(L to R) ALF President Eric Davis and NELL President Tom Kenworthy present Lynne Kerber with a 2012 ALF "Len Hadley Volunteerism Award" for her dedicated efforts to the NELL mission (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 England Lighthouse Lovers (NELL) recognized Lynne Kerber (as well as Kevin Sullivan) this year with the honor for her above and beyond contributions to ALF/NELL’s mission.
Lynne Kerber helping to repaint Long Point Lighthouse on Cape Cod (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
The following text was read to attendees at the lighthouse gala as Lynne Kerber was presented with her 2012 “Len Hadley Volunteerism Award”…
“Lynne joined the New England Lighthouse Lovers in 2004. She has been a very active member from the beginning, attending our events and meetings. A few years after joining, she became a member of the Board of Directors. Once on the board Lynne took on the daunting task of resurrecting our newsletter, ‘The Beacon.’
After the board voted and approved that the Beacon be in color and mailed to all members Lynne sent out the call for stories, recipes, and pictures. It seemed like it was going to be easier than it actually was. The first issued proved a very difficult job. No one sent their stories in. Not to be discouraged Lynne scratched and clawed a few stories from a few members and was finally able to publish the newsletter.
Lynne’s tenacity finally started to pay off and we now publish the Beacon three times a year. She still has to ask, and even sometimes almost beg for articles, but somehow she gets the job done.
Lynne has also participated in NELL’s Project H.O.P.E. (hands on preservation effort) at Race point and Wood End. Besides her duties with NELL, Lynne is also a volunteer keeper at Race Point Lighthouse.
Bob and Lynne Kerber at Wood End Lighthouse during a NELL Project HOPE volunteer work day (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
This year Lynne expressed her desire to step up to the new position of 2nd VP. This is a position I feel she would serve in very well. Lynne, thank you for all you have done for NELL.”
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) NELL volunteers Tom Kenworthy, Alan Ells and Lynne Kerber during a "light" moment at lunch. The volunteers were taking a break from repainting Wood End Lighthouse during a NELL Project HOPE work day. (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
