Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse volunteer Dominic Trapani was honored with a ALF Len Hadley Volunteer Award during the American Lighthouse Foundation’s annual Lighthouse Gala, which was held at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine, on April 28, 2019.
(L to R) ALF Executive Director Bob Trapani, Jr., ALF volunteer Dominic Trapani and ALF President Jeremy D’Entremont.
Dominic was presented with a volunteer award for his work at Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
(Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Dominic is no stranger to lighthouses – he has literally grown up around them his entire life. In his younger days Dominic might have described his participation and help at lighthouse events and work days as “dad and mom said so.”
Well, this is no longer the case. Dominic has developed a keen interest in what lighthouses mean to so many people today, and in doing so, has enjoyed opportunities to engage in their civic and educational aspects.
Also, if there is a lighthouse work project or operational tasks that need done at different sites, one can count on Dominic to lend a helping hand. However, with a lighthouse like Rockland Breakwater, it’s not as simple as just lending a hand. Volunteers also must possess the willingness to undertake a two-mile round trip walk along the granite breakwater in varying weather conditions; often times carrying tools, equipment and totes of supplies that only serve to further burden the walk.
In 2018, Dominic made dozens of trips out to Rockland Breakwater Light – consistently checking on the building’s security inside and out and inspecting the structure following storms and big tides. This was especially important this past year since the chapter was able to muster the necessary volunteers to open the lighthouse only on a few occasions.
Dominic Trapani has been a dedicated volunteer at a number of ALF projects.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Dominic also helped with setting up and staffing Rockland Breakwater Light during the annual Maine Windjammer Association’s Parade of Sail – an event that attracts many hundreds of spectators and visitors to the lighthouse.
In addition to helping Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, Dominic volunteered to staff Owls Head Light during a number of open houses this past year and has contributed many hours of volunteer time to helping maintain and expand the American Lighthouse Foundation website, specifically the organization’s online gift store. Thanks to his efforts, nearly all of the items in the ALF gift shop (inside the keeper’s house at Owls Head Light Station) are now available online as well.
Whether helping the American Lighthouse Foundation at Rockland Breakwater and Owls Head or assisting with the organization’s online offerings, reach and effectiveness, Dominic is making a real difference with our mission.
We are pleased to honor Dominic Trapani with a 2019 Len Hadley Volunteer Award!
Congratulations to Dominic Trapani for his dedicated volunteer work at Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
(Photo by Bob Traapani, Jr.)
