Shark Bites
March 2021
Happy March! This time last year, we were heading into the unknown. Now we seem to be heading back into the light. Sandoway continues to move towards a new normal and along the way, we have gained some valuable insight. The pandemic has forced us to think outside the box and we've introduced some successful programming options that are safe but still interactive. One such program is our Nature Series Outreach Program. We've partnered with The Jim Moran Foundation to provide underprivileged students exposure to the world of science through dynamic educational outreaches. So far, we have partnered with Florence Fuller (East and West campus), Milagro Center, Paul’s Place and the Achievement Center and the response has been fantastic! Since we have been unable to host field trips for students during the pandemic, we have loved the opportunity to be out in the community, teaching about the importance of conservation and preservation to these deserving students. We look forward to continued outreach as well as your visits to the center. We wish you continued health and positive progress!

Danica Sanborn
Executive Director
NEW EXHIBIT
As part of our ongoing efforts to provide education and exposure to our environment, we have installed a new Mangrove exhibit. Funded by the Lattner Family Foundation and fabricated by Aquatic Interiors, this exhibit showcases the mangrove, a shrub or small tree that grows in coastal saline or brackish water. We're excited to share this new exhibit with our friends!
ANIMAL NEWS
Sandoway welcomes Meatball, our Common Snapping Turtle. Meatball may be small but he's certainly precocious, chasing all of his fish friends!

Meatball is one of our adoptable animals (don't worry - we'll take care of him! here at Sandoway). To adopt Meatball, click here.
Meet Gonzo, our baby red rat snake! Gonzo is hard to find in his exhibit because he's so tiny, but he's growing and peeking out every once in a while!

Gonzo is another one of our adoptable animals so give him some love and become a sponsor!
SANDOWAY'S 1ST ADOPT-A-THON A SUCCESS
Sandoway hosted our 1st Adopt-A-Thon on February 13th and we had a great time! Lots of visitors, lots of adoptions, sweet treats and meet and greets with our snakes, turtles, opossum and owl. It was such a success, we're going to make it an annual event! If you didn't have a chance to join us on the 13th, no worries. You can adopt any of our 11 adoptable animals any time of the year, either in person or online. Your support means the world to our non-profit and on behalf of all our animals, we say thanks!!
DISCOVERY SERIES EXTENDED
The Discovery Series has been extended and will now conclude on Thursday, June 17th. The series is geared for pre-schoolers and their families and is FREE to Sandoway members. RSVP is required for all attendees and payment for non-members is due on the day of class. Click here for the flyer and to RSVP, email Shoshana.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Danuta Fein has been volunteering since moving to Delray from Westchester County, NY in 2017. Danuta has always wanted to volunteer at a nature center but never had the time working as an RN in NY. With time on her hands at last, she met with Amanda for her interview and she was hooked. What a cool place and such a hidden gem in Delray.

Danuta has been working in the gift shop and selling admissions ever since. She also covers the touch tank when needed. "It’s really difficult to pick what my favorite thing about Sandoway is", says Danuta. "I love all the creatures that reside there, but I really enjoy meeting and greeting all the people that visit Sandoway. From school groups to the travelers from all over the world, I am never bored and always amazed how much our love for nature bonds us together no matter where we come from."

Danuta also enjoys being with the Sandoway staff and says she's so impressed with the dedication, expertise and enthusiasm that they bring to Sandoway each and every day. She rarely leaves without learning at least one new nature fact every time she comes in and loves that the environment is more family-like than work-like.

In addition to volunteering at Sandoway, Danuta has been involved in various other activities in the community. "I am on the Architectural Committee for our HOA, sing in the church choir, take Ballroom dance, enjoy cycling, nature hikes, reading and cooking. Unfortunately, many of these activities have been curtailed due to the pandemic so I am so grateful that Sandoway has remained open most of the time and that with all the precautions in place, I can go there and feel safe", Danuta adds.

Amanda Clough, Volunteer Coordinator, had this to share about Danuta. "I am so happy to have Danuta as a part of our Sandoway volunteer team. She is always a ray of sunshine and brightens a room from the moment she walks into the building. She greets every guest that enters Sandoway with a smile, and is always ready to tell them about this amazing place they are about to explore. I couldn't imagine Sandoway without Danuta!" We all agree Amanda!

Want to volunteer at Sandoway? E-mail Amanda for more information.
Thanks for reading!!
Our next edition of Shark Bites will hit your email box in June 2021.
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