Thomas Hunter Middle School celebrated Chesapeake Bay Day for the 11th year on Friday, with community volunteers teaching new skills and by-gone ways to sixth grade students.

There were interactive stations representing the maritime, historical and conservation aspects of Mathews County heritage, according to coordinator Janet Burgess.

Children had the opportunity to tong for oysters and to learn about crabs and eels firsthand under the supervision of local waterman Kevin Godsey, Burgess said.

Cheryl Dale dressed the children in 18th century style clothing and explained the design and use of the garments, said Burgess, while Wally Sterling, Bob Dodson and Casie Frame, Sons of Confederate Veterans, presented “Water and the War” about John Yeats Beall. They talked about Fort Nonsense and shared actual Civil War artifacts.

Tidewater Soil and Water Conservation District representatives LaVerne Calhoun and Krystal Evens demonstrated how yard runoff pollutes the water, said B...