On April 1, 2006 the American Lighthouse
Foundation (ALF) hosted a volunteer awards dinner at Jonathan’s
Restaurant in Ogunquit, Maine, to recognize some of the organization’s
most dedicated volunteers to lighthouse preservation and education. In
all, 19 individuals from nine ALF chapters received
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
ALF Volunteer Awards Dinner at
Jonathan's Restaurant, April 1, 2006
the Len Hadley
Volunteerism Award for their commitment to volunteer lighthouse work
during the calendar year of 2005.
Timothy Harrison, president of the American Lighthouse Foundation, expressed
his admiration for the contributions of the volunteers being honored,
saying, “ALF would not have accomplished so many great things over the past
twelve years were it not for the sacrifice and selflessness of caring people
like this group. ALF lighthouses have and continue to be saved and
communities are learning about our lighthouse heritage – all because of
individuals who believe in our mission and are willing to freely volunteer
of their time to build a stronger organization.”
American Lighthouse Foundation volunteers not only scrape paint, facilitate
lighthouse tours and present public educational programs, they
Photo by Nina Trapani
Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Light
(L to R)
ALF president Tim Harrison,
FPHL
volunteer Ross Tracy (award recipient), FPHL president Jeremy
D'Entremont &
ALF
executive director Bob Trapani
also manage contractors, write grants,
network with politicians, organize fundraising events and cultivate new
interest in their lighthouse projects amongst innumerable other tasks
big and small. These keepers of the lights don’t just help save a
lighthouse; they also help make communities a better and more enriching
place to live because they care to act on their convictions when it
comes to preserving our
all-important
maritime heritage. For a coastal community with a lighthouse, its presence
is iconic and its meaning incalculable, which makes the efforts to save
these beacons of the sea that much more vital to our nation.
“Today’s movement to save America’s historic lighthouses would not be
possible without dedicated volunteers willing to give unconditionally of
their time, skill and money to preserve these coastal icons for future
generations,” said Bob Trapani, executive director of the American
Lighthouse Foundation. “Though automation may have removed the lighthouse
keepers as we knew them, the reality is our volunteers are true keepers of
the light – it’s just their role has evolved. In many ways, the job of being
a keeper today is harder than ever with both the fundraising and physical
challenges facing volunteers, but they are not only winning many of the
battles, they are setting standards of excellence for future
preservationists to emulate.”
The Len Hadley Volunteerism Award was named after Len Hadley, one of
the original cofounders of the American Lighthouse Foundation. Len’s
example in action encompassed the very essence of what it
means to volunteer for something as worthwhile as lighthouse
preservation. “Len Hadley was one of the hardest working volunteers any
organization could possibly have,” said Timothy Harrison, president of
the American Lighthouse
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Judi Kearney plays the piano for her
song "The Legend of the Lighthouse"
Foundation. He
went on to say, “When Len passed away in October 2000, the ALF board of
directors decided to name an award after him and what he stood for.” No
doubt Len would have been beaming with pride for the group of volunteers
honored on April 1st – individuals who go above and beyond to
ensure our lights keep shining.
Though honoring ALF volunteers was a highlight of the evening dinner,
attendees also enjoyed joining in by collectively singing a song entitled,
“The Legend of the Lighthouse” penned by ALF member Judi Kearney.
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Steve Frank entertained
the audience with his
presentation on lighthouse
life at Wood Island
Accompanying Judi on the piano, ALF member Tom D’Agostino
and ALF president Tim Harrison led the audience in singing the song, to
the tune of “America the Beautiful.”
Following
dinner the audience was treated to a fascinating slide program presented
by Steve Frank, son of, former Wood Island and Portland Head lightkeeper,
Edward Frank. The presentation had special appeal to the audience since
Wood Island Lighthouse is an ALF light cared for by the Friends of Wood
Island Lighthouse. Steve’s memories of life at Wood Island were both
very interesting and entertaining as he presented a viewpoint of
lighthouse life through the eyes of a child.
