Your Say: Aug. 8-14, 2019
A Little More Light on Lighthouses
Re: Restoring a Landmark: After more than a century in the water, keeping Thomas Point alive is no easy task, www.bayweekly.com/node/49354
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Revisiting Lighthouses: Beyond nostalgia, these icons remind us of Poseidon’s power, www.bayweekly.com/node/49351
I wanted to write and thank you for the wonderful article Restoring a Landmark that was published in the July 4 edition of Bay Weekly. Writer Brad Dress did an excellent job capturing the volunteer efforts that have enabled this iconic lighthouse to be preserved.
Just a few points that need clarification. First, the light at Thomas Point is not LED, it is an incandescent bulb. The Coast Guard has not yet replaced the bulb with an LED, although most channel markers are now LED.
Second, the lighthouse is owned by the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, not the U.S. Lighthouse Society. The Lighthouse Society has a 99-year lease on the lighthouse and is responsible for all maintenance and preservation. We are pleased that all work and materials have been donated for the restoration of the lighthouse.
I also wanted to point out that donations to the lighthouse can be made through a GoFundMe campaign and will be matched dollar for dollar by a donor. The site can easily be found under the banner Save Thomas Point Lighthouse at GoFundMe.com.
Thank you for running the article and your editorial, Beyond Nostalgia, These Icons Remind Us of Poseidon’s power, was poignant, particularly with the safety discussion. We have had a rough week on the Bay and your points were spot on.
Keep up the good work!
Wayne Bierbaum’s Creatures Hit the Spot
We really enjoy Dr. Wayne Bierbaum’s writing and photos. His Creature Features are the first thing I turn to in your fine paper.
Saving Mr. Turtle
Jim was on his way to play pool when he saw a turtle trying to cross the road. He can never see a turtle struggle, so he stopped the car to help. When approached, Mr. Turtle started running as well as his short, fat legs would carry him. Mrs. Turtle was waiting on the other side of the ditch, and Mr. Turtle certainly didn’t want to lose face. Even turtles have pride.
As Jim bent down to help, Mr. Turtle got his hustle on, so Jim moved quickly, too. Another five steps for Mr. Turtle, another tumble into a ditch for Jim. Luckily they didn’t collide on the way down.
Let’s just say it took a little while for Jim to decide he hadn’t broken any bones; just a few scrapes, a badly bruised leg and hip and more than a bit of hurt pride.
Jim was helped back out of the ditch by a kindly neighbor, then was able to drive home, while muttering under his breath, something about turtle soup.
Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Turtle were giggling quietly in the woods, making plans for their new family.