Problem Solvers Needed

One of the joys of the winter in Hudson, for those traveling to and from the city on the train or visiting riverfront park, is seeing the Hudson-Athens lighthouse decked out with holiday lights. Gossips learned today that this year, the beloved tradition of decorating the lighthouse will be forced to come to an end.

Photo: Jonathan Simons

The electrical power to the lighthouse comes from the Athens side of the river, carried by a cable that was installed in the 1950s. A few years ago, when the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society was installing the holiday lights on the lighthouse, there was a partial failure in the cable. With the help of some local electricians, they were able to make things work with the limited amount of power coming to the lighthouse. This month, however, the cable failed altogether, and there is no longer electricity at the lighthouse. 

The situation does not affect the Coast Guard's navigational light, which runs on solar power, nor does it affect the autumn tours to the lighthouse, because a generator can be used. What it does affect--indeed, what it eliminates--is the winter lighting display. 

Anyone with ideas for solving the problem is encouraged to contact Gossips. I will put you in touch with the right people at the preservation society. Or you can send an email directly to lighthouse@hudsonathenslighthouse.org. Creativity and ingenuity are needed to help save this beloved holiday tradition.
COPYRIGHT 2019 CAROLE OSTERINK