The Fenn Dory Project

Help us build this dory!

The difference between dedication and commitment is like a ham and egg breakfast. The chicken is dedicated. The pig is committed.

~unknown author

     Sometimes life throws a curveball or two and you either swing or you don't. This year's Senior Project started with a curveball, and we are swinging for the fence.  I certainly did not expect the news that Mr. Patch would be heading to Seattle this fall to start a new adventure with his family, but he did, and I am incredibly happy for him.  When he called to tell me the news this summer, his primary thought was, "What about the senior project?" The two of us had been plotting and scheming of some way to create a new Senior Project this year at Fenn that would be fun, rewarding, and above all, a real hands on, memorable, and educational experience. When I asked Mr. Patch who he thought should be his successor, he without hesitation said, "Mr. Smith." And I couldn't agree more, so I begged, and pleaded, and cajoled Mr. Smith to be a co-chair of this year's senior project--which all of us feel is a pretty cool project.

     Mr. Patch and I are both have a "bit of the sea" in us, and so we wanted to create a senior project that centered around getting a group of ninth grade boys together to build boats. At one time in our New England history it was common to see boats in various stages of completion being built in numerous backyards, fields, and sheds. The one boat that can truly be called a New England boat is the dory. The dory design, while relatively simple to build, is incredibly strong and seaworthy, and has served generations of fisherman bring home the harvest of the sea. Over the course of several hundred years, the style of the boat is relatively unchanged, save for now using more practical and sustainably harvested materials.  Although Mr. Patch is breathing in the salt air of the Pacific Northwest, his energy and spirit will be with us as we embark on our shared adventure of boatbuilding--if that is what you, the willing part of the ninth grade class, is ready to do. Mr. Trotsky, who still has the canoe he made in my shop class ten years ago, will also be lending his able hands to this year's dory building project.

Your Bateau Canoe

     If you want to be a part of The Fenn Dory Project, you must be willing to "commit" to being with us two Tuesday afternoons each month from 3:00 - 5:00, as well as a few Sunday afternoons over the course of the year. The hope and dream is that we will be able to construct one traditional dory as a group, and fourteen foot bateau style canoes (see the picture) that you can keep as a memory and keepsake from your ninth grade year at Fenn. You will also be asked to share your boatbuilding experience by posting to this blog and offering updates and presentations at All School Meeting and maybe even to other schools and organizations.

     If you are interested in joining in this year's Senior Project, and you are "committed" to making the time to be a part of our group, please let me as soon as you can, by talking with me or emailing me at jfitzsimmons@fenn.org or posting a comment on this fledgling blog!

     Our first meeting will be this coming Tuesday at 3:00 in the shop.

     I am psyched. I hope a number of you are, too!

~Fitz