On January 7, 2001, the Long Island Chapter of the US Lighthouse held its first public meeting. The Fire Island lighthouse was chosen for this meeting because of its central location, cooperative staff, and beautiful winter surroundings. Almost 50 people showed up on this chilly, slippery January day.

The meeting started shortly after 1PM. Chapter President Bob Muller discussed the formation of the Chapter and the status of its current projects. The Chapter's Executive Administrator, Merlon Wiggin, described some of the Chapter's events for 2001. Mr. Muller showed a short film taken by a former Coast Guard keeper that had been stationed at the Plum Island lighthouse in the 1970s. In the lantern room, the 1897 French lens cast its light, as it would for only a short time thereafter. Mr. Muller then asked 6 1/2 year old Stephen Fragano, who had earlier donated money to help save the Plum Island lighthouse, to help him show the audience an artifact from the Plum Island lighthouse's active days. The artifact was a Coast Guard ensign that had flown at the station in the 1970s, as seen below:

Bob Muller and Stephen Fragano show off a Coast Guard ensign that once flew at the Plum Island light station.

Bill Younger, President of Harbour Lights, was our guest speaker for the day. Mr. Younger spoke of how his company began making lighthouse replicas, and how it has since become involved with lighthouse preservation. But he did not just speak. He gave. Everyone who attended the meaning received a free lighthouse replica. Most people received a lighthouse from Harbour Lights' This Little Light of Mine series, and a free raffle was conducted to give away limited edition pieces.

Bill Younger speaks at Fire Island.

The meeting was concluded with the awarding of an Honorary Directorship in the Long Island Chapter to Bill Younger, and the presentation of a Save The Plum Island Lighthouse sweatshirt to him. Mr. Younger then signed autographs, and many people took a tour to the top of the Fire Island lighthouse to see the view from the gallery.

Special thanks are owed to the many people who helped make this day special: Bill Younger, Stephen Fragano, Tony Poldino, the staff and volunteers at the Fire Island lighthouse, and the officers, directors, volunteers and members of the Long Island Chapter of the US Lighthouse Society.

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