Point Lookout Lighthouse Summer 2025

 

We visited the newly renovated Point Lookout Lighthouse June 9th (which is open on 4 day weekends through the summer). I wanted to see if there were any photos of one of my friends who grew up there, Eunice Knott, and finally found one photo of her on the wall in her graduation gown. There was a nice exhibit about different types of buoys, including a tall spar buoy (red and white) and newer 6x20 LR (green). Inside the lighthouse, the Friends of Point Lookout put in some furnishings. The clock resembled a clock I grew up with that my grandparents owned. I once took a bad photo of Mr. Raymond Hartzel, enlisted Coast Guard, who worked for George Gatton, last civilian lighthouse keeper on July 11, 2009 while he was visiting. Raymond Hartzel link. I didn't go up to the very top when I noticed the entrance was very small for someone with a large camera and poor balance, but I found the old photo I took on July 11, 2009.

2009

Old clock like my grandparent's clock

Lighthouse low view

Eunice Knott in the middle, friend who lived at the lighthouse

Last civilian lighthouse keeper, George Gatton from an album

Ranger taking down the colors

Buoy exhibit

Bald eagle

River Concert Series Summer Finale July 25, 2025

The concert  on Friday night at 7 pm called "Rhapsodies with Blues" featured George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and Maurice Ravel's "Piano Concerto in G" among others by the Chesapeake Orchestra.  It was a warm night at St. Mary's College of Maryland on the green, but there was still quite a large crowd looking forward to hearing Thomas Pandolfi playing the popular pieces on piano with much skill and finesse.  I didn't even melt, and we actually had a brief unexpected rain shower, because I left my umbrella at home.  

Mr. Pandolfi has played at the college a few times in the past and one of my photos of him with Jeffrey Silberschlag is currently on display at the Lexington Park Library (and will probably be moved to the Leonardtown Library August 1 to August 4th).  It is also featured in the concert program on page 17 and won a few small awards.  My friend, Robert Hayes also played the piano for several pieces, with Jeffrey Silberschlag (music director), also accompanied by a drummer and bass player.

Jeffrey Silberschlag and Thomas Pandolfi

Ray Wernecke, SMCM Board of Trustees

Thomas Pandolfi, pianist

Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director

Robert Hayes, pianist

The Finale

River Concert Series Timeless Inspiration July 18, 2025

We enjoyed the Timeless Inspiration concert this past week at the River Concert at St. Mary's College of Maryland on the green at 7pm featuring some of Stravinsky's "Pulcinella Suite" and Ottorino Respighi's "Ancient Airs and Dances" and more. The concert was shortened due to a threatening storm.  There is one last concert this summer by the Chesapeake Orchestra, featuring pianist Thomas Pandolfi with Rhapsody in Blue on Friday night. (weather permitting)  Hope to see you there!

Cello soloist with Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director

Introduction for Jeffrey Silberschlag and the concert

Violinist

Horns

Woodwinds

Kathryn Farenish, flutist and Mark Christianson, oboist

Chesapeake Orchestra

Viola players

Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director

Jeffrey Silberschlag and Julius Wirth, principal violist

Julius Wirth, viola soloist

Comparing the size and sound of a viola to a violin with Julius Wirth and Jose Cueto

Trombones