(L to R) ALF President Eric Davis and New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation chairman Todd Gipstein present John Mazzucchi with a 2012 ALF "Len Hadley Volunteerism Award" (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
The American Lighthouse Foundation held its annual lighthouse gala at the Four Points by Sheraton in Eastham, MA, on April 28, 2012.
The organization’s signature event featured some wonderful lighthouse camaraderie, fundraising, a great meal and some Cape Cod lighthouses open for climbing (Nauset, The Three Sisters and Highland), but the highlight of the evening event was the presentation of awards to well-deserving individuals and groups for their amazing dedication to lighthouse preservation and education.
One of the awards presented was the 2012 ALF “Len Hadley Volunteerism Award,” which was presented to twelve outstanding volunteers throughout the organization.
The New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation (NLLLF) recognized John J. Mazzucchi this year with the honor for his above and beyond contributions to ALF/NLLLF’s mission.
John Mazzucchi helping paint on the interior of Connecticut's New London Ledge Lighthouse (Photo courtesy of Todd Gipstein)
The following text was read to attendees at the lighthouse gala as John J. Mazzucchi was presented with his 2012 “Len Hadley Volunteerism Award”…
“John Mazzucchi first visited Ledge Lighthouse in 2009, and said he was “thankful for being able to step foot on such a beautiful piece of New London history.” After attending a lecture by Ledge Light Foundation President Todd Gipstein in 2010, he offered to help in the restoration work of the lighthouse.
As that work began in earnest in the spring of 2011, John made good on that offer. He was a fixture of the weekly work parties. He scraped, patched, sanded, painted and installed signs, the theater TV, exhibits, flags, and much more. John even took vacation days to help out at Ledge Light, and when the summer tours began, he became one of our tour guides. He did all this cheerfully, working with great dedication and enthusiasm. He offered many ideas to enhance the restoration efforts, and wants to continue to work and be a tour guide in 2012.
John Mazzucchi has been one of the hardest working volunteers for the New London Ledge Lighthouse the past year, and his commitment shows just how thankful he really is to be a part of the ongoing restoration of this “beautiful piece of New London history.”
John Mazzucchi was honored as an outstanding volunteer at New London Ledge Lighthouse (Photo courtesy of Todd Gipstein)
The New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation is proud to nominate John Mazzucchi for the American Lighthouse Foundation’s Len Hadley Volunteerism Award.”
Did you know?
The American Lighthouse Foundation’s “Len Hadley Volunteerism Award” was named after Len Hadley, one of the original volunteers of the organization in 1994. Len possessed a wonderful personality and ability to connect with others, and was a stellar volunteer for a number of ALF projects throughout the years.
The vital pillar supporting the American Lighthouse Foundation’s success in preservation, education and public access programs over the past eighteen years has undeniably been the dedication of ALF volunteers such as Len Hadley.
When Len sadly passed away in October 2000, the ALF board of directors honored his uncommon dedication to volunteerism by naming an award after him that would recognize other outstanding ALF volunteers for the same passion, selflessness and commitment to lighthouse preservation for which Len stood for.
(L to R) Todd Gipstein, John Mazzucchi and Jim Streeter at New London Ledge Lighthouse (Photo courtesy of NLLLF)
