by Lisa D. Mickey
Joe and Margaret Anglin have been familiar faces at MDC for many years, moving to New Smyrna Beach in 2008 after living for 30 years in Maitland while working in Orlando.
The couple had each retired when they moved here and considered their adult children’s words as they relocated: “If you go to the beach, we will come.” That worked out, as planned.
Get to know the Anglins, who sat down with MDC staff writer Lisa D. Mickey and talked about their experiences at MDC and why they have helped the center grow through giving:
What were your respective jobs in Orlando?
Joe: I worked as a landscape architect for a big company. We worked all over the country and did some work around the world.
Margaret: I was the executive director for 18 years of Harbor House, the Orange County center against domestic violence.
And you are moving north in September to be closer to family?
Margaret: Yes, we are moving to the New London area of Connecticut near Mystic Seaport. Our son is there.
Joe: We lived in Boston for seven years, so we already know about the winters.
When did you start volunteering at MDC?
Joe: I joined Artists’ Workshop (AWI) in 2010, when it was still in the Chamber of Commerce building on Canal Street. In the 2012, the city wanted to free up the Chamber building and we needed to find a new home. It was at the same time MDC was planning to move [from the modular buildings on the North Causeway]. The title for the land of the former New Smyrna Beach High School said this land could only be used for educational purposes, so it couldn’t be developed. That ultimately resulted in a $1.3 million ECHO grant to renovate an old high school building and tear down the other school buildings on this site. So, both MDC and Artists’ Workshop both moved into the renovated building with a 10-year lease with four five-year renewals.
Joe, were you president of Artists’ Workshop at that time?
I wasn’t president when we came over here, but I served in that role for three years.
And Margaret, you served on MDC’s board of directors?
I served for four or five years and it was fun. I helped because I knew about not-for-profits. Chad was the manager and a high school teacher at that time — not yet executive director.
When did you connect with MDC?
Joe: Certainly, we both were interested and the two groups [MDC and AWI] were involved in the renovations and negotiations of the site. I was involved with our board at the time and that’s when we met Chad, the MDC board, and staff.
Margaret: I knew MDC board member Cheri Erdman, so I got involved through her. My brother was a freshwater ecologist and he taught me from an early age about loving the environment and taking care of it. Joe and I took boat trips at MDC. I worked a little at MDC’s Welcome Desk, helped with oyster mats and we both helped plant grass in the 2014 salt marsh restoration.
Were you among the 75 volunteers who helped plant that marsh?
Joe: Yes, we worked with project manager Jeff Beal from FWC (Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission). He had the marsh laid out in different elevations for the different plant materials. Of course, the mangrove trees ultimately won.
Joe, didn’t you design the landscape of MDC’s campus?
I helped with the ideas that were discussed by MDC staff and we created a loop walk and an amphitheater. We got another grant for that and we explored all kinds of ideas over the years.
Is it fair to say you helped conceptualize what this campus would become?
Joe: Not me, personally. I helped facilitate discussions by Chad and the MDC staff and then I would take it home and draw what we talked about so they could see it on paper. For the amphitheater, we worked with an engineering company and architectural company. It’s been fun working with the staff, the leadership, and the board trying to illustrate the ideas they wanted. We didn’t do everything discussed, but we could see MDC’s vision each time.
Other than MDC eco-tours, what were your other learning opportunities at the center?
Joe: We both took the Florida Master Naturalist Program’s Coastal Systems class together, and Margaret took all three core courses to become a Florida Master Naturalist.
Margaret: I had already learned a lot about freshwater ecology from my brother, but this class was all about saltwater species.
What excites you the most about what’s happening at MDC and what you have been a part of?
Margaret: I think it’s a combination of learning a lot, making friends and having fun. All three things happen at MDC all the time. You go out on a Discovery eco-tour, learn a lot and have fun with other people. Working at the Welcome Desk also is like that, as well as serving on the board. I made some lifelong friends at MDC and I’ve learned a lot about what we need to do to take care of this environment. I also think Chad has been an excellent leader. When I went on the board, he was new at leadership at a not-for-profit, but he was an educator. In addition to wanting to teach others, he learned really fast, listened and had smart people around him to help MDC grow.
Joe: Fielding Cooley and former board member Erik Halleus helped mentor Chad and longtime board member Diane Yeaton offered great leadership.
Joe, what stands out for you in your time at MDC?
Joe: I am most enthralled by the times the two groups have worked together – MDC and Artists’ Workshop, combining art and nature. We started out with some open houses, then we co-hosted the Lagoonacy festival and both centers were open at the same time. The Plein Air Paint Out has been a wonderful joint effort, and this year will be the first year [AWI] will run it by ourselves. I always hoped MDC staff would take an art class at Artists’ Workshop and the artists would take a course at MDC. I still hope that will happen.
You both have been generous with your time, as well as with your resources. Why do you want to give to MDC?
Joe: I think it’s a solid cause for our environment and the way it brings our community together. Most importantly, it’s a great organization to help improve the lagoon with its hands-on, feet-wet approach. That is the unique nature of MDC. All of our five grandkids have been through MDC’s summer camp program, and a couple of them hope to pursue environmental careers. One is at Clemson University taking an environmental policy class. It’s great that MDC has had young people who are now environmental scientists who started out in our summer camps.
Margaret: Many people in our world really understand the need for the environment to be healthy, and I think so many people come to MDC who might feel strongly about the environment, regardless of political views. Making a gift, giving personal time – all of that – is on the table now for our environment. We have to do this and there is joy in it. It’s much easier when you are not dealing with horrific things. In my work, I dealt with domestic violence every day and we got wonderful support from the community, but with this organization, you can be a part of this while on your vacation. This is a place that moves us forward in a very joyful, healthy, loving community.
With funding and grants disappearing, are we at a point that donations are more important than ever?
Margaret: Yes, absolutely. Not only has government funding been affected, but corporations and foundations are being stressed because they have to make up for what has been lost. It’s vital, and I think the community can figure out how to make it happen. We really don’t have a choice. Giving can be done in a variety of ways, not just with cash. Businesses can provide services and in-kind donations of all sorts, which is important because Marine Discovery Center is now a major part of this community.
How does it make you feel when you walk into the front door past the Dolphin Society tree with all of the names of donors who are helping MDC reach its objectives?
Joe: It’s great, and there is room for more leaves. The tree is growing!
Margaret: People feel wonderful when they give, and MDC offers that opportunity. All kinds of people love the environment and want to participate because a place like MDC can truly unite.
As you prepare to leave this area, what will you take with you from your time at MDC?
Margaret: As compared to just writing a check, what this has been for me has been a mind-heart-body experience. From the mind, serving on MDC’s board and sharing my work experience with nonprofits. From the heart, working with a community of people at MDC who care about the Indian River Lagoon and each other. And from the body, building oyster mats, helping with water testing and being physically engaged with our community. MDC has given great meaning to my life and my time here has been very special.
If you would like to know more about ways to incorporate Marine Discovery Center into your financial giving plans, please click here.
Follow Us!