News from the mainland and the lighthouse III

On Sept. 19, 2006, a FILA board meeting was held in Traverse City. The financial situation was reported by Phil von Voigtlander  -  not much elbow room, but the group can manage, especially thanks to a lot of volunteer work.

Detailed plans for work on the island for the rest of the season were made. A post-season meeting with the Department of Natural Resources is being planned. FILA's efforts are appreciated by the DNR.

Phil detailed his plans for complete reconditioning of the FILA boat engines. They had been informally discussed already prior to the meeting, including Phil's generous offer as to the financial aspects. His plans were accepted by the board.

Membership issues, an end-of-the-season get-together for all our volunteers, an addition to the board, funding, and various PR projects including public presentations were discussed too.

Meanwhile back at the boat yard, the engines had been pulled out by the ever so helpful crew at Gull Island Marine in Northport. Andy Thomas and Phil hauled the boat back to Phil's boat shed for further work mainly on the engine compartment.

On Sept. 28, 2006, Sandy Bradshaw and Phil von Voigtlander met with Stephanie Staley, director of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum. They learned that the semi-permanent South Fox exhibition at the museum will be kept open for another year, including improvements to the showroom and additions to the exhibits to be provided by FILA. Several other very interesting PR projects in favor of the South Fox Island Lighthouse were suggested by Stef too. That's great news. Many thanks to Stef and the museum board!  

If weather permits, another work party will take place at the lighthouse the next weekend.

Hans Joerg Rothenberger, based on minutes by Phil von Voigtlander and Sandy Bradshaw
Oct. 3, 2006