Letter from the Pres....
I hope you enjoyed a happy Thanksgiving and let me get ahead of the curve and wish you a Merry Christmas. This is a busy time of year but allow me a moment of your time to get you up to speed on the status of Sakonnet Lighthouse, what she needs to stay upright and the critical nature of your support.
This summer was a busy one at Little Cormorant Rock. We kicked off the work season with the spring flag install and a survey of existing conditions. The physical plant weathered a brutal winter with no anomalies. All locations presenting rust, steel degradation and water infiltration were catalogued and incorporated into a bid package/scope of work.
In concert with lead contractor, Cavanaugh Marine Services (CMS), we calculated the equipment, supplies and man-hours to generate a tight contract, which CMS executed in early June. Work commenced around August 1 and steeplejacks could be spied shortly thereafter, dangling six stories off the deck doing the exhausting work of steel prep.
Work included, but was not limited to, the mobilization of generators, high-pressure pumps, fuel, surface coatings, tools, pollution remediation gear and a thousand gallons of fresh water. Once the project was staged, boatswain’s chairs were secured to the light deck and work began in earnest. CMS applied a top-to-bottom fresh water power wash over the entire structure to remove large protrusions of rust and any salt adhering to the surface.
CMW followed the initial cleaning with wire brushing of more stubborn pockets of rust. Eventually, CMS hit the worst damage with needle guns, clearing all exterior corrosion from the super structure and leaving her ready to receive coatings.
With the help of engineers, industry literature and marine coatings specialists, we have established a 4 step protocol which to date has shown solid efficacy. We first apply Hold Tight Rust Inhibitor, which is really more of a final step cleaner. We then apply International 950 Cleaner, which is actually less of a cleaner but uniquely softens the existing paint to make it more receptive to sealants. As guessed, the next step is to seal any open areas with white, 5200 sealant (really more of a primer) and finally a coat of Wasser MC Luster 100 standard white paint.
In addition to the exterior work, we are budgeting for the cleaning and touch up of one interior floor each year. This is not only aesthetically pleasing to our occasional visitors but allows us to track with some good accuracy any water infiltration during the many months the light is not accessible. We hit the first floor, which was frankly a mess and will move up a level each year. CMS completed the contract by mid-September and vacated the island. Another outstanding job.
In my wildest dreams, I never expected to be at the helm of a nonprofit dedicated to the survival of a historically significant lighthouse. I was a heartbeat late stepping back when the call came for volunteers, and so I am here. That said, it has been a hugely rewarding undertaking and the most satisfying component has been realizing the attachment that so many feel for our charge.
Please keep us in mind in this season of giving and know that your gift, of any size, is hugely appreciated by your board and all who enjoy this uniquely Sakonnet icon. Your gift is fully tax deductible and managed capably at The Rhode Island Foundation. We gladly accept donations of mature securities for any seeking to negate capital gains through our 501(C) 3 status, one of the last tax shelters still on the books.
If you are receiving this letter, you are a personal friend of a FOSL board member. We do not toss a wide net to capture financial support. Sakonnet Lighthouse may be a national historic landmark but we are of the belief that we take care of our own and our own have consistently stepped up with pride to provide for her her upkeep. Thank you again for your consideration and support. Merry Christmas to you and your family from all of us at the Friends of Sakonnet Lighthouse.
Sincerely - Scott P. Brown, President
Send your tax Deductible Donation to:
Friends of Sakonnet Lighthouse
P.O. Box 154
Little Compton, RI 02837
This summer was a busy one at Little Cormorant Rock. We kicked off the work season with the spring flag install and a survey of existing conditions. The physical plant weathered a brutal winter with no anomalies. All locations presenting rust, steel degradation and water infiltration were catalogued and incorporated into a bid package/scope of work.
In concert with lead contractor, Cavanaugh Marine Services (CMS), we calculated the equipment, supplies and man-hours to generate a tight contract, which CMS executed in early June. Work commenced around August 1 and steeplejacks could be spied shortly thereafter, dangling six stories off the deck doing the exhausting work of steel prep.
Work included, but was not limited to, the mobilization of generators, high-pressure pumps, fuel, surface coatings, tools, pollution remediation gear and a thousand gallons of fresh water. Once the project was staged, boatswain’s chairs were secured to the light deck and work began in earnest. CMS applied a top-to-bottom fresh water power wash over the entire structure to remove large protrusions of rust and any salt adhering to the surface.
CMW followed the initial cleaning with wire brushing of more stubborn pockets of rust. Eventually, CMS hit the worst damage with needle guns, clearing all exterior corrosion from the super structure and leaving her ready to receive coatings.
With the help of engineers, industry literature and marine coatings specialists, we have established a 4 step protocol which to date has shown solid efficacy. We first apply Hold Tight Rust Inhibitor, which is really more of a final step cleaner. We then apply International 950 Cleaner, which is actually less of a cleaner but uniquely softens the existing paint to make it more receptive to sealants. As guessed, the next step is to seal any open areas with white, 5200 sealant (really more of a primer) and finally a coat of Wasser MC Luster 100 standard white paint.
In addition to the exterior work, we are budgeting for the cleaning and touch up of one interior floor each year. This is not only aesthetically pleasing to our occasional visitors but allows us to track with some good accuracy any water infiltration during the many months the light is not accessible. We hit the first floor, which was frankly a mess and will move up a level each year. CMS completed the contract by mid-September and vacated the island. Another outstanding job.
In my wildest dreams, I never expected to be at the helm of a nonprofit dedicated to the survival of a historically significant lighthouse. I was a heartbeat late stepping back when the call came for volunteers, and so I am here. That said, it has been a hugely rewarding undertaking and the most satisfying component has been realizing the attachment that so many feel for our charge.
Please keep us in mind in this season of giving and know that your gift, of any size, is hugely appreciated by your board and all who enjoy this uniquely Sakonnet icon. Your gift is fully tax deductible and managed capably at The Rhode Island Foundation. We gladly accept donations of mature securities for any seeking to negate capital gains through our 501(C) 3 status, one of the last tax shelters still on the books.
If you are receiving this letter, you are a personal friend of a FOSL board member. We do not toss a wide net to capture financial support. Sakonnet Lighthouse may be a national historic landmark but we are of the belief that we take care of our own and our own have consistently stepped up with pride to provide for her her upkeep. Thank you again for your consideration and support. Merry Christmas to you and your family from all of us at the Friends of Sakonnet Lighthouse.
Sincerely - Scott P. Brown, President
Send your tax Deductible Donation to:
Friends of Sakonnet Lighthouse
P.O. Box 154
Little Compton, RI 02837
