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December 2, 2010
Spectacular Print Sale! Save 75% On Selected Maritime Framed Prints*
Thursday, December 2 - Sunday, December 5 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Now's the perfect time to buy a beautiful framed print of maritime art at significant savings
for your home or office or as a special gift. Choose from historic ships under sail, classic
racing yachts, scenes of the shoreline and coastal beaches, and many more maritime
subjects that capture the timeless beauty of the sea and ships. Hurry! These great prints--at great prices--won't last long.
*Only FRAMED prints are included in this sale. No other discounts apply. These framed prints
must be purchased in the Gallery and carried out 'as is'. There will be no wrapping, packing or shipping.
First ever Gingerbread Lighthouse Contest
Time to get baking! In connection with our first ever Gingerbread Lighthouse Contest, we
are throwing down the gauntlet - or measuring cup - and inviting staff to participate in our
first ever STAFF Gingerbread Lighthouse Contest. Entries will be on display, and our panel
of esteemed Mystic Seaport Judges will choose one design as best in show - the winner
receives a day off with pay! Lighthouses must be brought to the VRC on Friday, December
10th between 9 and 11am. If you’d like to enter your design, or have any questions, please
contact Lisa Kerr at [email protected]. All contestants are asked to adhere to the following guidelines:
All gingerbread lighthouses must be mounted on a sturdy base no larger than 18" x
18" and must be able to be transported and/or carried.
Creations must be made primarily of gingerbread, but non-edible materials may be
used for internal supports, provided they are not visible.
Everything visible on your gingerbread lighthouse must be edible, the only exception being the base your creation is mounted on.
Lighthouses will be on display for the remainder of the month and must be picked up on
Monday, January 3rd.
Lisa Kerr
Supervisor of Interpretation
Duty Officers
Saturday, December 4 Sunday, December 5
Duty Officer: Hallie Payne; Radio Duty Officer: Sarah Cahill; Radio
Security: John Garabedian; ext.5310 Security: John Garabedian; ext.5310
Watch Captain: Liz Cole; Radio Watch Captain: Jonathan Shay; Radio
Shipyard: Titch Kenney; ext. 5341 Shipyard: Titch Kenney; ext. 5341
Winter Operations
The Winter schedule is upon us and so a few reminders about the Museum’s operations until March 25.
Public Hours of Operation: Thursday – Sunday 10AM – 4PM (staffed exhibits). The
grounds are open 9AM – 5PM Thursday - Sunday. The Museum is closed to general
visitors, members, tour buses, etc. Monday – Wednesday.
Visitor Reception Center: open every day 9AM – 5PM
Vehicles on the Grounds: Departmental work vehicles are allowed to be on the
grounds all day Monday – Wednesday and before 10AM Thursday – Sunday.
Prearranged Departmental Visitors on Closed Days: while we are not able to
accommodate general drop-in visitors Monday – Wednesday exceptions will be made
for the following groups (please note: notification for any of these exceptions should
be made in advance to the VRC, Security, and Facilities and all prearranged groups
must be met at the VRC by the organizing staff member to be escorted onto the
grounds. Staff should accompany such visitors throughout their time on campus.):
o School group tour and special programs
o Williams – Mystic parent and prospective student tours
o Staff from other institutions on a professional visit
o Colleagues and supporters visiting on Museum business o An appointment to visit the Museum grounds to plan for a future event
Questions please contact Jenny Doak at [email protected] or extension 5004.
Staff Holiday Party and Staff Service Awards
Staff Service Awards will be presented at the Mystic Seaport All Staff Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 15th in the VRC from 5PM – 8PM.
Please bring your favorite drink and dish for the pot luck dinner and dessert buffet. BYOB
too!
Starting this year, we will hold the "Most Spirited Holiday Sweater Contest!" The person who
shows the most holiday cheer with their festive sweater will win a special prize!
Kindly RSVP to Sharon Brouillard at [email protected] or 5390.
Thank you! The MSM Party Planning Committee
5 Years
Jeff Crewe
Hermine Dudda
Ryan Moore
Jeanne Potter
Robert Schloemer
Kim Thompson
Henry Zakowski
10 Years
Kathy Bremer
Goran Buckhorn
Kane Borden
Jenny Doak
Kathy Foulke
Michael Hodgson
Rhoda Hopkins Root
Carl Koldewey
Linda McArthur
Thea Moore
Dennis Murphy
Marjorie Quick
Chad Rowley
Karin Soderberg
Eveanne Stouch Jack Yates
15 Years
Juanita Babcock
Paul Coppo
Caroleen Frey
Maureen Hennessey
Bob Jeffreys
Quentin Snediker
Gerry Watkins
20 Years
Sally Ackley
Sarah Spencer
Martha Lane
Bill Scheer
25 Years
Susan Froling
Suki Williams
30 Years
Jan Bell
Mark Dulin
35 Years
Mary K. Bercaw Edwards
Priscilla Lewis
Dean Seder
40 Years
Steven Sisk
Meet Sailor-Writer John Rousmaniere! Thursday, December 9
G.W. Blunt White Library Building
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Noted author and sailor, John Rousmaniere, will be here on December 9 to talk about some
of his many sea stories and sign copies of his books. The evening program begins with an
informal reception and cash bar as a time to meet the prolific author. John’s presentation
takes place about 6 p.m. and will include real-life excerpts from some of his 28 books,
including Fastnet, Force 10, A Berth to Bermuda, The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, Sleek,
and other classics that have inspired sailors around the world. The lucky raffle winner takes
home an autographed book—your choice! This is a unique opportunity to think about special
gifts for the upcoming holiday season. The member price of $15 is extended to all Staff and Volunteers. We hope to see you there.
The Membership Office
Photo of the Week
The leaves are gone and the wreaths are hung. Must be the season! Photo by Dennis
Murphy.
With Sympathy
We extend our deepest sympathy to Kurt Carlson and his family on the death of his
mother, Susan Thompson Carlson, of West Hartford who died on Thanksgiving Day 2010
after a five year courageous battle with cancer. Calling hours are on Friday, (December 3,
2010), from 5 - 8 p.m., at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main St., West
Hartford. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, (December 4, 2010), at 11 a.m., at
Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hartford. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.
Dana C. Hewson
James W. Perkins died on Sunday, November 21, at his home in Waterford. Jim was
a volunteer at Mystic Seaport from April 2002 through October 2003, serving first at the
Reception Desk in Membership, and then in the Gift Shop, and finally in the Variety Store.
He received the silver pin in recognition of his over 500 hours at the Museum. Jim served in
the Unites States Marine Corps, and then studied banking at Rutgers, Purdue and Columbia
University. He became Vice President of Hartford National Bank, and Senior Vice President of the Savings Bank of New London.
A funeral service was held at 11 o’clock in Flanders Baptist and Community Church in East
Lyme. Burial with military honors followed in Jordan Cemetery, Waterford. Donations in his
memory may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Road,
Quaker Hill, CT, 06375.
The staff and volunteers of Mystic Seaport extend profound sympathy to his family.
Rhoda Hopkins Root
Welcome, Dayna!
Dayna Carignan has joined the Museum’s Marketing and Communications Department as a
part-time Production/Graphic Designer. She will assist in the production and design of the
Museum’s promotional materials.
Dayna joins us from CVS Caremark in Woonsocket, RI, where her responsibilities as a
Production Artist included creating marketing materials and acting as the solo production
artist for the Puerto Rico store launch. Prior to her tenure at CVS, Dayna was a Graphic
Designer/Production Artist for Rita’s Catering in Everett, MA, and an Account
Manager/Production Artist for TR Design in Andover, MA. She holds a BFA from Colby-Sawyer College and currently resides in Charlestown, RI, with her husband.
Please join the Marketing team in welcoming Dayna. Her office is located on the top floor of
the Thomas Greenman House, and she can be reached at ext. 5288 or at
A New Launch
Exhibits Researcher Elysa Engelman, her husband Hart Kelley and their family are pleased
to announce the launch of Maxwell Engelman Kelley on November 16, 2010 at 11:55 p.m.
in Providence, RI. Displacing 7 lbs. 13 oz. and measuring 20 inches in length, Max is proving
a sturdy, well-built, and delightful addition the family fleet, where he joins his parents, his big sister Harper, and grandparents David and Marie Engelman.
The family plans to bring Max to the Seaport for a visit once he passes sea trials.
New CRC Access Schedule
Due to frequent requests from those who use the Access Room at the Collections Research
Center for doing research, we have decided to accommodate our visitors with a new
schedule. Beginning the first week in January, the Access Room will be open for research on
Wednesdays from 2 to 5, Thursdays from 10 to 5 and Fridays from 10 to 3.
Paul O’Pecko
Williams-Mystic's "Searchable Sea Literature" website 2.0 launched!
Williams-Mystic recently launched our revised "Searchable Sea
Literature," which includes peer-reviewed biographies from the
Encyclopedia of American Literature of the Sea and the Great Lakes
(2000) and a "Sea Literature" Google library, enabling you to cross-
search hundreds of salty poems, narratives, and novels by American writers.
Google "Searchable Sea Literature" or go to:
http://www.williams.edu/williamsmystic/SeaLitSearchable/SeaLitSearchable.html
This site has been created, researched, and maintained by Williams-Mystic undergraduates, with assistance from staff and faculty.
Version 3.0 will include more links to searchable texts, more peer-reviewed biographies,
links to selected criticism, and the addition of multimedia materials, such as photographs
and audio of authors reading their work. At some point in the future we also hope to expand
beyond American literature. If you would like to be involved in any way, by contributing
links, writing/editing new peer-reviewed material, or assisting with web design, please let us know.
Rich King x5262
Santa’s Coming! Saturday, December 11 from 1-3 p.m.
Calling all kids! Santa is making a special visit to the Membership Building from 1 – 3 p.m.
on December 11, so be sure to stop by and tell him what you want for Christmas! This
heart-warming tradition includes holiday cookies and cider to celebrate the season.
Before or after visiting Santa, children are invited to the Children’s Museum to work on a
Christmas craft they can take home. The Children’s Museum is open from 10 a.m. until 4
p.m.
The 2010-2011 Adventure Series Continues! Alexander (“Sandy”) Nesbitt
From Orphanage to Mountaintop The River Room, Latitude 41°
Thursday, December 16 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Looking for revitalization and a chance to contribute to something bigger, award-winning
travel and documentary photographer Alexander Nesbitt took on a pro-bono project for an
orphanage in Kenya. Started by two Rhode Island college students and an adventurous
British traveler, the Flying Kites children's home in Njabini was about to launch an innovative
fund drive, as well as a bold plan to support other orphanages in the heart of Nairobi slums.
Sandy joined them at some of Nairobi's most courageous orphanages and then on their
Adventure Challenge fund drive to climb Kilimanjaro. On the way to realizing his own
forgotten dreams of reaching the roof of Africa, Sandy documents what he sees—
everywhere are energized and resilient people, surely with their own dreams, all working
unbelievably hard to make them real.
Staff and volunteers are welcome to either the afternoon program (starting at 1:30 p.m.) or
the evening program (starting at 7:30) at no charge by calling x5339 within three working
days prior to the date. Please check in at the reception desk in the River Room at Latitude
41° where the programs take place. One complimentary ticket per staff or volunteer. We hope to see you there!
The Membership Department
Pastimes and Playthings
Pastimes and Playthings opened this weekend on the third floor of Stillman. It is a cozy,
comfortable family-oriented activity center where visitors can play old-fashioned games like
skittles, dominos, cards and parlor games. They can also try their hand at tavern puzzles
and toys of long ago. There is a book corner, as well as a beautiful new puppet theater and
dress up area. We also currently have the discovery boxes from the Disco Barn there, and
will be developing some new activities and continuing to refine the exhibit in the weeks to
come. Jeff Crewe, Arlene Anderson and Hank Zakowski did a wonderful job assembling this
space in a remarkably short time! Thanks also to Thea Moore and all of her work in
preparing the Disco barn games and activities for their winter home, and to Nancy Seager
and Chris White for their assistance in the beautiful toys of long ago artifact case. Finally,
thanks in advance to the Stillman interpreters for helping to make this space come alive for our visitors!
Lisa Kerr
Supervisor of Interpretation
Christmas by the Sea
The Christmas by the Sea schedule began on Friday to the delight of our post-Thanksgiving
visitors. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the many activities on the today
sheet; they include print-making (drop in all day at the Print Shop), a make and take
morning toy workshop (10:15 – 11:45, Pastimes and Playthings), A Christmas at Sea talk
aboard the L.A.Dunton (12pm) a Victorian Christmas talk in Greenman (1pm) and Candle
Dipping in the Buck (2-3pm) On the weekends, for an additional fee, we are offering a
“gingerbread” workshop from 2:15 – 3:45 in the HOH space. Many people worked to help
develop these activities - special thanks to Mike Meyers and Linda McArthur for their help in
the Buck and Print, Susie Jerome for her inspired gingerbread workshop designs, Rebecca
Donohue, Lyndsay Pyrke-Fairchild and the crew of elves who put in extra decorating time,
and Facilities, who work so hard to make our grounds shine all year long! Also thanks to the many interpreters who are working to implement these holiday activities!
Lisa Kerr
Supervisor of Interpretation
Changes in HSA law
The recently enacted Affordable Care Act of 2010 makes a change in the HSA regulations.
Beginning January 1, 2011, the cost of over-the-counter-medicine will no longer be
reimbursed through your HSA account unless prescribed by your doctor. If you or your
family has a medical need for over-the-counter medicine, to be covered by your HSA
account, you must get a prescription from your doctor.
The Museum Store will be open late for Staff Thursday, December 9 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
On Thursday, December 9th the Museum Store will be open late for staff. That night the
Store will close at 7:00. For more information please call the Museum Store at
860.572.5385.
Five Questions With....Rachel Rock-Blake
Her relationship with Mystic Seaport began in childhood when she
visited the Museum with her grandmother. Fast forward to studies
at Smith College in South Hampton, MA, and a 2007 fall semester
here in the Williams-Mystic program. Rachel Rock-Blake is now
back at Williams-Mystic and employed as its Marine Sciences Teaching Assistant and Laboratory Manager.
1. How long have you worked at Mystic Seaport?
RRB: I've been in my present position for a year-and-a-half. Prior
to that I was a research assistant to Jim Carlton. At Smith my
major was Botany with a minor in Art Studies, but being on staff
with the Williams-Mystic program has been what I'd describe as
'continuing education' for me.
2. What's the best part of your job?
RRB: I love working with the students and seeing them “come
alive”- especially on the field seminars we take. Each seminar is unique, whether it's on the
West Coast or down South. This past June we went to Grand Isle, LA, where the oil crisis
aftermath was still having a horrendous effect on the residents, as well as fish and water
fowl in the region. I came away with deep respect for those people; despite all the havoc
wreaked by the spill, their resolve and “don't quit” attitude was remarkable and a good learning experience for all of us.
3. What's the most challenging aspect of your job?
RRB: The diversity of tasks encompassed in my job can be challenging. Those tasks might
range anywhere from fixing wooden boats to helping in chemistry lab. Let's just say, my bedtime reading is often 'how to' books! I do like the diversity, though.
4. What's the funniest or most notable on-job experience you've had?
RRB: This took me by surprise. I was bitten by an octopus in a tidal pond we were exploring
while on one of our field seminars. It was a small octopus, but nevertheless, size doesn't limit the fact that an octopus bite is venomous. Lucky for me, it didn't cause a problem.
Also, I find it interesting to observe the difference in dynamics amongst the students when
they're off-shore versus on land. Williams-Mystic students have their first off-shore
experience just five days after their arrival, and even though some students haven't yet
gotten their 'sea legs,' they come back energized, excited and with a new sense of camaraderie with their classmates. It's great.
5. What's your favorite thing to do outside of work?
RRB: I've been a Civil War corporal reenactor for eight years. It's fun and makes history
come alive for me. Also, right now my favorite project is working on, with the guidance of
Gary Anderson, a wood carving of the town seal of Grand Isle, LA. The plan is to deliver it in person to Grand Isle’s Mayor in March of 2011. I'm really excited about that.
Rachel was interviewed by volunteer, Trudi Busey.
Thank You Shawn Edge
A huge thank you to Shawn Edge, one of our new
Museum Teachers, for making and donating a brand
new beautiful sail for one of our Dyer Dhows! When
he is not teaching here at the Museum, Shawn is a
sailmaker with Doyle Sails in East Greenwich, Rhode
Island. As you can see from the photo here, the sail
has Mystic Seaport and our logo on it. Our Conrad
staff noted that this will now become the sail that
students most covet. Many thanks to Shawn for his generosity!
Sarah Cahill
Did You Know...
That as of December 1st, Lantern Light Tour’s sales are up 25% when compared to the
same timeframe last year! To buy tickets go to http://www.mysticseaport.org/tickets or call
860-572-5322. Tickets are going fast!
Volunteer of the Week
The ladies of the gardens have rapidly expanded to
include gentleman of the gardens. Allen Gauthier
came aboard in September of 2009 and in a little over
a year has more than 200 hours to his credit as a
member of Kara Lally’s formidable groups. Allen is a
Master Gardener with impeccable credentials from
Connecticut College where in he acquired his degrees
in Botany and Chemistry. He became a CT College
Arboretum docent, and has a unique knowledge of
ornamental and vegetable plants and how they work
in the landscape. Kara Lally leader of this jolly group
speaks well of her intrepid band who are regulars in
the Membership Building on their morning breaks and
who bring sunshine and good cheer throughout the
building,
And by the way Allen is a champion pumpkin picker.
First Thursday Lecture Series
The First Thursday Lecture Series continues on January 6th, with the first of three new and
exciting, first time speakers. These all follow President Steve White’s informative and
optimistic words on December 2nd. Their topics will be designed to captivate the interest and enthusiasm of this growing audience.
On January 6th, Sean Bercaw, skipper of Amistad will speak of the history, voyages, and
accomplishments of this legendary vessel. On February 3rd, a mystery guest will take the
podium. He is a superb raconteur with a varied background and a myriad of tales of the sea
which he will merrily share with his audience. Clue # 1: “I come from a foreign shore, and
hope that lightning only strikes once!” in march, on the 3rd, Sarah Spencer will be on board to outline details of her ambitious volunteer project.
Don’t miss a single one, sign up now for the series. All will be as usual, third floor Stillman;
coffee and donuts at 8:30 in the morning, the presentations to follow at 9:00 AM. Please call
572-5278 to reserve your space.
From the Office of Volunteer Services
Just to make sure that proper recognition and appreciation is accorded to all of those
intrepid volunteers who comprise the Morgan Restoration Team, further appreciation is due
to those who may have inadvertently been omitted from the last issue of the Staff Bulletin’s
Volunteers of the Week. Therefore, another big thanks to those team members Ron Lavoie,
Julie Doering, Harry Ferguson, Stan Gladylch, Ann Butler, and Carl Swebilius, all of whom
appeared in the photograph. In addition, more appreciation to those not available for the
photo, Ian Jarvis, Jonathan Jablonowski, Jan and Charlie Kepner, Jon Montiguy, Abigail Park, Howard Veisz and Dolores Wallick.
Howard Veisz, venerable member of the Morgan Restoration Team, wrote the following:
To My Friends at Mystic Seaport:
“I hope your summer has gone well. Although the continuation of my cruise has been a
great experience, I think of you often, and look forward to rejoining you in the future. Our
current plan is to return to the Northeast, hopefully settling somewhere with a shorter
commute to Mystic Seaport than I have had in the past, by the beginning of next summer. Save something on the Morgan (or the rigging or anything) for me to do.”
Best wishes from Howard.
Howard came by the Volunteer office last week, having made arrangements for his boat to
be docked below the RR Bridge come early spring. “Walking distance” he said, “and I can’t
wait to be back!”
A letter from Sean Bercaw, Captain of the Amistad:
“Now that the Fall has firmly established itself and in an effort to have the Amistad all put to
bed by December 1st, we have decided to shut down having general visitors aboard until
next year. If groups or tours are interested in visiting the ship, we are still available for that
as long as arrangements are made prior to their arrival. I would personally give thanks to all
of the volunteers who were such a tremendous asset; Ron Simmons, Greg McPhee, Sarah
Gove and Sherwood Lewis, for all their wonderful interpretation and help with projects on
board. Thanks go as well to Ian Jarvis (before Sabino ‘stole’ him), Dan Pannacchia and John Goetsch for their interpretive efforts.”
“The Amistad is due to be here through May 2011. Beginning the latter part of February we’ll
begin up-rig and fitting-out operations. If there are volunteers itchy to get ‘hands-on’, let
the Volunteer Coordinator know. With April’s arrival we’ll likely begin visitation again, so we’ll be looking for volunteers to interpret the vessel.”
“Again. I want to say how much I appreciate all of the help from the volunteers. I believe
that this has been a really positive experience for all involved, and I thank you”.
Figure It Out Challenge
Congratulations to Norman Bliss who correctly identified last week’s image as the top of the capstan that was on the Benjamin F. Packard.
Who can figure this one out?
Submit your answer to [email protected] by December 6. Whoever correctly
identifies the image will win a free pastry and cup of coffee at the Bake Shop. If more than
one correct response is submitted, the winner will be chosen through a random drawing.
News from Full Circle Framing
Staff and Volunteers...are you in need of a personal and meaningful gift? Have a memory,
from photos to objects, preserved and beautifully presented with custom framing. Full Circle
Framing is located in the south end of the Mill and offers Mystic Seaport friends the most
reasonable prices you'll find anywhere, along with the highest quality and service. There is
still a limited amount of time to order custom framing for the holidays, but don't delay!
Contact Carol for an appointment, at 860-460-4275 or at [email protected].
Classifieds
FOUL WEATHER GEAR WANTED FOR WILLIAMS-MYSTIC STUDENTS. Do you
have gently used foulies that you haven't used in a while? Or did you just buy new
ones and your old ones are still useable? Please consider donating them to Williams-
Mystic! We are looking for lightly used foul weather gear to lend to our students
while they go on their offshore voyage. Please contact Aislinn Doyle at Williams-
Mystic x 5293. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
COMPUTER STUFF AVAILABLE. Williams-Mystic has a stock of printers,
keyboards, all sorts of cords, etc., if anyone wants to drop by and have a look. We're
clearing out the attic .... Please contact Aislinn Doyle at Williams-Mystic x 5293 for a drop-by.
Stay Connected
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To submit an article to the Staff Bulletin, please send content to
[email protected]. If you have questions, call Jonathan Greene at ext. 4523. The deadline is Wednesday at 10 a.m.
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