Recent Happenings

RECENT HAPPENINGS Spring Wrap-Up

Like Nature, Cape May MAC abhors a vacuum! April, May and June were a whirlwind of activity at our historic sites and throughout Cape May. Here are a few highlights:

On April 26, we were happy to bring back our Volunteer Recognition Reception after a two-year pandemic hiatus. We were excited to be the first event hosted at The Lookout, the new restaurant at Ferry Park. Sara Kornacki, Volunteer & Membership Engagement Manager, had the event organized to a tee and more than 100 volunteers joined us to honor an invaluable part of our organization.

Our 33rd annual Cape May Music Festival began May 1 with a Jazz Brunch at Vintage and ran through June 30 when the full Bay Atlantic Symphony took the stage in Cape May Convention Hall. During this 8-week span, we welcomed the return of Bach’s Lunches at Vintage, once again hosted the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players and presented two openair concerts at the Physick Estate. The New York Chamber Ensemble returned as ensemble-in-residence with three concerts at the Episcopal Church of the Advent. Barry Miles and friends created a moving tribute to the late George Mesterhazy entitled “We Gather Together,” which opened with Barry’s beautiful arrangement of the old Dutch hymn of the same name. It was good to enjoy a semblance of normalcy after two hybrid seasons.

Cape May’s beautiful gardens took cen-

Photo by Susan Krysiak

Cape May MAC benefitted from the generosity of FiNS Bar & Grille, 42 Decatur St., Cape May, N.J., on Sunday, May 8 as the recipient of a percentage of the proceeds from patrons from 10:30am-2:30pm. Shown here, FiNS Owner Jeff Gernitis presents a check to Cape May MAC, from left, Cape May MAC volunteer Cheryl Gulish, Chief Outreach Officer Eliza Lotozo, Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine, Gernitis, and IT Manager Cathy Baldacchini.

ter stage on May 21 and June 25, during the Gardens of Cape May Tour. While the May tour featured five lush gardens, the June tour was a virtual mini-marathon with 12 stops. The Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek participated both times, allowing us to share their four miles of walking trails with their ever-changing landscapes with our guests. Our thanks go to the homeowners who spent so much time creating these wonderful gardens and the volunteers who freely gave of their time so our visitors could enjoy them.

The same day as the May garden tour, we offered free admission at the World War II Lookout Tower as a way of celebrating Armed Forces Day. On Sunday, May 22, we hosted Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz (USCG, Ret.) at Vintage to discuss her book,

“Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass: Leading

in Uncharted Waters,” a talk based on her remarkable 40-year career in the United States Coast Guard.

The Cape May Lighthouse has been open daily and entertaining visitors for several months now. We opened in the evening for Full Moon Climbs in April, May and June and also reconfigured Stairway to the Stars for New Moon climbs. During the New Moon, the Moon is wedged between Earth and the Sun and barely visible and its light doesn’t compete with other celestial objects. This makes for the perfect time for a bit of stargazing and the Lighthouse is the perfect place. The Brick Paver Project is coming along but there is still plenty of availability. It’s a timeless way to honor someone special to you. You can find the information by

CLICKING HERE.

Janice Corkery, Director of Special Events and Visitor Services, juggled an ar-

NEWSLETTER

Published by Cape May MAC, a not-for-profit corporation P.O. Box 340, Cape May, NJ 08204 • Phone: 609-884-5404 New Jersey Relay Center for TTY Customers: 800-852-7899 Web Site: www.capemaymac.org • E-Mail: info@capemaymac.org

Editor: Jody Alessandrine • Assistant Editor: Jean Barraclough Contributors: Sandra Adams, Sara Kornacki, Susan Krysiak, Anna Marie Leeper, Evelyn Maguire and Mary E. Stewart

OUR MISSION

Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. ---- v ----

OUR VISION

Preserving Cape May’s rich heritage and assuring its vitality through superior cultural programs and events

Cape May MAC’s public history programs are funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission in the Department of State.