The First Annual Faulkner’s 5K to support the maintenance and preservation of this historic landmark will take place on Saturday, May 20th at 8 AM. Organized by the Faulkner’s Light Brigade, the race begins and ends at the Guilford Fairgrounds. Post race refreshments include Pizza from Naples Pizza truck, smoothies from Smoothie King, beer from Thimble Island Brewery in addition to water, fruit and other goodies. Sponsored by Guilford Savings Bank, Fresh Market, Naples Pizza, Royal Printing Service, Thimble Island Brewery, Grass Island Cruises and Big Y.
Faulkner’s Island Open House News
Thanks to the good weather, the US Fish & Wildlife ferry crew and staff, and the Faulkner’s Light Brigade volunteers and staff, the two July trips and eight trips in September resulted in 200 visitors having a chance to explore the island. 160 of the visitors were able to climb up the lighthouse. In addition, one hundred plus folks arrived on private vessels for their visit, making this one of our most successful Open House seasons. Thank you to all for all your hard work!
Faulkner Island Open House 2014
Weather permitting and with reasonably calm seas, Faulkner’s Light Brigade and US Fish & Wildlife Service is offering ferry trips out to Faulkner’s Island on Tuesday September 2nd, Wednesday September 3rd, Thursday September 4th at 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday September 6th at 9:00 a.m. and 1:oo p.m. Visitors will have an hour on the island and will have an opportunity to go up in the lighthouse. For safety reasons, no children under 8 years with be allowed on these trips. There will be no charge, but we hope that visitors will make a “good will offering” either on the island or at the registration tent. All proceeds will be used for maintenance of the historic lighthouse. Reservations for the ferry must be made through our email address at [email protected]. Passengers should supply a cell phone number, as cancellation of each trip may be done on short notice due to weather and/or sea conditions.
The island will be open to private vessels on Saturday September 6th. Please anchor west of the island. A water taxi will be available from 10:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. No private vessels will be allowed in the boat basin. Dingy, small launch, and kayaks can land on the beach north of the basin. [Read more…]
Open House 2013
The Open House will be held on Saturday September 7th and Sunday September 8th. A ferry will be running for (5) trips on Saturday and (3) trips on Sunday. Reservations are required and a suggested $20.00 donation per person is being asked for to support this event. Please call Marie Pohlman at (203) 421-3123 or email her at [email protected] for reservations after August 22. The FLB will provide a water taxi, the Grass Island Cruise vessel only on Sunday from Noon to 4:00 pm for those private vessels that anchor west of the island. You can hail the water taxi on channel 16 or 68. NO PRIVATE VESSELS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE BASIN AT ANY TIME. Those with kayaks, canoes, or dinghies can beach their crafts just north of the basin. We strongly encourage kayaks and canoes to travel in teams that venture from the coast. The island will be open to visitors both days from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your camera for the Photo Contest!
Sandy Damages Faulkner Island
Photos of Faulkner Island, taken in January 2013 show erosion to the island as a result of wave pounding and storm surge. This aerial slide show is presented courtesy of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary taken shortly after hurricane Irene in August 2011 for the purpose of assessing damage to the island from the pounding wave surge. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer organization dedicated to assisting the US Coast Guard with its missions. The Auxiliary is prohibited from engaging in any military or law enforcement activities, however, it does assist the USCG with other activities. The Auxiliary is best known for its role in providing public education on boating safety but has many other missions. The Auxiliary aviation program is comprised of volunteer pilots and observers who fly missions in support of the Coast Guard using private aircraft. The focus of the flights is on safety, security and stewardship of the environment.
Disaster Relief Money Denied
On a related subject click on the link to read an article by Daniella Altimari, published in the Hartford Courant on February 20, 2013 regarding a congressional battle over funding for the storm repairs to the Stuart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge http://articles.courant.com/2013-02-19/news/hc-superstorm-sandy-refuge-money-20130219_1_outer-island-sandy-disaster-relief-bills.