Marlinspike Seamanship: a Legacy in Tradtional Boatbuilding Preserved Through Workshops

Rockland, Maine - Marlinspike seamanship has a long history that goes back as long as ships have been
going to sea. The marlinspike is a polished, tapered, cone shaped, metal tool (roughly 6-12 inches long) used in nautical ropework. Having mastered the skill of marlinspike seamanship (including splicing, knot tying, and sewing using the marlinspike) sailors traditionally called themselves Marlinespikes or Marlinspike Seamen. In addition to creating utilitarian pieces for use onboard, marlinspike seamen would create gifts for loved ones left behind on long voyages. The Apprenticeshop in Rockland will be hosting a workshop focusing on Marlinspike Decortive knotwork on Saturday, November 9.

Participants of this workshop will learn the basics of decorative knotwork, including where to find tools and materials.  The fundamentals of crown knotting, coverings, mats and the Turk’s head will be covered. Participants will take home their own collection of decorative pieces. Along with the knowledge of how to use a marlinspike, the fundamentals of knotwork, and a brief introduction to the history of the marlinspike, participants come away with a broader understanding of traditional seamanship.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, November 9th, 2013 from 9am – 4 pm at The Apprenticeshop, 643 Main St. Rockland, ME 04841. Space is limited so be sure to register by contacting the office at (207)594-1800, by email pennys@apprenticeshop.org, or visit www.apprenticehop.org for more information.

KELT SPRING STEWARDSHIP SERIES

Chainsaw safety and maintenance for women is one of the three Stewardship Workshops offered by KELT this spring.
Photo Credit: Alicia Heyburn

GPS Basics, Chainsaw Training for Women, and Botany and Habitat Management for Landowners
Bath, Maine - The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) invites the public to three workshops for participants to care for the land, to gain valuable skills, and to have splendid experiences in April, May, and June:

Saturday, April 13, GPS Tutorial, 9:00am-2:00pm: Join KELT staff member, Chris Cabot, to learn and practice using GPS (Global Positioning System). Participants will have an indoor orientation and then venture through Thorne Head Preserve in Bath for infield application of GPS devices and skills. A limited number of GPS units are available for loan during the workshop. This is a rain or shine event with no workshop fee. Registration required by April 8th.

Saturday, May 11, Chainsaw Training for Women, 8:30am-3:30pm: Women are encouraged to attend a chainsaw use and maintenance course lead by veteran wood cutter and part time logger, John Cullen. This is an introductory class on chainsaw safety and homeowner maintenance. The rain date for this event is May 19th. $55 per person and includes lunch in the field. Registration required by May 7th.

Saturday, June 8, Botany & Habitat Management, 8:30am-12:30pm: State ecologist and expert, Andrew Cutko, is leading motivated property owners to identify the good, bad, and interesting plants and habitats on the land. Classroom introduction and basics followed by an afternoon of field identification and application. This is a rain or shine event. $30 per person and includes handy identification and instructional materials to take home. Registration required by June 3rd.

Register now due to the limited class sizes! Please contact Becky Kolak at 442-8400 or bkolak@kennebecestuary.org to sign-up. Workshop fees are due at time of registration. Visit www.kennebecestuary.org for additional workshop and presenter details.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting the land, water and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary.  It holds easements on 2,000+ acres of private land and maintains eight preserves for public enjoyment. FMI contact www.kennebecestuary.org or call (207) 442-8400.

HEARTWOOD ROLLS OUT WINTER STUDENT WORKSHOPS

Damariscotta, Maine - Now, here’s something to get “hyped” about!   HYPE (Heartwood Youth Performance & Education) is taking on a brand new look, this season.  Eight exciting workshops, presented by a group of dynamic and highly qualified artists, are scheduled in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy, from February vacation thru April, for students  8 years and older.

Workshop fees are a nominal $10/session, thanks to the generous season sponsorship of Bath Savings Institution and youth programming sponsorships from Damariscotta Hardware, Colby and Gale and an anonymous foundation.

Kickoff workshops will be offered during February vacation, with mask maker/actor, Beverly Mann, from Belfast (mask character session) and actor/puppeteer, Ian Bannon, from Freeport (shadow puppetry).   Ensuing workshops will be offered through April, in the areas of improv, acting, mime, dance, puppetry, storytelling, mask & body work.  Additional teaching artists include Dana Wieluns, Griff Braley, Elise Voigt and Karen Montanaro.

“Youth education is a huge part of Heartwood’s mission,” notes Artistic Director, Griff Braley.  “Our programming is informed by a deep commitment to pass on the ritual and magic of live theater, to inspire and encourage youths who find confidence and courage through performance.”  

Take one workshop.  Take them all.  Or pick and choose a few.  For a complete list of descriptions, schedule and details visit www.heartwoodtheater.org or contact the office at info@heartwoodtheater.org OR 563-1373.