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Issue Date: Chesapeake Bay Magazine - April 2007


Cruiser's Calendar - April




Spring Cleaning

It's springtime! Time to clean off your boats and get ready for the season. But before you raise your sails, best help clean up the waterways you'll be enjoying this summer. That's right. Spring cleaning is no longer confined to your living room. Several organizations around the Bay have arranged large cleanup efforts on rivers and wildlife preservations during April, allowing volunteers to do their part in keeping the Bay tidy. If you're near the Potomac River, you can join the Accokeek Foundation (www.accokeek.org) cleanup, which has over one hundred sites along the river for volunteers to get their hands dirty. The Patuxent Riverkeepers also have a large cleanup effort organized this year—visit cleanpatuxent.org to find a site and time that fits your schedule. There are lots. Speaking of lots, last year's Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay cleanup (www.alliancechesbay.org) drew over 2,500 volunteers to sites throughout Maryland and Virginia.

If you'd like to focus your efforts on a particular site, both the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (www.blackwater.fws.gov) and Fort McHenry National Monument (organized by the National Aquarium; www.aqua.org) both have cleanup and restoration efforts going on this April. You've no excuse now. . . . Put on your workboots and gloves and get busy!

March 30-April 1
Patuxent Wildlife Art Show and Sale
National Wildlife Visitors Center, Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, Md.
This annual show features the work of many wildlife artisans, carvers, photographers and sculptors. Fri. reception 6-9:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 301-497-5789; www.friendspwrc.org.

March 31-April 15
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington, D.C.
This annual two-week, city-wide event celebrates the gift of the 3,000 cherry trees from the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, D.C., and features daily international cultural performances, sporting events, arts and crafts demonstrations, and more. Call for details. 202-661-7584; www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

April 1
Potomac River Cleanup
Accokeek Foundation Visitors Center at Piscataway Park, Accokeek, Md.
This annual cleanup event has grown to include over one hundred sites in the Potomac River watershed from West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay. 9 a.m.-noon. 301-283-2113; www.accokeek.org.

April 2, 9, 16
Diesel Maintenance Seminars
Mack Boring, Union, N.J.
Mack Boring offers these one-day seminars covering Yanmar diesel maintenance basics. Two-day, hands-on classes are also available to those who complete the one-day courses. Preregistration required. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 908-964-0700; www.mackboring.com.

April 5
Bay in the Civil War Lecture
Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis
Author Eric Mills will give this Annapolis Maritime Museum lecture about people and events around the Chesapeake during the Civil War. 7-8:30 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.annapolismaritimemuseum.org.

April 12
A Salute to Sailing
Annapolis
This annual wine tasting event serves as the kick-off party for the Leukemia Cup Regatta. This year's tribute is to Spain, the romantic host country of the 2007 America's Cup and will feature a presentation by Gary Jobson, Leukemia Cup national chairman, ESPN commentator and distinguished sailor. Annapolis. 6:30-9 p.m. 410-527-0220; www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.

April 12, 19, 26
"Boat Smart" Classes
Walter Johnson High School, Bethesda, Md.
The Rockville Sail and Power Squadrons is hosting courses for all boaters from PWC operators to canoists and sailors covering boat terms and types, boat handling, anchoring, water sport safety, equipment, and maritime rules and regulations. 7-9 p.m. 301-460-2681 www.usps.org.

April 13
Patuxent Cleanup
Patuxent River, Various locations
Be a part of the biggest cleanup of the Patuxent River. Pick up trash around the river and help the watershed by organizing a site, or joining in. Various locations, call for details. Patuxent Riverkeepers; 301-249-8200; www.cleanpatux ent.org.

April 14
Blackwater Cleanup Day
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge, Md.
In honor of Earth Day, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge volunteers will help pick up litter and clean the refuge in preparation for the summer season. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 410-228-2677; www.blackwater.fws.gov.

April 14
Project Clean Stream
Call for specific locations.
Volunteer at one of over 100 sites throughout Maryland and help the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay clean up the streams and watershed areas of the Bay. Call for details and specific locations. 9 a.m.-noon. 410-377-6270; www.alliancechesbay.org.

April 14
Bull and Oyster Roast
Hutchins Park, Havre de Grace, Md.
All-you-can-eat oysters, clams, gumbo, beef, smoked turkey, ham, desserts and more will be the focus of this annual party hosted by the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy (owners of the skipjack Martha Lewis). The evening will also feature live and silent auctions, music, cash bar and raffles all under a heated tent. Advance ticket purchase required. 7-11 p.m. 410-939-4078; www.skipjackmar thalewis.org.

April 14-15 & 21-22
Marine Diesel Basics Course
Eastport Yacht Center, Annapolis
The Annapolis School of Seamanship hosts this 12-hour class taught by Captain John Martino of the Annapolis School of Seamanship and Scott Segal of Bay Shore Marine Engines. Students will receive both lecture and hands-on instruction in operating theory, preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting and repair skills. Preregistration required. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-263-8848; www.annapolisschoolofseaman ship.com.

April 14-15, 21-22, 28-29
Build a Chesapeake Light Craft Kayak Course
Philadelphia Wooden Boat Factory, Philadelphia
Choose from seven of Chesapeake Light Craft's beautiful kayak designs. You can choose from the Chesapeake 16, 16LT, 17, 17LT, 18 or Mill Creek 13 and 16.5. Besides taking home your own boat, you will gain an understanding of using basic tools and of stitch and glue construction. By the end of this three-weekend course you will take home a kayak near completion and will be well prepared to finish the boat at home.
8 a.m.-6 p.m. 215-755-2400; www.clcboats.com.

April 19
A Life on the Chesapeake
Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis
John D. Willard and Frances James will give a fascinating look into the life and times of an Annapolis-area waterman. The presentation is based on 12 hours of oral histories conducted, compiled and edited by Willard, oral historian at the University of Maryland. 7-8:30 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.annapolismaritimemuseum.org.

April 20-22
Portsmouth Power in the Park
Portsmouth City Park, Portsmouth, Va.
The Virginia Boat Racing Association will hold its Virginia State Championship in the waters off Portsmouth City Park, which draws spectators and racers from throughout the United States and Canada. Five world records have been set at this annual hydroplane racing event, which also includes a boat show. Noon-6 p.m. 757-460-2201; www.apba-racing.com.

April 21
GPS Course for Mariners
MEBA Engineering School, Easton, Md.
This half-day course is taught by members of the USCG Auxiliary Flotilla. The course will teach you how GPS works and how to navigate using GPS. Preregistration required. 410-745-9794; http://a0540405.uscgaux.info.

April 21
Ship's Company Day
Pier 1, Baltimore
Ship's Company, the U.S.S. Constellation's living history interpretive unit of sailors and marines come aboard to liven the ship's schedule and to provide a unique glimpse into the life and times of the men who served aboard the ship in the mid-19th century. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-539-1797; www.constellation.org.

April 21
Boatyard Bar & Grill Spring Fishing Tournament
Boatyard Bar & Grill, Annapolis
This sixth annual catch-and-release tournament will benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland and the Annapolis Police Department's fishing camp. The outline of the winning fish will be painted on the rafters at the Boatyard. Following the tournament will be great prizes and a gala party. Fri. Captains' meeting 5-7 p.m.; Sat. fishing dawn-4:30 p.m., party 4-8 p.m. 410-216-6206; www.boatyardbarandgrill.com.

April 21
Fort McHenry Wetlands
Fort McHenry National Monument, Baltimore
RestorationRestore habitat for wildlife, remove debris, and maintain trails at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore during this restoration effort by the National Aquarium. Preregistration required. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 410-576-3851; www.aqua.org.

April 21
Bay Day
St. Michaels, Md.
Celebrate the Bay during this Chesapeake version of Earth Day and explore the issues surrounding the Bay's health. There will be demonstrations, food tastings, lectures and more. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will also host its first annual Bridge to Bridge Half Marathon the morning of Bay Day. 10 a.m. 410-745-2916; www.cbmm.org.

April 21
Earth Day Celebration
Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, Havre de Grace, Md.
Celebrate the Bay and the earth during this annual celebration at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum. Learn about native plant species, the art of "Bayscaping," and the unique environment of the upper Bay and Susquehanna River region. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-939-4800; www.hdgmaritimemusuem.org.

April 21
Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage Tour
Throughout Charles County, Md.
Charles County will be the first of six Maryland counties to be featured in this home and garden tour, which consists of historic homes and gardens. You can visit properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and others that are registered as National Historic Landmarks. Explore antique rose gardens, wildflower walks and nature trails and tour historic farm and school houses. 410-821-6933; www.mhgp.org.

April 21-28
Virginia's Historic Garden Week
Various locations
Discover four centuries of Virginia treasures during Historic Garden Week. More than 250 of Virginia's most beautiful homes, gardens and historic landmarks (including many along the James, Rappahannock and Potomac rivers and on the Eastern Shore) will be open to the public. Call for times and locations. 804-644-7776; www.gcvirginia.org.

April 22
Earth Day on the Square
Washington Street, Leonardtown, Md.
Leonardtown, Md., celebrates Earth Day with an annual festival featuring live entertainment, music, canoe tours, kayak demonstrations and children's activities. 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 301-475-9791; leonardtown.somd.com.

April 25
Maryland Day Celebration
Annapolis
Historic sites around Annapolis will be open to the public to celebrate the founding of Maryland. Learn about Maryland's terrapins, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, checkerspot butterflies and its state sport, jousting. Noon-5 p.m. 410-990-4539; www.annapolis.org.

April 25
Maryland Day
Clement's Island-Potomac River Museum, Colton's Point, Md.
Mark the anniversary of the settlers' first landing in Maryland with pageantry and ceremonies. 5 p.m. 301-769-2222; www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate.

April 26
Treasure the Chesapeake
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Stevensville, Md.
This ninth annual fundraising event is one of the biggest on the Bay. The evening will feature a cocktail buffet, silent auction, speakers and more all to benefit the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Stevensville, Md. 7-10 p.m. 410-974-2941; www.cbtrust.org.

April 26-29
Bay Bridge Boat Show
Bay Bridge Marina, Stevensville, Md.
Head to this year's Bay Bridge Boat Show for a peek at new and used boats, marine services, demonstrations and more, plus lectures by area professionals. Thurs., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 410-268-8828; www.usboat.com.

April 26-29
St. Michaels Food and Wine Festival
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, Md.
This annual festival draws enthusiasts to St. Michaels to sample distinctive foods and wines through tastings, food demonstrations and more. Fri. 1-4 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 800-808-7622; www.stmichaelsfoodandwinefestival.com.

April 27-29
Ward World Wildfowl Carving Championship
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, Md.
This annual, premier carving event features wildfowl carvings, wildlife art, demonstrations, classes, lectures, auctions, and painters, photographers and sculptors showing their beautiful artwork. Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.- p.m. 410-742-4988; www.wardmuseum.org.

April 27-29
Charity Antiques Show & Sale
Waterfowl Festival Building, Easton, Md.
Benefiting the Mental Health Association in Talbot County, the show features twenty antiques dealers from the east coast. Raffle tickets are available all weekend with a grand prize of a week on the Algarve Coast of Portugal. Fri. 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-822-0444; www.mhamdes.org.

April 28
Oxford Day
Oxford, Md.
This annual event in the historic town of Oxford consists of a parade, crab races, boat rides, a dog show, children's activities, raffles, wine tasting, plus food and live music. 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. 410-226-0349; www.portofoxford.com.
 
April 28
Luxury Yachts' Kitchen and Galley Tour
Annapolis
This event, presented by the Historic Annapolis Foundation, will benefit the historic William Paca House. See the Trumpy yacht Eleanor's extravagant galley during this tour and tasting event and visit cutting-edge kitchens in Annapolis while enjoying foods provided by local chefs and caterers. Among other raffle ticket prices, enter to win a gourmet luncheon cruise aboard a luxury yacht and an overnight stay at a historic Annapolis bed & breakfast. 2-7 p.m. 410-267-8146; www.annapolis.org.

April 28
Nanticoke River Shad Festival
Vienna, Md.
Dorchester County is celebrating spring and the return of the American shad to the Nanticoke River with planked shad (made by nailing shad to oak boards and smoking over an open fire), music, local food, arts, crafts, exhibits and games. 410-543-1999; www.tourdorchester.org.

April 28
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historic Garden Tour
Eastern Shore of Virginia
This tour will feature homes of historic distinction, including two historic sites open for the first time, two open after many years, and the perennial favorites, Eyre Hall and Ker Place. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 757-331-4662; www.esgardentour.com.

April 28
Privateer Day
Fells Point, Baltimore
History comes to life in Baltimore's Fells Point, with lots of sea chanties, a real pirate landing, strolling entertainers, knot tying, games, storytelling, costume contests for children and adults, and sailing vessel tours. There will also be food, pirate gear, artwork and crafts. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; dinner and bar specials 6 p.m.-2 a.m. 410-675-8900; www.fellspointdevelopment.com.

April 28
Virginia Institute of Marine Science Art Show and Auction
Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, Va.
This annual show will feature the works of Guy Crittenden, who has been capturing images of North American wildlife and nature for more than 20 years and is a nationally-known illustrator, photographer, digital artist, and a native of Tidewater Virginia. All proceeds benefit research and education programs at VIMS.  6:30- 9:30 p.m. 804-684-7099; www.vims.edu.

April 28-29
Great American Dock Party
Virginia Beach to Hampton, Va.
Kick off the boating season and the start of many signature events of the Jamestown anniversary celebration by accompanying the Godspeed on its journey from Virginia Beach to Hampton, Va., as the first step of retracing the original course of the first settlers. The Godspeed will continue its journey up the James over the next several months. Call for participating locations and marinas. 800-487-8778.

April 29
Kayak Demonstration Day
Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park East, Cambridge, Md.
Enjoy kayak demonstrations, sales and refreshments on the beach. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-822-7433; www.tourdorchester.org.



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