The Sloop Friends Good Will

Volunteer Connection

2009-06-17T18:48:00.003-04:00

Volunteer Connection

June 13, 2009

Greetings, Friends!

National Geographic Film Shoot…

On Saturday, May 30, a five-person film crew from Canada spent the day and a good portion of the night aboard Friends Good Will. Captain Elder and crew transported the our guests back to August 8, 1813, when within sight of a British Squadron and assigned to the United States Inland Navy on Lake Ontario, Scourge capsized and sank in a sudden squall.

The one-hour documentary, one of a series of “Dive Detectives” will air in the fall and focuses upon the wreck of Scourge, lying 290 feet below the surface, just off of St. Catherine, Ontario. Photographs of Scourge were used by the MMM when it designed Friends Good Will in 2003. There are many similarities, such as the transom windows, mainsheet box, cleat and traveler, mast shelf, spars, hatches and fife rail.

By all accounts, the film crew were very pleased with Friends Good Will and it is hoped, as the 200^th Anniversary of the War of 1812 approaches, the MMM will be asked to feature our favorite sloop, the pride of South Haven, in other programs.~ Jim Spurr

Come to the Museum's Classic Boat Show, June 20 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM…

The Museum's Traditional Small Craft Association (TSCA) is supporting the Classic Boat Show this year. We've got a full complement of boats and exhibitors, some interesting presentations for boat enthusiasts and activities for children. This year's poster is attached with the day's schedule. Come out, bring friends and family, and enjoy the day with us.

There will be over 30 boats on display from a 42' ketch to a 5' children's punt to a 24' Chris Craft Sedan. Outboards, canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and even a few ice boats will be on the MMM campus from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission to the campus is waived for the day. Of special interest to the community will be the children's activities scheduled from noon to 3 PM. ~ Sandy Bryson

We need a boatload of volunteers to assist with this Saturday’s Classic Boat Show. Please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org and sign up to help in the following areas:

1. Event set-up (5 volunteers needed)

7:30-10:00 AM

2. Information and Membership Table (2 volunteers needed per shift)

10:00-12:00

12:00-2:00

2:00-4:00

3. Boat Show Registration Table (2 volunteers needed)

7:30-10:00 AM

4. Event break-down (4 volunteers needed)

4:00-5:00

5. Selling Soda and bottled water (Ship’s Keeper Apprentices-2 children ages 8-13 needed per shift)

10:00-12:00

12:00-2:00

2:00-4:00

6. Docents for Interpreting Evelyn S. (1 per shift)

10:00-12:00

12:00-2:00

2:00-4:00

7. Docents for Interpreting the Coast Guard Exhibit (1 per shift)

10:00-12:00

12:00-2:00

2:00-4:00

Friends Good Will out of Port until June 27…

Our favorite tall ship, Friends Good Will, slipped her dock lines early this morning and is plying her way up Lake Michigan on her way to Detroit. She is planning to arrive in Detroit this Thursday where she will be the featured guest at the Detroit River Days Festival June 19-21. The vessel will be docked near the corner of Rivard and Atwater Streets http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Detroit&state=MI&address=Rivard+St+%26+Atwater+St&zipcode=48207&country=US&latitude=42.33104&longitude=-83.03272&geocode=INTERSECTION. For more information on the festival, please visit www.RiverDays.com.

If anyone is available to make the drive to Detroit, the crew does need help with the dockside tours and selling merchandise this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For more information, please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

Merrytime Festival & Fish Boil July 18…

If all you want to do is have a great time…the Merrytime Festival & Fish Boil is where you’ll want to be on July 18. The festival is being held on the campus of the Michigan Maritime Museum starting at 5 PM and lasting until 8 PM. Included in this year’s festival is a Deluxe Fish Boil that is served with warm rolls and a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or beverage of your choice all followed with a scoop of Sherman’s Ice Cream for dessert.

Adults will be able to purchase Merrytime Spritzers throughout the evening. Admission also includes a chance to win passage for 6 on the tall ship Friends Good Will . You’ll enjoy live music throughout the evening featuring mariner Tom Kastle and his songs of the sea. Kids will want to participate by netting fish from our pond where every fish wins a prize. Adults will want to take their chances in the Merrytime Cork Pull where every participant wins a bottle of wine, with one lucky cork puller winning a bottle valued at $100. There will also be a silent auction featuring a chance to bid on original nautical prints, a handmade quilt and an array of other exciting items.

Tickets are $25 a head and are available at the Museum, Bayberry Cottage, and Wolverine Hardware. All proceeds from the event benefit the Maritime Museum educational programs.

This exciting fundraising event will be made possible with the generous support of our wonderful volunteers. The Maritime Museum is seeking volunteers to assist with following tasks:

Set up 12:00 – 4:00 4 -5 people

Event jobs 5:00-8:00 (Number of people depending on how many shifts )

Ticket sales at front door – duties include selling tickets for the event, giving each ticket holder a raffle ticket to win passage for 6 on FGW and giving a wrist band to each ticket holder for dinner service (which will be in the parking lot) 3-4 adults per shift

Fish Boil- Food will be served in the parking lot under a large white tent.

Mark Holbein asked for adults to help serve. 4-6 (depending on how many Sea Scouts volunteer)

Clean tables between guests. 2 young adults

Ice Cream scooper for dessert 2 young adults

Bartenders – set up on the grounds, not in parking lot 2-4 adults

Cork Pull – Wine raffle. These people will sell corks with #s on them. The number will correspond to a bottle of wine….everyone wins! 2 adults

Fishing Pond – sell a chance to net a fish to win a prize….everyone wins! This game is great for kids. 2 young adults

FGW Harbor Tour – Sell tickets to ride on the FGW (to the lighthouse and back) 5 trips throughout the night. 1-2 adults

Raffle or Silent Auction table – 2 -3 adults to encourage participation

Please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org to volunteer your support and benefit our educational programming! ~ Barbara Busch

Ship’s Keeper Apprentice Training Session on July 1 at 9:00 AM…

Youth ages 8-13 years old are invited to become Ship’s Keeper Apprentices. Apprentices assist the paid and volunteer crew aboard Friends Good Will each morning by swabbing the decks and preparing the vessel for sailing. They also assist in giving dockside tours aboard the vessel when she is in port. To sign up for the upcoming training or for more information, email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org. Working as an Apprentice is an excellent opportunity for children to prepare for volunteering as crew when they reach 14 years old.

Front Desk/Museum Host Training Coming up…

Do you enjoy meeting new people, providing information about the Museum, answering the telephone, and ringing up purchases? If so, join us for one of our upcoming Front Desk/Museum Host Training Sessions offered on the following dates:

Wednesday, June 17, from 9:00-11:00 AM
Wednesday, June 24, from 6:00-8:00 PM

We will learn the user-friendly new point-of-sale system as well as discuss background information on Museum exhibits and programming. Please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org to sign up.

Ship’s Company in Demand!

The day sailing season will soon reach its peak, in the weeks of July and August. The trained, qualified crew of Friends Good Will is both needed and appreciated, so to fulfill the mission of the MMM. Please set aside time, once each week or more, to enjoy the sailing, the fellowship, the curious passengers and the natural beauty only found from the deck of a tall ship amid the waves and sunsets off South Haven.

Soon we will be knee deep in snow, so we may as well gather those moments and memories of summer together, with a well found ship, fully rigged and sailing fast off the pierhead!

E-mail Mary Stephens with what times you are available, or if you would prefer, take your chances and show up dockside. [Please note you are not guaranteed a crew position without emailing in advance. ~M.S.] The chances are we can use your talents and will be delighted to see you! ~ Jim Spurr

Upcoming Activities at the Museum:
Date: Event:

Wednesday, June 17, 9-11 AM Front Desk/Museum Host Training

Saturday, June 20, 10 AM-4 PM 28^th Annual Classic Boat Show

Wednesday, June 24, 6-8 PM Front Desk/Museum Host Training

Wednesday, July 1, 9:00-10:30 AM Ship’s Keeper Apprentice Training

For the good of the cause,

Mary Stephens

Education/Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, MI 49090

269.637.8078

Michigan Maritime Musesum Annual Meeting Agenda

2009-04-27T14:01:00.002-04:00

Michigan Maritime Museum Board Meeting
Friday, May 15, 2009 3:00 p.m.
Padnos Boat Shed
South Haven, Mi 49090

Agenda

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of the Agenda
3. Approval of the last Annual Meeting minutes of September 30, 2008
4. Report and Acceptance of the Nominating Committee
5. Election of new Directors
6. Acceptance of By-Law Revision
7. Committee Reports reviewing past 7 months
8. Members Comments
9. Adjourn

Nominee for Board of Directors
Jim Schneider

100 ton Great Lakes master. Able-bodied Seaman - Any Deck rating.
15 years experience in commercial shipping.
Volunteered at maritime museums since age 15.
Volunteered with the Northwest Michigan Maritime Museum and the "City of Milwaukee" museum ship. Work on and operate traditional boats.
Tall Ship Captain.
Knowledge of Wooden Boat Maintenance.

Notice of Michigan Maritime Museum Members Anual Meeting

2009-04-14T13:15:00.004-04:00

The Michigan Maritime Museum Board of Trustees will be holding their annual membership meeting on May 15, 2009. The meeting will be held at the Padnos Boat Shed on the campus of the Michigan Maritime Museum at 2:00 in the afternoon. The purpose of this meeting is to conduct business in accordance with the By Laws of the Michigan Maritime Museum.
A preview of the agenda is available upon request by email to info@michiganmaritimemuseum.org

The Nominee for Board of Directors

Jim Schneider: Captain Jim Schneider has been leading the Michigan Maritime Museum's Sailing Program and serving as Captain of Friends Good Will since early 2005. He is the former Captain of the tall ship Manitou in Traverse City, and served in the U.S. Army Reserves, deployed to Iraq in 2006 and 2007.

Captain's Blog (Sea Date 4-7-2009)

2009-04-07T09:33:00.002-04:00

Greetings Volunteers,

First I would like to thank all of you who attended the FGW work sessions this past weekend, we accomplished a lot!! The head rig is installed, the topmast is up, and the crowjack yard is up. (She's starting to look like a proper ship again!!) There is still a lot of work that needs to be done though. Zach and Megan shall be working on tensioning the rigging and seizing lines the rest of the week, anyone interested in assisting contact Mary to arrange times. Just a reminder there will be topman training this Thursday April 9th at 6pm in the Padnos. Also there is a work session again this Saturday April 11th where we shall continue rigging the ship, those of you able to attend either date please contact Mary so we can get an idea of the numbers. Thank you all once again and hope to see you soon!!

Fair Winds and Smooth Seas,
Captain M. Elder

2009-04-07T09:07:00.002-04:00

Michigan Maritime Museum
Board of Trustees Meeting
March 20, 2009

Present: Barbara Busch, Bob Copping, Arlene Dickerson, Charlotte Giesler, Bob Hoppes, Gary Horton, Pete Mathews, Jim Spurr
Teleconference: Cleo Miller, Mike Winkel
Absent: David Bergman, Janice Varney, Jim Woodruff
Guests: Judy Schlaack, David Ludwig, Mary Stephens, Jim Schneider, Matt Elder, Rich Venner, Allen Dickerson, David Bugge, Dick Brunvand, Diane Schlanser

Vice President Pete Mathews called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. Gary Horton made a motion, supported by Barb Busch, to accept the February minutes. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Bob Hoppes reviewed three financial reports: (1) Statement of Revenue and Expenses, (2) a Department Summary [new report], and (3) the Balance Sheet [new report]. Although expected revenues were down, our expenses were reduced. We had two bequeaths and one major donation. Employee related expenses were down. Because of the restructure last fall Hoppes stated that a comparison of revenue and expenses will be more effective when we compare FY09 to FY10.

Motion by Dickerson, supported by Spurr, to accept the reports. Motion passed.

Captain Search Committee: Jim Spurr introduced the new ship’s captain, Matt Elder, to the board and gave some background history of his experience. Matt starts his duties on Monday, March 23rd.

Staff Reports:
David Ludwig: Store construction is on schedule. Michigan Works! has notified him that a source of labor, paid by the state, will be available June 6th. He will have a list of projects for them to do.
Mary Stephens: Zach Scholz has been hired for a temporary position as the interim administrative assistant. He will work until April 5th .
Judy Schlaack: Judy has been doing research in the mornings and working on labels for the small craft exhibit in the Akers gallery. All computers and software are up and running at the library. Leslie Bleil will do volunteer work at the library.

Standing Committee Reports:
Finance and Planning: Winkel reported that the committee is starting to think about a contingency plan.

Nominations: The nominations committee has recommended Jim Schneider to fill the unexpired vacancy through 2010. Motion by Bob Copping, supported by Jim Spurr, to have Schneider join the board. Motion passed. A slate of candidates for the board will be published in the Ship’s Lamp.

Library Collections & Facilities: Pete Mathews reported on the following:
1. Judy Schlaack’s hours. Request that Judy’s hours be increased to two days for the short term. Motion by Horton, supported by Hoppes, to increase her time. Motion passed.
2. Request to deaccession an empty Switlik Life raft canister that had been given to the museum. Depending on success, will look for a buyer, someplace to donate it, or throw it away. Motion by Spurr, supported by Horton, to deaccession it. Motion passed.
3. Fence project will require a permit from the city. Has quotes for 12-18 foot poles 8-10 inches in diameter which vary from $2200-$2800. Can buy 1 ½ inch nylon line for $1./ft. Has not found donors for materials yet but is still trying.

Friends Good Will: Spurr reported that the committee is looking for ways to diversify the revenue from FGW. Jim Schneider reported:
· MMM has a contract for the three day event at Port Washington August 17-19.
· A three day event at the Detroit Riverfest in June will bring in contract earnings pluss additional earnings from public sails. FGW will be out of port for two weeks for the trip. The plan is to set up a store on the dock to sell goods. The ship will be gone during Harborfest but the Wooden Boat Show will be held that weekend to fill the MMM campus.
· Exploring the possibility for a Canadian film company to use FGW for two days the beginning of May.

Membership: Arlene Dickerson will check the Keel Club list to verify the number of members. Membership renewal notices are being sent and she is trying to develop a way to recruit MMM members from boat slip rental boaters.

Retail Sales Committee: Rich Venner reported that the store will have a mid-May opening. He submitted his orders to Chris Sams and Jim Woodruff for revue. Approximately $15K will be needed to submit the order to 12-15 vendors. Will have $10K for products that are in demand. The committee will meet with Gwen DeBruyn and Sherry Getman for their participation.

Education Program Committee: Mary Stephens is working on recruiting volunteers for her docent program.

Ad Hoc Committee Reports:
Human Resources Committee: Miller reported that her choice for the administrative position rescinded their application to continue work at Whirlpool. She will have a recommendation in place by April 5th . Zach Scholz is filling the position on a temporary basis until then.

Communications and Marketing: Gary Horton reported that the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau are willing to share the cost of a billboard advertising South Haven. An image of FGW will be used with the location on I-94 near Stevensville. It will be lit until midnight.

Press releases are being timed so that they are not released in a cluster. This keeps the museum and its activities in the public awareness on a consistent basis.

Important Dates to Remember !

May 12th The Visitor’s Bureau will be hosting the area innkeepers and press. They will meet at 2 p.m. on the MMM campus for either a sail on the FGW or a kayak trip on the river. At 4 p.m. they will meet back at MMM for wine and cheese. This is an excellent opportunity for the museum to make contact with the innkeepers and provide them with brochures. Trustees attendance is encouraged.

May 21st MMM will be hosting the Chamber of Commerce After Business Hours. Dickerson and Busch will provide the appetizers. Suggested prizes for a drawing were: 1st – two tickets on FGW, 2nd – a one year membership, and 3rd a gift certificate to the museum store.

Articles for the Ship’s Lamp need to be emailed to Horton by April 15th.

In May of 2010, the S.H. Art Center will display museum artwork. Reproductions will be for sale there and the center will keep 30% of the profits.

Al Dickerson will contact Al Rupert about doing the museum display in Clementine’s window.

It was suggested that we use clubhouse bulletin boards at the boat docks for posters advertising our events.

The MMM should participate in the Fourth of July parade using either Little Belt or the Mackinaw. It’s free advertising for the museum.

Grants Committee:

Different possibilities were discussed about combining the Grants and Development Committee into one under the leadership of Varney and Copping for requests, grants, and donations. They would provide leadership. Development should be more structured and involve the whole board working together.

Dick Brunvand will get ideas from the business community on sponsorship of activities, the gallery opening, and a business sailing.

Old Business:

Summer Fund Raiser: Barb Busch discussed having a fish boil similar to last fall but with fund raising activities such as a raffle, silent auction, cork pull, etc. It would be held on Saturday, July 18th on the museum campus. The event is still in a pre-planning stage.

Classic Boat Show will be held on June 20th as part of the Harborfest festival. It will be headed by David Ludwig and Sandy Bryson.

New Business:

Annual Meeting: The annual meeting will be held on May 15th which is the scheduled date for the board meeting.

Requests must be made for donations of FGW complimentary tickets.

Visitors Comments: David Bugge stressed the importance of hiring an administrative assistant so that Mary Stephens could concentrate on the volunteer and educational programs. No other comments.

Motion by Horton, supported by Busch, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 4:43 p.m.

Next meeting: Friday, April 17th, 2 p.m. on museum campus

(edited for public release Z.S.)

FOR SALE

2009-04-03T17:45:00.001-04:00

We are currently selling a Switlik brand prototype container designed to hold life rafts (container only). Best offer, contact info@michiganmaritimemuseum.org

VOLUNTEER CONNECTION

2009-03-28T10:45:00.003-04:00

Calling All Hands!!!
Captain Matthew invites the Ship's Company one and all to join us in rigging Friends Good Will. Newly updated dates and times are as follows:

Wed., April 1 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Remove the winter cover
Sat., April 4 9:00 AM-5:00 pm Rigging: head rig
Sun., April 5 9:00 AM-5:00 pm Rigging: top mast
Sat., April 11 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Rigging Work Day
Sat., April 18 9:00 AM-5:00 pm Rigging: yards
Sun., April 19 9:00 AM-5:00 pm Rigging: boom, gaff, mainsail
Sat., April 25 9:00 AM-5:00 pm Rigging: fine tuning
Sun., April 26 9:00 AM-5:00 pm Rigging: fine tuning

It is important that everyone who would like to help rig the vessel please sign up for each work session by emailing mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org to assist in planning and coordinating activities.

If you are only able to attend for part of the rigging session, please come in the morning at 9:00 AM.

Ship's Company Crew
It is necessary that Ship's Company crew have the following items on file with the Museum before crewing aboard Friends Good Will:
Ship's Company Application with signed release
2009 Michigan Charter Boat Association Membership card
Current CPR card
Current First Aid card

It is also necessary to attend Sail Training Classes, which are offered throughout the spring and summer. If you have any questions, please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org for more information.

Upcoming Activities at the Museum:

Date: Event:
Wed., April 1, 8-5 FGW Cover Removed
Wed., April 1, 3:30-5 Volunteer Docent Orientation*
Sat., April 4, 9-5 FGW Rigging Work Day*
Sun., April 5, 9-5 FGW Rigging Work Day*

For the Good of the Cause, Mary Stephens Interim Education/Volunteer Coordinator Michigan Maritime Museum *Please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org to sign up.

Thank you!

Coast Guard Boathouse Clean-up Day

2009-03-25T14:22:00.004-04:00

Help us clean off the winter grime and give the brass a shine!

Where: Michigan Maritime Museum, South Haven
When: April 18th 2009
9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Rain or shine, lunch will be provided!

For more info:
Call: 269-637-8078 or 800-747-3810
E-mail: info@michiganmaritimemuseum.org

On The Web: http://www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org/

Captain's Blog (Sea Date 03-24-2009) ;)

2009-03-24T12:41:00.002-04:00

Greetings from Friends Good Will :)

I am Matthew Elder: Master and Commander of Friends Good Will ( get it? Friends Good Will- involved in the war of 1812!!!). I am looking forward to the new season here at Michigan Maritime Museum, and aboard our vessel: Friends Good Will (FGW for short). A vital ingredient to our success this season and beyond, is YOU ! Our members and volunteers here at Michigan Maritime Museum (MMM for short). All this "short" stuff saves on typing, which is good :) I am looking forward to getting to know everyone, and working together. I will keep you informed of all that is going on, so that you will have an ample opportunity to be a part of all that you are interested in. The more, the merrier!!

Fair Winds and Smooth Seas,
Captain M. Elder

Volunteer Docent Training at Maritime Museum

2009-03-23T12:55:00.004-04:00

Would you like to experience the life of an early 19th century Great Lakes sailor sailing aboard the replica tall ship Friends Good Will? Do you want to tell the dramatic story of this remarkable sailing vessel when the British ruled the Great Lakes and America was a young nation, vying for independence? Are you interested in learning fascinating stories of the natural and cultural history of Michigan’s Great Lakes?

If you would like to enhance the experience of Maritime Museum visitors, make new friends, learn new things, teach people and share knowledge, have fun, and make a difference…become a Museum docent.

What is a docent? The Michigan Maritime Museum defines a docent as a person with an inquisitive mind who is interested in helping others understand and appreciate the beauty of our natural, cultural, and historic maritime resources. Docents are people who give of themselves and their time to do something in relation to a cause in which they believe; people who are ready to help where help is needed; and people who are ready to serve where service is wanted. Docents are vital to the Michigan Maritime Museum, for without them, the Museum would be unable to provide all the services our community enjoys and deserves.

Men, women, and youth are invited to become docent tour guides for the various Museum exhibits. Training is provided which covers the history of the Museum, the historic tall ship Friends Good Will, the Great Lakes commercial fishing tug Evelyn S., United States Coast Guard rescue vessels, content and stories of exhibit galleries, and basic interpretative techniques for conducting group tours. New volunteers can select the program area(s) they would like to specialize in as a docent and receive personalized coaching. Upon successful completion of the Docent Training Course, volunteers will have the skills to tell captivating stories of the Great Lakes while helping to preserve our maritime heritage.

The Docent Training Course is offered each spring, with continuing
education provided year-round. Docents are asked to volunteer a minimum of eight hours per month; with the busiest months being May through early June and September through early October.

Being a docent may very well be one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences in life. Docents are respected and appreciated, and the Michigan Maritime Museum is deeply grateful for their commitment, professionalism, and integrity.

The 2009 Spring Docent Training Orientation will be held at the Maritime Museum on April 1 from 3:30 -5:00. For more information or to register, please contact Mary Stephens, Interim Education/Volunteer Coordinator, at 269.637.8078 or
mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org

U.S. is running short of young mariners

2009-02-06T07:58:00.012-05:00

U.S. is running short of young mariners
Long a symbol of romance and adventure, the seafaring life is attracting fewer young adults these days, creating a worsening personnel shortage for those hauling cargo across oceans and the Great Lakes of North America.
Some shipping companies have told the U.S. Maritime Administration that the problem has forced them to dock or even sell vessels. Others said it has kept them from expanding fleets, or caused delayed voyages and lost contracts.
A cross-section of the maritime industry has been affected to varying degrees, from oil tankers and bulk cargo haulers to tugs, barges and ferries.
"It's not limited to any region or any nation. It is a global challenge," Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton said.
That includes the Great Lakes, where ships carry iron ore, coal and limestone to factories and pick up Midwestern grain for transport overseas.
"We look to hire four to six new officers every year, and every year we can't get them," said Ed Wiltse, vice president of operations for Grand River Navigation, which has five cargo haulers.
Wiltse prefers officers trained especially for the Great Lakes, but sometimes must hire saltwater vessel operators on a short-term basis. "We've had to fly in people at the last minute from Florida or Seattle and get them to a ship so it can leave," he said.
The situation has been developing for years and has many causes. Some point to licensing and training requirements that have gotten tougher, along with beefed-up safety standards and greater use of computers and other technology.
"The days of people just being able to jump on a ship and get a job are long gone," said Glen Nekvasil, spokesman for the Lake Carriers Association, a trade group representing Great Lakes shippers.
With international commerce picking up, more goods are being transported by water, so there are more job openings. Stepped-up offshore oil exploration is boosting demand for ships and crews.
And the work force is gradually aging, as veteran mariners retire and fewer young people get aboard. Many in the industry say going to sea has less allure for youths than in previous generations.
One turnoff is spending months at a time away from home.
"You don't go home at 5 o'clock and kiss the wife and ask Billy, 'How was your school day?'" Nekvasil said.
A one-time attraction -- lengthy, entertaining stopovers in exotic ports -- is mostly a memory because of automation and greater efficiency.
"In New York, 50 years ago you could go right into Manhattan and tie up at the Chelsea Piers and spend a week loading or unloading," Connaughton said. "Now you go to the container yard at Port Elizabeth (New Jersey), out near the Meadowlands. Nothing's there but the port, and 10 hours later you're gone anyway." Yet a seafaring career still has plenty to offer.
For one thing, as the unemployment rate climbs, the maritime industry is hiring.
It has taken a hit from the downturn, like other sectors of the economy. But the maritime administration says about 10,000 replacements are needed in the graying officer corps, and a U.S. Coast Guard study predicts shipping trade will double or triple by 2020.
Pay and benefits can be generous. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, which trains prospective officers for civilian and commercial vessels, says it has a 100-percent placement rate for graduates in positions with starting salaries averaging $10,000 per month.
Great Lakes mariners typically are on the water only six to eight months a year, so they can spend the rest of their time at home -- or working elsewhere.
Tom Orzechowski, a vice president of the Seafarers International Union based in Algonac, Michigan, said the industry and government should do better at recruiting youths -- especially those considering the military. "We're a strong alternative to joining the armed services," he said.
Recruitment and apprenticeship initiatives are under way. The Seafarers union started a 20-week program several years ago to help unlicensed seamen earn promotions to mate.
The Great Lakes academy, overlooking Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay, is one of six state schools for officers. Enrollment this semester is 116 but there's room for more than 200, Superintendent John Tanner said.
Cadets train as deck officers -- responsible for navigation and cargo handling -- or engineering officers, who deal with engines, maintenance and equipment.
The curriculum blends classroom lectures with hands-on instruction. Computer-driven ship handling simulators help cadets learn the finer points of piloting 1,000-foot (305-meter) freighters through narrow channels.
The academy also has a 225-foot (69-meter) training ship, a one-time Navy and Coast Guard surveillance vessel where students get real-life experience on the Great Lakes.
Sean Schmelzer, 27, one of several cadets living aboard the ship, graduates in May with licenses that will document his seaworthiness. To Schmelzer, they'll represent "my passport to my workplace being the whole world." "The first time I set foot on a boat," he said, "I knew it was for me."

Associated Press

[Fwd: Calling All Volunteers]

2009-01-18T11:57:00.008-05:00

Calling all Volunteers!

Time is flying! It's only 14 weeks until the cover comes off and
rerigging begins. We've made good progress with repairing and preserving
rigging so far this fall and winter, but we still need help scraping and
oiling blocks and hearts and reseizing blocks into their strops..
Starting in February we will begin painting spars, rigging the topsail
yard, and overhauling the anchor windlass barrel.

So come to any of the work sessions Wednesdays and Thursdays 6:00 pm -
8:00pm and Saturdays 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. There is plenty to do.

In addition, we have several stand alone projects which could be worked
by individual volunteers at times other than the regularly scheduled
work sessions. These projects are:

1) Make 2-3 dozen new hanks for the foresails

2) Make new rammer heads (turn on a lathe) for the new safety and
flexible rammers for the gun

3) Make the new safety rammer

4) Make the new flexible rammer

5) Make new double blocks for the gun tackle

If you would like to undertake any of these projects, contact the Bosun,
Eric Standen.

“Icebound; The Ordeal of the SS Michigan”

2009-01-07T16:57:00.000-05:00

January 2, 2008

The Michigan Maritime Museum

Hosts

On Sunday afternoon, January 18, at 2:00 p.m., the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven will host Valerie Van Heest, author, diver and shipwreck hunter, speaking to its members and the general public about the ordeal of the SS Michigan and its crew, after the vessel foundered in the ice off the West Michigan shore.

The presentation, held in the Padnos Boat Shed, will feature multi media images and continues the popular off season lecture series featuring authors and specialists addressing interesting topics of Great Lakes maritime history.

Ms. Van Heest is a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame and co-founded Chicago’s Underwater Archeological Society, the Southwest Michigan Underwater Preserve and Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates. Ms. Van Heest has worked with nationally known author Clive Cussler, searching for the wreck of Northwest Flight 2501. She strives to advance the cultural preservation of shipwrecks and is familiar with the state of the art technology now employed as standard techniques by technical divers searching for shipwrecks.

Her lecture and book will feature the SS Michigan, which in 1885 departed Grand Haven only to later find herself trapped in Lake Michigan ice. The crew abandoned the vessel prior to her sinking and their efforts to survive is a tale similar to the trials later faced by Earnest Shackleton and the crew of Endurance. Ms. Van Heest and her team later discovered the wreck of the steamer, making for a riveting tale leading to the book winning the 2008 Michigan State History Award.

Ms. Van Heest will remain after the program to sell and autograph books and talk with the audience.

The general public is welcome and while the presentation is free, donations are gratefully accepted.

2008-12-28T10:59:00.001-05:00

With 2009 upon us it is now time to prepare for the 2009 Sailing Season aboard Friends Good Will. Bos’n Eric Standen has work parties preparing the rigging, and Engineer Jim Milan is making sure our engine and mechanical systems are in good working order. While refresher training is still a way off it is not too early to begin Introduction to FGW Basic Training I for persons new to the crew. If you are new to the crew and have not completed this training, or if you have some friends who are wishing to join in the fun please participate in the training.

Our first session is scheduled for 9 AM on Saturday January 17^th, and a second course will be held on March 21^st. Sessions will last to about 3 PM with a lunch break. To assure enough training materials are available pre registration is required. This is an indoor session, which is followed by Session 2 held aboard the ship after the spring rigging, and followed by a third session underway at the beginning of the sailing season. Note that Membership in the Michigan Maritime Museum is a prerequisite for this program. You may pre register by notifying Al Kempf at alkempf1901@aol.com.

Work session announcement

2008-12-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

In only 15 weeks it will be time for the cover to come off and rerigging to begin! So far this fall Wednesday and Saturday work sessions have been occupied with painting rigging, oiling blocks, and some minor rigging repairs. After New Years we have to get busy and finish the painting and oiling. Then we have to overhaul the windlass, make 3 dozen new hanks, and start painting and rerigging the yards. Before you know it, it will be time to begin topman training in the Padnos. In addition, there is plenty of work to do yet this winter on the gun carriage. Other projects include deck repairs on the doghouse and in the crews’ quarters, relocating the reef combs on the main boom, releathering the gaff jaws, and making two new double blocks for the cannon tackle. So, don’t hesitate to come out for the Wednesday evening and Saturday morning work sessions or the new Thursday evening work session.

New Exhibits and Museum Store

2008-12-22T10:40:00.002-05:00

We will need a hand with the new small craft and fishing exhibits in January and February. It's warm in the museum and there lots of donuts and coffee. The exhibit work will be a slower paced project with some painting and moving of small boats. The store renovations will be allot of fun and a little dirty. We will be removing two walls and the ceiling. Then installing shelving and a new floor. The new store will be about 500 square feet without taking away from exhibit space. Talk to David for more specifics if you are able to help.

2008-12-22T10:37:00.001-05:00

Make sure to check out the Website. I will be updating it monthly. www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org

Newly Revised Bylaws

2008-12-18T14:54:00.001-05:00

208%20bylaws

Board Meeting November 21, 2008

2008-12-03T17:16:00.001-05:00

Michigan Maritime Museum

Board Meeting

November 21, 2008

Present: Arlene Dickerson, Bob Hoppes, Jim Spurr, Pete Mathews, Janice Varney, Mike Winkel, and Jim Woodruff

Teleconference: David Bergman and Barbara Busch

Absent: Charlotte Giesler, Gary Horton, Bob Copping, and Cleo Miller

Guests: David Ludwig, Janice and Jim Milan, Eric Standen, Mary Stephens, Dave Bugge, Larry Hollenbeck, Diane Schlanser, and Jim Schneider

President James Woodruff called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. Jim Spurr made a motion, supported by Winkel, to approve the October minutes. Motion passed.

Treasurer/Finance Committee Report: Bob Hoppes stated that there was no October close out report as the accountant was still trying to catch up. There is $24 K in the checkbook and Mary Stephens reported that she had deposited $4 K this morning.

Bob presented the finance committee’s draft for a FY09 budget including the process used to develop it, the goals and objectives necessary to achieve it, and the commitment of the board, staff, and volunteers needed for its success.

Discussion: Spurr had three areas of concern. (1) Personnel expense

(currently 120K/ yr). He felt that the crew could do other tasks and asked how else would we need to use the money. (2) Donation and fundraising assumptions in this economic environment. (3) The maintenance need for FGW , $13,500., needs to be identified.

Winkel stated that the budget is a provisional operating plan which the museum could operate under for 30 days until the budget is approved at the December meeting. This gives everyone time to think about the budget and an opportunity for an open round table discussion.

Hoppes responded that the budget includes three full positions and ½ position added for a future educational specialist. The donations section has eliminated the “Secure the Future” donations; major donors have been downsized because of the economy. There are two pledges booked for almost 70k and there is income from the foundation. Quickbooks records every transaction. The opportunity for grant money was not included. Major fundraisers were estimated to raise 27K.

The FGW committee was asked to come back to the Finance Committee with a preventative maintenance budget.

Also discussed was the cost of securing the campus, revitalizing the store, and a seasonal position to manage the store. The Merchandising committee needs to be formed and launch a program.

Review of Proposed By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation: Spurr presented a working draft of the MMM By-Laws (filed with these minutes). He felt that the Articles of Incorporation do not need amending at the present. Discussion was held about the membership voting on the By-Laws at the annual meeting, changing the calendar year, and allowing a proxy vote.

Collections: Pete Mathews presented a draft for the Management Policy for all collections (filed with these minutes). The next step is to have a collection plan about what is collected, why, and how. The procedure for collecting which should be done to AAM standards would involve a four year process for accreditation.

Staff Reports:

Captain Jim Schneider:

· Sell excess items (duplicates)

· Gathering information on how much it costs to take the students on a sail

· Make programs bigger and more profitable

· Grant writers: Richard Edwards and others are interested. David Green expressed an interest in grant writing on his volunteer form.

Mary Stephens:

· The letters and ads are complete. There are four sets of mailings, a blog letter for volunteers, and an ad in the South Haven Tribune.

· The next project will be a follow up to the fund drive in the newsletter with an envelope included for donations.

· Working on spring educational groups

· Works for the front desk and other duties

Other Business:

Jim Woodruff requested a resolution from the board to accept a monetary gift left to the museum from the sale of a property in St. Joe.

Passed unanimously. A copy of the resolution will be filed with the minutes.

Jim Schneider requested permission to redo the website. Permission granted.

Jim Milan addressed the board with his concerns and ideas. They include:

· Have a FGW donation box for the operation and maintenance. Also specialized fund raising for the ship. This would help pay for the maintenance (change the oil, filters, etc.), replacement (sails, lines, batteries), or emergencies (transmission, engine). Keep the funds separate.

· COZY free air time to discuss the store and gifts available. Posters around town to advertise seasonal gifts at the MMM.

· We need a part time/full time grant writer to capture money.

· Consider a FGW membership with the funds earmarked for the ship.

· Sell engraving on the dock boards for support of FGW

· May meeting has possibility of a large turnout opportunity for fund raising

· By-Law changes approved by the board over two meetings could get final approval at the next annual meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:38 p.m.

Next board meeting is scheduled for December 19^th at 3 p.m.

2008-12-03T12:42:00.003-05:00

The Michigan Maritime Museum Hosts Shipwreck’s of Lake Superior Presentation On Sunday afternoon, December 14, at 2:00 p.m., the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven will host Thomas Farnquist, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, speaking to its members and the general public about shipwrecks of Lake Superior. The presentation, held in the Padnos Boat Shed, will feature multi media images and continues the popular off season lecture series featuring authors and specialists addressing interesting topics of Great Lakes maritime history. Mr. Farnquist is an experienced technical diver and is one of the few experts to have visited the wreck site of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Mr. Farnquist will also speak to the wrecks found in the vicinity of Whitefish Point, Michigan, including the Superior City, Vienna, Samuel Mather, John B. Cowle and Comet. Each of the wrecks so close to Whitefish Point have recently been fully measured, documented for posterity and have benefited from state of the art technology now employed as standard techniques by underwater archeologists. Such exploration and documentation is becoming increasingly important as wrecks and associated debris fields are degraded or lost to invasive species. Mr. Farnquist will speak to the profound environmental changes occurring in the last two decades as will redefine the Great Lakes ecosystems. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society was founded by Mr. Farnquist and operates a museum and preserves historic buildings on the national register at Whitefish Point, Michigan. The buildings include a light station authorized by Abraham Lincoln, the Lightkeeper’s quarters, a United States Life Saving Crew’s Quarters and associated out buildings. The general public is welcome and while the presentation is free, donations are gratefully accepted.

The Michigan Maritime Museum Presents Author Fred Neuschel

2008-11-19T07:38:00.003-05:00

"Lives and Legends of the Christmas Tree Ships"

On Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. the Michigan Maritime Museum will host author Fred Neuschel for a program open to all members of the museum and the public, featuring the recently released book, published by the University of Michigan Press, "Lives and Legends of the Christmas Tree Ships".

Lives and Legends of the Christmas Tree Ships goes behind one of the most popular stories of the Great Lakes-the loss of the schooner Rouse Simmons on Lake Michigan in 1912- to reveal the real lives of the sailors on the inland seas.

The book begins and ends with the fatal last voyage of the Rouse Simmons which was lost while carrying a cargo of Christmas trees to Chicago. Often called the "Christmas Tree Ship", the Rouse Simmons was, instead the last in a long line of vessels that carried this unexpected cargo. For four decades sailors had been risking there lives to bring evergreens to Midwestern cities when the conditions on the lakes were at there most treacherous. Lives and Legends tell the larger story of how these sailors lived and worked together through the era when the age of sail was coming to a close. Drudgery, exploitation and poverty make their appearance, but there is also humor, adventure, bravery, ambition and achievement; and, if the truth be told, there are unconscionable acts of risk-taking and foolish acts of pride.

Fred Neuschel has lived his entire life within fifty miles of the Great Lakes. Currently, he and his wife live in Crystal Lake, IL. By day he is a counselor in an addiction treatment program. By night he is a historian whose interest lies in the broad scope of American history and focuses especially on happening in the upper midwestern United States. He is a member of the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven and vice president of the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History and Chair person of the associations research and publication committee. As a recreational sailor his attention has been captured by the age of sail on the Great Lakes.

The Michigan Maritime Museum offers similar programs once a month through the off season. It is located at 260 Dyckman ave, at the bridge, in South Haven .

2008-11-18T17:55:00.001-05:00

Michigan Maritime Museum

Board Meeting

October 17, 2008

Present: David Bergman, Barbara Busch, Arlene Dickerson, Charlotte Giesler, Bob Copping, Gary Horton, Pete Mathews, Janice Varney, Mike Winkel, and Jim Woodruff

Absent: John Busch, Bob Hoppes, Cleo Miller, and Jim Spurr

Guests: David Bugge, David Ludwig, Frank James, Mary Stephens, George Jepson, Darcy Heavin, Janice Heavin, Jim Schneider, Marilyn Powell, Bonnie Wilson, Diane Schlanser

President James Woodruff called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. The minutes of the Annual Meeting held on September 30, 2008were reviewed and approved.

Treasurer/Finance Committee Report: An accountant has been hired after discussing the needs and requirements. Bob Hoppes and Bob Copping with meet with Jackie McGeehey next Wednesday. The accounting expenses will be capped at $1,000/month with subsequent months to be determined.

Other points covered:

· The accounting system is running

· Copping and Hoppes are finalizing the budget

· We have a business plan

The following accounts will be kept separate for tracking:

· Restricted purpose income (grants and donations)

· Store

· Special projects (includes membership & fundraising as line items)

· Administration

1. Quick Books will be used for reporting

2. Very simple reports for board meetings

3. All checks will be written from Quick Books

4. Seasonalize the budget

A lot of programming is required and the committee will try to get a statement prepared by the November meeting.

Mike Winkel presented the Business Plan as covered in the handout which will be filed with these minutes. Winkel made a motion, supported by Copping, to approve the general business plan. Motion passed.

In addition to the committees as stated in our by-laws, other areas of need for committees were discussed including combining some together. This included:

· Friends Good Will (Jim Spurr)

· Combining Finance & Planning

· Combining Planned Giving & Fundraising

· Combining Development & Grants

· Merchandising

· Communications

· Nominating & Human Resources (Cleo Miller)

· Accreditation (Pete Mathews)

· By-Laws (Spurr)

· Library/Collections (Pete Mathews)

Board members were asked to sign up as Committee chairs in their area of interest. All board members need to be pro-active to move the museum forward.

Staff Reports:

Captain Jim Schneider gave a report about a one, five, and ten year plan.

He stated that the museum should have a long term plan so that we don’t waste time and money. We need basic financial goals to move forward in planning. Also to prioritize and task out to individuals/ volunteers. Other points covered in his presentation were:

· New exhibits (fishing, boats) using museum’s collection

· A permanent small exhibit

· Targeted fund drive with goals to be achieved

Restricted areas (commercial fishing, collections, FGW, educational tours) Follow up with a letter to the donor stating what we accomplished with their donation

· Youth volunteers

· Importance of securing the campus and expanding the store

David Ludwig: Reported that the shrink wrap for FGW cost $350.

We also need to move the small boat collection from Petter’s barn to another storage facility

Mary Stephens: Reported that she is working on a plan and getting organized to move forward.

New Business:

John Busch has tendered his resignation with regret. Winkel moved, supported by Bergman, to accept. Motion passed.

Gary Horton asked the board about sponsoring the March 2009 Chamber of Commerce “After Business Hours”. There is a $200 fee, appetizers and beverages to be provided, and 300 invitations to be sent to members. The board agreed to decline the offer due to other priority concerns. It was suggested that perhaps we could invite them to a summer picnic on the museum grounds to showcase the FGW, exhibits, and campus.

Horton also stated that there is no advertising budget.

Woodruff introduced George Jepson to the board and thanked him for attending.

Barbara Busch discussed the newsletter and wanted the following included in it:

1. Fund drive with donation tear off

2. Keel Club

3. Volunteer opportunities

4. Future exhibits

5. Programs in the Padnos

6. Children’s letters

7. Email addresses of members

Horton discussed the annual appeal for funds. An initial letter will be sent, followed by a thank you letter for donating. If there is no response, a second letter will be sent in December. The different letter categories are:

· Keel Club- current

· Keel Club- lapsed

· Members

· Non-members

· Business

· Volunteers

We should also look into Meijers and Gordon Food Services’ “community reward” programs where a percentage of money spent in their stores is returned to the museum. We have to register for the program.

Woodruff excused himself at 5:10 p.m. and Mathews chaired the meeting.

Discussion of museum committees and greatest need for the moment continued. Jim Schneider stated that we need to use job descriptions to empower the staff.

Bergman made a motion, supported by Horton, to adjourn. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

Annual Fund Drive

2008-11-12T13:23:00.003-05:00

Dear Volunteers,

The Michigan Maritime Museum has made substantial progress balancing the budget this year. The Friends Good Will had a very good season with over 5800 passengers, the museum even more, and we have cut expenses considerably from years past. It is our intention to increase our earned income so that we are able to recover the staff positions we have given up during these difficult times. The board of directors and staff are working together to improve the efficiency of our operations, so that we are able to offer our award winning educational programs next year. Because of gifts from generous donors, we are able to remain open this winter and to continue to improve our exhibits and programs.

Your support at this time is critical. By donating to the Michigan Maritime Museum, you are supporting the preservation of the artifacts, knowledge and skills of generations of Great Lakes Mariners.

I appreciate all you have given to us, both in time as a volunteer, and donations to our annual fund drives. With your continued support, we will be passing on the traditions and stories(and making new ones) of the Great Lakes for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Capt. Jim Schneider

Just can't thank you enough

2008-11-12T12:38:00.002-05:00

Crew of the Friends Good Will,

We would like to thank you very much for the wonderful experience, and for the most memorable evening on the sunset sail the evening of July 7th. The lack of a sunset was overpowered by a pleasant night and plenty of wind for full sail. Our families so enjoyed helping the friendly crew with the sailing tasks, and sharing their knowledge and history of the Friends Good Will. Without question this "Ship" is a tremendous and valuable asset to our port city.

Needless to say the pre-sail "Padnos Boat Shed" nibbles were outstanding and far beyond what was expected. Once again a Big thanks for that special summer moment.

The Jerome Gruber Families

South Haven Fri at Foundry Hall

2008-11-05T12:16:00.002-05:00

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 07 - 8:00 PM - $5.00

GET TICKETS

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/44924

tomkastle.com

Tom Kastle has spent over two decades "on the road" and "on the water"
as a singer, tall ship sailor and captain, songwriter, and teller of
tales, both personal and those steeped in tradition. As half of the
maritime folk duo Tom & Chris Kastle, he toured throughout the United
States as well as Ireland, Scotland, Poland, the Netherlands, and New
Zealand delighting audiences and producing 11 recordings plus a
soundtrack for PBS (WTTW Chicago). After taking most of a year off to
captain South Haven's tall ship Friends Good Will, Tom has relocated to
Madison, WI. This Fall he is releasing his first solo CD, Across the
Centerline and will be touring in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and the
Netherlands.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

;Matthew Goacher, the son of
British traditional folk singers, was born and raised in Lansing,
Michigan; and spent some of his youth living in Northern England and
Wellington, New Zealand. A Renaissance man, Matt is a painter, poet, web
designer, tall ship captain, philosopher, and world traveler. Matt has
studied piano, pipe organ, and carillon, and plays guitar and sings.
/"My parents are folk singers. Many of my earliest memories include
songs like this one. Earthy simple music from other centuries and other
lands can make one feel alive, members of a timeless family."/ (Matthew
Goacher

[saltily.com]

The Sloop Friends Good Will

Volunteer Connection

Michigan Maritime Musesum Annual Meeting Agenda

Notice of Michigan Maritime Museum Members Anual Meeting

Captain's Blog (Sea Date 4-7-2009)

FOR SALE

VOLUNTEER CONNECTION

Coast Guard Boathouse Clean-up Day

Captain's Blog (Sea Date 03-24-2009) ;)

*Volunteer Docent Training at Maritime Museum *

U.S. is running short of young mariners

[Fwd: Calling All Volunteers]

“Icebound; The Ordeal of the SS Michigan”

Work session announcement

New Exhibits and Museum Store

Newly Revised Bylaws

Board Meeting November 21, 2008

The Michigan Maritime Museum Presents Author Fred Neuschel

Annual Fund Drive

Just can't thank you enough

South Haven Fri at Foundry Hall

Volunteer Docent Training at Maritime Museum