Politicians and community leaders went with a decidedly tasteful groundbreaking ceremony Thursday to celebrate the construction of the Northwest Maritime Center at Point Hudson. Digging into the cake are (from left) NWMC Executive Director Stan Cummings, Mayor Michelle Sandoval, state Rep. Lynn Kessler, NWMC Board President Steve Oliver, state Rep. Kevin Van De Wege and Congressman Norm Dicks. Excavation has started on future site of the two-building NWMC facility, which is slated for completion by the 2009 Wooden Boat Festival.
More than 200 people gathered on July 3 for a groundbreaking ceremony at Pope Marine Park in downtown Port Townsend, adjacent to the waterfront land where construction on the two-building facility has begun. Major construction is expected to be complete next year. The plan is to formally dedicate the buildings during the Wooden Boat Festival in September 2009. The 26,600 square feet of classrooms, conference space, boatbuilding shops and a chandlery are meant to serve as a regional center for maritime heritage and education.
"We gather to give thanks this day," said Rev. Elizabeth A. Bloch in an eloquent opening prayer, "for the gifts of water and wonder that we are here to celebrate... the enduring story of maritime life in this community of Port Townsend, through all its tides and times."
Jim Whitaker of Port Townsend, the first American to summit Mount Everest, and NWMC's honorary capital campaign chairman, spoke of how he has stood on a glacier on the highest point on Earth, and how that glacier drains into the Pacific Ocean, which itself connects to Puget Sound. "The sea connects us all," he said, noting the NWMC goal to have "no child left inside." He observed that when young people get out into nature, and get involved in something like a maritime program, it will make them more in tune with the environment. "If they love it, they will take care of it."
Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval, the ceremony's host, said the NWMC project is a culmination of efforts made by a variety of entities: the city, state and federal governments; nonprofit entities; businesses; and individuals. The project has become a community effort that provides "life-changing" opportunities for young people to learn traditional maritime skills.
Stan Cummings took over as NWMC executive director in 2007 to help guide the project, formed in 1999, through the final fundraising stage and to construction. He spoke of how there were some people who said the project's groundbreaking would never happen. But so many entities rose to the challenge, especially the 1,513 individuals, businesses and organizations that made donations. Although construction has begun, "the vision is not complete until these buildings are filled with people," and more support is needed for that to happen.
Because it is a political election season, it's no surprise the three politicians who spoke at the ceremony used the platform to offer reasons for their re-election, including how they have helped various projects and programs in Port Townsend and Jefferson County.
Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, spoke of the success of his first two-year term representing the 24th Legislative District (including Jefferson County), and how the NWMC's educational aspects will be a tremendous value.
Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam and house majority leader in Olympia, said her 24th District is "the most beautiful district" in the state, and that the NWMC will showcase the area's rich maritime heritage. Kessler also read a message of congratulations from Gov. Chris Gregoire, which described the project as a "model of public and private collaboration."
Congressman Norm Dicks, D-Belfair, noted how the state's congressional delegation has worked together to fund projects in this district, including the maritime center. In total, the federal government made a $1 million loan and provided the project with $1.8 million in cash, while the state government offered $2.25 million, Dicks said.
The amount of money collected for the maritime center was boosted last week when Puget Sound Energy announced a $45,000 donation. The utility company donated $5,000 in 2004. Terry Oxley, PSE's director of community services, officially presented the check to Steve Oliver, the maritime center's board president. Oliver noted how the project represents an excellent partnership between business, government and individuals.
"It's a fantastic day for our organization and this community and for our region," Oliver announced.
When it came to an official groundbreaking ceremony, a cake in the shape of the NWMC site substituted for the real thing, because workers were busy at the actual site. The dignitaries used plastic shovels for the ceremonial scoop.
Following the ceremony, the sea-chanty singing group Shifty Sailors from Whidbey Island led the audience to the end of City Dock. Following the music, the crowd then were shown how to use traditional seafaring commands to instruct Sea Scouts in their maneuvers aboard the vessel Bear, just off the dock. The cake was then served inside the Pope Marine Park Building.
