Cynthia Rowden Receives ALF Volunteer Award

ALF President Eric Davis presents Cynthia Rowden of the Friends of Little River Lighthouse with ALF’s “Len Hadley Volunteerism Award.”
(Photo by Dominic Trapani)

Cynthia Rowden of the Friends of Little River Lighthouse was presented with an ALF Len Hadley Volunteerism award during the American Lighthouse Foundation’s annual Lighthouse Gala, which was held at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine, on May 15, 2016.

Cynthia has been a valued volunteer with ALF’s Friends of Little River Lighthouse (FLRL) for years, but in 2015, she took her efforts to an even higher level. As chapter chairperson, Cynthia’s leadership, energy and diverse talents helped FLRL achieve some wonderful milestones at both the island light station and within the chapter’s overall operations.

Cynthia Rowden at Little River Lighthouse, Cutler, Maine.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

Little River’s overnight stay program earned its highest annual revenues since it opened in 2008, with more growth expected on the horizon. But staying at a lighthouse doesn’t just happen. It takes a total team effort to ensure that all of the logistics involved – from administrative aspects and boat transportation to cleaning / maintenance and hosting as a “keeper,” are carried out so that the guests can enjoy a safe and memorable experience at this island paradise.

Cynthia handled the management of these facets in fine fashion, and worked effectively with her husband Terry Rowden who served most of 2015 as onsite keeper and ALF’s Ann-Marie Trapani who managed the overnight stay reservations software program and the chapter’s financial accounting.

Cynthia Rowden transporting a guest to the lighthouse during an open house.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

At the beginning of the 2015 season, Cynthia and her two daughters carried out a project to repaint the interior rooms and clean the house top to bottom in preparation for the overnight stay season, while also coordinating local worship services on the island and two open houses that welcomed approximately 500 visitors to tour the light station and grounds.

And it was not just 2015 that Cynthia was working towards this past year. She also had an eye on Little River’s future; proving to be very instrumental with Purcell and Josephine Corbett’s wonderful contribution of $100,000 to Little River Light Station for its ongoing preservation. For this and so much more, we are proud to honor Cynthia Rowden with ALF’s Len Hadley Volunteerism Award!

Thank you Cynthia Rowden for your dedicated volunteer efforts at Little River Light Station in 2015!
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)