Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association's Biggest Event of the Season: The Stargazer Gala

Kelly Bernatzky • May 28, 2021

Join the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) on August 5, 2021 for its annual fundraiser, The Stargazer Gala. This not-to-be-missed event will be hosted at a private home on Hulbert Avenue with stunning views of the sunset over Nantucket Sound. The Stargazer Gala will include food by Island Kitchen, dancing to the music of The Sultans, an auction, fun games, and stargazing with the MMA’s Director of Astronomy, Dr. Regina Jorgenson. The event will be held outdoors under a tent. The 2021 Stargazer Gala Co-Chairs are Carolyn Holt and Cheryl Woodford.

 

All proceeds and donations from the Stargazer Gala will be used to continue the MMA’s mission and programs. The Gala is the MMA’s largest fundraiser of the year and is vital to supporting the Aquarium, Open Nights at the Observatory, the Science Speaker Series, the historic programs run through the Mitchell House, and the many activities that the MMA offers to island residents and visitors. 

 

Reimagined based on the MMA’s Red Tie Soirée summer fundraiser, The Stargazer Gala will be a fun night of live music, dancing, and good food. Tickets are $350 a person and are available online at mariamitchell.org or by calling the MMA at 508-228-9198. Host committee and sponsorship opportunities (individual and business) are available on the website. 


The MMA would like to thank its wonderful Gala Co-Chairs, Carolyn Holt and Cheryl Woodford, our Event Committee, and our generous Stargazer Gala sponsors and host committee for making this event possible. 


The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

For Immediate Release

May 28 2021

Contact: Kelly Bernatzky, MMA Development Associate

kbernatzky@mariamitchell.org

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I have written of my love for sea glass and pottery shards in the past and the recent replacement of the sewer and water lines on Vestal Street created a small shard collection over the last month. Since the work required the asphalt to be completely removed (all twelve inches of it!) and the road to be dug up multiple times as they worked to remove pipe, relay new pipe, hook up the water meters, and install drainage and manhole covers, this resulted in the earth in the street being tossed about quite a bit. And, with that, came the shards! Some of these likely came from the sewer line (yes, yuck) but others came from being simply in the dirt of the road – which was not paved until 1946/1948. Pieces were likely tossed out at times, made to act as filler in holes, or simply tossed. So I found all sorts of pieces I will keep here at the Mitchell House. They included: a lovely piece with a red floral, many pieces of plates, glass, the top of a late nineteenth or early twentieth century (medicine) bottle, glass shards, a flattened spoon, a brass knob (found by a neighbor) some nails, a spike, pieces of a larger container or two based on the size and curve and coloring of the shards, and possibly a Wampanoag stone tool. One person’s trash is another one’s treasures! JNLF

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