 Karl Braun and Stan Allen, project leaders. Photo by Sherry Hamilton, Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal 11/20/24 After four years of planning and collaboration, the Mathews Rotary Club is thrilled to share that the long-awaited reconstruction of the observation deck has been completed. The 200-foot walkway at the New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve was reopened this Spring for the public and visitors to use for sightseeing the 3rd oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay, New Point Comfort Lighthouse.
Originally built in 1997 and severely deteriorated over time, the structure—beloved as the closest land-based view of the New Point Comfort Lighthouse—was deemed beyond simple repair. Rotary members Stan Allen and Karl Braun initiated the effort in 2020, which soon evolved into a large-scale restoration project involving extensive fundraising, community collaboration, and coordination with The Nature Conservancy. With over $35,000 raised locally through donations and Rotary’s Party with a Purpose event, the project gained momentum when those funds were matched by NOAA and Virginia Coastal Zone Management through a grant administered by the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission. With $160,000 secured, local contractor Docks of the Bay was selected to rebuild the walkway and deck using salt-treated lumber, with construction scheduled for completion by February. The Rotary Club has worked closely with 17 different organizations and agencies to bring the project to life, staying true to the original design out of respect for the community volunteers who first built the structure. Though the site remains owned by The Nature Conservancy, Rotary has “adopted” the area, committing to ongoing upkeep. The Mathews Historical Society has since added several new signs to the structure that talks about the local history and ecology of the preserve. Read the full Gazette Journal Article Here.
0 Comments
 The Mathews Rotary Club is proud to support Water for Everyone, an initiative led by the Mathews Community Foundation to bring safe, accessible drinking water to residents across the county. The first four upgraded systems—offering 24/7 public access to treated water—are underway thanks to early leadership by Ron Lambert and a $21,000 grant from the Mathews County Against Poverty Fund. Once these systems are complete, Rotary will take the lead to expand the project, aiming to upgrade eight more water stations across underserved areas of Mathews Rotary is currently applying for a Global Grant through Rotary International’s Strategic Water Alliance to help fund the next phase. To move forward, we need the community’s help identifying where the need is greatest. Residents can anonymously share their water challenges by phone or email so we can prioritize future locations.
If you or someone you know struggles with access to safe drinking water, please call 804-993-1795 or email [email protected]. Read full Gazette Journal story about the project here.  The Mathews Rotary Club is proud to be part of something big—something built not just with bricks and beams, but with heart, service, and community spirit. Over the past few months, our club has played a key role in supporting the development of the Mathews Family YMCA Childcare Preschool, a long-needed resource for working families in our county. From fundraising over $52,000, site planning to assisting with several service projects, Rotary members have stepped up to help bring this vision to life. Pictured are some of our members helping rejuvenate the backyard play area. This project represents more than just a building—it’s an investment in the future of Mathews. Access to quality childcare and early education is essential for strong families and thriving communities, and we’re honored to be part of making it happen. Applications are now open for the new preschool program, which will officially begin in August 2025. If you or someone you know is looking for childcare, we encourage you to learn more through the Mathews Family YMCA. https://www.ymcavp.org |
