Sue Bergherr is Honored with ALF Volunteer Award

Sue Bergherr of ALF’s Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse was honored with a “Len Hadley Volunteer Award” during the American Lighthouse Foundation’s annual Gala, which was held at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine, on May 4, 2025. The following tribute was written by Adair Heyl, FPPL Chapter Leadership Committee:

When Sue Bergherr replied to a newspaper request for docents at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, she asked when we needed her, what we wanted her to do, and oh by the way, she had a high school friend who would like to volunteer, too. Sue would bunk this friend overnight because the drive was a long distance for a day trip. Our lighthouse team joyfully welcomed an enthusiastic volunteer, plus her friend, as new docents.

We soon learned that Sue was much more than the average volunteer. She shadowed several docents as they learned, then took her own shifts, and showed up on busy weekends to assist other docents. When a volunteer telephoned needing last minute replacement coverage, she took their shifts, too, whenever she could.

When Sue realized that the Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse did not have a Facebook page, she volunteered to create one that could link to FPPL’s website and Instagram accounts, while also offering to help maintain these social media presences. To prepare for our bicentennial, Sue joined the team to redesign our exhibits, which included restoring old panels to retain, painting walls, creating new displays, and hanging our completed project.

Sue’s infectious optimism, fresh ideas, and abundant energy are a guiding light. As our lighthouse continues to need maintenance to keep it in good order and open to the public, we are grateful to Sue who shows up, does whatever is needed to fulfill our mission, and even brings a friend along to help. It gives the American Lighthouse Foundation great pleasure to present Sue Bergherr with a well-deserved “Len Hadley Volunteer Award!”