Burnt Island Lighthouse, the second oldest original lighthouse structure in Maine (1821) behind Portland Head Light (1791), needs some work, according to Elaine Jones, who handles the educational "Living Lighthouse" program and workshops on the island located off Boothbay Harbor.

Jones and Jean McKay of the Friends of Burnt Island Lighthouse told us that the 195-year-old lighthouse tower needs restoring and the foundation of the keeper's house needs repair. They were seeking ideas on how to raise approximately $200,000 for the restoration jobs.

They will soon be launching a fundraising campaign (title to be announced) for the project and one of the first businesses to jump on board was Boothbay Craft Brewery, who will be canning four-packs of 16-ounce Burnt Island beer (official name to be announced). Jones and McKay are quite excited about the beer sales to help with the fundraising (We suggested T-shirts and caps with the beer's logo). They will be asking area stores to possibly sell the Burnt Island beer.

Other ideas include a raffle, donation envelopes placed around town, special boat cruises for the benefit of the lighthouse, a special party on the island and possibly a kayak race in the harbor.

Jones and McKay will also be soliciting free labor to help with the project.

During the spring and summer, look for more information on the project and fundraising events in this newspaper.

If the community can raise $100,000 for the installation of lights on Sherman Field in about six weeks of fundraising (circa 2001), we can surely help Jones and McKay with this exceptional project.