DIPAC would like to thank the special volunteers this last summer and fall who contributed greatly in helping us promote our public education community outreach programs.
First and foremost, our annual fall salmon education program was a great success! A total of 1,850 students and adults, representing 69 school classes, visited the Ladd Macaulay Visitor Center from Sept. 24 – Oct. 30.
We sincerely thank the following community members for helping make our program so successful: Teaching aides George Bonnett, Diane DeSloover, Don Greenberg, Andrew Eller, Mark and Betty Johnson, Sarah Power and Carol Sewill; University of Alaska students Doug Duncan, Casey McConnell, Valentina Melica, Dan Michrowski, Tessa Minicucci, Lauren Singmaster, Jenni Sireeni, Jane Sullivan, Ana-Christine Tafoya and Lauren Wild, who also provided great assistance with our classes and education outreach; Debra Wimmer, of the Juneau School District, made it possible to spread the word to interested teachers. We’d like to thank all the teachers, parents and other adult volunteers were much appreciated for their help guiding students in the activities and providing transportation. Bus transportation was also provided by First Student for various classes.
Equally appreciated are our student and community volunteers who helped collect specimens and maintain our aquariums and touch tanks: George Bonnett, Tony Byford, Sierra Ezzre, Jake Lewis, Leilani Russell, Lauren Singmaster, Jenni Sireeni, the Squires family (Steve, Marsha and Owen), Ana-Christine Tafoya, Roger Vallion and Glenn Veter.
Specimens were also provided by the Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute and Sitka Sound Science Center. Opportunities for some of our student volunteers were provided through cooperative partnerships with Juneau-Douglas and Yaakoosge Daakahidi high schools, for which we are most appreciative. On-going assistance for volunteers has also been provided through a cooperative partnership with REACH.
We welcome volunteers who would like to assist with our ongoing education and community outreach programs and aquarium collection and maintenance activities. For further information, contact Rich Mattson at 463-1630 or email at rich_mattson@dipac.net.
Rich Mattson, aquarium manager/education coordinator,
Katie Harms, tourism manager
