an injured animal is spotted, one should keep a fifty-foot distance and then immediately call the MMSC. Despite the difficult financial situation, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, including only four employees and 1800 miles of shoreline to monitor, continues to operate and continues to save the lives of thousands of animals. “Volunteers are the center” according to Schoelkopf. “We need those people.” Volunteers support the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in a number of ways. When a stranded animal is called into the MMSC by either the Coast Guard or a Police department, the first thing the center does is pull up their volunteer list and call the people that live within 15 minutes of the stranding area. The volunteer will respond, block off the area around the animal, take pictures, and report back to the MMSC. With this information, the MMSC is able to respond with the haste and efficiency that each animal deserves. Volunteers also support the center through donations and time. Volunteers like Ken Schaeffer, an account executive and evening host on WIBG, Wibbage FM 94.3, who also happens to be the newest board member to join the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. For Ken it was an easy decision, “I’ve owned property in Brigantine since 1987 and have been a full-time resident since 2003. I always admired and visited the MMSC, and I’ve owned and given many of their famous Seal Sweatshirts as gifts over the years as my small way of supporting the center! Little did I know that I would someday become involved as a member of their Board of Directors. My background is in promotions and entertainment. I am in the Media business as an advertising sales consultant and an on-air radio host and my love of animals, combined with my career, made this decision an easy one. When Bob [Schoelkopf] asked if I would consider joining the board of directors, I was honored. It was a natural fit for me. I’ve been active in dog rescue for several years, assisting Beacon Animal Rescue, West Jersey Volunteers for Animals and also participating in private rescue, finding homes for local, senior dogs in need and many Southern dogs in danger. It’s great to facilitate an adoption and see a dog ultimately placed in a happy, loving home when their fate was so uncertain. Extending my passion to helping wild animals, particularly the beautiful mammals that grace our area, is a pleasure and a labor of love. I truly enjoy helping with the fundraising as it helps these beautiful mammals (From left to right) Ken Schaffer, board member and chairman of the fundraising/events committee; Danielle Gomes, of Boardwalk Journal and volunteer on our fundraising/events committee; and Bob Schoelkopf, founding member and Operations director at MMSC. The Boardwalk Journal | April 2013 | 51
who would otherwise not have a voice or advocate without great organizations like the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. Bob, Sheila and their staff truly dedicate their lives to helping mammals and they are among the most dedicated and passionate people I know. I’m very happy and proud to be part of such a great organization.” SO, HOW CAN YOU HELP? That’s easy! First, keep our beaches clean. That means dealing with your trash even when you’re not near a beach, because improperly disposed garbage often finds its way to the ocean through run-off drains. Second, visit the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and learn about their work first-hand. You can even adopt a seal! For a $25 donation, you will receive an adoption certificate, photograph, and the story of a seal your donation helped. By adopting a seal, you can help pay for the food and medications these animals need. Third, support the MMSC by attending their various fundraising events. Some benefits to consider: Benefits for the Marine Mammal Stranding Center Saturday, April 20, 2013 7:30 pm–Sam Lardner & Barcelona Concert and Light Fare. Brigantine North School Auditorium 301 E Evans Blvd, Brigantine Sam Lardner is a songwriter, composer, singer and storyteller and will be performing with his Flamenco Fusion band. Guests will enjoy a musical joyride through life in modern Spain. Sam’s voice has been compared to James Taylor and John Denver. He has created the children’s educational Oceans are Talking program which will be presented in three South Jersey venues commemorating Earth Day Saturday, May 4, 2013 9:00 am–5K Brigantine Run for the Animals. The run will start at the City Parking Lot at Ocean Ave. and 17 th Street. There will also be a beach walk with your dogs. The run and walk will conclude with a Block Party in the Central Business District. Sunday, August 11, 2013 7pm–The Annual Dancing with Dolphins Island Party at One Atlantic at the Pier Shops at Caesar’s. The party includes live music, live fare, and cash bar while over-looking the Atlantic, otherwise known as the playground for the guests of honor—the dolphins. There will also be a silent auction with many great items. 52 | The Boardwalk Journal | April 2013 For more information, please visit www.mmsc.org.
Page 1 and 2: AtlantiCare’s Primary Care Plus p
Page 3 and 4: 2 | The Boardwalk Journal | April 2
Page 5 and 6: Regardless of care and caution, you
Page 7 and 8: senAte PResIDent steVe sWeeney Come
Page 9 and 10: The legendary Philadelphia Magazine
Page 11 and 12: 10 | The Boardwalk Journal | April
Page 13 and 14: Present at the Cape Bank Grand Open
Page 15 and 16: Pop Singer Drew Lachey hosted at Th
Page 17 and 18: PET OF THE MONTH Meet Samantha. Sam
Page 19 and 20: fashion by Raina TallenT, Fashion e
Page 21 and 22: 20Questions: Chris Ferry 1. With Sp
Page 23 and 24: Turkessa Lee Though Turkessa Lee ha
Page 25 and 26: Randee Rosenfeld These days, it alm
Page 29 and 30: Introducing John’s Steaks. Locate
Page 31 and 32: BEACHCOMBING FOR GOLD OR “WHICH E
Page 33 and 34: For information about Shore’s Can
Page 37 and 38: The diagnosis she received last sum
Page 39 and 40: from April 1 until December 31, 201
Page 43 and 44: It’s Autism Awareness Month: How
Page 45 and 46: A Full-service L JAmes J. LeonArD J
Page 51: SAVING THE SEA: Bob Schoelkopf and
Page 55 and 56: fitness by Julianne dods, FiTness e
Page 57 and 58: family danielle davies, Family ediT
Page 59 and 60: EDDiE AND ThE CruiSErS 30 Years Dow
Page 61 and 62: politics by haRRy huRley, PoliTical
Page 63 and 64: l Center ipient put their lantiCare

in your family's history with AtlantiCare Primary Care Plus.

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?