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THE NEW ERLS OFFICE AND RETAIL SHOPPE
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ERLS is now town-side! Visit our new office space that is now open to the public 10:00am-4:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Kent LeBoutillier designed the store layout and made the counters herself! Located in the Settlement on the corner of Front Street and Lover's Lane, next to the Crazy Crab. Every retail sale goes directly toward the restoration of our pride and joy, the Elbow Reef Lightstation! Come on down and see us!
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In October 2021, the ERLS Directors were photographed by the "Bahamian Project," a group of photographers and writers who foster cultural awareness by documenting the people who form the heart and soul of our nation.
The National Portrait Gallery, an extension of the Bahamian Project, is a permanent collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and other artistic representations of the people who have shaped the history and culture of The Bahamas. We are thrilled to be featured, among all others representing the good in Bahamian society.
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BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT VISIT to view post-Hurricane progress
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Accompanied by the Hon John Pinder, MP Abaco, the Ministry of Transportation and Local Government visited the lightstation with the Port Department to see the repairs executed by the ERLS over the last two years. For some guests on the tour, it was the first time they had ever seen the Lightstation! They were all amazed at how much there was to learn about the lighthouse.
The 2021 Memorandum of Understanding between the ERLS and the Port Department formalizes the ERLS as the official custodians responsible for infrastructure; the Port Department remains responsible for the Keepers.
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Kent LeBoutillier led the group through understanding the levels of destruction of Hurricane Dorian and Heather Prosa completed the historical tour at the top of the tower.
Pictured above: Heather Forde-Prosa with Barbara Cartwright, Secretary General, and (far right) the Minister of Transport, The Hon. Jobeth Colby-Davis.
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WORK IN PROGRESS
Photo below shows the Principal Keepers Quarters Veranda project in progress. After the last sheets of plywood and under-roofing are secured, we will then complete the veranda with roofing shingles and guttering. The Assistant Keeper's Veranda project will commence in January 2022.
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WORK COMPLETED in 2021
The re-sheathing of all the station's outbuildings was completed by July 2021. Having searched for a long-lasting roof covering that would look traditional and historical, collect potable water, and stand up to our punishing hurricane-prone tropical weather, we settled on one of the environmental products from Enviroshake in Canada for all eight outbuildings.
After more than 500 days, post-hurricane Dorian, the electrical supply to the lightstation was upgraded, and power was restored to the site. Other completed goals were the main dock rebuild, complete with scooping. The badly damaged gift shoppe at the lightstation was repaired and restocked for reopening in April 2021. A safety fence has been installed; hazards on the ground cleared, cisterns cleaned, and the public bathroom building was repaired, re-roofed, and plumbing completed.
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INCOMING TREASURER, Neil Aberle joins the Elbow Reef Foundation. Separate from the ERLS but a main supporter in the Lightstation's restoration project, the Elbow Reef Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3) welcomes its new Treasurer Elect. Bahamian Neil Aberle, and Hope Town resident will take over the position from Annie Potts in January, 2022. To read Neil's Bio visit elbowreef.org or to make a tax-deductible donation to the foundation, email info@elbowreef.org
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LAST CALL TO GET YOUR 2021 ORNAMENT BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS!
Our Annual Ornament Series is a Huge Success!
Part of a ten-year series, each collectible ornament brings much-needed restoration funds to Hope Town and features local artworks hand-picked by our society members. This year, for 2021, we featured the works of Melissa Maura's "Pink Flamingo" in combination with Brigitte Bower Carey's painting entitled "Mariners' Friend." We are very grateful to them for the use of their artwork. To order your 2021 ornament today and receive it before Dec. 25th, go to: https://togetherbahamas.com/campaign/107/elbow-reef-lighthouse-ornament
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Pictured: Kent LeBoutillier and Lisa Ballard selling ornaments at the December 11, Farmer's Market at the Community Center.
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The spirit of our lighthouse lives in selfless service. For over two decades the yearly tradition of stringing lights from the tower in December has been consistently facilitated by the fine boating community who refer to themselves as the Harbour Rats.
Thank you is not enough to say how much we appreciate the Harbour Rats for once again creating a magical holiday season for all!
Drone shot by Jeremy Fernandes Sr.
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The lighthouse symbolizes strength and resolve, but it is more than that. It is a place where the ERLS puts donor funds into action to make everyone else happy, to beautify, and to create joy in the lives of others.
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To continue your support, you can make a Christmas donation by clicking here:
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(242) 577-0452
erlsbahamas@gmail.com
elbowreeflight.com
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