Event to Feature Information on Lighthouses of Dorchester County

The Choptank River Lighthouse Society plans to build a replica of this screwpile lighthouse that once served the Choptank River. This photo is from the 1950s is presented courtesy of the Choptank River Lighthouse Society.

     Cambridge, MD --  Have you heard about the wild, five-mile ride two keepers took -- inside the lighthouse? Do you know which well known Dorchester County family can claim the keeper of the original Choptank River Lighthouse? Have you heard the latest on the Hooper Island Lighthouse? Find out all this and more during the first-ever Lighthouses of Dorchester Town Hall Event on Saturday, May 7, 2-4 p.m. at the Dorchester County Visitor Center, 2 Rose Hill Place in Cambridge.
     Guest speakers from the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society will share stories and history about lighthouses in the waters surrounding Dorchester County and throughout the Bay. Henry Gonzalez, Vice President of the national U.S. Lighthouse Society and former President of its Chesapeake chapter, along with Sandy Clunies, Chapter Historian, will present a fascinating slide show about these lighthouses. They will also describe their ongoing plans to preserve and restore the Hooper Island Lighthouse and how you can get involved as a volunteer.
     Members of the Board of the Choptank River Lighthouse Society will also be on hand to give an update on efforts to build a replica of the former Choptank River Lighthouse on Pier A of the Cambridge City Marina. Wendy Brewer, author of "Keep Your Glow On," the just published, comprehensive guide to more than 800 U.S. lighthouses, will sign copies of her book.
     “Lighthouses and lighthouse keepers are a very important part of the heritage of any maritime area, and Dorchester County is no exception, since it had both a screwpile lighthouse in the Choptank River and still has an operating caisson in the Bay,” said Gonzalez. “It’s vital to the success of any lighthouse preservation and interpretation activities that the local residents be active participants, so this Town Hall is a great opportunity for them to ‘come aboard!’”
     This event is being organized by the Choptank River Lighthouse Society and the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society. Free and open to lighthouse enthusiasts and to anyone intrigued by the iconic symbols of our maritime heritage. Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of Paul's Subs. Seating is limited; please reserve your spot by calling 410.228.7977.

Bay Bridge Boat Show Set to Begin with Many New Attractions

     Stevensville, MD -- Spring weather means it’s time to start gearing up for a summer season on the Chesapeake, and what better place to start the process than the Bay Bridge Boat Show, located at the Bay Bridge Marina on Kent Island and running from April 28 through May 1.
     With four days to wander through more than 150 land-based exhibits and check out over 200 new and brokerage boats in the water and displayed on the marina grounds, the Bay Bridge Boat Show offers a one-stop shopping opportunity for all your boating needs. It's a great place to comparison shop and figure out what boat best suits your needs and interests.
     Two huge tents offer the latest in gear, gadgets and services, plus experts ready to answer your questions about their products. Docks lined with dramatic state-of-the-art vessels as well as time-tested used boats make comparison shopping easy. Add a host of land-based and shoreside activities that will engage the whole family and you’ve got a good idea of what the show has to offer.
     Boat dealers are reporting an uptick in boat sales, but boat pricing is still competitive. The dealers are ready to deal and financial services are eager to make loans to qualified buyers. Climb aboard the vessels on display and see for yourself what all the hype is about.
     For tickets and more information about all the show's new attractions, visit usboat.com.

Mariners Can Visit Janes Island's Open House April 23

     Crisfield, MD -- Janes Island State Park officials invite mariners, families, civic organizations, churches, schools and youth groups to attend its open house from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday April 23.
     Planned activities include a hayride through the park, kite making, crabbing and/or fishing on the Daugherty Creek Canal, canoeing or kayaking at the marina, a Scales & Tales live animal display, Geocaching and other family activities, games and crafts.
     There is no cost to attend and free refreshments will be provided.
     The Julie Schweikert Nature Center, the Daugherty Creek Conference Center, a full-size cabin, and a camper cabin will be open for tours and rental information. For more information, contact Beth Shafer at the Janes Island Park Office at 410-968-1565.
     Accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Seven days advance notice is requested.

Calvert Marine Museum Announces April Events

     Mariners and their families and friends are invited to celebrate spring and visit the Calvert Marine Museum in April with programs, events, and activities for visitors of all ages. Visit the website at http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/ for complete information.

Sunday, April 10: Sunday Conversations with Chesapeake Authors features Dr. Karen Shanor, presenting her popular book Bats Sing, Mice Giggle: The Surprising Science of Animals' Inner Lives at 2:00 p.m. Books are available for purchase in the museum store. A book signing will follow the presentation. FREE.

Thursdays, April 14 and 21: Sea Squirts: Children Cloud Pictures. Join us as we read Spilt Milk and then make shapes in our own clouds. Free drop-in program for toddlers 18 months - 3 years old and their caregivers from 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

CMM SPRING BREAK FUN: APRIL 18 - 25
Monday, April 18: Otter Day: Touch a pelt, examine teeth and feet, and see how otters relate to you. Make an otterly great craft in the Discovery Room loft from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free with museum admission.

Tuesday, April 19: Otter Breakfast: Go behind the scenes to talk with an aquarist and observe a feeding. Continental breakfast will be provided. Children must be 8 years or older and accompanied by an adult. Fee is $15 per person; $10 for members. Preregistration required, call 410-326-2042, ext. 41.
Janie Suss will read from her book Oscar and Olive Osprey: A Family Takes Flight, the true story of two ospreys that build a nest in front of the author's Chesapeake Bay home. Join us from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the lobby. Books are available for purchase in the museum store. FREE.

Wednesday, April 20: Make Your Own Fishing Pole: Learn to make and take home a bamboo fishing pole in the boat basin from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. $3 donation requested. Museum admission is required.

Thursday, April 21: Explore the Matrix: Dig into some dirt and learn how paleontologists do what they do with half-hour sessions on the hour starting at 1:00 p.m. in the classroom. Sign up at admissions desk to register. Free with museum admission.

Friday, April 22: Then and Now:Visit the Drum Point Lighthouse and compare the past to the present in a matching game. Sign up at the admissions desk for special tours at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Free with museum admission.

Saturday, April 23: Fossil Egg Hunt: Back by popular demand! Discover hidden fossil eggs throughout the museum for children age 3-8, divided into two age groups at 10:30 a.m. Please bring your own basket for collecting eggs and participants may keep the fossils! Free with museum admission.

Monday, April 25: Colonial Life in Maryland: Learn what life was like for the colonists in Maryland. Explore the importance of tobacco and learn some games colonial children played. Fifteen minute programs at the top of every hour from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free with museum admission.

Thursday, April 28 - Little Minnows: Animal Babies: What's My Name? Program for children age 3 - 5 years old from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Animal babies are cute, but did you know they don't have the same name as the adult? Learn all the baby names, play a matching game, and visit the baby animals in the museum. Fee is $4 for members and $5 for nonmembers. Space is limited. Pre-registration suggested. Call 410-326-2042 ext. 41.

Commercial Marine Expo Coming to Norfolk June 22-23

     Norfolk, VA -- Mariners can plan now to attend the 2011 Commercial Marine Expo, the only in-water, business-to-business trade show for the working waterfront in North America. In just two days, you can see, compare and purchase the latest equipment and gear that working mariners need. Expert advice will be available on the technical challenges mariners face every day at sea. The event will feature informative seminars, active demonstrations, the CME/Military Sealift Command Job Fair, and the Mid-Atlantic Watermen's Congress.
      You can catch up with colleagues from up and down the Atlantic seaboard in one location, at the Half Moone Cruise Ship Terminal. Registration is now free and available at http://www.comarexpo.com./
     CME 2011 is designed for owners and operators of coastal tugs, offshore tugs, work boats, offshore wind support vessels, towboats, charter boats, fishing vessels, ferry boats, police, fire and public safety boats, military, homeland security boats, freight and cargo vessels, harbormasters, marine surveyors and many others who work on the water.
     For more information about Commercial Marine Expo, visit http://www.comarexpo.com/ or call 207-799-1356.

Open House Scheduled at North East River Yacht Club

     North East, MD -- North East River Yacht Club is hosting an Open House on Sunday, April 17 from
2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The Open House will feature facility tours and the opportunity to learn more about the
many amenities, activities and benefits that NERYC has to offer potential new members and guests.
     The Club’s Dockmaster will also be available to present any remaining slip accommodations for the 2011 boating season. Parents and children age 7 to 18 can also preview NERYC’s popular Summertime
“Learn to Sail” program which is open to everyone, and see the club’s fleet of training boats and
boathouse. The program offers instruction at all levels -- beginners, intermediate, and advanced racing.
    NERYC’s restaurant staff will be serving complimentary menu samplers during the Open House, and be available to discuss its capabilities for events such as business meetings, parties and weddings.
The restaurant and bar will open to serve members and visitors for its regular dinner service beginning
at 4:00 p.m.
     Founded in 1930, North East River Yacht Club offers an exceptional setting for recreational boating on the Upper Chesapeake Bay. With a magnificent waterfront property, well maintained clubhouse, restaurant and bar, and a modern marina with floating docks, members and guests enjoy an extensive calendar of events and programs year-round.
     The club is conveniently located to Northern Maryland and Delaware, Southern New Jersey, and Southeast Pennsylvania, and within easy access of I-95.