Trapani’s
remarks at the Lowe’s event on August 22, 2007 are below…
“Good Morning Everyone,
I’m very proud to be representing both the American Lighthouse Foundation
and the National Trust for Historic Preservation at today’s exciting grand
opening event here at Lowe’s in Scarborough.
I would like to begin by saying a few words about the wonderful partnership
between Lowe’s and the National Trust – and what this partnership means to
our communities in the State of Maine.
For those unaware, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has
contributed $2 million dollars to fund the restoration and preservation of
20 historic landmarks across the Northeast that have directly and indirectly
impacted the lives of countless Americans for more than 100 years.
In year two of this partnership, the American Lighthouse Foundation received
$50,000 to help restore the exterior of Maine’s iconic Pemaquid Point
Lighthouse through the generous support of the Lowe’s Charitable and
Educational Foundation Preservation Fund Grant.
Other Maine projects supported by the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational
Foundation Preservation Fund Grant are:
Friends of the
St. Lawrence Church – Portland, ME - $100,000 to restore the masonry
wall and stained glass windows of the Parish Hall
Camden Public
Library Foundation - Camden, ME - $50,000 for the preservation of Fauns
Garden and the Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre
Hancock
County Trustees of Public Reservations – Ellsworth, ME - $29,870 to
preserve historic windows of the Woodlawn Museum
The American Lighthouse Foundation is a nonprofit organization headquartered
in Rockland. We serve as the steward for 21 historic lighthouses located
throughout New England from Connecticut to Maine, and are proud to say that
11 of these benevolent beacons are located right here along the rocky
coastline of the Pine Tree State.
In my opinion, few things are more alluring and able to speak to our hearts
better than lighthouses. Their mere presence spawns a plethora of feelings
and emotions ranging from family fun and artistic inspiration to strength
and romance.
The coast of Maine would simply not be the same without these guiding
beacons of the sea, for lighthouses are a part of our state’s very fabric –
and we’re extremely proud of this time-honored fact.
Today, you and I are now the new keepers of the lights, but not just of
their wonderful heritage. We also are tasked with preserving these
magnificent structures for present and future generations, which can only be
accomplished through a community team effort.
Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to recognize and thank Lowe’s and the
National Trust for teaming up with the American Lighthouse Foundation, and
our chapter – Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, to restore the 1835
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.
It is through your sincere interest and financial commitment to Maine
communities, that one of America’s – and the world’s for that matter, most
iconic lighthouses – Pemaquid Point, will continue to stand strong and
proud.
The $106,000 exterior restoration just completed on August 17th
has also positively impacted our state’s economy by enhancing the heritage
tourism industry, as well as employing Maine tradesmen – J.B. Leslie Masonry
Company from South Berwick in this particular case, who expertly facilitated
the restoration of the historic light tower.
I would like to conclude by quoting George Putnam, the one-time legendary
commissioner of the United States Lighthouse Service (1910 to 1935).
According to Mr. Putnam (and I quote) “The lighthouse and lightship appeal
to the interests and better instinct of man because they are symbolic of
never-ceasing watchfulness, a steadfast endurance in every exposure, of
widespread helpfulness. The building and the keeping of the lights is a
picturesque and humanitarian work of the nation.”
Thanks to the generosity of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation and
the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Lighthouse
Foundation is doing just that, “keeping” in fine fashion timeless treasures
like Maine’s Pemaquid Point Lighthouse for all to enjoy and cherish, thus
making Maine communities a better place to live and work.
I invite all of you to visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and see for yourself
this fabulous restoration project.
Thank you.”
-- Bob Trapani, Jr., Executive Director
American Lighthouse Foundation
Posted: 8/29/2007
