MOCK NEWSLETTER
This mock newsletter was part of a creative writing challenge. The rules of the challenge were as follows:
Each writer will be assigned a fictional society that very few people would want to join. You must research and draft copy for an e-newsletter, striving to make the newsletter warm, informative and interesting, regardless how distasteful you might personally find the subject matter to be.
In less than 700 words, you must include:
1. Two abstracts describing recent events or announcements of interest. These can be fictional or based in fact.
2. A 'did you know' snippet.
3. Mention of two new staff at the society/club.
4. Mention of a recent member engagement survey.
5. Mention of an upcoming member event.
6. Mention of a publication the society/club might distribute.
7. An option for members to donate.
ARACHNID APPRECIATION SOCIETY
CHAIRMAN’S NEWSLETTER - MAY
THE VERY LATEST IN WEB DEVELOPMENT
My Fellow Arachnophiles,
Thank you very much for your response to our most recent survey. Results are rolling in thick and fast, and your feedback will be incredibly valuable as our membership expands.
Tickets for the recently announced Spider Symposium are selling quickly - be sure you don’t miss out on yours! We look forward to seeing you there.
This month, we welcome to the team two new officers to the A.A.S. team, James Jones and Bella Baxter. I look forward to introducing them to you in your June issue of Spider Times.
Bill
School Children Captivated by Katipō
Earlier this month, Dr Calliope Rhys-Lithgow fascinated the Year 5 and 6 students of Blake Beach School as she spoke to them about Latrodectus, the Katipō spider.
Now less common than kiwi, these endangered crawlers live in coastal areas, a similarity not lost on the children of this small seaside community.
“The cool thing about this spider is that he likes hanging out at the beach, just like me.” - Jackson, aged 9.
“I found out that Katipō aren’t really very angry and if they are threatened they will probably roll up in a ball instead of biting you.” - Katie, aged 10.
“His name means ‘Night Stinger’ in Māori.” - Chase, aged 9.
Dr Rhys-Lithgow is touring schools until late June, when she will take up a fellowship at The Arachnology Institute.
Triumph and Tragedy in Florida
There’s never a dull moment in the eight-legged world!
The Society extend their heartfelt congratulations to Assistant Professor Rebecca Godwin of Piedmont College in Georgia, for her identification of a new species - the Pine Rockland Trapdoor Spider.
The species was first discovered in 2012, in the area surrounding a Florida Zoo. Since then, more male specimens have been found (large, handsome fellows with a glossy black exoskeleton) but no female specimens have been discovered.
Unfortunately, the lack of female specimens and the rarity of the habitat leads researchers to believe that the species may already be under threat.
Did you know...?
Hundreds of years ago, spider webs were used for first aid. Doctors of the time found that a spider web, applied to a wound, was an effective dressing, but they didn’t know why.
Years later, modern science would provide the answer. Researchers have found that spider webs contain Vitamin K, a powerful coagulant.
Keen to contribute? Your donation of any amount is greatly appreciated!
Contributions help us communicate with you and support the latest research.
Click here to give a gift to A.A.S.
Questions or comments? Contact your Chairman at billbillings@aas.org
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