MAC Lunch and Learn Series Begins Feb. 5

CAPE MAY – Bring a bag lunch and learn during the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) Lunch and Learn series — four informative talks on popular topics of history, culture, science and the arts. Come to the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. for these four informative talks that are free for MAC members and $5 for non-members. Admission includes beverages.
Topics are:
• “The Truth about Nuclear Power” with Mal Knapp, Ph.D.
Feb. 5 at 12 p.m.
Nuclear power works by splitting uranium atoms to generate heat which is used to make steam that powers a turbine and generates electricity. Mal Knapp will discuss how this process works, what the safety issues are, the economics of nuclear power and some thoughts about the future. Safety issues include background radiation, the possibility of accidents like Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, and the disposal of radioactive waste. Economics includes comparing the costs of building, running and dismantling nuclear power plants with other sources of electrical power. Knapp has been a senior manager at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and has spent over 30 years as a nuclear safety regulator and consultant.
• “The Age of Downton Abbey” with Robert Heinly, Ed.D.
Feb. 12 at 12 p.m.
Intrigued by the historic events that are the setting for the popular PBS Masterpiece Classic series, “Downton Abbey”? Robert Heinly will touch on many of these events, in a “painless” way, including the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Marconi Scandal, the Teapot Dome Scandal, the Irish Revolution, the Spanish influenza pandemic and the decline of the British empire, as well as the phenomenon of American heiresses marrying British nobility in an exchange of money for titles. Heinly will also talk about events such as the series of shark attacks along the Jersey coast and the Galveston flood. All of these events helped lead to the end of the Victorian era and culture. Heinly is MAC’s Director of Museum Education.
• “American Patriotic Music” by Rich Chimiengo
Feb. 19 at 12 p.m.
MAC’s musical expert Rich Chimiengo will present a review of American patriotic music from the Colonial era to today, including the songs of each military branch, via a sight and sound presentation giving the history of the development of each piece of music. Chimiengo is a museum educator as well as a lighthouse keeper at the Cape May Lighthouse and an observer at the World War II Lookout Tower for MAC. As a living history interpreter, he shares his perspective on American composer and band leader John Philip Sousa. Prior to retiring to the Cape May area, Chimiengo had a career in the music industry, including a stint as a military bandsman, and in the bands of Guy Lombardo, Mel Torme and Frank Sinatra.
• “Writing Thrillers” by Scott Griffith, J.D.
Feb. 26 at 12 p.m.
Local thriller author and attorney Scott Griffith will discuss how he writes his popular books, one of which, “Cold Spring,” is set in the local area. He will talk about his research and writing techniques and how he develops the ideas for his works. Griffith is a retired prosecutor from the United States Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. Before entering the practice of law, he worked in journalism and advertising. He is currently a MAC museum educator.
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) 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. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508. For information about historic accommodations, contact Cape May Historic Accommodations at www.capemaylodging.com.