Letters from the Lighthouse, Vol. 5
Photography by David Oliver
There’s a lot happening at the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse this September. Including a special opportunity for our community to be part of the conversation about what comes next.
In this month’s blog:
👋 Meet Sarah and Susan, the strategic planners helping guide this important work
🗓️ Help shape the future of the Lighthouse during our strategic planners’ upcoming community visit, with five free, drop-in events
⚓ Plan your visit to the Lighthouse. There are only three Saturday tour dates remaining this season!
Read on for the latest from the Lighthouse and ways to be part of what’s ahead!
Lighthouse Lovers: Meet Sarah & Susan
As HALPS begins its first strategic planning process, Sarah and Susan are working with the organization to listen to the community and look ahead to what comes next. Sarah shared more about their ongoing work with HALPS and what she is looking forward to while spending time in the Hudson River Valley.
Tell us about your strategic planning work with HALPS.
Susan West Montgomery and I are excited to collaborate with HALPS on its first strategic planning process. This process is rooted in community and prioritizes thinking outside of the box. We believe that preserving places like the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse is integral to community health, and we are thrilled to work with HALPS staff and volunteers to envision the next chapter for the Lighthouse and the organization itself.
What was your favorite part of your visit to the Lighthouse earlier this summer, and what are you looking forward to most about the fall visit?
Visiting the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse allows you to experience the valley in a truly unique way. You get to breathe deeper and move slower while learning about the Lighthouse and the keepers who cared for it. I am excited to visit the Lighthouse again and explore more of the Hudson River Valley. I’m looking forward to better understanding how the communities developed and what makes the area unique.
What is next in the strategic planning process?
After the September events, Susan and I will reflect on what we heard and work with the HALPS Strategic Planning Committee to create goals that are authentic to the organization. These goals will be further developed with board input and support the larger strategic plan.
Meet Us Around the Community This Week
This September, HALPS is spending time within the community to hear your ideas about the Lighthouse’s future.
From September 23–26, join us at five free, drop-in events across Coxsackie, Hudson, Catskill, and Athens. No advance registration required.
Market Pop-Up ➔
September 23 | 4–7 PM
Coxsackie Farmers Market
Riverside Park, Coxsackie
Stop by for a collaborative painting activity and share your perspective on the Lighthouse. All ages welcome.
————————————
History Room Pop-Up ➔
September 23 | 6–8 PM
Hudson Area Library
51 N. 5th Street, Hudson
Explore archival materials from the Lighthouse’s past as we talk about its future. All ages welcome.
————————————
Storytime and Craft ➔
September 24 | 10–11 AM
Catskill Public Library
1 Franklin Street, Catskill
Enjoy a special storytime and create your own Hudson-Athens Lighthouse-inspired artwork. Recommended for parents with children ages 5 and younger.
————————————
Bodie’s Lighthouse Lab ➔
September 25 | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
D.R. Evarts Library
80 2nd Street, Athens
Join us in this dynamic makerspace and discuss how we can make sure the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse shines brightly for generations to come. All ages welcome.
————————————
Post-Lighthouse Tour Pop-Up ➔
September 26 | 11 AM–1 PM
Henry Hudson Waterfront Park
Under the Gazebo
175 Water Street, Hudson
Reflect on your Lighthouse visit with us, add to our collaborative painting, and share what you hope to discover next. All ages welcome.
Note: This event does not include the Lighthouse tour. Reserve Your Lighthouse Tour Today! ➔
There’s still so much to look forward to this fall, and we’re grateful to have you with us as we celebrate the Lighthouse today and plan for its future.
We hope to see you on the river soon!
