Friends of Eastern Neck Gift Shop and Bookstore

It’s a season of transition at the Friends of Eastern Neck Gift Shop and Bookstore housed in the historic Lodge, as new FOEN Board member Carol Sutera has taken over as manager of this all-important space for our organization. Jackie Cicconi stepped aside earlier this year after 23 consecutive years of serving as manager, during which she oversaw the store’s expansion from a small space in the Cape Chester House at the Bayview Butterfly Garden to its present home at the Visitors Center.

“Jackie has been a selfless and unsung hero for many, many years,’’ said FOEN Board President Simon Kenyon. “We were likely to find Jackie hard at work at the Lodge any time we dropped in. Her dedication to the Refuge is n inspiration to all of us and our gratitude runs deep.”

Sutera, a Rock Hall resident who runs her own online fabric business, brings retail experience and deep commitment to the community to this time-consuming volunteer position. She was recently elected to the FOEN Board to fill the vacancy left by outgoing member Laurie Resele, and also maintains a plot in the Butterfly Garden. The store already reflects her touch, with multiple displays of new merchandise including bird and butterfly feeders, rain gauges, more children’s nature books and activity kits, bee houses, nature-themed jewelry, mugs, reusable water bottles, new clothing, hats and visors.

All Gift Shop and Bookstore proceeds go to support FOEN programs and initiatives and to help fund important projects at the Refuge. So far in 2023, FOEN has invested in numerous improvements and needed maintenance at the Butterfly Garden, the Cape Chester House, and the Lodge, with more to come.