Outgoing MAC staffers deserve kudos

I was greatly dismayed at the recent Museum & Arts Center coverage (“A museum meltdown,” page A-1, Sequim Gazette, April 2), mostly because of what wasn’t mentioned.

I was greatly dismayed at the recent Museum & Arts Center coverage (“A museum meltdown,” page A-1, Sequim Gazette, April 2), mostly because of what wasn’t mentioned.

Being a MAC member of several years, I attended the annual membership meeting in January that began as a one-sided shouting match by several men who are now on the Board of Trustees. I have never witnessed adults engage in such blatant bullying and belligerence – it was a disgrace.

In spite of that appalling behavior, then-Executive Director DJ Bassett and then-Board Vice President Priscilla Hudson maintained their professionalism and decorum, just as they and their outgoing staff and volunteers are doing now. The fact that all staff and most volunteers, including longstanding board members, have exited the MAC rather than work with this new board speaks volumes.

As a member, I want to personally thank Bassett and his staff and volunteers for their years of time, effort and hard work in making the MAC something we should all be proud of – a welcoming, professional-level museum.

The Exhibit Center was transformed into a flourishing and friendly place full of interesting and fresh history exhibits, and the monthly artist receptions always were a treat.

The MAC’s history programs at the beautiful Dungeness Schoolhouse, especially the most recent series, were stellar. I also have greatly enjoyed reading the many history articles, e-mail newsletters, and other correspondence that kept us members informed. It all appeared so seamless, which is a credit to Bassett and the extraordinary team he assembled. Kudos to them.

Lorraine Kost

Sequim