Maintaining a lighthouse is a never-ending task. The keepers of old were nicknamed “wickies” because of all of the time they spent trimming the wicks of the oil lamp so to keep the light strong and bright. While the old oil lamps are now history, the work of the lighthouse remains constant.

There is need for all sorts of volunteers amongst the East Brother Light Station “Wickies” of today. The tasks include everything from cleaning windows to diesel mechanics. Painting, gardening, carpentry, inventorying; whatever your skills or energy level, there’s a place for you. Workdays are usually the second Saturday of the month, weather permitting.

When you register, please use your real name, a valid e-mail address, and a phone number, so that we can notify you when work parties are to be held. (Registrations without these details will be immediately deleted.) register to be a volunteer.

The next Wickie Workday is Saturday, August 9th.  There’s a lot to be done, as always.  A new refrigerator needs to be installed, the desalinization system still needs work, there’s gardening to do and a never-ending list of general maintenance and cleaning tasks offers opportunities for all skill levels to make a difference.

The first requirement for being an EBLS “Wickie” is a willingness to lend a hand wherever one is needed.  You may not be a diesel mechanic or an electrician yourself, but you can certainly help someone who is as the team works on keeping the lights burning and the foghorn sounding.  Or perhaps you have some special skills and can spot a job that was just waiting for you to arrive.

We’ll go out at 0900, and come back off the Island by 4 PM.  In order to participate, you must first have registered as a Volunteer and have RSVP’d to the e-mailed invitation so that we’ll know how many to expect for the boat trip and lunch.

Can’t make it this month?  There’s always next, and the month after that as well.  The work of maintaining an historic light station never ends.  East Brother has been going strong for over 100 years now, and with your help, should still be delighting visitors for another 100 to come.

Volunteer administrator:
Mikael Blaisdell
Email: mikael (at) mblaisdell dot com
Phone: 510.865.4515

For Upcoming “Wickie” Workdays, see The Foghorn

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