MAC is a multi-faceted non-profit organization, formed in 1970, that promotes the cultural enrichment of greater Cape May for its residents and visitors.

Hutchinson and her husband Ed both retired from Bell Atlantic over 10 years ago but are still pretty busy. They are innkeepers at a historic Cape May bed and breakfast, The Fairthorne, located across from the public library at 111 Ocean Street.

She said there was more to the innkeeper business than just sitting behind the desk and waiting for guests to show up.
“It’s a lot of work but we love it,” she said.
In addition to her duties at the inn and the presidency at MAC, Diane also sits on the city’s zoning board and Ed is also very active in the Kiwanis Club both locally and nationally.

I don’t know what your definition of “retired” is, but they don’t sound very “retired” to me.
Diane grew up in Stone Harbor and moved to Cape May in 1978. Her children went to Lower Cape May schools and some still live in the area.

The Hutchinsons became involved in MAC when they purchased the Fairthorne in 1992, partnering with the group in house tours and other events.

“MAC was very important to us when we were starting out,” Diane said. “They helped establish the Fairthorne.”
She said the amount of tourists MAC has brought to town over the years is amazing.
Her motto today remains the same as it did then, “Open your doors to MAC and they will bring the people to you.”

Diane progressed from a MAC business member to a board member around five years ago and was named vice president last year.
Although she couldn’t really explain how she came to be president, she was glad to be in a position to help the organization continue its good works.

“I hope I can fill the big shoes past president Ed Henry has left,” she said of the owner of Henry’s on the Beach and Harpoon Henrys. “He is a real community leader and a positive figure for Cape May.”

President Hutchinson wanted to leave readers with one message:
“Join MAC and reap the benefits,” she said.
With a membership of over 5,000, a paid staff of 160 and some 300 volunteers, MAC offers a year-round calendar of tours and special events that serves more than 380,000 people each year.

For more information, call MAC at (609) 884-5404 or visit www.capemaymac.org.