Meeting Minutes: May 2017

NYC AAZK Meeting:  Friday May 5, 2017 ⁃ Flaherty Learning Center 

In attendance: Kenny, Brent, Joe B., Mike, Gabi, Aniko, Amy, Lisa, Carolyn, Joe N, Paid Members: Michelle M., Aniko T., Niya C., Lauren F., Joe N., Brittney M., Elizabeth M., Taylor R. 

Member dues: ⁃ $15 members of AAZK national ⁃ $25 for non national members 
 ⁃ Benefits: discounts on Bowling for Rhinos, access to applying for the annual Travel Grant, chapter voting 
 ⁃ There are currently 10 members 

Ice Skating fundraiser: 
 ⁃ Yonkers Murray Memorial Skating Rink 
 ⁃ $300 raised for Trees for you and me reforestation program 
 ⁃ 16 people in attendance 

Regional Symposium: 
 ⁃ 130 representing 27 different facilities in attendance! 
 ⁃ Dessert Plastics, Bogs Boots and Blunderstone boot door prizes 
 ⁃ Special thanks to all of the keepers that gave tours, animal department managers for helping to facilitate the 
    event, Randi Winter for designing our custom made map and providing TEX tickets, Joe Padilla from IT for 
   all his assistance, Priscilla and the Events team for setting up Schiff Hall, Kimio Honda and the EGAD 
   department for our awesome symposium sign design, Pat Thomas for giving the opening remarks, and Jim 
   Breheny for his support. 
 ⁃ Thank you to our volunteers that came in to help run the event on their day off: Lisa Walker, Amy Golden, 
    Aniko Totha, Gabrielle Rosata, Brent Atkinson, Taylor Ritz, Joe Nappi and Mike Masiello 
 ⁃ Approximately $1,400 in profit 
 ⁃ Behind the Scenes Tours: World of Birds, Aquatic Birds, Hospital, Congo, Madagascar, Reptile House 
 ⁃ Keeper demos and talks: Bat training/Bug room, Giraffe training, Tiger demo, Gelada talk 

Cinco de Salamander: 
 ⁃ Thank you Carolyn for the amazing decorations! 
 ⁃ 17 people in attendance 
 ⁃ $360 made which will be donated to the Foundation for the Conservation of Salamanders Upcoming: 

National Zookeeper Week: 
 ⁃ looking for committee volunteers 
 ⁃ 3rd week of July 
 ⁃ Social media outreach, education stations and games for the public, keeper chats, AAZK Silent Auction 

Travel Grant: 
 ⁃ $1000 annual professional development grant 
 ⁃ Deadline Aug 1st

Bat Survey:
 ⁃ More info to follow Bat Surveying
 ⁃ Talking to Colleen McCann about AAZK assisting in collecting bat data at the Bronx Zoo over the summer. 

Bowling for Rhinos: 
 ⁃ Thank you Taylor Ritz for heading up the committee! 
 ⁃ Bowlero Alley in Woodside, Queens 
 ⁃ Deposit approved by members 
 ⁃ Monday August 14th ⁃ Need volunteers to help get auction items and help with setup the day of. Ideas for 

Future Event Ideas: 
 ⁃ Paint night 
 ⁃ Obstacle course 
 ⁃ Alamo Drafthouse event 
 ⁃ Summer Video Games Night 
 ⁃ Hose to Habitat Workshop