THE PASSING OF A PEACFUL WARRIOR

This past week the club lost one of its more colorful cast members with the passing of Art Capstaff. Those of us who knew him will treasure his memory for many years to come. Listed below is a daisy chain of e-mails that passed around when the news was shared.

Andrew Oliver-

Art has lost his battle after 2 1/2 years. He was determined that he would beat his cancer, but it was not to be. There will be a service this coming Saturday at  11 a.m. at Star of the Sea.

Here is the obituary in the Globe:
CAPSTAFF, Arthur Erikson Of Marblehead, MA, April 2013, after a two and a half year battle with cancer. Beloved husband of Diane Murphy Capstaff for 42 years; also leaves a loving sister-in-law, Joan Murphy Parkinson, 5 nephews and a niece plus 12 great nephews and nieces. His Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady, Star of the Sea, 35 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. At the family's request, there are no visiting hours. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Coast Heritage Trust, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 201, Topsham, ME 04086, (http://www.mcht.org) or The Island Institute, P.O. Box 648, 386 Main St., Rockland, Maine 04841. (http://www.islandinstitute.org) For online guest book or additional information, please call the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970, 781.631.8885 or please visit: www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.
Pal B- Oh, thank you, Andrew.  He will be missed as both an intelligent and supportive rowing partner.

Sarah S- Our thoughts and prayers are with his family . We will miss his his enthusiasm  and his energy toward helping us be better and safer rowers.

Jay P- Thanks, Andrew. I am so sorry to learn this. I have lots of memories of Art, my favorite being the time he entered and completed the Marblehead race. He received his medal of participation and posed ferociously for a picture on the beach at Children’s Island, repeating so proudly to anyone within 50 yards that  it was the first athletic award he’d ever received. He was lit up like I’d never seen him before with his boyish enthusiasm for rowing that really never waned. He reminded  me of why I love it so. Later that year, when we talked about rowing from Marblehead  to Provincetown, he spent weeks excitedly thinking through  ways to refit his Hinckley (chase boat) to save us and our Echoes in every possible emergency.  Then about a year ago he asked if we could meet at the Landing to discuss a secret plan he had devised to beat his cancer. When we did, he declared that he wanted to row from Marblehead to Florida. He said that  in undertaking the trip he hoped its purposefulness and the hugeness of the challenge would make the cancer drop away. Then he said wistfully that if he died in the process, it would okay. It was an honorable way to go. He got too sick to actually undergo the row but I wouldn’t be surprised if he continued to plan it to the end. His deep love of the sea and of traversing it  in a shell represented a great part of Rock N Row. The club should officially honor him.  

 Andrew O-Jay - thank you for sharing this. These stories epitomize the essence of the man. He told me he had a 20 year plan once he had beaten the cancer. I don't think he allowed a negative thought to enter his mind

 

Emily G- Thank you for sharing the news, Andrew. It makes me so sad that we've lost such a wonderful club member, person and friend. His love for the sea and all related equipment was always evident. :-) I loved coaching Art, but my fondest memories are the emails I received  from him- more accurately correspondence. They have always been far and away my favorite. They were always so thoughtfully and kindly composed, endearingly riding the line between familiarity and formality, it was like receiving a letter from a far away friend.  He always made me smile.
His kindness, consideration and enthusiasm will be sorely missed, but I have to imagine he is sailing the high seas and happily tinkering away on some heavenly boat.

  

Tzivya S-I am sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with Art's family and his many friends from the club.

Paul M-Just talked to Henry. Art wanted a Viking funeral. Lets talk about a fitting ceremony

Paul M-To all Art's rowing friends,

We have lost a dear friend and will look to honor him in true Rock&Row fashion, share your ideas please… Many of you have shared your memories, Emily's says it all for me:

"I loved coaching Art, but my fondest memories are the emails I received  from him- more accurately correspondence. They have always been far and away my favorite. They were always so thoughtfully and kindly composed, endearingly riding the line between familiarity and formality, it was like receiving a letter from a far away friend.  He always made me smile"

Sadly I last saw Art in the fall when he wanted to ERG again, he looked healthy and strong and determined to outlive his illness. I hope his final days were filled with love and peace.

Hope you will join us at his funeral Saturday, Star of the Sea 11AM. 

 

Sheila and Stan R- Please give Art's family our best wishes.  We saw Art the week before we left for our cruise and he looked great.  We are unable to attend the funeral as we just disembarked the cruise ship in San Diego and on our way to Hawaii to visit with our son and his family tomorrow.
 

Bobbie O- This is indeed sad news.  I had heard in church that Art was at Mass General.  I have many good memories of rowing with Art my first summer with the club.  He was always patient, and kind AND loved to talk with a twinkle in his eye about his grand vision of rowing to Cape Cod! I agree with Emily, I hope he is up in heaven tinkering with a boat and rowing through the waves!

 

Carmi P- Art was a great man, devoted husband and committed advocate for the safety of all who enjoyed boating and rowing the beautiful waters surrounding Marblehead. I consider myself fortunate to have been an acquaintance of such an honorable and kind man.

Gail Doyle-Sad news for sure.  Perhaps having an Annual Art Capstaff Memorial Row would be fitting...  To Provincetown

Karen P-Thoughts and prayers for Art and his family.

Loretta A-We will miss Art. Thoughts and prayers roll out on the waves to his family and friends.

Shannon T-Such sad news.  My thoughts and prayers are with Art and his family. 

Jack T-  I have always enjoyed this passage from the Hebrew Talmud and think it's very appropriate in describing Art.

In a harbor, two ships sailed: One setting forth on a voyage, the other coming home to port. Everyone cheered the ship going out, but the ship sailing in was scarcely noticed. To this, a wise man said: Do not rejoice over a ship setting out to sea, for you cannot know what terrible storms it may encounter, and what fearful dangers it may have to endure. Rather rejoice over the ship that has safely reached port and brings its passengers home to peace.

And this is the way of the world: When a child is born, all rejoice. When someone dies, all weep. We should do the opposite. For no one can tell what trails and travails awaits a new born child: But when a mortal dies in peace, we should all rejoice for he has completed a long journey, and there is no greater boon that to leave this world with the imperishable crown of a good name.

 

HISTORY OF OUR "BOATHOUSE" SUBMITTED BY CARLTON S.

I've been reading _Marblehead's First Harbor_, by Hugh Bishop and Brenda Bishop Booma.  It is a collection of short memoirs about growing up in and around Little Harbor and Barnegat, and about some of the colorful people that once called it home.

 
The book relates the story of James "Al" Graves, born in 1860, and coming of age at a time when dories were no longer used by the offshore fishermen, but still used by the lobstermen and increasingly rowed for racing and pleasure.

 Al Graves was one of those that grew up with rowing in his blood.  "Having been a rower for some time, the young Graves was not unaccustomed to making a day of rowing out around the Boston Lightship and back, a twenty mile trip from Marblehead Rock.  Another favorite destination was Manchester Harbor.  He sometimes continued past Gloucester, as far north as the coast of Maine.  A night on the beach was possible, but it was common practice to make a round-trip trek to Gloucester in the course of a day, another twenty-mile trip.  Like most athletes, he wanted to go faster and felt that he had the competence to build a better boat."

 The book later describes the scene that took place not far from where we now launch our boats:  "Al started construction on his dory in a small building [...] at the end of Cradleskid Lane.  His new design proved faster in the local competitions, and soon he was building similar models for the other racers".

 The Bishops go on to describe how Graves impressed Bowdoin Bradlee "B.B. Crowninshield" with his boatbuilding, and the partnership led to dozens of Crowninshield designs being built by Graves in the early decades of the 20th century.

 When I was growing up here, the yards now known as Marblehead Trading Company were still known as Graves Lower (Little Harbor) and Upper (Front Street) Yards.  The business was handed down through following generations.  Graves yards went on to build sailboats ranging from the 210's that used to dot the harbor, up to the 12-meter defender candidate Nefertiti.

For more on the history of Little Harbor: http://www.amazon.com/Marbleheads-First-Harbor-History-Fishing/dp/1609494970

 For another perspective on the Graves Yards, see the article that originally appeared in the short lived Marblehead Magazine: http://www.legendinc.com/Pages/MarbleheadNet/MM/Articles/GravesBoatyards.html

 

NEW ROWING SITE

Hi

Thanks for being involved in rowing (one of the best sports). If you don’t know who we are please allow me to make an introduction. Decent Rowing was started by my father Ken Davey and I (Lachlan Davey). I row at a state level and Ken coaches at an international level. Our aim is to create the most useful free rowing resource on the web. We have been hard at it for about 1 year and currently have over 2300 members enjoying our website for free.

 We want to provide our users with the world’s best rowing information. This is why we collaborate with great rowing role models including Olympic athletes and coaches, as well as inspirational team and club managers. Most of our information is in the form of short concise videos (I have a very short attention span).

 We have been given some great reviews including one from Rowing News Magazine and many from directors of rowing. Although many people have heard of us the majority don’t know who we are, what we do and what we believe in. Can you please help us? With your help we can provide your club or school with great free rowing information from some of the best minds in the business.

 We have a few places on the internet where we provide our free information:

 Our website: www.decentrowing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DecentRowing

YouTube: www.youtube.com/decentrowingdotcom

Twitter: www.twitter.com/DecentRowing

 Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, our doors are always open metaphorically speaking :)

Thanks for making it through my message, hopefully we can repay you with a great rowing resource.

All the best

Lachlan

 

WHO'S UP FOR SOME BOWLING

Hey Maties-
If ye be feeling da mid-winter doldrums a-coming on, ye be needin' to partake in some spirit-lifting and challenge yer fellow maties ta knock over da candlepins.  We be a-meetin' on Wed., January 23 at 6:30pm at da Sunnyside Bowladrome in Danvers.  A mere $16 gets ya da lane, da shoes, da pizza and da sodas.  Ye be a-pullin' da extra coins from yer pocket fer da beer and da wine spirits.

What say ye - Yea? or Nay?  I be a needin' to know by the 15th.

Hope ta see ye knocking 'em down on the 23rd!
Gail

ROCK&ROW UPDATE JANUARY 6, 2013

Whether you’re ERGing mega meters or staring out the window waiting for spring we have turned the corner and days are getting longer. 

Probably a tad early to say “spring is around the corner” but a walk by Little harbor yesterday had me thinking, “Hmm, this could be a rowing day!”

I trust you all have seen the email sent 12/21 from Sheila/Stan with invoices and paperwork for 2013 membership renewal. 

Please send your dues payment to Jean before the Jan 15 due date so that we will know our member renewal status and can begin enrolling Newbies. 

We have a number of folks wanting to join. 

We have firmed up plans for an assistant rowing coach, Zoe Zimmerman, to provide Newbie orientation and instruction next season. A Cornell rower she is very excited to be part of the Rock & Row crew. 

If you look out my kitchen window you’ll see a Maas Aero nicely covered resting on stands. She is our newest club boat recently delivered from Florida where Chris L found her. 

Now shopping for additional shells and oars to upgrade our club inventory for next season. 

Sure am looking forward to the beginning of our rowing season, 

hope you all enjoyed the holidays, 

PAUL

El Presidente

TEAM RNR "ROCKS" THE CONCEPT 2 HOLIDAY CHALLENGE

Unless you were part of this splintered group of RnR Pirates, then you probably were not privie to the e-mail chain that went around the group during the Holiday Challenge from November 22nd to December 24th. With Frank K at the helm they were out for blood to erg 2 million meters. 21 club members participated altogether and collectively erged around 1,615 miles (2.6 million meters).  Picutred left are some of the maties who made it down to The Landing for a photo-op. Donald, Joy, Erica, Gail, Brian, Sarah, Roger, Howard and Frank.
Well the "Shamless Plug Division" saw this as a great opportunity to "Plug the Club" and set out the following press release to the MHD Reporter this week.

RocknRow Supports Doctors without Borders Charity

Twenty-one members of RocknRow, North shore’s premier recreational saltwater rowing club, took to rowing ergs this past month to compete in the Holiday Rowing Challenge, a virtual competition sponsored by Concept 2 Rowing.

 

"The outdoor rowing season seems to end so suddenly", quipped Frank Kashner, third year club veteran and team motivator. "Competitive indoor rowing events such as this one allow us to stay in shape especially during the holiday season."

 

Collectively, the group rowed over 2.6 million meter (1,615 miles) in just over 30 days between November 22 th through December 24^th. This placed the team 16th overall for On-water clubs between 21-50 members.  Even more impressive is that they were in 1st place for same number of rowers who competed.  Frank continues, "We had some great friendly competition among our club members and lots of e-mail communication to keep us all motivated."

 

As a result of Team RocknRow and the other clubs who participated, Concept 2 organization will donate over $30,000 spread among the four charities available. Team RocknRow decided unanimously to designate their money to Doctors without Borders.

 

Roger Pelliciotti, who is new to the club this season quickly adds, "Frank does not give himself enough credit for making this event successful. Not only did he erged over 400k meters by himself, but he was instrumental in bringing the rest of us along to the victory we now share together."

 

For more information on how you can enjoy the physical and spiritual benefits of recreational salt-water rowing, please feel free to “like” them on facebook at Marblehead Rowing Club or contact them at info@rocknrow.com where 2013 membership are now available

A Grateful Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for, 

An incredible wife 

soulmate and partner,

Loving children 

living productive, creative, engaged lives,

Great friends to share life with

A healthy physical body

Freedom to explore and discover,

The magnificence of Marblehead

Grace

And of course,

ROCK & ROW

What started as a freak occurrence

A magazine ad 

A chance meeting on the water

Becomes a living entity

An energy all its own

Full, rich and unique

I am humbly grateful 

for the beauty 

that is Rock & Row

Greetings on the dock

Early mornings on the sea

The incredible aliveness 

of a great row

Working my body

With best friends 

A mystical, pristine 

environment

And doing it again

The very next day

Each years’ newbie class

Bringing new life, 

new friends

Expanding our community

Expanding opportunities

YES

I am thankful 

For ROCK & ROW

And all of you

 

Her beating HEART

And SOUL.

  

Paulie Malloy

El Presidente

Thanksgiving 2012