ne
Careers
my office
shedding light
sharron cohen, cape ann light station host keeper, thacher island
The job: "Keepers are basically park rangers. We keep an eye on
people to make sure they don't do anything that would damage the
structures on the island. We call the Rockport harbormaster if we
think boaters or kayakers are in trouble. We work the winch that pulls
the launch onto the ramp; greet visitors; manage the gift shop, campground, and museum; mow paths and cut brush; sweep the lighthouses; paint; pick up trash; and maintain and repair structures and
equipment…whatever needs to be done to keep the island safe and
pleasant." Why: "Thacher Island is a magical place. When I'm there,
I feel [like] the steward of something that matters. I want to take care
of it and [for] others to experience that specialness, too." Memorable
moment: "There is an hour between first light and dawn when the sky
and sea undergo a breathtaking array of color changes. The birds wake
and, if it's June, their chicks wake with them. Every single morning is
different and wonderful." thacherisland.org —K.J.
Light Lender
Sharron Cohen.
48 nshoremag.com May/June 2013
REV2_NSMayJune_Careers.indd 50
photograph by patrick marasco
3/22/13 4:28 PM