Old Monterey Foundation Lecture Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf: Past, Present & Future
Old Monterey Foundation to Hold its Third Free Lecture focusing on “Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf: Past, Present & Future” on Thursday, October 19, 2017 sponsored by The Marcia F. Devoe Fund of the Community Foundation
For the fourth year, Old Monterey Foundation is pleased to continue its free lecture events as part of its 2017 Lecture Series sponsored by The Marcia F. Devoe Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
AT A GLANCE:
What: “Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf: Past, Present & Future”
Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf has seen bales of Chinese silks and barrels of Spanish wine, whaling ships, Navy cutters, and fishing boats by the score; Fisherman's Wharf, in its various incarnations, has been the focus of Monterey's economic life for centuries.
Based on a 2016 study by the Monterey County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is the #1 destination for visitors to our region. Enjoy a great presentation about Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf including its more than 100 years of history.
In her fascinating presentation, Monterey native Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis, immediate Past President and current Board Member of Fisherman’s Wharf Association, who grew up at her father’s restaurant on the Wharf, will discuss:
- Key historic highlights at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf over the past 100 years
- Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf today
- Whalefest Monterey
- Other happenings at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf
She will also show many historic photos of Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
Bill Wojtkowski, President of the Old Monterey Foundation Board of Directors, will present a short overview of improvements planned for the Lower Presidio Historic Park.
When: Thursday, October 19, 2017 - 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: Irvine Auditorium, McCone Building, MIIS; 499 Pierce Street, Monterey
Free Admission - Reception to follow
For more information, call (831) 346-3030 or visitwww.OldMontereyFoundation.org.
The lectures are very popular so attendees are urged to come early to secure a seat.
This lecture is suitable for ages 9 and up.
About the Presenter: Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis
Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis is a dedicated community leader. She currently serves on the Fisherman’s Wharf Association Board of Directors as immediate Past President and is Chair of the annual Whalefest Monterey event held on the Wharf. She is Past President and serves on the Board of Directors of the North Fremont Business District, and is a member of Monterey Commercial Property Owners Association. She serves on the Boards of Advisors for the Hellenic Cultural Institute and the Merienda Committee. She is Past Co-Chair of La Merienda, Past Board member, Monterey History & Art Association, Past Board member Hellenic Cultural Institute, and Past President Monterey County Hospitality Association.
Mary Alice was born and raised in Monterey and graduated from Santa Catalina School and received her BA and MAT from Santa Clara University. As an international charter flight attendant, Mary Alice traveled to over 45 countries which gave her a broad view of life. She managed the family restaurant, banquet, and entertainment businesses and was also a real estate agent with Pan American Real Estate over 25 years. Currently, she is a real estate property manager representing family interests. Mary Alice is married to Nick Fettis who composes, plays, and tunes pianos.
About Old Monterey Foundation
The Old Monterey Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed on February 14, 2011, with the specific mission and purpose of promoting, supporting and enhancing the artistic, cultural and historic environment of historic Downtown Monterey, California. The group is well known for their work with the Art-in-the-Adobes event that was held from 2011-2013 as well as other fundraisers, lectures and events. Its private/public partnership with the City of Monterey heralds a new way of doing public business in a State strapped to find funds for park operations and expansions.
The Lower Presidio Historic Park, described as “The Most Historically Significant Site on the West Coast” and “One of the Most Beautiful Places in Monterey”, is on its way to becoming a true historic public park to be enjoyed by locals and visitors. Old Monterey Foundation, in cooperation with the City of Monterey, has raised initial funds to begin Phase One of the project to enhance and restore this historic 25.3-acre site and is continuing to seek public donations to help complete Phase One of the $680,000 project which will include historic signs, benches and more.
In August, 2017, construction of the new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible pathways to the Sloat, Serra and Bouchard Monuments at the Lower Presidio Historic Park began and are expected to be completed by November, 2017.
Many local organizations have played a role in the development of this project including Old Monterey Foundation, the Neighborhood Improvement Program, City of Monterey, Rotary Club of Monterey, Community Foundation for Monterey County, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Presidio of Monterey and Granite Construction. The project is funded by the City of Monterey’s Neighborhood Improvement Program
The Lower Presidio Historic Park is one of the least-visited historic parks in the area due to some confusion about whether the public is allowed in the area. Situated in a “hidden in plain sight” location, the Park can be found above Pacific Street at the Lighthouse Curve in Downtown Monterey. The park features spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Harbor and will become a jewel of the City of Monterey’s park system.
Old Monterey Foundation invites everyone to become members of "Friends of the Lower Presidio" at www.oldmontereyfoundation.org and make tax-deductible donations to more quickly restore the park.
The City of Monterey Outreach Office produced an informative short video about the Lower Presidio Historic Park and its significance to California and American history: https://youtu.be/Lg7X0spnC4k.