Patty and Brian Louro proudly carried the FRPL banner during the 2024 Riverside, RI, Memorial Day parade.
(Photo by Gary Point)
The work to preserve a lighthouse like Pomham Rocks is a perpetual labor of love. Similar to the lightkeepers of old, there is no end to the “watch” for the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
There are always a handful of maintenance tasks to be tackled, and complex projects to plan for long-term. Factor in that Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is located on an island in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, and the logistics required becomes even more ponderous for the volunteer “keepers” of the light.
Speaking of the island, its offshore location lends a certain charm and air of mystery to the 1871 Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, but it also proves to be a bit challenging when trying to connect the public to the wonderful heritage and importance that this historic treasure embodies.
The Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse showcased their new boat in the parade.
(Photo by Gary Point)
However, no one is more effective at overcoming this inherent obstacle than the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse (FPRL). The intrepid group is zealous about “bringing the lighthouse” to the community through a wide range of public outreach events and programs year after year. Their consistency and creativeness is inspiring.
For coastal communities and lighthouses groups, the Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the summer season. And guess who was shining bright today amongst people young and old – and from all walks of life? The Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse!
FPRL volunteer Sandy Davignon sports her lighthouse red in the Memorial Day parade.
(Photo by Gary Point)
“Every year, the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse participates in the Memorial Day Parade that winds through the streets of Riverside, a section of East Providence, RI,” says FPRL board member Judianne Point. “Volunteers come out to support the veterans and wear red to show off their Lighthouse and Townie pride! They also got a chance to show off their new boat!”
By participating in community events like the Memorial Day parade, the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse keep the majestic sentinel “front & center” in the hearts and minds of many. Just as importantly, by being a part of the community fabric – one of the vital threads that bind, FPRL will inspirit others to get involved as volunteers or become financial supporters of this wonderful mission.
Way to go Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. Keep up the great work – and keep shining!
A BIG thanks to the FPRL volunteers who gave of their time on Memorial Day to “shine” a bright light on Pomham Rocks Lighthouse! (L to R) Brian Louro, Patty Louro, Adam Dias, Nikki Tiernan, Anne Greene, Dennis Tardiff, Dave Kelleher and Mary Chace. (Photo by Gary Point)
Bernie Fortunato says
Great to see the support of the lighthouse I had the privilege of being stationed on along with Dennis.
Eileen says
Super article! Captures the heart and Spirit of the amazing volunteers at Pomham Rocks Lighthouse.