The Mainstay in Rock Hall Maryland will present “Oystering the Chesapeake,” two films and a discussion about various aspects of the changing oyster fishery and what it means to the Bay and to the watermen who work its waters on Friday May 1 at 8:00 p.m. The evening is a benefit for the Nancy Carol, lost to ice while fishing this past winter. Admission is free and donations are encouraged.
For information and reservations call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
In a benefit for the Nancy Carol, The Mainstay will present two films about oystering on the Chesapeake, “Breathing Life into the Chesapeake: Of Oysters Boats and Men,” and “Spat! Bringing Back Oysters to the Chesapeake Bay.”
Both films explore different aspects of the changing oyster fishery and what it means to the Bay and to the watermen who work its waters. The films will be followed by a discussion. Donations will be accepted for “The Nancy Carol Fund” to help Capt. Butch Baker and his crew who lost their workboat the Nancy Carol to ice near Love Point in March.
“Breathing Life Into the Chesapeake: of Oysters, Boats, and Men” is a 50 minute film by Dave Miller that documents a positive outlook for the Chesapeake Bay. The men and women who love it, work its waters and depend on the fishery have never given up on their life and dreams on the water. They tell the story of families, dreams, hope, and the resurgence of a national treasure.
“Spat! Bringing Back Oysters to the Chesapeake Bay” is a 30 minute film by Sandy Cannon-Brown. The title, “SPAT!,” plays on the double meaning of the word. Spat is both what baby oysters are called and a term for a disagreement. Watermen and scientists often disagree on the best ways to manage oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay. “SPAT!” was part of a special program of the Environmental Film Festival dedicated to the Chesapeake Bay. Cannon-Brown is currently working with Tom Horton on his project to bring William Warner’s “Beautiful Swimmers” to the screen.
All proceeds from this evening will go to The Nancy Carol Fund. On Tuesday morning March 3, 2015, Capt. Butch Baker and his crew lost their beloved workboat “Nancy Carol” when it was crushed in the ice near Love Point. Captain Baker and mate Bobby Poore, were able to jump onto the surrounding ice and board another workboat, the Bri-Stef with Captain Don Pierce. Since the loss of their boat, Baker and Poore have been crewing on other boats. The Nancy Carol Fund was established to help get him and his crew back on the water. An online funding site was established to accept funds: www.gofundme.com/nxyjl8
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
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