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CUCKOLDS RESCUE UPDATES

Thirty-Two Inns, Motels, and Bed & Breakfasts have signed on as Cuckolds Light partners, informing their guests of our efforts, and providing opportunities to help participate in the Cuckolds rescue efforts.  All of these Inns and B&Bs are on our website, with links to their own sites, for reservations.

Skip Rideout has rebuilt the shipways, to give us better access to the island.  In late August, 2007, in a real “Iwo Jima” scene, Gerry Gamage installed the 30 foot flagpole built and donated to the Cuckolds by Henry Berne, of Britton of Southport.

Through the pro bono services of Steve Richardson, Jon Simon, and their environmental law firm of Van Ness Feldman, we had some guidance through the application process, and assistance securing the name and the image of the Cuckolds.  Together, our community owns it.

Rob Wheeler and J. Edward Knight have provided the insurance for the island from the very beginning.

Marty Moore, enthusiastic from the beginning, has donated his services to prepare the architectural drawings for this project, provide launch service, and to help calculate the costs for the restoration.  Marty, we own you thanks, big time.

Janet Reingold’s Washington, DC firm, Reingold, Inc.,  has created the Cuckolds Website.  Visit CuckoldsLight.org to keep updated on plans, progress, and partners.

Ed Parker, a prominent artist, has painted a lovely, whimsical, folk-art painting of the Cuckolds, and is donating the proceeds from the sale of the painting and the prints to the Cuckolds.  The Framers Gallery has these prints for sale, and all proceeds go toward this rescue.

Likewise, Rick Dickenson who owns The Gallery in Boothbay Harbor has donated his painting of the Cuckolds, and will allow us to make prints for sale, all proceeds donated toward this rescue.  And John Stimson has created a beautiful hand-painted engraving of the Cuckolds Light, also donating his artwork and permissions for prints to help raise funds for this rescue.

Bruce Tindal of Tindal & Calahan has made the vacant Artisans building on Granery Way available for a community window display of the Cuckolds.

The Maine Island Trail Association is making the Cuckolds part of their 160 island network extending along a 350-mile long waterway, available for day visits and camping. 

Maureen Heffernan of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has expressed enthusiasm and interest in re-creating the Lighthouse Keepers’ Kitchen Garden, planning and creating a vegetable and herb garden in keeping with the times. 

Terry McClinch of the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard has committed to build two launches to help ferry people out to the Cuckolds.

Bigelow Laboratories will offer instruction in marine science. 

The Coast Guard will offer training programs for young people in coastal navigation and marine safety. 

The Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland has invited us to place a Cuckolds exhibit in their Museum, from January through July of 2008.  Don Perkins is building a four foot by four foot model of the Cuckolds island and buildings as we want them to look when we’ve completed the rescue.

The Maine Maritime Museum is tying the Cuckolds into their history programs. 

The Boothbay Register has been a terrific partner, helping raise awareness and keeping the community informed.

We’re in conversation with some building supply companies, and though we have no firm commitments yet, we are told we need not worry about the costs of windows and doors; they will be contributed.

Andy Hamblett has suggested YMCA “adventure camps” and a variety of activities for young people on the Cuckolds.  In short, organizations throughout the community have come forward and offered to help.

To host this orientation program, George McEvoy has provided the historic ferry boat, Nellie G II, for our enjoyment and education, along with the Northern Ranger. Jack Cogswell has allowed us to use the Carousel Marina for boarding, and has provided refreshments on the Cruise.  Scott Larson has contributed this reception here at the Newagen and at the Cuckolds so that you will be well fed for this adventure!  A team of volunteers have helped with invitations, RSVPs, and all the other administrivia that is involved in hosting an event for community leaders.  Senator Susan Collins came to the dock to see us off on our Cuckolds rescue cruise.

Phil’s Lobster Shop on Route 27 (788 Wiscasset Road in Boothbay) is donating 10 cents a roll for all rolls they sell between Labor Day and Columbus Day. We encourage everyone to visit Phil’s and eat hearty!