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volunteer
contributions in 2009.
According to
Jeremy D’Entremont, FPHL operations manager, “Friends of Portsmouth Harbor
Lighthouse had a great year volunteer-wise. The lighthouse was open for 27
open house days, and 25 different volunteers helped run the open houses over
the course of the season. I know the board of the chapter wishes they could
give awards to every one of them. They decided instead to honor someone who
made a unique contribution to the chapter, in a way that benefited both
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and Whaleback Lighthouse.”
“Neil Odams of Kittery Point has been running
sightseeing cruises aboard his boat, the Sir William Pepperrell, for
about 8 years now. He always takes his cruises very close to our two
lighthouses. Early this year, after ALF and FPHL obtained ownership of
Whaleback Lighthouse, Neil offered to do one tour a week to benefit the
chapter. It was decided that there would be a weekly sunset cruise on
Tuesdays. Unfortunately, it rained so much early in the season that several
dates were lost, but the cruises finished strong and the boat was filled up
several times. Neil donated his time every week as well as all the expenses
involved.”
“The boat holds 15 passengers, and Neil does a very informative and
entertaining narration about the local history of the Piscataqua River, the
lighthouses and forts, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and more. Many people
who took the cruises raved about what a good time it was. Neil knows his
stuff and he makes it entertaining. People have so much fun they barely
realize they're learning about local history.”
“Not only were these cruises good fundraisers, but they proved to be a
wonderful way to spread the word about the lighthouses and what FPHL does to
preserve them. Neil's generous contribution clearly supported FPHL's mission
to preserve the lighthouses and to share their history with the public.
That's why Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse selected Captain Neil
Odams to receive this year's ‘Len Hadley
Volunteerism Award.’”
Posted: 11/21/2009 |
