Officials at the University of Connecticut, who are the owners of the
lighthouse, have indicated they are in the process of obtaining a
historical “National Register” marker, which will be permanently and
prominently displayed on the lighthouse after the restoration is
complete.
2. APLS is continuing its efforts to secure funding on the federal
level. After a meeting with Groton Town officials, councilors from the
Town traveled to Washington in early March of this year to discuss
various monetary issues with representatives from Representative
Simmons' office as well as Senators Dodd and Lieberman offices. APLS has
drafted up letters for the Groton officials, which addressed the
"desperate" need for immediate federal funding (before the structure
falls to the ground). These letters and the information contained within
them were provided to the federal legislators along with a request for
funding.
In the beginning of April of this Representative Simmons submitted a
request to the US House of Representatives Appropriations Committee
requested that $200,000 from the Save America Treasures Act be
appropriated to the Avery Point Lighthouse Restoration. Consideration of
this request is pending.
3. Membership in the Avery Point Lighthouse Society now exceeds over
two hundred (200). Membership in the organization is very critical to
the restoration effort and to the organization. There are different
levels of membership to make it affordable for all those who have an
interest in saving, restoring and relighting this structure. We invite
you to join and become an important asset of this historic and
significant venture. All monies from membership dues are tax deductible
and go directly toward the restoration effort.
(click here for a membership application)
.
4.
The drive in obtaining signatures on petitions supporting the
saving, restoring and relighting of the Avery Point Lighthouse is
continuing. Thanks to the help and hard work of many individuals and
partner organizations, well over 19,000 signatures have been obtained.
This is a tremendous achievement considering the fact that the petition
drive began in the middle of July last year. The petitions will be
helpful in obtaining Federal and State funding and/or grants for the
restoration and future upkeep. If you would like to assist in obtaining
signatures on petitions please print a copy of the APLS petition
appearing on the web site (Click Here). Please return completed petitions to the APLS Post
Office address. Your assistance and support is greatly appreciated.
5.
APLS has received a black and white photograph of the lighthouse
from the National Archives, which is believed to have been taken just
after it was built (Click
Here for Photo) . APLS has also recently received a colored
photograph taken of the lighthouse in early 1967 when it was in good
repair and under the control of the United States Coast Guard. This
photograph documents the color of the lighthouse and the ventilation
ball. (Click Here for Photo)
These photographs depict what the lighthouse will look like after
restoration.
6.
Sales of the sculptured model of the Avery Point Lighthouse, which
was produced by Spoontiques Collectibles have been overwhelming. This
wonderfully designed model is being sold by APLS as part of its ongoing
efforts to raise monies for the restoration project.
(Click Here
for Pictures)You can now purchase this model for the modest price
of $15.00 (plus shipping) by going to the merchandise section of this
web site. The model is expected to be a great collector’s item, as a
second model will be produced once the restoration is complete.
7.
Feature articles about the efforts to restore and relight the Avery
Point Lighthouse appear frequently in issues of the "Lighthouse Digest”
magazine. The "Digest" is an internationally distributed magazine about
lighthouses and is a must for lighthouse lovers and enthusiasts. The
"Lighthouse Digest" has a special offer wherein if you use the
subscription application form included in this web site
(Click Here
Application), you will received a special subscription rate of
$28.00 for 1 year (12 issues) and by doing so the "Lighthouse Digest"
will donate $10.00 to the Avery Point Lighthouse Society " which will go
directly toward the restoration of the Avery Point Lighthouse. This is a
"WIN " WIN" situation for you and APLS so please mail the subscription
form to "LIGHTHOUSE DIGEST", PO BOX 1690, WELLS, ME 04090-0059. You can
also visit the "Lighthouse Digest" web site by going to
www.LighthouseDigest.com
8.
In January 2003 the New England Lighthouse Lovers presented the
Avery Point Lighthouse Society with a check in the amount of $1,500.
This money will be used in the purchase of a new door in the restoration
project. The New England Lighthouse Lovers organization is actively
involved in the preservation of several lighthouse in New England. For
further information about this organization please click below.
New England Lighthouse Lovers
9.
In March of 2003, New England Lighthouse Foundation's Cap Cod
Chapter/Race Point Light, after an urgent funding request was made by
APLS to insure start up of the block phase of the restoration,
contributed $25,000 toward the Avery Point Lighthouse Restoration. The
Cape Cod/Race Point and the Avery Point Lighthouse Society are sister
chapters of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
10. In July of this year a new lighthouse cruse, called the
Downeast Lighthouse
Cruises, was established in Groton Connecticut. Visits to various
lighthouses in Long Island and Fisher Island Sound, including the Avery
Point Lighthouse, are included by this cruises. Owner Jeff Dziedzic has
pledge to donate a certain amount of the money received to be used for
the restoration of the Avery Point Lighthouse. On September 25th, Mr.
Dziedzic provided member of APLS with a check of $200.00. This amount
was significant in light of the poor weather experienced in the area in
the summer months of this year.
11. Sales of the Avery Point Lighthouse walkway dedication bricks
continues to be a major contributor of money raised for the restoration
project. As of the end of August of this year, over eight hundred and
fifty (850) bricks have been sold. Some sales highlights include the
following:
a) Beginning in March of this year the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.
organization in Groton, CT established and coordinated a special program
for the purchase of a dedication/memorial brick for each of the 65
submarines which have been lost. By mid-September at least one brick had
been purchased for each lost boat. All of the bricks purchased for the
lost submarines will be installed in the same location in the lighthouse
dedication walkway.
The Sub Vets organization has also made announcements on their web
site and in their monthly bulletin promoting the purchase of bricks by
other boats, submarine organization, shipmates and Navy family members.
As a result of these announcements an additional 20 bricks have been
purchased.
APLS Steering Committee member Bob Walker, who is a retired submarine
veteran, was very instrumental in developing and coordinating this very
successful program. It would certainly be nice to see other military
organizations participate in this program.
b) Two separate elementary school classes, the Wednesday Target Class
of the Vaughn Elementary School in Powder Springs, GA and the second
grade at Pierce School in Arlington, MA, each purchased bricks as a
result of their special fundraising activities at their schools.
c) Sunday school classes of the First Lutheran Church in Waterbury,
CT also purchased a dedication brick for the walkway.
Installation of the bricks will take place upon completion of the
construction at the lighthouse.
It is estimated that sales of the bricks
will continue for approximately one additional year.
