more scuba training photos

super heroes

SCUBA!

So awesome! Today was day 2 of our PADI fast track scuba training that we're taking through Westfield Water Sports. It has been a fabulous experience so far. Our instructor, Jim, is very experienced and an excellent teacher. I've been so proud of everyone in the group. We all come with our own strengths and challenges, and everyone has been putting their best selves forward and rising to this challenge. It's amazing how much we have learned in such a short time and how much our comfort level underwater has increased. 1 more day, but already we're itching to get in the ocean. Can't wait! More on this soon, but I wanted to get a few pictures up.

Saving Sharks

We just watched a really powerful documentary about sharks called Shark Water. I'd like to show it for you all at North Star as soon as possible, but I'm having trouble finding a time. The schedule is tight! Would any of you come in for an evening show, or stay late, maybe start it at 3 or 4?





Some facts about sharks borrowed from savingsharks.com:

Facts about sharks

• Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years
• There are 375 shark species
• Sharks are intelligent and can be trained
• 100 million sharks are killed each year for their fins
• The largest shark is the Whale shark, averaging 9 metres (30 feet) in length—the size of a large bus
• Whale sharks are not aggressive. They eat zooplankton, small fish and squid.
• When a shark loses a tooth, a new one grows in its place
• Mako and Blue sharks are the fastest swimming sharks
• Sharks can take hours or even days to die after being finned
• Sharks are a critical part of marine ecosystem

ALSO, check out this EDUCATION link from the Shark Water site for more info about shark finning.

We Love Mangroves

The Mangrove Action Project has an excellent website that clearly and simply explains the importance and value our tropical and sub-tropical mangrove trees. Learn about then HERE. At the bottom of the page you'll find a link to a short, informative video that is very well done.

Raffle Tickets!

North Star Teens go to Honduras Raffle

Enter this raffle to support our trip to Honduras where we will be volunteering for Reef Check, an international reef monitoring program. Entry fees are tax-deductible. Drawing on 1/24/09.

$20 ticket enters you into a raffle for $500 cash prize. Drawing on 2/7/09. 3 tickets for $50.
I would like __ ticket(s).

$10 ticket enters you into a raffle for an afternoon of work from our group. We will spend 4 hours at your home in the Pioneeer Valley one day this Spring. I would like __ ticket(s).

Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Email:

Mail checks made out to North Star to 135 Russell St., Hadley, MA 01035. Please enclose a note that says which and how many tickets you would like. THANK YOU!

Questions: catherine@northstarteens.org

FEBRUARY 7 EDUCATIONAL EVENT

EXPLORING CORAL REEFS
educational fair

We will be hosting a free, educational event at North Star on Saturday, February 7, 1-4 pm.

Come and learn about our planet's coral reefs, their importance, the dangers they are facing, and what we can do locally. There will be games, educational activities, a silent auction, and a raffle drawing.

If you are interested in partnering with us to present educational info or games, please let me know.

Inexpensive table/booths are also available if you would like to sell your art or other wares.

Let us know if you have any questions or if you'd like to participate: catherine@northstarteens.org, North Star: 413-582-0193.