May 1, 2021 Dear Member, It’s with anticipation of warmer days and sunnier skies that we are preparing for another season at the lighthouse with new events, programs and excursions. Taking advantage of our wilderness setting on an isolated Lake Superior island we are confident that our outdoor programming will continue to be delivered with some modifications to an already amazing experience. Whether you are walking on the hot black sands, taking in the panoramic views or savouring the solitude, we’re planning a season to add to your memories. Over the winter months the lighthouse Board has been busy working in committees to hire summer students and plan exciting experiences while making it safe for everyone. After reviewing revenue numbers produced last season at the Porphyry’s Island site, CLLS has determined that the island has been operating in a deficit annual. Consulting with a focus group of members, and reviewing recommendations from our recent Strategic Plan it was decided to implement a new fee structure based on a per-head entrance fee. Volunteering and people making a donation in lieu of any fee will again be encouraged. Docking will remain the same with “a first-come, first-serve” basis. Our Artist in Residence program has been put into hiatus for another season but the Host Keeping Program, Spring Clean-ups and Lighthouse Carnival are still continuing with our daily historic tours. Booking on-line for a night at the Keeper’s Dwelling will be available shortly along with our new line of mugs, T-shirts and other gift items. Tour boat bookings will also be available soon for a new schedule to run on Thursdays. Our regular Sunday tours will continue to the lighthouse. We are looking forward to everyone enjoying a safe summer experience out in the fresh air upon the largest fresh water lake in the world. MEMBERSHIP Since 2012 the lighthouse group has been working hard on preserving regional lighthouses for public use. It’s thanks to the support of members, volunteers and partners that we continue to welcome visitors. This past season 200 memberships were purchased and we received 860 visitors to Porphyry Island plus we had over 3,000 hours of volunteer time donated. Some of the membership benefits include a quarterly newsletter, event updates and specials, and this year you will receive one free-entry to the lighthouse site. Please consider renewing your membership for the season and help us continue to build a connection to our beautiful islands and lighthouse preservation work. Thank You! Renew Your Membership SPRING CLEAN-UP This year’s spring clean-up event and BBQ is taking place at Porphyry Island on Saturday May 29th, 2021 starting at 9am until after dinner. Volunteers are welcome. If you are interested, Archie’s Charters will leave at 9am from Silver Islet Harbour and will cost $40 for the return trip. Your ticket includes a BBQ prior to returning to the Silver Islet Dock. If you would like to stay over, camping is available and Archie will return you on Sunday. Bring layered working cloths including comfortable working shoes or boots, a rain-coat or windbreaker and lunch. Invite a friend to come with you to share in many work activities that are being planned. Help clear the trail, move deadfall, help to erect the old hen house, or work on the docks or moorings. Lots to do! Assignments will be handed out at the dock. You will be asked to sign in upon arrival and get a short safety briefing. If the event is cancelled due to pandemic restrictions a refund will be provided. The activities on site will take place outside. Hand sanitizers will be available if anyone requires hand washing. The purpose of the clean-up is to get the grounds ready for visitors for the coming summer season and everyone is welcome to contribute and help out. HOST KEEPER Every year we receive requests for volunteers to stay at the lighthouse for a short one week work term. Host keepers do five-hours of volunteer labour per day, pay for room & board and transportation to the island. If you are interested please email us for further information. Families come together to share in being a host keeper for a week. Kawaghamish is the First Nations name for Point Porphyry. ENTRANCE FEE Through paying an entrance fee CLLS is hoping to raise more funds on site while also offering house rental and a wider selection of gift shop items and tours. Last year Porphyry Island facilities operated with a small deficit and after considerable review, boater consultations, survey’s and CLLS’s recently completed strategic plan, the organization is changing its approach to collecting fees on the site. All vessels arriving on-site will have the opportunity to dock on a first-come first-serve bases, with no reservations required. The fee schedule is based on a single visit to the island, which is priced at $15 per-person. There is a range of other options available from a season pass all the way up to the Admiral Pass. Entrance fee benefits include a managed dock, mooring balls, sauna, fire pit, yard access, a camping area, walking trails, a historic guided tours, gallery viewing and onsite Lighthouse Navigators to help you with your questions and requests. For boaters who wish to volunteer their time or make a donation still have the option to support the organization. Prior to visiting the island boaters are welcome to go on line and pre-book their visit based on a per head charge.GIFT SHOPThis season we have some new coffee mugs that feature several local lighthouses around Thunder Bay and Black Bay. If you are interested in purchasing our lighthouse trail set you will be able to do this online soon. Our self-isolation t-shirts will again be on sale at both Porphyry and the Alexander Henry Museum Ship gift shop. CHARTERS If you are interested in booking a charter from Thunder Bay this summer please contact Sail Superior for further details. If you’d like to leave from Silver Islet, Archie’s Charters is taking bookings for Thursdays and Sundays with tours available starting at $70. DONATIONS Each year the lighthouse group receives generous donations. If you would like to donate to help preserve lighthouse history, or to help facilitate the onsite programming and exhibitions, please donate now. You will receive a tax receipt immediately. Remember that every little bit helps and we thank you for your consideration to support us! Buy the Admiral Pass and get a burgee for free! Donate Copyright © 2021 Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior, All rights reserved. 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