From the President

Back Open for Tours!

As a kid growing up in San Bernardino, CA, I was taught that California oranges were the best in the world! My dad loved to tell me the story of when he was in World War II, as a USCG Radioman 2/c aboard the USS Savage DDE 386, how he was busted back to 3/c for fighting with a kid from Florida over whose oranges were best! As a kid, I knew this had to be true. After all, we were the home of the National Orange Show. Bob Hope was an annual celebrity entertainer! Whose oranges were best mattered! Imagine my trepidation when 50 years later I told my dad, I was retiring and changing my residency to Florida. Turns out, a lot had changed in the world, and Florida oranges weren’t so bad after all.

In this vein, a lot has changed since January when I outlined our course for 2020. Just over two months into the year, the COVID 19 pandemic shifted our focus from growth and expansion to perseverance and survival. Fortunately, Membership has remained in the 450 range, but is still down slightly from the beginning of the year. Conversely, our Education Program was severely impacted when school closures and virtual learning canceled all field trips. Likewise, Public access and Special Event goals weren’t reached either. Not only could we not hold events and tours at the lighthouse, there were no other venues available for this type of activity! It is hard to recall that our museum was newly opened in December, and then abruptly closed in March—after just three months of operations! 2020 has been awful in so many ways and has witnessed tragedies far greater than our lighthouse foundation concerns, I am humbled to even mention the gains we have made this year. But there have been a few worthy of enumerating.

Most importantly, we are finally back open for tours!!! In mid-October we received permission to once again host visitors and tour groups back to our complex. This is that blip on the radar we have all been hoping to see. And what our new visitors will see are the many items discussed in past issues of the CANAVERAL BEACON – the Wall of Honor, new signage in the lighthouse and museum, a fresh paint coating of black and white stripes on the lighthouse, a world class gift shop, new welcome mats, and “Lighthouse Keeper Clinton Honeywell.” As well as the most recent additions highlighted in this issue – rockers, benches and picnic tables! And, Convoy Tours for members are back!

It is because of our members that we exist! Membership Committee Chair Chris Ecker frequently reminds me—Members are the backbone of our Foundation!! Our sponsors are members! Our volunteers, docents, Officers and Directors, advisors, are members. You are all our members, and we share a common mission—”to preserve, protect, promote and interpret the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and its historical significance” to others. And we will continue to pursue our goals within the new parameters of the pandemic environment to the best of our abilities.

One last note of change, our Nominating Committee is drafting a new slate of Officers for 2021-2022. I have thoroughly enjoyed leading, working with and following this incredible group of volunteers who make such a huge difference! Thank you for the opportunity to serve you these past two years!

Keep safe, keep shining, – Jim