A LANDMARK GETS A FACELIFT

STORY BY ERIN CHESNUTT & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Repairs to the lighthouse at Children's Harbor were at the top of a list of maintenance and restoration projects at the camp for seriously ill children and their families 34 LAKE

A beloved Lake Martin landmark recently got a facelift. Nestled along the shoreline at the Kowaliga Bridge, the lighthouse at Children’s Harbor was in dire need of repair even before COVID-19 swept across the country, but the nonprofit camp facility for seriously ill children couldn’t afford to do the maintenance at the time. “We had this project on our ‘to do’ list, but when A ed to make a donation to get the renovation started.” “My family has been coming to Lake Martin since the 1960s. We have countless family photos in front of the lighthouse,” added Steve Watts. “We are blessed with six healthy grandchildren; I see the important work Children’s Harbor does for families that aren’t as lucky as we are, so we wanted to help.” “The lighthouse is the symbol of Children’s Harbor, COVID-19 happened, we knew we had to cut back when I found out it was in need of repair, I was happy on expenses,” explained Children’s Harbor Executive to help with a donation,” explained Joseph Smith, Director Cat Outzen. “This restoration project required who has served on the Children’s Harbor Board of a lot more than just a paint job, so we decided it need- Directors for 15 years. ed to wait.” The lighthouse has served as a symbol of hope for Thankfully, three generous Lake Martin families families faced with the challenge of coping with seristepped up to provide the funds needed. Don and Fran ous illness or disability. The structure has been at the Birdwell, Joseph Smith and Steve and Joice Watts site since the foundation of Children’s Harbor more came to the rescue and made the restoration possible. than 25 years ago. The six-week, $50,000 renovation The Birdwells actually noticed the deterioration included new cement siding to replace rotten wood while driving over the bridge one day. and a fresh coat of paint. The iconic landmark can “We have been involved with Children’s Harbor now continue to serve as a ray of light during dark since 2009,” Don Birdwell said. “The meaning of the times for many families attending camps at Children’s lighthouse is to encourage people to weather a person- Harbor. al storm. We knew we had to help save it, so we decid- Children’s Harbor provides cabins and the use of

Rotting wood was removed and replaced, and the lighthouse, a symbol of hope, was freshly painted

all facilities on the property free of charge to families attending camps. The camps allow those facing serious illness or disabilities an opportunity to connect with other people who are managing the same circumstances. Attending a camp provides children the chance to have fun and meet others their age that are battling the same health challenges. The camps provide happy memories and a break from hospitals and treatment stress. Children’s Harbor now has camps booked through November after canceling the season last year due to COVID-19.

Although Outzen’s first year as CEO was anything but normal (she moved into the position at the outset of the pandemic), she has put in place some new initiatives.

“Our goal is to take all of the burden and stress off the families when they are attending a camp,” she said.

To facilitate the goal, the staff position of director of camp partnerships was created. The position, held by Chrissie Brantley, will keep her on site and ready to assist when necessary, day and night. This new position allows Children’s Harbor to anticipate needs to better serve the families.

Fundraising activities are resuming and will raise money for more renovations to the camp property. New path lighting, repainting the cabins and new decking are all planned to keep the property fresh and clean. Outzen hopes a renovation of the maintenance barn will provide a larger craft space for campers.

The 15th Annual Friends of Children’s Harbor Auction will be held June 12 at Willow Point Golf and Country Club. This year there will be limited guests allowed. An alternative to attending the live event is a virtual silent auction that will begin Monday, June 7. Anyone can register to participate by visiting childrensharbor.com and following the link for the auction registration.

In addition to the annual auction, the Bruce Pearl Golf Tournament was held on May 17 at Willow Point. Art on the Lake will be back this year but has been moved from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Sponsorships, ticket information and details of all fundraising and volunteer opportunities can be found on the Children’s Harbor website.

Volunteer opportunities are available for all ages. Pinecone pick-up is an easy way for scouting troops or youth organizations to get involved. The pinecones are particularly worrisome for campers in wheelchairs, so there is an ongoing need to keep the paths clear.

Next time you’re on the lake, be sure to stop by the lighthouse at Children’s Harbor to see the renovation. It’s easy to appreciate the beauty created by the generosity of others who were willing to make sure this beloved Lake Martin landmark will be a shining symbol of hope for years to come.

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CONTRACTING LLC