Volunteer Connection

Volunteer Connection

April 23, 2010

 

 

Greetings, Friends!

 

Attention All Members…

The Michigan Maritime Museum will hold its annual meeting Saturday, May 22nd, 2010.  The meeting will be held at 1:00 pm in the Padnos Boat Shed on the Museum Campus. All members are welcome and urged to attend. Please read the biographies of those who have been nominated for election to the board of directors below:

 

Information about and Qualifications of

Candidates for the Board put forward by the Nominations Committee

 

15 April 2010

 

                Pursuant to the Michigan Maritime Museum By-Laws, Article III, Section 3, the Nominations Committee puts forward the below persons to serve upon the Board for a three year term beginning in May, 2010:

 

1.  Arlene Dickerson.  Arlene is from South Haven, earned her college degree at MSU and taught school for 30 years.  Arlene is a long time, tireless volunteer for the MMM and is regularly in attendance at events, while offering her experience on the Board and Chairs the Membership Committee.  Just this year, memberships to the MMM have increased significantly, thanks in large part to her efforts.

 

2.  Charlotte Giesler.  Charlotte has served on the MMM Board for three years, while active in the management of All-Seasons, Marine, of South Haven.  She has offered her business experience to assist, quite literally, her neighbor and the relationship has been positive, cooperative and quite often, valuable.  Charlotte also volunteers at the MMM and assists with the logistical needs of many events held on our campus.

 

3.  Bob Hoppes.  Bob is a South Haven resident, has retired from service in the military and has served on the MMM Board for three years.  He is currently the MMM Treasurer.  During his tenure, he has revamped the financial statements, simplifying them for greater understanding on the part of the Board, staff and members.  His analysis of our needs as a seasonal business, the importance of our relationship with lenders, his encouragement to pay down debt and render all of our programs profitable has led to a sustainable business model and a springboard for future, modest growth.

 

4.  Gary Horton.  Gary is from South Haven, after retiring from a career in advertising and marketing with a firm in Chicago.  He has served on the MMM Board and as a dedicated volunteer over a span of years that reveals his dedication to our mission and success.  He currently Chairs the Marketing Committee and has revamped promotional material, assisted with the redesign of the web site, writes, reviews and approves press releases and arranged for bill boards and other inexpensive yet high-impact forms of advertising on behalf of the MMM.  His creative ideas have added to all discussions.

 

5.  Cleo Miller.  Cleo is from South Haven and is President of Mid-American of Three Rivers.  She has served on the MMM Board for three years and is its current Vice President.  While her business perspective and experience is valuable in securing the future for the MMM, her leadership as Chair of the Human Resources Committee and assistance with the employee handbook has been valuable.

 

6.  Eli Thomssen.  Eli spent most of his career at Pharmacia & Upjohn’s Animal Health Division, where he retired as Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Planning.  He is currently President and CEO of Armune BioScience, Inc., a molecular diagnostic company he helped found in 2007.  He has only recently been elected to the MMM Board, where his experience and enthusiasm is already felt in his efforts to assist with a promotional piece about the MMM which can be used in many ways, such as marketing to visitors or assisting with grant applications.  Eli owns property in South Haven, where he enjoys what free time he can manage.

 

7.  Gerald Webb.  Is a South Haven high school graduate and returns to the community after focusing upon mechanical engineering in college.  He has affiliated with several business entities centered in Memphis, TN, but with operations and interests across the country.  Gerald was President, co-founder and board member of Studsvik Processing Facility and is currently Chairman of Equity Holdings, LLC.  His business experience has been helpful to the MMM staff in the redesign of the MMM website.

 

Michigan Maritime Museum Hosts Shipwreck Hunter and Maritime Historian

South Haven, MI.  On Sunday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m., the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, Michigan wraps up its popular off-season lecture series with a presentation by shipwreck hunter, diver and underwater explorer Jim Kennard of Fairport, New York. 

 

Mr. Kennard will speak about the discovery and investigation of an early 19^th Century schooner, which he and his partner Dan Scoville discovered on the bottom of Lake Ontario. The ship is of the same period as Museum’s replica tall ship Friends Good Will and its discovery confirms the often rumored use of centerboards in such vessels of the time.  Kennard will discuss the technology used in finding shipwrecks, such as the Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle combined with good old fashioned historical research and some luck

 

Kennard and Scoville have been very busy in recent years, finding shipwrecks of historical significance including the schooner C. Reeve, built in 1853 in Buffalo, New York, once a frequent port of call for the original Friends Good Will.  C. Reeve was the victim of a tragic marine accident when it went down at night in a blinding snowstorm.

 

Kennard was also at the center of the excitement surrounding the find of H.M.S. Ontario, a Revolutionary War ship. This find has led to books and television contracts. The ship sunk in Lake Ontario, reportedly with American prisoners of war aboard.  .

 

The presentation will focus on the history of these wrecks, the archeology and science surrounding their discovery, the economics of the search and the current environmental condition of the Great Lakes.

               

The Michigan Maritime Museum is home to the tall ship Friends Good Will and offers daily historic sails mid-May through mid-October.  For more information call 1-800-747-3810.  The public is welcome to the lecture and admission is free.

 

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY…

"Now Hear This" all you wooden boat enthusiasts out there. The Documentation Committee, a subcommittee of the Museum's Collection Committee at Michigan Maritime Museum is attempting to sponsor a class on Surveying Wooden Boats to be held at the museum in September. This class would be put on by the WoodenBoat School of Brooklin, ME, and the Museum. It is a week long class taught by a professional Marine Surveyor with years of experience in surveying wooden boats. The class will be divided roughly 50/50 between class room study (in the Padnos) and field work actually surveying several wooden boats, starting with our own Evelyn S. and Jim Schnieder's Frigate Bird. The cost for the class will be between $650.00 and $700.00 and will result in a certificate from WoodenBoat School at it's completion. Student limit is 12 students maximum, we currently have room for up to six Students in this class. If you're interested please contact Pete Mathews at 269-628-2339, or leave a message at the Museum with your contact information. ~ submitted by Pete Mathews

 

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

A hearty thank you to all the Ship’s Company Crew that have worked tirelessly these past several weeks in rigging our favorite square topsail sloop for her sixth season! Friends Good Will is fully rigged and has been busy this week with crew training sails.  In a few weeks she will embark on the busy spring educational tours season.

 

A Call to Arms!

Calling all Friends Good Will crew to defend the honor of our Captain, Crew and Ship. On Saturday, June 5 at 0830 hours in the mess of Friends Good Will, the BLACK POWDER TRAINING for the armament of all able bodied crew of Friends Good Will will commence. Tony Ostenburg, certified National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Black Powder instructor, will lead training in the art and safety of Black Powder firing of muskets, hand weapons, and cannons. At the end of the training session, each participant will be awarded a national Mussel Association certificate of competency in all aspects of black powder operation and firing. The class is a requirement for assisting with the gun, which should get a lot of "exercise" this ASTA summer! 

 

The class will last until early afternoon and will be necessarily limited to the first 15 persons who enroll with Mary Stephens.  Those already having taken the class last year need not take it again this year.  Certifications earned last year are good through 2013, as indicated on the card.  We will also schedule gun drills at other times, to be announced, for veterans already holding certificates.  With so many new members of the Ship's Company, let's fill up this class and assure that there are an adequate number of us, trained to defend these Great Lakes and respond to commands, "Ram Home and Give Fire!” ~ submitted by Dan Sippel and Jim Spurr

 

Michigan Maritime Museum Blog…

The Michigan Maritime Museum Blog is “back alive again.” The address is http://michiganmaritimemuseum.blogspot.com/

 

Photo Shoot at the Maritime Museum? Check out the current issue of the Kalamazoo Gazette’s Ticket on mlive.com at http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/04/six_voices_same_ship_kalamazoo.html

 

Ship’s Company Training Sails…

Captain Sikkema added the following training sails this week:

 

• Saturday, April 24, 9 AM-2 PM
• Tuesday, April 27, 12:30-3:30 (Please note rescheduled times.)
• Wednesday, April 28, 6-8 PM

 

Space is limited. Please let us know in advance if you are planning on coming by emailing mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org. Thank you.

 

Ship’s Company Meeting This Sunday, April 25 at 12:30

There will be a Ship’s Company Meeting on Sunday, April 25 at 12:30 PM in the Padnos Boat Shed. Captain Sikkema will discuss the upcoming ASTA voyages, crew scheduling, the drug pool membership, FGW crew shirts, and other exciting events this summer.

 

 

Upcoming Activities at the Museum:  

Date:                                                                                        Event:

 

Saturday, April 24, 9 AM-2 PM                                             Crew Training Sail                                                      

Sunday, April 25, 12:30- 1:30 PM                                           Ship’s Company Meeting

Sunday, April 25, 2:00-3:00                                                   Lecture with Jim Kennard, shipwreck hunter, diver and underwater explorer

Tuesday, April 27, 12:30-3:30 PM                                          Crew Training Sail                                                      

Wednesday, April 28, 6-8 PM                                               Crew Training Sail                                                      

Friday, April 30 at 6 PM                                                        Basic I (Padnos Boat Shed)

Saturday, May 1 at 8:30 AM                                                    Basic I (Padnos Boat Shed)

Saturday, May 1 at 8:30 AM                                                    Basic II (Friends Good Will, dockside)

Saturday, May 1 at 12:00 PM                                                   Basic III (Friends Good Will, underway)

Sunday, May 2 at 8:30 AM                                                      Basic II (Friends Good Will, dockside)

Sunday, May 2 at 12:00 PM                                                     Basic III (Friends Good Will, underway)

 

 

For the good of the cause,

 

Mary Stephens

Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

voice: 269.637.8078

fax: 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board Nominee Biographies

 

Information about and Qualifications of

Candidates for the Board put forward by the Nominations Committee 

15 April 2010 

      Pursuant to the Michigan Maritime Museum By-Laws, Article III, Section 3, the Nominations Committee puts forward the below persons to serve upon the Board for a three year term beginning in May, 2010: 

1.  Arlene Dickerson.  Arlene is from South Haven, earned her college degree at MSU and taught school for 30 years.  Arlene is a long time, tireless volunteer for the MMM and is regularly in attendance at events, while offering her experience on the Board and Chairs the Membership Committee.  Just this year, memberships to the MMM have increased significantly, thanks in large part to her efforts. 

2.  Charlotte Giesler.  Charlotte has served on the MMM Board for three years, while active in the management of All-Seasons, Marine, of South Haven.  She has offered her business experience to assist, quite literally, her neighbor and the relationship has been positive, cooperative and quite often, valuable.  Charlotte also volunteers at the MMM and assists with the logistical needs of many events held on our campus. 

3.  Bob Hoppes.  Bob is a South Haven resident, has retired from service in the military and has served on the MMM Board for three years.  He is currently the MMM Treasurer.  During his tenure, he has revamped the financial statements, simplifying them for greater understanding on the part of the Board, staff and members.  His analysis of our needs as a seasonal business, the importance of our relationship with lenders, his encouragement to pay down debt and render all of our programs profitable has led to a sustainable business model and a springboard for future, modest growth. 

4.  Gary Horton.  Gary is from South Haven, after retiring from a career in advertising and marketing with a firm in Chicago.  He has served on the MMM Board and as a dedicated volunteer over a span of years that reveals his dedication to our mission and success.  He currently Chairs the Marketing Committee and has revamped promotional material, assisted with the redesign of the web site, writes, reviews and approves press releases and arranged for bill boards and other inexpensive yet hig- impact forms of advertising on behalf of the MMM.  His creative ideas have added to all discussions. 

5.  Cleo Miller.  Cleo is from South Haven and is President of Mid-American of Three Rivers.  She has served on the MMM Board for three years and is its current Vice President.  While her business perspective and experience is valuable in securing the future for the MMM, her leadership as Chair of the Human Resources Committee and assistance with the employee handbook has been valuable. 

6.  Eli Thomssen.  Eli spent most of his career at Pharmacia & Upjohn's Animal Health Division, where he retired as Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Planning.  He is currently President and CEO of Armune BioScience, Inc., a molecular diagnostic company he helped found in 2007.  He has only recently been elected to the MMM Board, where his experience and enthusiasm is already felt in his efforts to assist with a promotional piece about the MMM which can be used in many ways, such as marketing to visitors or assisting with grant applications.  Eli owns property in South Haven, where he enjoys what free time he can manage. 

7.  Gerald Webb.  Is a South Haven high school graduate and returns to the community after focusing upon mechanical engineering in college.  He has affiliated with several business entities centered in Memphis, TN, but with operations and interests across the country.  Gerald was President, co-founder and board member of Studsvik Processing Facility and is currently Chairman of Equity Holdings, LLC.  His business experience has been helpful to the MMM staff in the redesign of the MMM website. 

Volunteer Connection

 

Volunteer Connection

April 8, 2010

 

 

Greetings, Friends!

 

 

Membership Gathering This Saturday…

April 10th is coming!  Don't forget our membership gathering from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 10.   Beverages and appetizers will be served in the Akers Gallery.  Come mingle and see what our Museum Campus has to offer. . . our store and art gallery, new exhibits, and activities rigging our sloop Friends Good Will. This is a celebration of spring and the promise of summer.  We look forward to seeing you there! ~ submitted by Arlene Dickerson

 

 

The Registrar’s Corner…

The Museum Library has seen a marked increase in visitors recently.  Registrar Judy Schlaack and volunteer Dick Brunvand spent several hours last week searching the photograph and postcard collections for relevant images to be used in the introductory Michigan Maritime Museum  DVD.  Producer Dick was thrilled to learn of the hundreds of photos and postcards on file at the Library.  Watch for this DVD that will introduce and promote the Museum beyond our campus.

 

Another recent researcher, Cheryl Chidester of Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, MI spent an entire day using the Library.  Her project is to research Corps of Engineers sites (harbors) in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota as part of a National Register of Historic Places project.  Cheryl gathers information on the history of structures and how they affected the local communities, Great Lakes shipping and local industries that were affiliated with, or benefited from, the improved harbors.  Unable to get through all the available material, Cheryl will return soon. 

 

The library, located at 91 Michigan Avenue, is open Wednesday 10:00 – 3:00 or by appointment.  Call 269/637-9156 or e-mail registrar@michiganmaritimemuseum.org ~ submitted by Judith Schlaack

 

 

Earth Day Celebration Highlights Coast Guard Clean-Up Event at the Michigan Maritime Museum

South Haven: Learn how you can make a difference in the health of our Great Lakes by celebrating Earth Day at the Michigan Maritime Museum on April 17 from 2- 5 PM. The Maritime Museum EarthFaire will focus on preserving and enhancing Great Lakes waterways. The event will feature conservation information, outdoor booths, children’s activities, and informational exhibits. The Maritime Museum EarthFaire is a free public event.

 

The Earth Day activities will coincide with the United States Coast Guard Boat House and Vessel Clean-Up Day, the annual cleaning of the Museum’s restored Coast Guard life saving vessels with help from members of the St. Joseph Coast Guard Station. Other Campus happenings that day will include the annual spring rigging of the replica tall ship, Friends Good Will.

 

Lunch will be provided to those who help the Museum clean and polish the restored USCG boats in the Herbert Van Oort Boat House between 9 AM - 2 PM. These three vessels represent the last three types of wooden lifeboats used by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Museum is the only facility in the United States where you can see all three together under one roof.

 

The Michigan Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Michigan Great Lakes waterways, maritime history, and culture. Located at the drawbridge in South Haven, the Museum is a 501 (c) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible. For more information call 1-800-747-3810 or visit michiganmaritimemuseum.org. 

 

 

Traditional Small Craft Association, Maritime Museum Chapter Update…

A milestone of sorts was reached, after 16 months of donut eating, coffee drinking and labor (?) construction on the Pooduck has been completed with the exception of those items to be installed after finishing, e.g. thwarts and hardware. The boat has been sanded to 120 grit and, with the exception of those areas touched up with fairing yesterday, is ready to prime. I expect the next session will see a coat of primer on most of the boat. We are at the point of ordering hardware: oarlock sockets, oarlocks, pintles and gudgeons. The oarlocks will be traditional open locks to teach traditional rowing skills. All the hardware will be bronze. The color as of now will be white on the outside with a sheer strip2 of a different color, an off white or tan on the interior with perhaps a grey bottom. Once a waterline is struck we may paint the bottom a different (darker) color if it stays in the water for extended periods.  The oars have been taken off to be finished by individual members. I suspect one pair will be painted and one varnished, the decision being left to those doing the work. The subject of a sail rig game up again. It was decided that we already have two rigs in the shop of approximately the correct size. We will try these (one a sprit and I believe the other a standing lug) to see how they work before building our own. We will start on the design mast which will serve for any of the choices being considered at the moment. Those are: Standing lug, Sprit or Sliding Gunter. There was sentiment expressed that we should stick with the rig recommended by the designer, not wanting to try to second guess Joel White.

 

There was a brief meeting where the Classic Boat Show was discussed. We have received three paid registrations for this event so far. There's no need to wait until the last minute for this, the sooner we know how many boats are coming, the easier it will be to plan exhibit space. Advertising is out an published so we're looking for more participation this year. ~ submitted by Pete Mathews

 

 

A Call to Arms!

Calling all Friends Good Will crew to defend the honor of our Captain, Crew and Ship. On Saturday, June 5 at 0830 hours in the mess of Friends Good Will, the BLACK POWDER TRAINING for the armament of all able bodied crew of Friends Good Will will commence. Tony Ostenburg, certified National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Black Powder instructor, will lead training in the art and safety of Black Powder firing of muskets, hand weapons, and cannons. At the end of the training session, each participant will be awarded a national Mussel Association certificate of competency in all aspects of black powder operation and firing. The class is a requirement for assisting with the gun, which should get a lot of "exercise" this ASTA summer! 

 

The class will last until early afternoon and will be necessarily limited to the first 15 persons who enroll with Mary Stephens.  Those already having taken the class last year need not take it again this year.  Certifications earned last year are good through 2013, as indicated on the card.  We will also schedule gun drills at other times, to be announced, for veterans already holding certificates.  With so many new members of the Ship's Company, let's fill up this class and assure that there are an adequate number of us, trained to defend these Great Lakes and respond to commands, "Ram Home and Give Fire!” ~ submitted by Dan Sippel and Jim Spurr

 

 

Ship’s Company Emergency Life Raft Training

All Ship’s Company Crew are encouraged to participate in the Emergency Life Raft Training on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 6-9 PM at the L.C. Mohr High School pool, 600 Elkenburg St., South Haven, MI  49090. This class will be taught by Jay Crissey, personal safety trainer from Total Marine Safety—Great Lakes of Chicago. To register, please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org by April 12, 2010.

 

 

Michigan Maritime Museum Hosts Shipwreck Hunter and Maritime Historian

South Haven, MI.  On Sunday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m., the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, Michigan wraps up its popular off-season lecture series with a presentation by shipwreck hunter, diver and underwater explorer Jim Kennard of Fairport, New York. 

 

Mr. Kennard will speak about the discovery and investigation of an early 19^th Century schooner, which he and his partner Dan Scoville discovered on the bottom of Lake Ontario. The ship is of the same period as Museum’s replica tall ship Friends Good Will and its discovery confirms the often rumored use of centerboards in such vessels of the time.  Kennard will discuss the technology used in finding shipwrecks, such as the Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle combined with good old fashioned historical research and some luck

 

Kennard and Scoville have been very busy in recent years, finding shipwrecks of historical significance including the schooner C. Reeve, built in 1853 in Buffalo, New York, once a frequent port of call for the original Friends Good Will.  C. Reeve was the victim of a tragic marine accident when it went down at night in a blinding snowstorm.

 

Kennard was also at the center of the excitement surrounding the find of H.M.S. Ontario, a Revolutionary War ship. This find has led to books and television contracts. The ship sunk in Lake Ontario, reportedly with American prisoners of war aboard.  .

 

The presentation will focus on the history of these wrecks, the archeology and science surrounding their discovery, the economics of the search and the current environmental condition of the Great Lakes.

               

The Michigan Maritime Museum is home to the tall ship Friends Good Will and offers daily historic sails mid-May through mid-October.  For more information call 1-800-747-3810.  The public is welcome to the lecture and admission is free.

 

 

Get Your Rig On…

Nathan Haggar supplies bosun knives, spikes, and fids to the Ship’s Company. Knives are $45, spikes are $20, and fids are $15.

If you are interested, please contact Nathan at 269.236.5278

 

 

Custom Made Leather Sheaths…

Marcia Flynn is happy to make a leather sheath for anyone needing one for their knife, spike and/or fid. Prices start at $50.00. Call Marcia at 616.901.2018 or email her at marciaflynn@att.net.

 

 

Rigging Weekends…

We are looking forward to seeing veteran crew members and several of the newer members of the Ship’s Company at the rigging party which will start at 9 AM on Saturday, April 10. Remember this is an outdoor event and you are encouraged to dress appropriately (several layers are recommended).

 

 

Save the Date…

There will be a Ship’s Company Meeting on Sunday, April 25 at 12:30 PM in the Padnos Boat Shed. Captain Sikkema will discuss the upcoming ASTA voyages, crew scheduling, and other exciting events this summer.

 

 

Upcoming Activities at the Museum:  

Date:                                                                                        Event:

Saturday, April 10, 9 AM-5 PM                                              Rigging Friends Good Will

Sunday, April 11, 9 AM-5 PM                                                 Rigging Friends Good Will

Saturday, April 17, 9 AM-5 PM                                              Rigging Friends Good Will

Saturday, April 17, 9 AM-2 PM                                              Coast Guard Clean Up Day

Saturday, April 17, 2-5 PM                                                     Maritime Museum EarthFaire Event

Sunday, April 18, 9 AM-5 PM                                                 Rigging Friends Good Will

 

For the good of the cause,

 

Mary Stephens

Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

voice: 269.637.8078

fax: 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org