Garden Treats at Summer Social
A gentle breeze and lower humidity made for a delightful summer evening at the Vineland Historical Society’s Ice Cream Social. The Vineland Historical Society, located at 108 S. 7th street, is the oldest local historical society in the state of New Jersey. It was founded in 1864, just three years after the town of Vineland was established.
In the past two years, the south side of the museum has become a beautiful “green” space in what was an empty lot. The rain garden is lush from the recent rain storms. The Rudbeckia (“black-eyed susans”) are in bloom, adding bright yellow pops of color to the landscape. A newly installed weather-proof information box contains plant information in both English and Spanish.
In the community garden, the tomatoes are flowering and will soon be ripened fruit. Sage, tarragon, and parsley are abundant. Thanks to Meredith, Nora, Alan and Shirley for their continued efforts to care for the gardens, beautify the landscape, and feed the birds.
It was in this charming spot that friends and members gathered in lawn chairs and on blankets to enjoy a performance by Carina Cafiso, a local musician, while enjoying ice cream treats. Playing lawn games such as cornhole connected the generations at the event.
“I’m especially grateful to the Vineland Historical Society for inviting me to perform in the garden,” Cafiso said. “As a Vineland native who got her start just around the corner at the Landis Theater, the experience is all the more meaningful.”
Volunteers Larry DeSanto and Dennis Ingraldi served up the ice cream sundaes with a smile. Fresh Jersey blueberry sauce, homemade brownies and jimmies (or are they sprinkles?) were some of the toppings offered.
Several families toured the museum and then made their way outside with ice cream to listen to Cafiso play the keyboard and hear her renditions of favorites by the Beatles, Carly Simon, and more. In a normally active neighborhood, it was an unusually quiet evening. Perhaps the melodies coming from the garden gave everyone an opportunity to pause, unplug, and just listen.
Stay tuned for more events and activities at VHAS, including monthly open houses at the museum. An Outdoors and S’mores event is in the works for autumn.
A SONG IN THE AIR
Carina Cafiso, 23, acknowledges that music has always been a guiding force in her life.
“I really started to embrace singing in elementary school, joining the choir and performing in local theater,” she said. “I auditioned for my first show at the Landis Theater when I was eight years old (Schoolhouse Rock Jr.) and was instantly hooked. I continued doing shows throughout my school years.”
Cafiso was selected for the All South Jersey Choir two times, and she claims this was a valuable experience in helping to strengthen her voice.
“We had a piano in the house growing up, with a poster above it that showed all the chords—I’d experiment any chance I got,” she recalled. “My dad is a musician, too, and our family room basically became a music room, filled with speakers and microphones. I was lucky to grow up in that kind of environment where I could freely explore and create from a young age.”
While self-taught in music, Cafiso thanks her middle school music teacher, choir and theater directors, and “of course, my dad” for their influence and guidance along the way. “He actually gifted me my first keyboard for my birthday this past year, and since then I’ve been dedicating more time to developing my craft with the goal of playing live shows,” she added.
Music, Cafiso said, is the universal language and has allowed her an outlet to share her story.
“It’s been a steady source of strength, connection, and expression through every phase of my life,” she said.
