The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, MD has announced new summer boatshop programs for woodworkers or anyone with a desire to build. The programs begin June 7 and continue through August 8, with space limited and pre-registration needed.

CBMM’s Friday Open Boat Shop program takes place on the evenings of June 7, July 26, August 9, and August 23, and invites members of the public to work on a small woodworking project of their own, or to bring ideas for a longer term project. Participants will receive the advice and guidance of an experienced shipwright and woodworker, and can expect assistance with CBMM’s machinery and tools, plans, measurements, and the execution of their small-scale project. Projects could include plans for a small gift, frames, furniture, models, artwork, and more. The Friday Open Boat Shop program runs from 5:30-8:30pm and costs $20 per session for CBMM members and $30 per session for non-members. Space is limited with pre-registration required by calling 410-745-4941. Participants must be 16 or older, unless accompanied by an adult.

On June 8 and June 9, CBMM invites the public’s participation in an Oar Making weekend workshop from 10am to 4pm. Participants will be able to handcraft their own set of white pine oars to use specific to their vessel, or just for decoration. The two-day workshop is $50 for CBMM members and $75 for non-members, plus the cost of materials (approximately $50), with space limited. Pre-registration is needed by June 5 by calling 410-745-4941. When registering, be sure to specify what type of vessel the oars are for and a CBMM shipwright will help you determine the proper dimensions.

On Friday, July 12, a Bronze Casting Demonstration will be held in the boatyard from 10am-12noon. Participants will listen to Mariner’s Museum Conservator Will Hoffman as he discusses the casting replication project of one of the USS Monitor’s artifacts, including iron and bronze parts. Following the discussion, Hoffman and nationally-renowned sculpture artist and Shepherd University professor Christian Benefiel will cast a replication of an oarlock from the Monitor in bronze using traditional pattern and molding methods. The cost for the demonstration is $30 for members and $50 for non-members, with registration required by July 10 to 410-745-4941.

From July 18 through July 21, a four-day bronze casting workshop with Will Hoffman and Christian Benefiel will have participants learning the intricacies of bronze casting, including creating molds, working the sand and furnace, and pouring the hot metal. Participants take home a working knowledge of casting metal and their own creation cast in bronze. Held from 9am to 4pm on all four days, the workshop for ages 16 and up is $160 for members and $200 for non-members, plus the cost of materials (approximately $100). Pre-registration is required by July 12 by calling 410-745-4941.

On August 8 from 5-6pm, the public is invited to the boat shop to see a lathe demonstration. A lathe is a machine tool that operates the wooden work piece on its axis to perform various operations such as cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, and more. Learn how to turn an object safely––a bowl, furniture piece, whatever you’re working on. The cost is $10 for members, and $25 for non-members with registration needed by calling 410-745-4941.

For more information, or to pre-register for any of these workshops, contact Helen Van Fleet at 410-745-4941. All classes have limited participation, and take place in or around CBMM’s boatshop in St. Michaels, MD. Visit www.cbmm.org for more information.

With the 2013 summer season making its debut this weekend and plenty of good weather ahead, many boaters will be heading out on the water. As they do, the DNREC Office of Boating Safety and Education encourages them to remember to practice safe boating, not just over Memorial Day weekend – but throughout the year.

This afternoon, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife officials and Enforcement agents joined U.S. Coast Guard officers and Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers to officially kick off National Boating Safety Week at the Lewes Public Boat Ramp.

“Delaware consistently has one of the lowest accident rates in the country, and that’s something we can be very proud of today,” said David Saveikis, Director of DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. “Our boating safety education program plays a significant role in that record. As a life-long boater myself, I encourage boaters to learn the boating ‘rules of the road’ and to practice safe boating each and every time they head out to enjoy our beautiful waterways.”

While stressing the importance of boating education, Chief James Graybeal of the Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section also encouraged boaters to be aware and alert on the water. “Last year, we had two boating-related fatalities and 13 reportable boating accidents. We’d like to see those numbers go down,” Graybeal said. “Though some accidents are unavoidable, we need everyone on our waterways to be alert, use common sense and avoid actions that will put themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk.”

To date this year, Delaware has had no reported boating accidents and no fatalities. By this time last year, four boating accidents had been reported, with two fatalities. In both cases, the victims were not wearing life jackets, Graybeal noted – a simple precaution that might have prevented tragedy.

Statistics support the vital role of wearing life jackets in keeping boaters safe. Approximately 500 people drown each year from recreational boating accidents. According to U.S. Coast Guard data from 2012, nearly three-quarters of all boating fatalities nationwide were drowning victims – and more than 80 percent of them were not wearing life jackets.

“Boating accidents can happen very fast – and there’s no time to reach for a stowed life jacket and put it on. Like seatbelts in automobiles, we know without question that life jackets save lives,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, boating education specialist with the Office of Boating Safety and Education. “Today’s life jackets are also more effective, more comfortable and even more fashionable than in the past, so there’s simply no reason not to use them.”

“In addition, Delaware law requires that children age 12 and younger wear a life jacket while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters,” Rhodes said. “Though life jackets are not legally required for adults, they should also wear them, especially anyone with limited swimming skills.”

Recent statistics from the Coast Guard show the top five primary contributing factors for boating accidents are operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and mechanical failure. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and was listed as the leading factor in 17 percent of the 651 boating-related fatalities reported nationwide in 2012.

“Drinking while boating is a choice. The best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wise choice – don’t drink and boat,” said Sgt. Rhodes, noting that boaters should plan ahead to have a non-drinking designated boat operator aboard if alcohol is being consumed.

While it is not illegal for recreational boat operators to consume alcohol, the same blood alcohol limit used to measure intoxication in automobile drivers applies to boat operators: 0.08 or above is legally intoxicated. Sgt. Rhodes also noted that boat operators found to be at or over the limit face fines and potential jail time, as well as putting themselves and their passengers at risk.

Taking a boating safety course can also improve your skills and reduce the chances of an accident. Coast Guard statistics show that where instructional data was available, 85 percent of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

Delaware’s Office of Boating Safety provides volunteer instructors to private and non-profit organizations, schools, clubs and to the public to educate boaters on skills and seamanship and to encourage them to be safe, knowledgeable and responsible. Courses are offered free of charge, including materials and educational aids.

Under Delaware law, all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course in order to operate a boat in Delaware waters, including personal watercraft. “We recommend that everyone who is going to operate a boat in Delaware waters take a safety course first, regardless of their age,” Sgt. Rhodes said.

For more information on Delaware’s boating safety education courses, please visit www.fw.delaware.gov/Boating/BoatingSafety.htm or contact Sgt. Greg Rhodes at 302-739-9913 or email gregory.rhodes@state.de.us.

The eighteenth annual Rock Fish Tournament is scheduled for June 7, 8, and 9, at the bulkhead in Rock Hall Harbor. The town of Rock Hall is located in Kent County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The Tournament is a Pro-Am event and is open to private anglers and licensed fishing guides. Entry fees are $100.00 per day per private boat and $125.00 per day per boat for a charter.

The prizes range depending on daily participation. 50% of the entree fees each day go towards cash prizes. There will be cash prizes 1st – 6th place daily with one overall 3 day combined weight prize for $1000, and as always the youth division will receive trophies daily for 1st – 3rd place.

Entries are limited to 200 boats per day. Start time is 5:00 a.m. from Rock Hall or from your own dock. Fish must be checked in by boat before 3:30 p.m. at the Rock Hall Harbor each day.

Rock Hall has ample docking facilities, marinas, motels and B & B’s, wonderful restaurants, shops and antique stores that make it a great destination any weekend of the year.

Come and watch the weigh-ins starting at 11:00 a.m. each day. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded on Sunday June 9th at 4:30 p.m.

For more information and entry forms call Melissa Boe @ (410) 216-6610. Email: info@marylandwatermen.com or check out the website, www.marylandwatermen.com

Nationally recognized Great Outdoors Month is right around the corner and Governor Martin O’Malley’s Partnership for Children in Nature is helping citizens celebrate! The second annual Celebrate Maryland Outdoors Days encourages families to get outside and invites Maryland organizations to post and promote their nature-inspired events. This two-week statewide collection of activities kicks off in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day on June 8 and culminates with the Great American Backyard Campout on June 22.

“June marks the end of school, the excitement and anticipation of summer, and the perfect time to encourage our children to connect with nature through outside activities,” said Governor O’Malley. “Celebrate Maryland Outdoors Days reminds everyone to take the time to enjoy and explore the unique sights, sounds and recreation our natural world provides.”

The Partnership invites everyone to visit the Celebrate Maryland Outdoors Days website to check out fun happenings taking place across the State. The website serves as a forum where parks, environmental groups and other organizations ─ including faith or community groups, school or youth clubs ─ can post information about their outdoor events, activities, and places to visit for outdoor recreation.

Visitors can choose from a wide variety of activities which support the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. These two weeks in June will highlight opportunities for bird-watching, archery, kayaking, fishing, gardening, camping, hiking and more. Most are also extremely affordable ─ if not free ─ and can be enjoyed any time of year.

The Great American Backyard Campout on June 22 encourages families to experience their natural world through camping. All Maryland State Parks with campgrounds are offering special campfire and s’mores programs. In addition, select parks are offering unique programs including Scales and Tales, guided hikes, campfire cooking, owl prowls and kayaking.

To ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards, Governor O’Malley established the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature in 2008, involving numerous agencies and organizations. Under this initiative, which is now being used as a national model, an ambitious set of actions focuses on improving connections with nature during the school day as well as outside of school and in communities. With help from the Partnership, Maryland became the first state to adopt a high school graduation environmental literacy requirement.

More information on Celebrate Maryland Outdoors Days is available at dnr.maryland.gov/cin/CMO or by emailing mdoutdoorsdays@gmail.com.

Construction will begin this week on a connector that will join two existing trail facilities within the White Clay Creek State Park along Hopkins Road, as part of Governor Jack Markell’s First State Trails and Pathways Initiative.

The purpose of the project is to create safer conditions for hikers, bicycle riders, runners and walkers who use the trail system in White Clay Creek State Park. Improvements will include creating a separated and protected shoulder within the roadway for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The project is 0.2 miles in length, located between Creek Road and the northernmost end of the Pomeroy Trail where it joins Hopkins Road. The project area crosses the bridge over White Clay Creek.

“By closing the remaining gaps within the 75 miles of trails around Newark and White Clay Creek State Park, we will further enhance one of the best outdoor experiences in the region for cyclists, runners, and hikers,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara.

“Our goal has always been to create and sustain multiple modes of transportation in Delaware,” said DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt. “The opening of the connector in White Clay Creek State Park will provide more options for pedestrians and bicyclists in the region.”

DelDOT is overseeing all of the project development and construction, and administering the construction of the project through a private contractor.

Trail users come up from Newark via the Pomeroy Trail into White Clay Creek State Park. The Pomeroy and Creek Road form a 3.4 mile loop within the 3,044 acre park.

Construction is underway to pave portions of road shoulders and install flexible delineators, as well as a low railing on the bridge walls. In addition, pedestrian crosswalks will define crossings, and signage will note that pedestrians and bicyclists will be crossing Hopkins Road.

The project is expected to take several weeks to complete.

For information about projects in the Governor’s Trails and Pathways Initiative visit www.trails.delaware.gov.

William T. Braithwaite, Tutor (all professors are called Tutors) at St. Johns College in Annapolis, MD demonstrates how we can improve and train our “Literary Imagination” on June 8, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Scossa Restaurant and Lounge in Easton, MD.

Can we train, or develop the imagination? William Braithwaite proposes that we can and illustrates how it can be done in this, the Eastern Shore Writers Association’s end of year and not to be missed gathering at Scossa’s Restaurant.

Beginning by sharing the unconventional liberal-education program at St. John’s College, Annapolis with members and guests, he describes how the students are taught to write regularly in all classes about what they are learning, as well as penning a long annual essay each year of their college career. Weaving the strands of connection together, Mr. Braithwaite teaches attendees what he himself has learned about how to “train” the imagination to show its best face in our writing. He does this by drawing on his 18 years of experience teaching Legal Writing in law school and helping St. John’s students write their many essays. By the end of the session writers will understand why Mr. Braithwaite so strongly believes we can indeed improve our literary imaginations, and why the coherent practices of reading and talking, thinking and writing, seem to help us do it.

He speculates that “close reading of old or well-known stories can help us think about how the greatest writers, poets, and story-tellers use the imagination,” then eloquently describing it as “that place and power in the mind where abstract thinking meets sense-perception, providing a space-like “theater” for dreams, memories, and other visualized dramas of inner life.”

William Braithwaite is a Tutor at St. John’s College, Annapolis, where he currently teaches Literature, Philosophy, Mathematics, and Music. His special study at present is the obscene in comedy, focusing on Aristophanes. Before joining the St. John’s faculty in 1995, Mr. Braithwaite taught law for 15 years at Loyola University, Chicago as well as teaching seminars on Mosaic Law and Oral Argument, and leading seminars on Law and Literature for the Illinois Judicial Conference and the Chicago Bar Association. Mr. Braithwaite’s publications include “The Idea of Punishment in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, and he is a co-editor of Law and Philosophy: The Practice of Theory (Ohio University Press). An ex-military man and odd job connoisseur, he lives in Annapolis with his wife Wendy, a middle-school librarian; his six sons live and work in a variety of interesting places and occupations.

All writers and guests are welcome to attend this free event. An RSVP is not required, but always appreciated, to: jreveal@verizon.net. The Eastern Shore Writers’ Association (ESWA) holds monthly writing programs, sponsors the Bay to Ocean Writers Conference every February, and publishes The Delmarva Review, a literary journal for all writers. As a nonprofit organization, it supports writers and the literary arts across the Delmarva Peninsula. For more information, see the ESWA website www.easternshorewriters.org, or write Hal Wilson, President, ESWA, P.O. Box 1773, Easton, MD 21601.

“Working the Literary Imagination:
Reading & Talking,
Thinking and Writing”
June 8, 2013, at 11 a.m.
Scossa Restaurant
8 N. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601
(410) 822-2202

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council’s “STArt!” (Students, Teachers, Artists) initiative kicked off a two week exhibit of middle school student’s artwork with a reception on May 17. Over one-hundred guests were in attendance including the students and their artist mentors. The artwork was created in a four-hour session in each of the middle schools with a professional artist at each school. Artists Ric Conn, John Pringle, Jonathan Shaw and Rick Strittmater taught at Sudlersville, Matapeake, Centreville and Stevensville schools respectively. Ten students in each school participated in the program and produced artwork in gouache, watercolor, acrylic or drawing depending on who their mentor was.

Program Chair Sharon Lipsius addressed the students, artists and educators, giving special praise to the sponsors and foundations that supported the innovative project saying, “We truly appreciate the vision of our business partners who understand the importance of this type of programming.” She encouraged guests to acknowledge sponsors by doing business with businesses that support the Arts Council and thanked committee members Susan Bastress, Lee Franklin, Diana Saquella and Jonathan Shaw.

Program support was received from The Digital Architects, Queenstown Bank, Choptank Electric Trust, Priceless Industries, The Peoples Bank, Maryland State Arts Council and private donors. Sponsors interested in supporting the project in 2014 should contact Darcey Schoeninger, the Arts Council’s director.

The student and mentor artwork is on display through June 1 during regular business hours, Tuesday through Friday from 9 to 5 and Saturday 10 to 2. Contact the Arts Council at 410.758.2520, or exhibit@arts4u.info. Programs, events and opportunities are listed on their website www.arts4u.info
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The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council is committed to promoting, expanding and sustaining the arts. We connect artists to audiences and the community to the arts.

Student Savannah Spedden (Matapeake Middle) with artist/mentor John Pringle. Submitted Photo.

Student Eric Lemon (Sudlersville Middle) with artist/mentor Ric Conn. Submitted Photo

Student Daniel Rosendale (Centreville Middle) with artist/mentor Jonathan Shaw. Submitted Photo

The Rehoboth Beach Film Society is pleased to announce that Damon Pla’s acrylic on canvas titled “Old Man and The Must See” was selected as the art theme for the 16th anniversary of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. “Old Man and The Must See” will be the theme of the poster, program, ads, t-shirts, and other collateral materials. The July release of the poster is much anticipated throughout coastal Sussex County.

This year’s selection process included twelve pieces of art submitted by eleven artists. “The broad range of creativity in connecting film with the Delaware coastal area was a visual feast”, stated Board President Darrel Grinstead. “The Film Society’s Board of Directors are very impressed as well as appreciative of the time and skill of each submitting artist.”

Damon Pla’s work was also selected in 2011. When asked what was his inspiration for submitting this year’s original piece, he replied “Old Man and The Must See” is based around the fascination of a combination of machines working together to serve one purpose, accentuating a journey, not a destination. In this case, emphasizing the work of the camera, not the subject being filmed.

Born in South Florida, Damon Pla was drawn to express himself through art at an early age. Upon completing various portfolio classes in high school, his advanced drawing and painting skills led him to pursue commercial and private commissions soon after graduation. After a decade of large scale projects throughout Florida and neighboring regions, the largely self-taught artist moved to Delaware to absorb a different landscape.

Bids for the original “Old Man and The Must See” will be accepted during the Film Festival (November 6 – 10, 2013) through a silent auction process.

The Film Society will again invite artists to submit work for the 2014 Film Festival. Artists interested in participating in this process should email info@rehobothfilm.com for guidelines and due date.

The mission of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society is to promote film as an art form through community outreach and educational film initiatives for all ages. The Film Society sponsors monthly screenings, community outreach initiatives, special events, and the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival (November 6 – 13, 2013). The Rehoboth Beach Film Society is supported, in part, by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency committed to promoting and supporting the arts in Delaware. For more information on this series, other events, or to become a member, visit the Rehoboth Beach Film Society website at www.rehobothfilm.com, or call Society office at 645.9095.

Delaware recreational boaters have been asked to play a prominent role in helping to map future recreational Atlantic Ocean use by participating in the 2013 Mid-Atlantic Boater Survey. The survey is being conducted via the mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) to gain valuable and viable information about recreational boating activities throughout the region.

Over 5,000 invitations went out to boaters in Delaware earlier this week asking them to take part in the 2013 Mid-Atlantic Boater Survey, with invitations also mailed to boaters from Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. Information collected through the survey will be translated into maps and incorporated into MARCO’s online mapping tool to support ocean planning efforts in the region, including Delaware’s Atlantic waters.

Recreational boaters contacted for the survey were randomly selected from state and federal boating databases. Those who agree to participate will be emailed a short survey each month (June through November) asking them to describe their most recent boating trip from the previous month, including information about the location, duration and time aboard, activities such as angling and sailing, and money spent.

The survey will yield valuable data in planning for how Atlantic Ocean resources are utilized and coordinated in the years ahead, and help minimize and avert potential user conflicts on the ocean, said Sarah Cooksey, administrator, DNREC’s Delaware Coastal programs and one of the state’s MARCO delegates. DCP encourages Delaware boaters contacted this week to participate in the survey, as data gathered will help with marine planning for the Delaware Bay and for Delaware’s Atlantic waters within the three-mile offshore limit, according to Ms. Cooksey.

ABOUT MARCO:
With traditional coastal and ocean uses expanding, and new uses emerging, pressure grows to ensure sustainable growth of both current and future uses and resources. As such, it is important that ocean managers have the best available information about when and where uses take place in order to minimize conflicts. To address these challenges, and to ensure that future generations enjoy healthy and productive ocean ecosystems, the governors of Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and Virginia committed to a comprehensive, regional approach, creating the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean. The five MARCO states will work to maintain and improve the health of the Atlantic ocean and coastal resources, and ensure that they continue to contribute to the high quality of life and economic vitality of our region’s communities well into the future.

For more information about 2013 Mid-Atlantic Boater Survey, please contact Lorraine Jordan, Urban Coast Institute, Monmouth University at 732-263-5662 or ljordan@monmouth.edu or visit the survey website.

During the next three weeks, weather permitting, DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will be treating six downstate ponds for aquatic nuisance weeds that, left unchecked, can choke the waters, crowd out beneficial plant species, and prevent fishing and boating access. The ponds to be treated are: Abbotts Pond and Tub Mill Pond near Milford; Millsboro Pond; Horseys Pond and Tussock Pond near Laurel; and Concord Pond near Seaford.

In most of the ponds, the primary target aquatic species is hydrilla, a non-native plant that likely entered the state through the aquarium trade. The Division’s Fisheries Section will apply Sonar, an EPA-registered and approved aquatic herbicide containing fluridone. In compliance with new guidelines issued by the EPA, Fisheries has filed a notice of intent to use Sonar and has submitted a pesticide discharge management plan.

Sonar has been used in Delaware since the 1980s and proven safe and effective for controlling hydrilla. Sonar does not pose any threat to wildlife, including fish. “There are no restrictions on fishing or consumption of fish as a result of these planned treatments,” said Fisheries Administrator John Clark.

Signs will be posted in the boat ramp area of each pond on the day of treatment. The only special precaution for residents is a 30-day restriction from the day of treatment on the use of water from the ponds. “Residents who live beside the ponds and those directly downstream should not use pond water to irrigate their gardens, yards, or agricultural lands for 30 days following treatment to avoid possible damage to their plantings,” Clark said.

Clark also noted the Division of Fish and Wildlife would like to remind residents that in order to use any water from Delaware’s freshwater ponds, a permit from the DNREC Division of Water is required. Residents who have these permits will receive individual notice of the treatments.

To prevent the spread of invasive aquatic vegetation to other ponds and waterways, anglers and boaters are encouraged to remove all hydrilla and other aquatic plants from their boats, trailers and gear before leaving the boat ramp area, Clark added.

For more information on the treatment of the ponds, please call the Fisheries Section of the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 302-739-9914.

For information on obtaining an irrigation permit from the Division of Water, please call Patty Murray, Water Allocation Section, at 302-739-9945. For more information, visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/wr/Services/OtherServices/Pages/WaterSupplyWaterAllocationBranch.aspx. For the permit application, scroll down and click the link to “Short Form.”