posted 10-13-2006 03:13 PM                  

This if the Official logo for the our event. Every attendee will receive a 3x4.5" dash plaque with a holographic frame & a laminated magnet set in their goodie bag. Every year I have a hard time deciding whose Prowlers to incorporate into the image, every year it is always a tough decision. This year was entirely different, I knew right from the first time I sat down to design it, whose Prowlers would be incorporated into the image. As I said it is a tribute & was important enough that I wanted to share with everyone in the POA(our family). It was something that I felt compelled to capture as I designed the graphic. It seemed like the right thing to do & I hope I do not offend or hurt anyone with the meaning behind it. I still stand behind my decision & I hope you can appreciate & share in the tribute.

Each plaque is accompanied by a note with a description & meaning of what the image is all about. I posted it below.

We extend to you, very special greetings & thank you for joining us for the 2006 New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge – Prowler Style! Enclosed are the Official 2006 event dash plaque & magnet compliments of the New Jersey Chapter of the Prowler Owners Association. This year’s image depicts the Sandy Hook Lighthouse which is located in the northern end of Gateway National Recreation Area in Atlantic Highlands. Dating back to the 18th century & in service since 1764, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States & is the final lighthouse on the quest of our 11 beacon journey.
As you are aware, during this past year, the Prowler Owners Association lost three prominent, passionate members of our Prowler family. Marge Mannino of Michigan, Joseph Brandsasse of Indiana & the Silver Fox himself, Brian King of Canada. Images of their beloved Prowlers are proudly displayed on the lawn in front of this historic & legendary beacon. It is a fitting tribute to them as we embrace their memories & remember our friends through the imagery and symbolism of the lighthouse.
A lighthouse is a solid fortified structure, a bright beacon towering into the heavens, as it watches over from above, shining brightly in all types of weather & conditions, even through the turmoil of war, guiding sailors home from their journeys, keeping them on the correct path & protecting them from hidden dangers. The symbolism of the open door to the lighthouse is to show that their memories are still with us, tending the lighthouse & showing that we will never forget their love & friendship. The actual composition of the image has the viewer facing north, gazing up at the southern face of the lighthouse; the sunlight is prominently cast from the right (east); going against the traditional standard & usage of light of being cast from the left (west) shoulder of the viewer. This was done intentionally and was inspired from the architectural design of Arlington National Cemetery where the fallen face east, symbolism of their spirit rising. The images of Sandy Hook Lighthouse & the Lighthouse Keeper's living quarters were photographed at different times of the year. You can see the different rate of growth of the two trees in the front of the structures (the one on the left has spring growth). This symbolizes the birth/beginning of their journey & the tree on the right has full growth, revealing everything that made their lives grow, being thick & vibrant. Their Prowlers proudly stand between these two trees, displaying what brought us all together as a family.
We will always deeply miss our friends, but we also know that they are watching over us, protecting us from potential dangers, while guiding us safely to & from our journeys. We will always celebrate their memories & friendship and how they influenced us as they became our Prowler family.

Marge. Joseph. Brian… Thank you for touching our lives, you will Prowl in our thoughts and in our hearts, FOREVER…

posted 12-29-2006 12:43 PM                  

Thank you again,
Marla

posted 01-03-2007 11:03 AM                  

I wish you & everyone in our Prowler Family the Happiest & Healthiest of New Years & many bright, sunny & DRY days so you can go Prowlin'. Please keep in touch.

Kindest regards,
Bill

I also want to thank everyone for their kind words about the graphic, thank you for remembering them with me. I also sent a set to everyone who requested them, I trust they made it & thank you for the interest.

Simonsez - Thank you for telling Marla about our tribute. I really did not know how to get a hold of her.