Seacoast Men of Harmony: "Shine On"

Seacoast Men of Harmony: "Shine On", originally uploaded by nelights.

Seacoast Men of Harmony, a barbershop chorus based in Dover, NH, performed at the "Dessertfest" fundraiser for the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse on April 24, 2010, at the Kittery (Maine) Lions Club. Here, they perform the perfect song for a lighthouse event, "Shine On."

Desserts and music -- what more do you need?

Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse held a successful "Dessertfest" at the Kittery Lions Club in Kittery, Maine, on Saturday evening, April 24. Nearly 100 attendees chowed down on a variety of sweet delights from area restaurants while enjoying a smorgasbord of tunes.

The following establishments donated food and/or gift certificates for the event:

BG's Boathouse, Black Trumpet Bistro, Brazo, Café Mirabelle, Dinnerhorn, Old Ferry Landing, Margueritas, Me and Ollie's, Muddy River Smokehouse, the Oar House, Popovers, Common Man, Rosa, Chef's Cove Café, Noel's Café, 401 Tavern, Toot Sweet, and Sweet Caroline's Thrift Shop.


Gary Sredzienski entertained with his incredibly versatile accordion playing and with tales of his exploits as the swimming "Creekman." (Check this link!)

Gary brought along several of his collection of beautiful accordions and many artifacts that he has recovered while swimming in local waters.





Here's a clip of Gary in action:

Seacoast Men of Harmony, a barbershop chorus based in Dover, NH, also entertained with several songs. They included a perfect song for a lighthouse fundraiser, "Shine On."

Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, now cares for two lighthouses: Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, NH, and Whaleback Lighthouse in Kittery, Maine. This event was a fun way to raise funds and awareness for the preservation of these historic structures. Thanks to all who donated and helped, and all who attended! And thanks to Bob and Ann Trapani for the photos.

Volunteers Nina Trapani, Ann Trapani, and Susan Tisbert

Good Weather Allows for Restoration Efforts to Reach the Top at Pemaquid Point

Since the start of Phase II restoration at Maine's Pemaquid Point Lighthouse on March 16, 2010, the early spring weather has been true to form – unpredictable.

Despite a couple of northeast gales, buckets of rain at times, and even a coating of snow in late March, there has been more than enough interior repointing work, etc., to keep the crews of J.B. Leslie Company busy over the

last month while waiting for better weather.

Click here to read the rest of this story!

Dessertfest Update

The following Portsmouth-area restaurants are donating desserts for our Dessertfest this Saturday, April 24, at the Kittery Lions Club:

BG's Boathouse, Brazo, Dinnerhorn, Old Ferry Landing, Me and Ollie's, Popovers, Muddy River Smokehouse, Chef's Cove, Common Man, 401 Tavern, Toot Sweet

Several restaurants have also donated gift certificates for the raffle we'll hold during the event.

Click here for details!

DessertFest featuring Gary Sredzienski

Saturday April 24, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
Kittery Lions Club, 117 State Road (Route 1), Kittery, Maine
$10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under

Join the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse for a fun evening of tasty treats for the stomach and the ears. Enjoy a smorgasbord of delicious cakes, pies, cookies, brownies and other delights from local restaurants and bakeries.

While you're satisfying your sweet tooth, you'll be entertained by the musical stylings of accordionist extraordinaire Gary Sredzienski. Gary demonstrates the diversity of the accordion with a wide variety of styles encompassing several continents. He's been a cultural ambassador for New Hampshire and has performed at venues such as the Smithsonian, Kennedy Center, and the American and National folk festivals.

There will also be a special performance by the Seacoast Men of Harmony, a popular barbershop-type chorus.

Click here to buy advance tickets!

Photo of the Day: Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, Rhode Island

After a long absence, here's a new Photo of the Day. I took this shot of Rhode Island's Block Island South Lighthouse back in 1996, just three years after the lighthouse had been moved back from the edge of the eroding Mohegan Bluffs. I believe the lookout point where I was standing when I took the photo is now closed due to erosion.

Repointing Work Makes a ‘Striking’ Appearance at Pemaquid Point

You can read the latest report on the ongoing restoration of Maine's Pemaquid Point Lighthouse here:

http://lighthousefoundation.org/alf_lights/pemaquidpoint/ppl_rest_20100406.htm

In spite of uncooperative weather, the restoration is moving forward beautifully. Kudos to the Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and J.B. Leslie Masonry Company!

New Website for New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation

The New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, is caring for one of the most beautiful and fascinating lighthouses in New England. Check out their great new website!

Included are photos from their recent centennial gala, and items for purchase including a wonderful DVD documentary, "Ledge Light," by Todd Gipstein.