Events

If the Lighthouse Could Talk, It Would Say: "Good Riddance"
On April 18, using 75 pounds of carefully placed dynamite, the state said goodbye to the original Jamestown Bridge, the nemesis of the lighthouse. Overlooked in the demolition of the bridge was the relationship the two landmarks had with each other, for if the bridge were never built, the Plum Beach Lighthouse might probably still be in operation.

Think of it as "It's a Wonderful Life," and just consider what life would be like if the bridge were never there. Of course a bridge would have eventually been built somewhere along the Saunderstown shores, but one can only think that the PBL had the last laugh as the bridge met its demise. When the bridge was opened in 1941, it led to the abandonment of the lighthouse, and now only one of the two structures remains.

Thanks to our good friends at Pleasant St. Wharf for inviting David Zapatka and his children Amy and Cory to watch the demolition from their barge near the lighthouse. Cory, a budding photographer at 16, captured the image above of the bridge on its way down to the bottom of the bay. This photo is available for purchase as an 8 x 10 glossy print by visiting our PBL Store. All proceeds go to the general fund.

<< click for larger image


<< click for larger image

This photo is available for purchase as an 8 x 10 glossy print by visiting our PBL Store. All proceeds go to the general fund.
 
  • Volunteers Needed to Work the Wickford Art Festival
    For the third consecutive year the FPBL will have an informational and fundraising booth at the Wickford Art Festival July 8 and 9. This annual event has proven to be the best fundraiser for the lighthouse, and we hope to better last years' record for the general maintenance fund. While
    raising money for the group, it also gives us exposure to nearly 50,000 people who come into the town during the weekend. If you haven't helped in the past, the festival will be a great chance to volunteer for the lighthouse, meet new friends, and feel great about doing something for the community. Call Dee Hoebbel to sign up: 401-295-7665.

  • Mooring Approved by the Town
    The Town of North Kingstown has approved a mooring to be placed at the lighthouse this coming boating season, and the harbormaster Mark Knapp has waived the standard $100 fee because of the non-profit status of the group. The FPBL membership recently voted to approve the placement of the mooring to facilitate the anticipated work at the lighthouse this summer. Plans are now underway to repaint the basement level and to install a retractable landing mechanism at the site. It is also believed that the mooring will enhance security at the lighthouse by welcoming local fishermen to use the mooring when it's not being used by workers at the lighthouse. The FPBL also welcomes any members to use the mooring on a first come basis, however, should any workers arrive at the lighthouse, members should give up the mooring for them. Once again the nice folks at Pleasant St. Wharf have been very generous to the FPBL, donating the anchor, tackle, and mooring ball to the group. Our sincerest thanks to the Collins family, Bob, Marilyn, Eric and Chris for all their help, and to Harbormaster Mark Knapp for his support.

  • Solar System to be Updated
    In December 2005, once again an attempt was made to place Christmas lights at the lighthouse, and once again, the system failed. To that end, we've been investigating how to make the auxiliary lights shine brighter and longer, and with the help of Solar Wrights in Barrington, we may have come up with a solution. The original system, now almost 3 years old, is already outdated. Technology changes very quickly in the solar electric business, and there are now smaller, stronger panels available. Also, installed in 2003 during the lighthouse renovations were fluorescent fixtures which draw a significant power load from the batteries and solar panels. LED
    technology has grown tremendously in three years, and the newest throw 10 times the amount of light with one-tenth the power draw. Coupled with a small 8 inch wind generator, the proposed new system looks great on paper, and should give us plenty of power in all kinds of weather. The FPBL have been awarded a $500 state grant from Senator Jim Sheehan's office to help
    defray part of the cost of the improved system.

  • New Tee Shirts Available
    The website is finally being updated with the help of Ajay Coletta at East Side Media, and listed in the PBL Store are the new short sleeve tee shirts, available in all sizes, gray only, for $15 each. This is the first item to be added to the store since the coffee mugs became available, and they join the growing list of PBL items, including fleece pullovers and vests, polo shirts, hats, and lighthouse miniatures. All these items will also be for sale at the Wickford Art Festival, and in the PBL Store on this website.

  • Upcoming Meeting Dates
    The FPBL will be meeting May 20, 10 am at the NK library, and plese note this date has changed and is a week earlier than previously scheduled because of the Memorial Day holiday. FPBL will meet again in June 17 at the Library. There are no scheduled meetings for July or August, and the next regular meeting is September 23 at the Chamber office.

  • Lighthouse Documentary Gets Emmy Nomination
    "A Renewed Beacon of Hope", the FPBL produced documentary on the 2003 renovation of the lighthouse, has been nominated for an Emmy by the New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). David Zapatka, FPBL president and producer of the program, has been nominated in the Best Photographer for a Program category. Zapatka spent over a year following the restoration work, interviewing principles of the project, and editing the documentary. The program originally aired on RIPBS in January 2005. There were six nominations in the category and the winner will be announced at a NATAS banquet in Boston of June 3.


    This website if the official site of the Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse, Inc., a private, non profit 501(c)(3) group whose mission is to protect,
    preserve and promote the Plum Beach Lighthouse located in the waters of Narragansett Bay in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.  We can be reached by email or by the US mail at the  Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse, P.O.Box 1041, North Kingstown, RI  02852  All photos are the property of the Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse and can be used by permission only.

 
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