York Town News
Volunteers needed to support the Nubble Light
By Melissa Wood
It takes a village of volunteers to keep the town’s most photographed landmark, pictured here, preserved for future generations. Find out how you can support the Nubble Light — by volunteering for as little as three hours a week — at an informational meeting at the Sohier Park Gift Shop this Friday, May 18, beginning at 4 p.m. For more information, contact Gift Shop Manager Lynn Sheehan at the Recreation Department at 363-1040.
Photo by Paul R. Ladd III
YORK - What comes to mind when the words "York" and "landmark" are mentioned together?
York has its share of landmarks. The Old Gaol and First Parish Church in the village center, York Harbor's own Lancaster building, the Wiggly Bridge off the York River, and longtime beach businesses such as the Goldenrod, where generations have stood at the windows to watch saltwater taffy cooled, pulled and packaged for sale.
But one structure has a magnetic pull that draws tens of thousands of visitors every year from more than 50 countries. Its image has been reproduced in every imaginable way -on paintings, postcards, t-shirts, coffee mugs, calendars, hats, tote bags, license plates, and even mouse pads. It is, of course, the Cape Neddick Light Station, fondly known as the Nubble Lighthouse.
But popularity alone cannot maintain York's most recognizable landmark, which has been the town's responsibility since 1998 when voters agreed to purchase the lighthouse for $1 from the Coast Guard through the Maine Lights Program.
"We only exist to the extent volunteerism exists," said Ed MacGorman, chairman of the Sohier Park Committee.
The committee and the York Recreation Department are looking for volunteers of all ages to fill in at the gift shop and work as ambassadors for the Nubble's many visitors this summer season. Anyone interested in volunteering, or who wants to find out more, is invited to attend an informational meeting at the Sohier Park Gift Shop this Friday, May 18, at 4 p.m.
MacGorman said those who try won't regret it.
"You'll be the better for it," said MacGorman who, along with his wife, has volunteered for Sohier Park for 15 years. "I can't remember a day after volunteering that I wasn't the better for it. We come out of there blessed."
Gift Shop Manager Lynn Sheehan said volunteers can work as little as three hours per week and make a difference.
"If you can give us three hours, we'll find a shift that is consistent with your schedule," she said.
Last year, a shortage of volunteers caused the shop to be closed on some shifts. That's a problem because the Nubble is entirely supported by donations and money raised at the gift shop. If the shop has to close, the Nubble loses money for maintenance and preservation.
"The time they donate is a direct donation to support the Nubble Light and park," said MacGorman.
The gift shop opens for the season on May 19, but is on a reduced scheduled until June 19, when it will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for seven days a week until Sept. 15. Last year the shop sold $140,000 worth of souvenirs to support upkeep of the lighthouse and park.
"The profit from the sale of all of those items goes directly and only to the maintenance of Sohier park and Nubble Light," said MacGorman.
MacGorman also pointed out that last year the town approved a new master plan for redesign and beautification of Sohier Park that will allow visitors to walk completely around the whole area, and includes plantings and a new seating area.
"It's an exciting time right now to be associated with Sohier Park," he said.
Volunteers are also needed to serve as ambassadors to assist and educate the many visitors who come to the park all over the world.
MacGorman and Sheehan both agreed that volunteering at the Nubble is a wonderful experience of sharing York's treasured landmark with people who are relaxed and on vacation.
"It's a fun, fun place to be," said Sheehan. "You can't get a better place or a better view."
