2010WinterNewsletter

New Webcam System

Running our webcam system out on Wood Island has been quite a learning experience. Power fluctuations in Biddeford Pool and on the island have caused unexpected interruptions of our webcam service. We have an anticipated solution that will be installed on the island. Of course, getting there with the equipment and back again several hours later is an iffy proposition at this time of year. When the perfect day presents itself and transportation is available, we will be able to travel to the lighthouse with this new equipment. After that, the system will reset every night which should banish the electrical "Grinch" that has given us problems. For the time being the system has reset itself after a recent 2 hour power outage. We are thankful to have the images back yet still intend on doing the installation of reset equipment in this Winter season. The enormous volunteer effort which goes into this project will get the webcam stablized.Thank you for your patience.

The Tower has had a good deal of tender care and will be finished in the Spring with a coat of gleaming white paint. This effort has been undertaken by Stone Age Masonry Inc. out of Sabbatus, Maine. They did a yeoman's job of stripping and rehabbing the beautiful stonework in the tower in late November and early December. Even the Portland Press Herald noticed and put their work on the front page of the December 1st paper.

This entire job has been paid for by funds raised by the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse. Further restoration will be supported by the HUD funds which the American Lighthouse Foundation secured last year with the help of Senator Susan Collins. The EC has been working hard to have all permits secured in order for these funds to become available on time for the short summer season - this included a wide variety of areas i.e. environmental, historical, geographical, etc. Continuing restoration beyond this will require further fundraising by FOWIL. If you have been a supporter, we send you a heartfelt thanks.


NEWSLETTER
If you are having difficulty seeing the Newsletter, please click here. Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse woodislandlighthouse.org PO Box 26, Biddeford Pool, ME 04006 photograph by Bill Edmunds

Winter 2010	Outreach
Who is this? (click on picture to enlarge) This is Keeper Edward Frank, who kept the light at Wood Island 1952-56. His story was published in a 1954 summer issue of Life Magazine. Thanks to the efforts of the Theriault/Landmann, Ass. architectural firm out of Portland, these photos were found and shared with FOWIL. American Lighthouse Foundation Volunteer Awards Gala The Gala took place at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. Representatives from lighthouse organizations all over New England came and had a great time. The planning of the event each year is in the hands of Bob and Anne Trapani. Bob is the Chairman of ALF. They always do a great job (of course they get help from many chapter members). FOWIL's Volunteer for 2009 is Mal Stallings, Captain of Light Runner and doer of many other jobs, to many to list. Thank you Mal, you are really appreciated.	New Webcam System Running our webcam system out on Wood Island has been quite a learning experience. Power fluctuations in Biddeford Pool and on the island have caused unexpected interruptions of our webcam service. We have an anticipated solution that will be installed on the island. Of course, getting there with the equipment and back again several hours later is an iffy proposition at this time of year. When the perfect day presents itself and transportation is available, we will be able to travel to the lighthouse with this new equipment. After that, the system will reset every night which should banish the electrical "Grinch" that has given us problems. For the time being the system has reset itself after a recent 2 hour power outage. We are thankful to have the images back yet still intend on doing the installation of reset equipment in this Winter season. The enormous volunteer effort which goes into this project will get the webcam stablized.Thank you for your patience. Restoration The Tower has had a good deal of tender care and will be finished in the Spring with a coat of gleaming white paint. This effort has been undertaken by Stone Age Masonry Inc. out of Sabbatus, Maine. They did a yeoman's job of stripping and rehabbing the beautiful stonework in the tower in late November and early December. Even the Portland Press Herald noticed and put their work on the front page of the December 1st paper. Down to bare granite. (/photos provided by Sean Murphy) This entire job has been paid for by funds raised by the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse. Further restoration will be supported by the HUD funds which the American Lighthouse Foundation secured last year with the help of Senator Susan Collins. The EC has been working hard to have all permits secured in order for these funds to become available on time for the short summer season - this included a wide variety of areas i.e. environmental, historical, geographical, etc. Continuing restoration beyond this will require further fundraising by FOWIL. If you have been a supporter, we send you a heartfelt thanks.
(photo by Sean Murphy) September 22, 2009	New Windows in the tower will be next. Currently the windows are 8 rows of glass blocks, 5 in each row. New windows will be installed which will mimic the 1906 look 6 over 6 single pane. The goal will be to create better ventilation all through the tower which will be beneficial to the new paint job inside.
Web and Newsletter Team: Aaron Fox and Sheri Poftak
The Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse is a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. It was formed in the Spring of 2003 specifically to preserve and restore the Wood Island Light Station. Please visit our website. www.woodislandlighthouse.org	(photo by Sean Murphy)