Presentation of the “President’s Award” to Terry Rowden at the 2016 ALF Gala. (L to R) ALF 2nd VP Brad Coupe, ALF Treasurer Alan Ells, Terry Rowden, ALF President Eric Davis and ALF Secretary Marty Welt.
(Photo by Dominic Trapani)
The American Lighthouse Foundation presented Terry Rowden, Friends of Little River Lighthouse, with the “President’s Award” during the organization’s annual Lighthouse Gala, which was held at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport on May 15, 2016.
ALF’s “President’s Award” honors those individuals who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the organization’s historic lighthouse preservation mission.
Terry Rowden at Little River Lighthouse in Cutler, Maine
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
When it comes to a volunteer living and breathing a project, few exemplify this notion better than Terry Rowden of the Friends of Little River Lighthouse. To say Terry is dedicated would be an understatement.
Since the founding of the Friends of Little River Lighthouse as an ALF chapter in 2008, Terry has been selflessly giving of his time and talents to a place that speaks to his heart – something that goes back a few decades ago when Terry served as a keeper at Little River Light Station for the U.S. Coast Guard from 1968 to 1970.
For all the contributions Terry has made to the restoration and upkeep of the light station and island over the years, 2015 will go down as his most incredible contribution to date. When Terry went out to the island on May 21st of last year, it marked the start three straight months of daily work at the light station – with only a few days off for back surgery in late June.
Terry Rowden did a superb job repainting the staircase in Little River Lighthouse.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
During this time, Terry could be found living and working everyday on the island as its “keeper,” and tackling everything from mowing the lawn, cutting up downed trees, picking up overnight guests in Cutler and transporting to and from the island, keeping the tractors and other equipment working, tidying up the house for guests and being an enthusiastic ambassador for Little River Lighthouse!
In between all this daily work, Terry found time to tackle big projects too – like removing years of paint down to bare metal along the iron watchroom floor in the lighthouse, and then prepping and repainting it. He also prepped and repainted the spiral staircase in the lighthouse during 2015 – through back pain and all.
Terry Rowden making a run to the island with FLRL’s 17-foot Carolina skiff.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Though Jack and Tobi Graham did relieve him of his “keeper’ duties in the middle of August, Terry did go back out to the island in September to facilitate a school tour and carry out all of the end-of-season closing duties associated with preparing the light station to endure a hard Downeast Maine winter. He finished his work at the island on October 8th, which included making sure the floats were brought in to the mainland and secured.
For his above & beyond dedication, the American Lighthouse Foundation is proud to present Terry Rowden with the organization’s President’s Award!
Terry Rowden did a remarkable job as a volunteer at Little River Light Station in 2015!
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Kathy says
Terry, heartfelt congratulations on a fabulous project you have undertaken with so much dedication! You have left a heartfelt legacy for all future generations! So proud to call you a family friend forever!!
Jan Gilmore says
I am so proud of my older brother Terry, your dedication to the town of Cutler, and the Love of your special Lighthouse, Knowing the light house is there and guiding the fisherman
back to safe shores, is something for you to proud of Terry. Love Sis