Last Friday, August 12th, was the official dedication ceremony for the Dennis Long Recreation Hall. Planning and prep for the event has been ongoing all summer, so the buildup was huge. As usual, the huge buildup resulted in a huge success, with a well-attended, lovely, and safe event. As we said in our post-event briefing, at least in terms of medicals and law enforcement, "the event was uneventful." (If we were talking appetizers, however, the event was very happenin' indeed. Brett Jenkins, the Lodge's head chef, is a genius.)
The Rec Hall is a welcoming, open building with hardwood floors, knotty furniture, and a pool table, where Lodge employees can spend their free time (playing games, using the computers, watching movies) and every Thursday night, Lodge and NPS employees alike gather to practice our swing dancing under the guiding eye of Ranger Pete. It's the perfect tribute to Ranger Dennis Long, who, in 1969, was a twenty-year-old trail crew member who drowned after saving the life of his friend, a young concessions employee. The building, and Dennis' sacrifice, are testament to the power of friendships that grow on this island.
Several speeches from park officials, a moment of silence, and the unveiling of a sign, a plaque, and a portrait marked the occasion well. Dennis' story was told, the history of relations between the Park Service and concessions was recounted, and both Dennis' brother and the woman he saved gave beautiful, heartrending speeches. There were about 65 guests, a dozen uniformed rangers, and six Lodge employees on duty in the audience, and I believe we were all brightened by the memory of this young man's brave sacrifice.
And naturally, we got to celebrate new friendships and bonds formed after the ceremony, over plates of fresh veggies, ahi tuna, chocolate covered strawberries, and other delectables. Whilst wearing flat hats. Which we all look pretty darn good in.
In other news...
The Rec Hall is a welcoming, open building with hardwood floors, knotty furniture, and a pool table, where Lodge employees can spend their free time (playing games, using the computers, watching movies) and every Thursday night, Lodge and NPS employees alike gather to practice our swing dancing under the guiding eye of Ranger Pete. It's the perfect tribute to Ranger Dennis Long, who, in 1969, was a twenty-year-old trail crew member who drowned after saving the life of his friend, a young concessions employee. The building, and Dennis' sacrifice, are testament to the power of friendships that grow on this island.
Several speeches from park officials, a moment of silence, and the unveiling of a sign, a plaque, and a portrait marked the occasion well. Dennis' story was told, the history of relations between the Park Service and concessions was recounted, and both Dennis' brother and the woman he saved gave beautiful, heartrending speeches. There were about 65 guests, a dozen uniformed rangers, and six Lodge employees on duty in the audience, and I believe we were all brightened by the memory of this young man's brave sacrifice.
And naturally, we got to celebrate new friendships and bonds formed after the ceremony, over plates of fresh veggies, ahi tuna, chocolate covered strawberries, and other delectables. Whilst wearing flat hats. Which we all look pretty darn good in.
In other news...
Life is finally starting to slow down in Snug Harbor, after a massively busy rush of visitors, although it still seems to be a big summer for medicals (recently: almost-carryout near Malone Bay.) The visitors that are no longer filling the Queen to the gills are missing out: we've been treated to day after day of sunshine, blue sky, and heat lately.
What a great tribute to a brave person who died too, too young.
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