VOLUME LI, ISSUE 4
Newsletter www.capemaymac.org
Cape May MAC welcomes you with joy this Christmas The pandemic has taught us something valuable: joy and togetherness go hand in hand. We invite you to come together this holiday season and welcome you back to Cape May! Let’s kindle the spirit of Christmas together and share some holiday joy in this National Historic Landmark City. Here are highlights of some of our newest offerings and some beloved favorites. In 2020, one of the things we missed
the most was not being able to host the Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tours in person, on three nights in December, as we had done annually for 46 years for thousands of visitors. So instead, we brought the tour to the virtual world, creating a virtual video tour that is a timeless, intimate look inside 10 Cape May (CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)
Sturdy Savings sponsors our annual Tree Lighting Sturdy Savings Bank will again be underwriting the official kick-off of our holiday season, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, on the Physick Estate grounds during Holiday Preview Weekend. Please join us on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an evening of family fun, featuring the return of the Atlantic Brass Band performing beautiful holiday favorites on the outdoor stage, and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus to hit the switch and light the huge Christmas tree on the estate grounds! The
evening also includes a free open house at the Physick House museum, authentically decorated for the holidays, as well as the opening of “An Old Fashioned Christmas” exhibit in the Carroll Gallery. Our heartfelt thanks to Sturdy Savings Bank for their most generous support. -- SK
FALL/HOLIDAY 2021
NJSCA increases Cape May Music Festival grant It was all good news for Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) at the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) annual meeting. Our grant, which is the primary support of our annual Cape May Music Festival, was increased to $80,500, a jump of nearly 80 percent. We’re grateful for the vote of confidence from the NJSCA and plan some exciting additions. The festival is set to begin May 1 with a Jazz Brunch concert with Mary Lou Newnam and run eight weeks through the end of June, capped off with a full orchestra concert featuring Jed Gaylin and the Bay Atlantic Symphony. Our long-time partners the New York Chamber Ensemble will be back for their annual residency, under the able guidance of Eliot Bailen. The Atlantic Brass Band returns as well for a rousing patriotic concert on Memorial Day Weekend and the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players will be back as well. Also returning are the popular Bach’s Lunches at Vintage. Our annual tribute for the late, muchbeloved Jazz great George Mesterhazy is scheduled for June 5 and Paula Johns returns to our outdoor stage with her trio on June 25. New this year to our festival will be (CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)
Photo by Joseph Evangelista
Santa welcomes in the Christmas season at the annual Cape May MAC Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, shown here with Cape May MAC Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine, left, and Curator Ben Ridings.
In This Issue
Cape May MAC’s 50th.......Pages 12-13 Coming Attractions................Pages 3-4 Membership News ....................Page 5 Message from the Director.......Page 8 Recent Happenings....................Page 2 Thank You Department..............Page 9 Volunteer Recognition......Pages 12-13
RECENT HAPPENINGS Summer/Early Fall Wrap-Up This summer certainly seemed like a return to normalcy in many ways. The Cape May Lighthouse was a happening place with daily attendance slightly outpacing 2019. Most Wednesdays in July and August saw the grounds extra busy with Family Fun Crafts Shows organized by Director of Visitor Services and Special Events Janice Corkery. We celebrated National Lighthouse Day on the grounds on August 7. This year the weather has been especially cooperative allowing us to entertain visitors on Full Moon Climbs every month from April to October. Two exciting new projects are happening at the Lighthouse. Thanks to Ben Ross, we’ve created a facsimile of the original privy which will serve as a ticket and information kiosk, and we’ve begun to install a new memorial brick paver pathway. Chief Operating Officer Melissa Payne has organized this as a fundraiser for the Lighthouse. It’s a wonderful way to memorialize your love for the tower or to remember a loved one. More information by CLICKING HERE. The Emlen Physick Estate was hopping as well. In addition to the ever-popular guided tours which focused on the preservation/restoration of the house, we offered Magic & Mystery House Tours for those interested in the strange and mysterious and Historic Haunts Combo Tours for the ghost loving among us. Our Clueless at the Physick Estate troupe hit the boards with an engaging “whodunnit” mystery written by Jackie Fazio Tuesday and Thursday nights. The grounds were equally
Photo by Aleksey Photography
Shown here, a group photo of all guests at Cape May MAC’s 50th Anniversary (1970-2020) Celebration on Sept. 19, 2021. The photo will be printed and included in the time capsule to be opened in 50 years. For more photos and a list of awards, please see pages 12-13.
as busy with festivals, crafts and collectible shows, and performances. REV Theater returned in August with Honky Tonkin’, featuring retro country hits. Our Craft Beer, Music & Crab Festival returned on August 14 with all the sights, sounds and tastes of summer. We ran into a supply chain issue planning the event-
NEWSLETTER Published by Cape May MAC, a not-for-profit corporation P.O. Box 340, Cape May, NJ 08204 • Phone: 609-884-5404 New Jersey Relay Center for TTY Customers: 800-852-7899 Web Site: www.capemaymac.org • E-Mail: info@capemaymac.org Editor: Jody Alessandrine • Assistant Editor: Jean Barraclough Contributors: Sandra Adams, Susan Krysiak, Anna Marie Leeper, Kelly Redington and Mary E. Stewart
OUR MISSION Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. ---- v ---OUR VISION Preserving Cape May’s rich heritage and assuring its vitality through superior cultural programs and events Page 2 • Fall/Holiday 2021
Cape May MAC’s public history programs are funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission in the Department of State.
Cape May MAC
we found crabs hard to come by- and only managed to confirm delivery the week of the event. There was a collective sigh of relief when the truck pulled down Washington Street. Saturday morning. PNC Bank was again the main sponsor of the event, with support from Gold Coast Production Management, DeSatnick Real Estate and Coastal Marketing Group/ REMAX Surfside. Not quite as busy as it has been in the past, the event was still a rousing success and generated significant support for our Museum Education Division. On August 25, we hosted Bailen on the outdoor stage. An indie, acoustic singer/ songwriter group of siblings that has appeared at the Cape May Music Festival, Bailen appeared with members of the New York Chamber Ensemble (including Mom and Pop Eliot Bailen and Susan Rotholz) and Bay Atlantic Symphony under the baton of Jed Gaylin. The luscious strings and woodwinds enhanced the tight harmonies and evocative lyrics. It was quite a night under the stars.
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Coming
Holiday Lunch & Learn: Thanksgiving
ATTRACTIONS 609-884-5404 • www.capemaymac.org • 800-275-4278
Holiday Preview Weekend and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Daytime and evening holiday tours and events begin the weekend before Thanksgiving during Holiday Preview Weekend, Nov. 19-21, at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., when Santa arrives by trolley to switch on the lights on the huge estate Christmas tree during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, Nov. 20, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Returning this year is one of the highlights from last year’s celebration: a free performance of holiday favorites by the Atlantic Brass Band. The Physick House Museum is open to the public for free self-guided tours! capemaymac.org
48th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours Cape May’s Christmas Candlelight House Tour has been a beloved annual tradition for nearly half a century! Since 1973, thousands of people on three nights in December walk the city’s stone walkways and gas lit streets and visit homes, inns, churches and hotels, stepping across the thresholds to take in interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. Join us Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the exciting return of this annual tradition. Tickets are limited. capemaymac.org
Virtual Christmas Candlelight House Tour Video
Last holiday season, Cape May MAC announced a new way to experience Cape May at Christmas: the Virtual Christmas Candlelight House Tour Video. This virtual video tour created in 2020 is a timeless, intimate look inside 10 Cape May homes and inns, with the stories behind each one. This is a Cape May experience for viewing anytime, anywhere, and can be viewed as often as you like after purchase, for $30 via Vimeo On Demand. Proceeds support Cape May MAC. Purchase online via this link that features a trailer you can watch first: CLICK HERE.
Physick Family Christmas House Tour
On this guided living history tour of the magnificent 1879 Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, decorated in authentic Victorian style for Christmas, your guide portrays a member of the Physick family in the early 1900s and shares stories and traditions. capemaymac.org
Evening Yuletide House Tour
On this guided tour of the first-floor rooms of the 1879 Physick House Museum, authentically decorated for a Victorian Christmas, see and hear how the Physick family might have entertained friends and family and celebrated in traditional Victorian fashion during the holidays. capemaymac.org
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Cape May MAC
Wednesday, Nov. 17: 12Noon: Take time to infuse yourself with knowledge and the Christmas spirit during this free online holidaythemed Lunch & Learn program, “A History of Thanksgiving in America” presented by Cape May MAC Chief Outreach Strategist Mary Stewart. Registration is required in advance. Register directly by CLICKING HERE. For assistance or more information, call 609-8845404.
Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
Friday, Nov. 19: 7pm-9pm: Follow the light of the full moon on this rare nighttime climb up the 199 cast iron spiral staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Interpretive panels along the climb tell stories of Lighthouse Keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically, and are located at landings along the way. The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is a state historic site and the third beacon on this site. Still an active aid to navigation, it was restored and is maintained by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture). Since it opened to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top, but far fewer have climbed at nighttime. capemaymac.org
Vintage
Open Fridays-Sundays for dinner, Saturday, Sundays for brunch (except Dec. 24, 25): Vintage Restaurant, on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, offers an eclectic menu for brunch and dinner. CLICK HERE FOR INFO. Call 609–224–6064 for reservations and takeout orders or visit OpenTable.com. To view the menu, CLICK HERE. Vintage is dog-friendly, has plenty of outside seating and take-out is available. Parking is free.
Brunch & Bingo at the Beach
Saturday, Nov. 20: 9:30am: Laugh along with your girlfriends and guy friends as you play a little bingo, compete for prizes and enjoy a fashion show by Lace Silhouettes/Cotton Company. It’s all over a scrumptious brunch at Aleathea’s Restaurant, Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. capemaymac.org
Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides
Evenings, Fridays, Nov. 19-26, Saturdays, Nov. 20-27, Sunday, Nov. 28, Fridays-Sundays, Dec. 3-19, Sunday, Dec. 26: Listen to dramatic tales of Christmas woe featuring Victorian ghosts, told by a member of the East Lynne Theater Company, on this ride along the historic streets of Cape May. You’ll be happy you live now, not then. capemaymac.org
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Fall/Holiday 2021 • Page 3
Coming
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ATTRACTIONS 609-884-5404 • www.capemaymac.org • 800-275-4278
A Dr. Physick Christmas
Join Dr. Physick for a first-person tour of the 1879 Physick House decorated in true Victorian style in this interpretive step back into the Victorian era. capemaymac.org
New! The Unexpected Gift
The Physick House authentically decorated for a Victorian Christmas is the setting for a very relatable and timeless holiday story that will make you laugh out loud. capemaymac.org
Santa’s Trolley Rides
An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit
The wonders of the season are on display at “An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: Holiday Traditions through the Years,” in the Carroll Gallery, at the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Here you can experience an exhibit of holiday traditions complete with a giant Christmas tree, a Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, nostalgic photos from Christmas past and more. Admission is free. capemaymac.org
Holiday Shopping
Complete your holiday gift-giving list during the Holiday Crafts & Collectibles Shows and at Cape May’s renowned museum shops. Shop for unique hand-made gifts and seasonal decorations over two days, Friday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cape May Convention Hall, Beach Avenue at Stockton. Admission is $2. Cape May MAC has two museum shops: the Carriage House Museum Shop at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., that offers a variety of gifts and holiday ornaments, and the Cape May Lighthouse Museum Shop, Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave., offering maritime gifts, clothing, toys and more. capemaymac.org
Cape May MAC
All That Glitters Combo Tours Victorians Ring in a New Century
NEW! Friday-Sunday afternoons, Nov. 26-28; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sunday afternoons, Dec. 1-22: Travel by trolley through Cape May in the year 1899 with a friend of the Physick family shopping for the biggest party of the new century! Then meet the Physick family at the Emlen Physick Estate and experience the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations. The trolley tour and the house tour may be purchased separately. capemaymac.org
Fridays, Nov. 26-Dec. 17, Saturday, Nov. 27, Monday, Dec. 27 & Wednesday, Dec. 29: 5:30 pm-7:30pm: See inside a selection of Cape May bed & breakfast inns and private homes, specially decorated for the holidays on this self-guided evening walking tour that includes a visit to An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit at the Physick Estate Carriage House and a gift. capemaymac.org
Holiday Inns Tours
Wednesdays-Thursdays, Dec. 1-9, Monday, Nov. 29 & Dec. 6 & Tuesday, Nov. 30 & Dec. 7: 1pm-3:30pm: See several of Cape May’s bed & breakfast inns festively decorated for the holidays during this self-guided afternoon tour with continuous trolley shuttle service. capemaymac.org
Cheery Cherry House Christmas Tours
Mondays-Thursdays, Dec. 13-22: 1pm-3pm: Frank and Beth Acker invite you into their circa 1849 home, “The Cherry House,” decorated for the holidays. It features a fully set table for Christmas dinner and the parlor Christmas tree ornamented with family decorations from the 1800s. capemaymac.org
Holiday Lunch & Learn: Christmas
Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 12Noon: Take time to infuse yourself with knowledge and the Christmas spirit during this free online holidaythemed Lunch & Learn program, “Shocking Secrets of Victorian Christmas” presented by Cape May MAC Museum Education Manager Elan Zingman-Leith. Register directly by CLICKING HERE. For assistance or more information, call 609-884-5404.
Masks or facial coverings are required on all trolley and indoor tours; limits on admissions will be managed to comply with COVID-19 restrictions and CDC guidelines. Schedules subject to change. capemaymac.org
Nov. 20, nightly beginning Nov. 26, except Saturdays & Christmas Eve: Listen to Christmas music and enjoy hearing about the history of Victorian Christmas traditions on this evening trolley ride. Victorian Cape May at Christmas is magical, and this is a ride to share with friends and family. capemaymac.org
Lamplighter Christmas Tours
Mrs. Claus comes direct from the North Pole to lead this tour. She tells stories and leads holiday songs on this jolly holiday trolley ride through town. Santa joins the fun at the gazebo on the grounds of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate. capemaymac.org
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Holiday Lights Trolley Rides
Also, the East Lynne Theater Company production “Christmas With Harte & O’Henry” https://www.eastlynnetheater.org/ and Emlen Physick Estate Guided Tours, Historic District Trolley Tours, the Cape May Lighthouse and Whale Watcher Boat Tours. capemaymac.org
www.capemaymac.org
MEMBERSHIP NEWS Welcome New Members Benefactor: Susan & Edward Maguire
of Cape May, NJ.
Family:
Milady Daunno-Aliotta & John Aliotta of Kinnelon, NJ: Shanah & Steven Bertone of Millstone, NJ: Heather & Mike Cherasaro of Lancaster, PA; Mark & Shannon Davis of Port Washington, NY; Carman & Penny DeFelice of Vineland, NJ; Meredith DePaolo & Hamel Shah of Cape May, NJ; Cherie & Nick Donato of Cherry Hill, NJ; Jennifer & Thomas Formica of Philadelphia, PA; Shirley Fung & Anil Sharma of Malvern, PA; Andrew & Elizabeth George of Elizabethtown, PA; Donald & Laura Hambidge of East Hampton, CT; James & Jenny Harrison of Wind Gap, PA; Atay & Cecilia Hassan of Colts Neck, NJ; Shelley & Steven Helm of Linden, PA; Allison & Austin Horbaly of Cape May, NJ; Earl & Mary Jarrett of Hanover, PA; Ila & Jayesh Jesalpura of Ridgewood, NJ; Josh & Michele Kurtz of Fleetwood, PA; Pradeep Kumar Kuzhyil & Chitra Venugoapl of Edison, NJ; Ann Livengood of Kingsport, TN; Alissa & Brian Marisch of North Cape May, NJ; Mark Mazur & Christina Calkins-Mazur of Lewistown, PA; Laura Mike & Travis McCord of Dilliner, PA; Michael & Sharon McDermond of Aston, PA; Ailene McGuirk of Hoboken, NJ; Eric & Robert Metz of Cape May Court House, NJ; Adam & Lori Milligan of Mullica Hill, NJ; Arwen & Bryan Mosher of Ypsilanti, MI; Nishith Nedunjadi & Ishrat Rangwala of Old Greenwich, CT; Carlos Nunez of Media, PA; Alysan & Jared Okerson of Freehold, NJ; Daniel Rader & Carolyn Cannuscio of Philadelphia, PA; Andrea & Matthew Richter of Glen Ellyn, IL; Christine & Maureen Roman of West Chester, PA; Frank Schnecker & Kirstin Reynolds of Ossining, NY; Alec Shissias & Melissa Weidner of Rumson, NJ Fallon & Melanie Smith of Fair Lawn, NJ; Phyllis Sockwell & Minica D’Agostino of Wildwood, NJ; Craig Specht & Brittany Bunting-Specht of Northumberland, PA.
Grandparent:
Clara Jane Amodei of Phoenixville, PA; Mary & Robert Bauhaus of Bel Air, MD; Frank S. DePaolo of Landenberg, PA; Jeffery & Pamela Johnston of Newfield, NJ; Bernie & Ellen Kolodner of Rydal, PA; Kevin & Vickie Kristian of Pennsauken, NJ.
Joint:
Dave & Sandi Adams of North Cape May, NJ; Janis & Stewart Altmayer of Slingerlands, NY; Janice & Joseph Anania of www.capemaymac.org
Photo by Susan Krysiak
Cape May MAC guide Eileen Kirk stops to chat with Cape May MAC volunteers Tedd McKenney and his son Tedd McKenney, Jr. who were pouring beer during the Craft Beer, Music & Crab Festival Aug. 14.
Colts Neck, NJ; Carolyn & William Andrews of Jonesborough, TN; Kim & Terri Baker of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; Lorraine & Peter Baldwin of Cape May, NJ; Dawn & Wayne Berliner of Nags Head, NC; Michael & Judy Bertone of Monroe, NJ; Marty & Phyllis Blum of Melville, NY; Roger & Steven Blumin of Fair Lawn, NJ; Margarita & Philip Blumin of Fair Lawn, NJ; Charles & Dorothy Bounds of West Cape May, NJ; Christina & Scott Brinton of Nottingham, PA; Stephanie Brooks & Gary Brooks Jr of West Chester, PA; Christine & Laura Burkholder of Chambersburg, PA; June & Richard Buthy of Villas, NJ; Helene & Ken Chappell of Swan Lake, NY; Alex & Fiona Citkin of Warren, NY; Paul Grena & Neil Clancy of Cape May, NJ; Helene & Olga Cortese of Middletown, NJ; Doreen Costello of Munhall, PA; Dawn & Grace Cote of Douglassville, PA; Cheryl & Joseph Cress of Eddystone, PA; Denise & Vincent Degiaimo of Bronxville, NY; Katherine Cornell & Pat DeTrolio of Long Valley, NJ; Alex & Mary DiAgosta of Williamstown, NJ; Lily & Rosanne Donato of Marlton, NJ; Joe Ebert & Lynne TrottnowEbert of North Wildwood, NJ; Barbara Ann & John Van Eenennaam of Wildwood Crest, NJ; Todd & Pamela Eley of Dillsburg, PA; Sarah Matthaei & Peter Ertel of Port Orange, FL; Cody Erwin & Shirley Liang of Lawrenceville, NJ; Robert & Wanda Evelyn
of Rio Grande, NJ; Gene Flanagan & Terry Schwemmer-Flanagan of Stone Harbor, NJ; Judith & Robert Fullmer of Essex Fells, NJ; Matthew & Wendy Garrison of Sussex, NJ; Anthony & Elaine Gaskins of Audubon, NJ; Robert & Rosemary Gorgone of Cape May, NJ; Chris & Lar Graham of Cape May, NJ; Albert & Emme Haller of Fairport, NY; Kathie & Thomas Hanna of Newark, DE; Kevin & Sheila Heaney of West Deptford, NJ; Nancy & William Heaver of Westminster, MD; Joan Hennessy of Del Haven, NJ; Elaine & Jim Hills of Oreland, PA; Thomas Hoffman & Louise Murray of Morristown, NJ; Deane & Michael Huffman of Irwin, PA; Gerrie & Ted Hughes of Southampton, NJ; Douglas & Mary Janiec of Downingtown, PA; Marsha & Samuel Kapustin of Jerusalem, Israel; Barbara & Daniel Karley of Victor, NY; Denise & Keith Kivel of Rye Brook, NY; Cassandra & John Koenig of Westville, NJ; Lisa & Ron Krader of Elkins Park, PA; Kyle & Lacey Leon of Woodbine, NJ; Denise & Jim Lothian of Cape May, NJ; Cindy & David MacKenzie of Smithfield, VA; John & Susan Majczan of Hellertown, PA; Michael Mann & Rhonda Chatzkel of Cape May, NJ; Donna Martinetti & Robert Lord of Pearl River, NY; Peter Mathe & Madelyne Eash of Norristown, PA; James Mauro & Antoinette Carone-Garber
Cape May MAC
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 6) Fall/Holiday 2021 • Page 5
MEMBERSHIP NEWS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5) of New York, NY; Patrick & Rhona McDonald of Clifton, NJ; Anthony & Jean Migliaccio of Prosper, TX; Kevin & Patricia Monaghan of Millburn, NJ; Arturo & Ilene Montesinos of Yorktown Heights, NY; John & Lynn Morris of East Windsor, NJ; Beth Nivin & Mark Ziring of Staten Island, NY; Keith & Mary Osborne of Allison Park, PA; Ron & Lynn Potash of Diamond Point, NY; Ken Reid of Brick, NJ; Linda & Wayne Robertson of Mt. Laurel, NJ; Dawn & Juan Roman of Yonkers, NY; Gloria & Tim Sandoe of Newmanstown, PA; Mark Seltzer of Cape May, NJ; Lisa Shaffer & Patrick Jennings of Cape May, NJ; Amy & David Smith of Maspeth, NY; Karen & Robert Spangler Jr. of Spring Grove, PA; Eileen & Jerry Spinelli of Media, PA; Margareta
& Peter Storm of Vienna, VA; Beverly & Steven Stryker of Rockville, MD; Brian & Maryrose Sykes of Concord, MA; David & Laura Taylor of Ijamsville, MD; Warren Thau & Anne Shain of Longmeadow, MA; Brooke Tillbrooks & Owen Stone of Brooklyn, NY; Patricia Thomas of Longhorn, PA; David & Sally Tomar of Brinnon, WA; Charles & Cindy Turnbull of Brookville, PA; Moria Wallace of Staten Island, NY; Eric & Terry Walquist of Akron, OH; Lisa & Richard Wilkins of Factoryville, PA; Bonnie & David Wisbauer of Hackettstown, NJ; Fang Xie & Annie Wang of Freehold, NJ; Desiree Sweeney & Patricia Youngblut of Haddon Heights, NJ; Tracy & Valerie Zents of Brookville, PA.
Individual:
Sharon Ault of Hacketts-town, NJ; Yeva Belenkaya of Fair
Lawn, NJ; Gary Blake of Sewell, NJ; Nancy Bleakley of Newtown Square, PA; Janetta Castle of North Cape May, NJ; Roger Ellenberger of Brookville, PA; Stephanie Exarhakis of Malverne, NY; Jennifer Haines of Ridley Park, PA; Kimberly Janiec of Downingtown, PA; Sigrid Kidd of Cape May, NJ; James Lipuma of Brookville, PA; Kelcie MacKenzie of Scottsdale, AZ; Paula Michaels of Camp Hill, PA; Jane Morris of Cape May, NJ; Sandra Pickering of Beaufort, NC; Catherine Reed of White Hall, MD; Paige Reid of Farmington, MO; Linda Rollin of Hampton, CT; Candy Ross of Saint Louis, MO; Lori Schwartz of Cape May, NJ; Claire Scott of Philadelphia, PA; Brian Selnekovic of Brookville, PA; Robin Sokoloski of Ellicott City, MD; Gene Turchetti of Conshohocken, PA; Cathy Vanzeumeren of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; Kelly Wetzel of Salisbury, NC; Melanie Zambelli of Baden, PA; Alexandria Zoccoli of Delran, NJ.
Staff:
Jim Allax of Green Creek, NJ; Virginia Lang & Dean Michelson of (CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)
Condolences to:
Rich Chiemingo Last month, we learned that longtime Lighthouse Keeper and Museum Educator Rich Chiemingo had passed away. Rich began a journey to fulfill two lifetime loves when he joined the Cape May MAC staff as a Keeper in 1989. He had summered in a family home in the shadow of the Lighthouse and there developed an abiding love for the tower. When he retired to that home and became a keeper, he set out to learn everything there was to know about lighthouse lore, legend and history. During his tenure, he touched many, many people with his love, knowledge and kindness at the Lighthouse and later when delivering the Beacon presentation in his Museum Education programs. Page 6 • Fall/Holiday 2021
When Rich joined the Museum Education staff, he shared with us a dogeared photo of John Philip Sousa he carried in his wallet. This began his living history portrayal of Sousa (to whom he bore a passing resemblance) and the development of a library of music education programs. For nearly 20 years, Rich entertained school kids, seniors and everyone in between with his rich programs and memories of his days playing for luminaries like Frank Sinatra and Guy Lombardo. A celebration of life will be held in Cape May at a later date. He is greatly missed here in Cape May and we extend our sincere condolences to his daughter, sonin-law and grandchildren.
Cape May MAC
Former Board of Trustee member Jeanette Block, on the death of her sister Jody; Volunteer Lenore Bowne, on the death of her husband, Marty; Sue Cawley, family and friends of Robert (Buc) Cawley, who charmed visitors to the Cape May Lighthouse and World War II Lookout Tower with his stories; Cape May MAC COO Melissa Payne, her daughter Taylor Zeides and Justin Hawkins, on the death of their infant daughter Ellie Amelia Hawkins; Hilary & Chuck Pritchard, on the death of Hilary’s mother Barbara Russell; volunteer Jan Randle, on the death of her mother Marie Carley; Theresa Stanton, innkeeper of Angel by the Sea, on the death of her husband, Ron.
Congratulations to:
Diane and Ed Hutchinson on the marriage of their granddaughter, Julia; former Cape May MAC Trustee Jerry Reeves, on celebrating 30 years with Sturdy Savings; Cape May MAC Curator Ben Ridings and his wife, Rebecca, on the birth of their son, Peter. Correction: In the last newsletter, we extended condolences to Gus and MaryAnn Mosso on the death of his sister. We’ve learned that it’s MaryAnn’s sister, Elvira, who passed away. We sincerely regret the error and extend our condolences to MaryAnn and Gus.
www.capemaymac.org
Christmas
NJSCA Grant
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(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Nora Jane Struthers. NPR Music dubbed her “…everything you could want in an Americana singer-songwriter.” We’re excited to have these plans in place at this early date and will share more information on our website and in future newsletters. -- MES
homes and inns, with the stories behind each one. It was a great success last year, and we offer that for purchase once again this year. See Coming Attractions on page 3 for more information on this unique and timeless Cape May virtual experience. This brings us to some of the best news of the year: The Christmas Candlelight House Tours return in person in 2021! This will be our 48th annual event (we are counting last year’s virtual tour as the 47th annual event – just because!). While the number of visitors will be carefully managed and capacities are greatly reduced this year, that will make this year’s tour that much more enjoyable and certainly contribute to the safety of our guests, staff and hosts. Face masks are required. See Coming Attractions on page 3 for more information on this highlight of the Cape May Christmas season.
who is shopping for the biggest party of the new century! You’ll disembark at the Physick House and inside meet the Physick family, experiencing the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, perfect for the year 1900. The All that Glitters Trolley Tour and the Physick Family Christmas House Tour also may be purchased separately. For details, see Coming Attractions and our Calendar, inside, on pages 3-4. There is so much more this holiday season to look forward to in Cape May. We invite you to amble the gaslit streets and take in the ambiance of fragrant evergreens and festively decorated Victorian inns, hotels and homes this holiday. Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) offers six weeks of holiday tours, activities and events through the New Year that celebrate this very special time of year. We hope to see you soon. For details, see Coming Attractions and our Calendar, inside, on pages 3-4. -- SK
Grants update With the announcement on Sept. 29 that the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, trading as Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), was approved for three New Jersey Historic Trust (NJHT) Grants totaling $136,133, these bring the total of grants awarded in fiscal years 2020, 2021 and so far in 2022, to $1,965,566. This figure includes the federal Small Business Administration forgivable loans for their Payroll Protection Program as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, funded by the CARES Act. Thus, the total amount of grants Cape May MAC has earned since 1988 now stands at $17,578,351. Grants earned in the past 21 months represent 11.2 percent of those awarded. The three new NJHT grants are as follows: A planning grant (the first of likely two planning phases) for the installation of both an HVAC system and a fire suppression system for the 1879 Physick House Museum, Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum. A planning grant for improved interpretation and adaptive reuse of the nine outbuildings on the Emlen Physick Estate. A capital grant addressing emergent needs for the Physick House Museum cited by the nonprofit’s historic architectural firm, HMR Associates of Princeton, N.J. These items are necessary to eventually implement the HVAC and fire suppression projects. Cape May MAC will need donations to provide the match for the planning grants in that there are no other sources to offset the required grant match. To assist, please contact Jody Alessandrine, Director & CEO at jalessandrine@ capemaymac.org or 609-224-6044.
Membership (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6) Cape May, NJ; Carl & Janet Yunghans of Petersburg, NJ.
Student:
town, NJ.
Hannah Cortese of Middle-
FRIENDS OF THE CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL Joint: Elan & Suzan Zingman-Leith of West Cape May, NJ.
New this season are two delightful offerings that will kindle your Victorian Christmas spirit. First, “The Unexpected Gift,” written by talented and accomplished playwright Jacklyn Fazio, is a play that unfolds around you inside the Physick House Museum, authentically decorated for a Victorian Christmas. It is a very relatable and timeless holiday story that will make you laugh out loud. Second, a new combination tour, “All that Glitters: Victorians Ring in a New Century,” is also a step back in time that starts on one of Cape May MAC’s jolly red trolleys. It’s the year 1899 with the turn of the century only hours away. Travel by trolley through Cape May with a friend of the Physick family www.capemaymac.org
FRIENDS OF THE CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE Individual: James Knipe, Annapolis, MD. Joint: Arlene & Clair of Eberly, New Holland, PA; Betty Jean & Gerald Eberly of East Earl, PA; Donna & Tim Horst of Leola, PA; Thomas Schwartz of Scottsdale, AZ; Joanne & Matthew Weber of Ephrata, PA; Libby & Jeff Zoccoli of Delran, NJ. Family: Dawn & Michael Blake of Sewell, NJ. Grandparent: Donna Marie & Mario Ziccoli of Delran, NJ. FRIENDS OF THE PHYSICK ESTATE
Individual: Diane Blitz of Cape May Court House, NJ. Grandparent: Deborah & John Lukens of Cape May, NJ.
Cape May MAC
Fall/Holiday 2021 • Page 7
FROM THE DIRECTOR A Christmas Candlelight House Tour Tradition COVID-19 disrupted many important things in practically everyone’s routines. I suppose the term “important” is relative. And considering the tremendous loss of life worldwide, anything else is essentially trivial. Nonetheless, many things that people planned or looked forward to were cancelled or postponed, as much in our lives stood still in time. One of the annual traditions my wife, Cheryl, and I have had was taking part of Cape May MAC’s annual Christmas Candlelight House Tour. We weave it into our December calendar as part of the celebration of our anniversary and my birthday. This Christmas will be our 31st together, 22nd as a married couple. For us, it’s not just about Christmas and the Candlelight Tours, but it’s Cape May. We first visited Cape May together in September 1991. We stayed at a B&B (one that is, like many others, now a whole house rental). The innkeepers made the best peach pie we’ve ever had ‘til this day, though! We returned Christmas time the same year. And when our reservation was mistakenly put in for the wrong weekend, the innkeepers got us a room in a neighboring B&B, the Humphrey Hughes House. This began a string of stays there, even after we moved to Cape May County in 1994. (The Humphrey Hughes House also recently sold and became a rental). It also started our Candlelight Tour addiction. Our second Christmas Candlelight Tour was 1992. The following year, we came and stayed at the Humphrey Hughes with two other couples the week between Christmas and the New Year, and didn’t do a Candlelight Tour, but we did do a Lamplighter Tour. Other than 1994 (flat tire on the way to Cape May) and 2008, we made the rest. We even did one the week before we were married in 1999, which was in? Of course, Cape May. I’ll get to the Christmastime wedding story in a bit. We have wonderful memories of the Christmas Candlelight Tours, some sentimental, some comical, too. Like the time when my best friend brought his girlfriend down from Pennsylvania. We told them to wear comfortable shoes because we’d do a lot of walking, and to dress in layers. Sure enough, she shows up in a short dress and high heels. And the wind was whipping that night. “No mercy,” said I, “My advice went Page 8 • Fall/Holiday 2021
unheeded.” We went from the Angel of the Sea all the way to the Wilbraham Mansion, without taking a trolley! There were also a couple of instances when my father and aunt joined us. Dad knew how much I loved Christmas in Cape May and made the trip down from Haddonfield, where he was living at the time, to spend the weekend and do the tour with us. Just about every time we took the tour, we ended the night with a fantastic meal in Cape May. I recall at least twice we made reservations at Freda’s. The intimate setting was a perfect spot to settle in after three hours of touring the town on foot. In 2000, we did the tour with another couple but had a bunch of other friends meet us at what was the Pilot House (now Fins), and an impromptu birthday party ensued although most had no idea it was my birthday, which was totally the way I wanted it. Then there was the 2017 Candlelight Tour that we also took on my birthday. It started snowing early in the day. A bit of a wet snow, but not too sloppy. (Speaking with staff here now that I’m an employee, they beg to differ because they had to work it!). By the time 5:30 p.m. came, it had accumulated about 4 or 5 inches, just a few flurries lingered, and it pretty much just covered the lawns, not the streets or sidewalks. It was magical. And we topped the night off with my favorite, duck from the Washington Inn. Cheryl boldly proclaimed, “You know, you’re never going to have another birthday exactly as perfect in your mind as this, right?” By December 2019, I had already been hired to succeed Michael Zuckerman as the new Cape May MAC Director & CEO, not to start full-time until February 2020, though. So, Cheryl and I got a new perspective. The first night of the Candlelight tour, I worked the door at the Mission Inn, and took part in the preparation of volunteers and staff for most of the holiday events, especially the Christmas Candlelight house tours. We did the tour ourselves, to maintain the tradition, the second Saturday. And the third Saturday, Cheryl and I volunteered at The Humphrey Hughes House, which was the first time in a while the now former owners, the Schmidts, had it on tour and turned out to likely be the last time it will. While the 2020 holiday season was
Cape May MAC
Jody Alessandrine, Director/CEO
severely hampered by the pandemic, we at Cape May MAC figured a way to present the Christmas Candlelight Tour somehow. Thanks primarily to our Director of Media Relations, Susan Krysiak, who ended up shooting and editing most of the footage, as well as setting up a pay-wall account, about a half dozen property owners allowed their homes, inns and B&Bs to be videotaped. The phenomenal end result was made available for purchase on our website. Actually, you can still buy it anytime, just visit, Watch Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tour Online | Vimeo On Demand on Vimeo. While 2017 was picture perfect, actually 1999 was even more so. (Good husbandspeak if I say so myself!). Recall, I mentioned that’s when we took the Candlelight Tour a week before our wedding. The following weekend (the wedding one), naturally, Cheryl and I spent it at the Humphrey Hughes House’s Doctor’s Quarters suite. We had dinner that Friday night at Louisa’s. While shopping after, a store clerk asked where we were from and what we were going to do that weekend. When we told her what the next day was, she gave us a Cape May Lighthouse tree ornament as a wedding gift! It still goes on our tree every year. Who knew then that 20 years later I’d have my own key to that very same lighthouse? What was really hilarious was at breakfast on our wedding day. Seated with other B&B guests, they were all talking
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 11) www.capemaymac.org
‘T H A N K YO U’ N E W S CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE 2020 SOCIETY
($25,000 pledges over 5 years)
Dan Barbera Curtis Bashaw Lee & Jill Bellarmino Tom & Sue Carroll Chris & Dave Clemans Tom & Peg Curran Mary & Tedd McKenney NJM Insurance Group Jay & Lisa O’Donnell Bill & Audrey Schwab Patricia Valas Joan & Dane Wells
PLATINUM MEMBERS OF THE 2020 SOCIETY
($10,000 pledges over 4 years)
John & Sylvia Baer Brown and Brown of New Jersey Bob Fite Richard and Susan Foxx Myles and Leslie Martel Doug and Anna Marie McMain Jim and Betty Moffatt Barbara Morris PNC Bank Sue Priester Catherine Rein Steve and Sandy Sheller Sturdy Savings Bank
As Cape May MAC now looks to its centennial in 2070, the 2020 Society has been renamed the Cape May MAC Preservation Fund
PLEASE MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TODAY! ANNUAL APPEAL DONATIONS • $100-$249 Donors: Robert & Laura Pritchard. CAPE MAY MAC PRESERVATION FUND DONATIONS • $5,000 and up Donors: Daniel Barbera, Curtis Bashaw, Gregory Black, Curran Investment Management (Tom & Peg Curran, Patricia Valas, Joan & Dane Wells. • $500-$999 Donors: Joseph & Elizabeth Garner, Eileen Kirk. • $100-$499 Friend Donors: David Cresswell, Carol Fryling, Heather & Roger Furlin. • Under $100 Donors: Maryann Toniazzo www.capemaymac.org
& Ed Sabedra, Robert Stewart & Barbara Barnett-Stewart. LESSONS OF HISTORY FUND DONATIONS • $1,000-$1,999 Donors: Myles & Leslie Martel. • $250-$599 Donors: Russ & Lora Jo Dickhart, Victor Keen & Jeanne Ruddy Keen. • $100-$249 Donors: Les & Roberta Aungst, Robin Black, Eileen & Joe Cassidy, Robert & Judith Fullmer, David & Patricia Janes, Richard & Janet Koester, Sandy & Mary Stewart, Marvin & Lee Zektzer. • Under $100.00 Donors: Robert & Bonnie Bakley. MAJOR DONATIONS • Atlantic City Electric, an Exelon Company, for a $2,000 donation for the Light Up Cape May Contest. • Brown & Brown of NJ, for a $2,000 donation. • Bob & Terri Lamendola, for a $500 donation. • Molly Corporation (Jamie Braddish) for a $6,026.40 donation. • Jacob & Amanda Pashelinsky, for a $2,500 donation. • Princeton Strategic Communications, for a $2,100 donation. • Seashore Sound (Joe McLaughlin), for an in-kind donation of $600. • Audrey & Bill Schwab, for a $3,000 donation. DONATIONS • Andrew Bares & Kelly Lavorgna (The Harrison), for hosting Mr. & Mrs. Clifton Truman Daniel for three specially prepared private breakfasts. • Debora & James Bolognese, for a $25 donation. • Warren & Elizabeth Brodt, for a $25 donation. • Tom Burdette & Colleen Mabin, for a $100 donation. • Tom & Sue Carroll, for an in-kind donation of a dehumidifier. • Robert & Laurie Jacobs, for a $100 donation to Lessons of History in Honor of Myles Martel. • Patricia Lamb-Knight, for a $40 donation in Memory of Buc Cawley. • Tom Lord, for a $100 donation in Memory of Bob Kriebel. • William Riedinger, for a $25 donation. • George & Theresa Schu, for underwriting a dinner for Mr. & Mrs. Clifton Truman Daniel. • Snowbird Car Service (Gregg Taylor), for Cape May MAC
providing round trips from/to Philadelphia airport for Mr. & Mrs. Clifton Truman Daniel at a discount. • Michael Venner, for a $250 donation. • Vintage BYOB, for an in-kind donation of $300. • Victoria Watson (The Merion Inn), for providing a dinner for Mr. & Mrs. Clifton Truman Daniel. • Joan & Dane Wells, for a $250 donation In Memory of Nancy Bailey. TICKET BUYERS WHO ADDED A DONATION WHEN PURCHASING TICKETS Richard Anderson, Nicole Balliette , John Boecker, Leah Bonnes, Joanne Botwinick, Carol Brown, Kelly Craig, Robert Curcio, Caitlin Delaplain, Elizabeth Dotson, Mike Doyle, Caroline Fediw, Donna Gambuzza, Fred Geldmaker, Tim Hagan, Christoph Hesterbrink, Kellianne Hillis, Inara Him, Carolyn Jenkins-Lawrences, Michelle Kelly, Catherine Kiely, Dan Krzywicki Diane Lanigan, Rosemary Lavan, Alfred Magro, Monica Maresca, Antonia Mason, Joseph Mazzotta, Sean Mcgrenaghan, Tricia Mento, Debora Merrill, Donna Oleary, Jeffrey Palumbo, Ariel Pinkerton, Patricia Quinter, Kaitlyn Richard, Eric Rosenstein, Lorna Russell, Kathy Sappie, Allen Valentine Daniel Waida, Linda Walker, Jean Woisin, Kimberly Wright, Leo Yeager. • Halloween Treat Donors: Joyce & Howard Barth, Jacob & Erin Cuomo, Sharon Falkowski & Ron Holman, Peggy & Stan Gora, Barb & Andy Lamont, Jackie Matkowski, Christy Mobile, Nancy Thompson, Susan Wiggins, Barbara Zicari.
Assistance • Jean Barraclough, for helping with the installation of the Dept. 56 Halloween exhibit. • Jill Bellarmino, for her on-going assistance in the Museum division. • Jill Bremmer, for her creation of menus and signs for the Taste of Cape May Kitchen Tour, and for cutting dog bandanas for the Harvest Brew Festival. • Sue Carroll, for her ongoing support of the Cape May MAC archiving project. • Norris Clark, for serving as emcee for our 50th Anniversary Party. • Sue Currie, for volunteering at Brunch & Bingo at the Beach. • Janet Coupland, for her ongoing support (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)
Fall/Holiday 2021 • Page 9
‘T H A N K YO U’ N E W S Donations (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) of the Cape May MAC archiving project. • Paul Cusano of the Army Ground Forces Association, for a day of interpretation and cleaning of the azimuth instrument at the World War II Lookout Tower. • Joel Gonzalez of the Army Ground Forces Association, for a day of interpretation and cleaning of the azimuth instrument at the World War II Lookout Tower. • Roger Henry, for polishing brass on the trolleys and Ford Model T. • Charlie Lieb, for the construction of moveable fence posts used at the Emlen Physick Estate and Cape May Lighthouse. • Mary & Tedd McKenney, for the loan of their golf cart to Clifton Truman Daniel and his wife while they were in Cape May for “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” • The Mullock Family, the Chalfonte Hotel, for the loan of a small desk, table and chair for the Oval Office set of “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” • Melissa Payne, for the loan of a vintage rotary lawnmower for the set of “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” • Bonnie and Lance Pontin of the John Wesley Inn, for the loan of two chairs for the Oval Office set of “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” • Rosemary Rombado, for cutting dog bandanas for the Craft Beer, Crab and Music Festival and the Harvest Brew Festival. • Terrie Rosania, for donating burlap bags for the creation of Scarecrow Alley. • Ben Ross for construction of the new privy replica at the Cape May Lighthouse. • Chris Traficante, for construction of props for the Oval Office set of “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” • Colonel Shawn Welch of the Army Ground Forces Association, for a day of interpretation and cleaning of the azimuth
Congratulations
Volunteers of the Month AUGUST: Jan Dwyer SEPTEMBER: Joyce Barth OCTOBER: Ben Ross
Page 10 • Fall/Holiday 2021
Photo by Susan Krysiak
Cape May MAC collected 20 bags of groceries and $201 in donations to benefit the Cape May Community Food Closet Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Emlen Physick Estate. Shown here, from left, Carole Ulmer, Anna Leeper and Marie Elena Gearhart helped staff the collection table. The Cape May Community Food Closest distributes food and other goods at the Presbyterian Church of Cape May, helping neighbors in need of groceries and other necessities.
instrument at the World War II Lookout Tower.
Volunteers
Cape May City Halloween Parade Volunteers: Jill Bremmer, Susan Brozina, Eileen Cassidy, Dory Coe, Jake & Windsor Cuomo, Mary Fox, Gordon, Marie Elena & Scott Gearhart, Lynn Glasser, Theresa Harris, Helen Mashuda, Evalina, Jackie & Vicki McBride, Mary Stewart, Mary Beth Toewe, Barb Zicari. Cape May Music Festival Volunteers: Sharon Agin, Bill & Tina Angstadt, Tony Collemaccine, Bill & Sue Currie, Chris DuBois, Christina & George Fore, Scott Griffith, Roger Henry, Mary & Tedd McKenney, Kathy & Dave Morais, Anne Stephany, Carole Ulmer, Carolyn Vinci. Craft Beer, Music & Crab Festival Volunteers: Janice Ablett, Sharon Agin, Cheryl & Jody Alessandrine, Tina & Bill Angstadt, Mary Ann Angelo, Alessa Antiorini, Gregory Argenti, Cathy Baldacchini, Nancy Battagliese, Jill & Lee Bellarmino, Marilu Bicknell, Jill Bremer, Darleena & Joe Byrne, Dorothy Buccialia, Sue & Tom Carroll, Eileen Cassidy, Emma Cleffi, Alex Coulter, Janet Coupland, Tony Collemaccine, Jake Cuomo, Sue & Bill Currie, Jim DelGrosso, Tina Loux, Ayeshah Dickerson, Jan & Pete Dwyer, Chris DuBois, Linda Fetzer, Ron Fillius, Donna Flegal, Leslie Flick, Chris Fore, Walt Gabriel, Maureen & Mike Gallagher, Brian Giancola, Bob & Roe
Cape May MAC
Gorgone, Scott Griffith, Alice Haber, Alex Hager, Carol Haggas, Karen Hammeran, Nancy Harrington, Tori Heimall, Jennifer Hogan, Carole & Bob Irwin, Charlie Kealy, Kathy Kobik, Tricia Kraemer, Susan Krysiak, Anna Leeper, Eliza Lotozo, Tina Loux, Rich Mayer, Rainbow McAtee, Jackie McBride, Brian McGrath, Karen McGuire, Mary & Tedd McKenney, Barbie & Paul Meara, Judy Mohler, Kathy & Dave Morais, Tricia Nolfi, Peggy Ose, Hailey Pinto, Stephanie Prouse, Jan Randle, Terrie Rosania, Christine Rothwell, Kathy & Rich Sahns, John Schaeffer, Carl Schenkenburg, Frank Scott, Mike Smith, Sue Smith, Mary Stewart, Janet & Joe Steigerwalt, Mary Beth Toewe, Carole Ulmer, Rita Walls, Mimi & Mark Wheaton, Susan Wiggins, Jack Wright, Barb Zicari, the 4H Kitchen Phanatics. Grounds Maintenance Crew Volunteers: Tom Carroll, Joe Cassidy, Jan Dwyer, Walt Gabriel, Bob Gorgone, Chuck Lear, Carole Lindsay, Susan Maguire, Dave Morais, Ben Ross, Bill Schlitzer, Theresa Schmal, Harley Schuler, Sue & Mike Smith, Michelle Uhl, Ben & Michelle Werner. Harvest Brew Festival Volunteers: Janice Ablett, Sharon Agin, Jody Alessandrine, Tina & Bill Angstadt, Joyce Barth, Jill & Lee Bellarmino, Marilu Bicknell, Jill Bremer, Bill Brown, Patricia Brown, Janet & Warren Coupland, Jake Cuomo, Bill & Sue Currie, Jim DelGrosso, Chris DuBois, Jan & Pete Dwyer,
www.capemaymac.org
‘T H A N K YO U’ N E W S Donna Flegal, Mike Gallagher, Marie Elena & Scott Gearhart, Rosemary & Bob Gorgone, Scott Griffith, Alex & Mary Beth Hager, Karen Hammeran, Carole & Bob Irwin, Eileen Kirk, Trish Kraemer, Anna Leeper, Rainbow McAtee, Evalina McBride, Karen McGuire, Mary & Tedd McKenney, Barbie & Paul Meara, Peggy Ose, John Schaeffer, Carl Schenkenburger, Bill Schlitzer, Frank Scott, Janet & Joe Steigerwalt, Ruth Anne Stewart, Mary Beth Toewe, Carole Ulmer, Rita Walls, Karen Van Varick-McGuire, Mary Beth & Mark Wheaton, Susan Wiggins. Holiday Tour Development Team Volunteers: Joyce Barth, Nanci Coughlin, Kathleen Familetti, Rosalie Gallagher, Peggy Gora, Carol Hartman, Barbara Lamont, Rosemarie Rombado. Lessons of History Event Volunteers: Tina & Bill Angstadt, Chris & George Fore, Carol Vinci. Lessons of History Team: Jody Alessandrine, Tom Carroll, Joan Dempsey, Myles Martel, Mary McKenney, George Schu, Mary Stewart, Chris Traficante. Lighthouse Challenge Volunteers: Cathy Baldacchini, Melanie Bateman, Barbara Bonner, Frank Scott, Mary Stewart, Donna Szemcsak, Pary & Bruce Tell, Carole Ulmer. Lighthouse Family Fun Crafts Show Volunteers: Sharon Agin, Nancy Battagliese, Bill & Sue Currie, Chris DuBois, Maureen Gallagher, Alice Haber, Megan Kately, Peggy Ose, Frank Scott, Marybeth Toewe, Carole Ulmer, Carolyn and Lewis Vinci, Rita Walls, Barb Whitlock. Naval Air Station Airfest Volunteers: Sharon Agin, Bill Currie, Eliza Lotozo, Helen Mashuda, Karen VanVarick-McGuire, Bill & Sally Schlitzer, Susan Schoepfer, Bruce & Pary Tell, Mary Beth Toewe, Mike Urbanski, Ernestine Zeli-Bove. Physick Estate Crafts & Collectibles Show Volunteers: Melanie Bateman, Alice Haber, Megan Kately, Karen Van Varick-McGuire, Tricia Nolfi, Peggy Ose. Taste of Cape May Kitchen Tour Volunteers: Sharon Agin, Tina & Bill Angstadt, Joyce Barth, Susan Brozina, Sue Carroll, Eileen Cassidy, Janet & Warren Coupland, Chris DuBois, Donna Flegal, Chris Fore, Sandy Germann, Lynne Glasser, Rosemary & Bob www.capemaymac.org
Photo by Susan Krysiak
Close to 300 people came out to Cape May Convention Hall to see Harry S Truman’s grandson, actor Clifton Truman Daniel, portray his grandfather in the humorous and stirring stage production of “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” on Sunday, Oct. 10. The performance included a Q&A afterwards. Shown here, Mr. Daniel, left, and Dr. Myles Martel, chair Cape May MAC’s Lessons of History Team, during the Q&A portion of the program, which featured insights from Mr. Daniel about his famous grandfather’s personal and professional life.
Gorgone, Carol Haggas, Sue Lotozo, Diane McCrostie, Carolyn Owens, Kathy Sahns, Andrea Tahinos, Ernestine Zeli-Bove, Barb Zicari. Tour Department Volunteers: Joyce Barth, Janet Coupland, Kathleen Familetti, Peggy Gora, Jennifer Grayson, Carol Hartman, Ellie
McDevitt, Harry Schmidt, Karen Van VarickMcGuire. 50th Anniversary Celebration Volunteers: Cheryl & Jody Alessandrine, Cathy Baldacchini, Janet Coupland, Janice Corkery, Eileen Kirk, Susan Krysiak, Anna Leeper, Eliza Lotozo, Helen Mashuda, Melissa Payne, Ben & Abigail Ridings, Mary Stewart, Mary Beth Toewe.
Candlelight tradition (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8) about their plans for that day. In retrospect, it’s nice to know most of what people were doing involved what Cape May MAC had to offer. Then, one lady turned to Cheryl and I and asked, “So what are you doing today?” “Getting married,” Cheryl replied. The reactions were priceless because she said it in a deadpan manner. Our ceremony took place at the Cape Island Baptist Church (officiated by our Lutheran minister at the time from Ocean City with both our almost all-Catholic families and friends in attendance), and the reception on the porch at the Merion Inn. What was neat was that our guests could all walk right from the beautiful church ceremony to the reception site, just a blockand-a-half away. I surprised Cheryl and my two new stepchildren (although I had been part of their lives for nine years by then, so I was kind of their stepdad anyway) with Cape May MAC
a carriage ride around the block to the Merion Inn. With the wedding being just a week before Christmas, the church was adorned with greens and the entire town was decked out for Christmas. Guests still talk about how memorable and unique the wedding was, especially the Merion Inn’s famous potato cup! So, it’s almost upon us, Christmas 2021. Thankfully, we will be returning to our full slate of Cape May MAC tours of private homes, inns, B&Bs, as well as our Physick House Museum and trolley tours— including a really cool new daytime, first person interpretive tour titled “All That Glitters.” The script is marvelous. Cheryl and I will be working the Dec. 4 Candlelight Tour, going on one of the next two ourselves, and working the other — our newest Christmas Candlelight tradition.
Fall/Holiday 2021 • Page 11
Cape May MAC’s 50th Anniversary Cape May MAC celebrated its 50th Anniversary (1970-2020) on Sept. 19, 2021. Shown here are photos of the program which included Trustee Norris Clark as emcee, Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine welcoming guests and speakers, and dignitaries’ remarks including Cape May MAC President Tom Carroll, Alessandrine, Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May 1st Vice President Bernadette Matthews, and Mayor of City of Cape May Zack Mullock. A time capsule was presented by Trustee and Secretary Janet Coupland, and Curator Ben Ridings, shown here with daughter Abby. Volunteers were honored and Volunteer Recognition Awards presented by Alessandrine, representing more than 200 people who have helped Cape May MAC achieve its mission throughout 2019 and 2020.
Zack Mullock
Photos by Frank Scott & Susan Krysiak On Sept. 19, 2021, as part of Cape May MAC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, awards were given to volunteers from 2019 and 2020, recognizing their outstanding support of Cape May MAC. Their dedication and commitment were recognized, celebrated and commemorated: The Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards recognize those who have undertaken projects that significantly advance Cape May MAC’s Mission Outstanding Staff Volunteer Service Awards for 2019 Joyce Barth, Anne Burrows, Jill Connell, Nanci Coughlin, Janet Coupland, Kathleen Familetti, Rosemary Rombado, Rosalie Gallagher, Carol Hartman, Loretta Hughes, Andy and Barbara Lamont, Tony LaSalle, Jackie Matkowski, Brian McGrath, Melissa Palmer, Harry Schmidt. Outstanding Staff Volunteer Service Awards for 2020 Joe Byrne, Janet Coupland, Bill McCray. Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards for 2019 Tina Angstadt, John Baldan, Jill Bremer, Ben Miller, Dottie Rogers and the Photography Club of Cape May, and Colonel Shawn Welch, Paul Cusano and Joel Gonzalez of the Army Ground Forces Association. Page 12 • Fall/Holiday 2021
Tom Carroll Ben Ridings & Abigail
Jody Alessandrine Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards for 2020 Jill Bellarmino, Frank Corrado, Mark Deblasio, Tom Grayson, Benjamin Ross. The Cape MAY MAC Staff Over and Above Volunteer Service Awards are given based on the number of hours volunteered Staff Over and Above Platinum Awards recognize those who have donated over 135 hours of volunteer service: 2019 Rich Chiemingo. 2020 Janet Coupland, Anna Leeper, Bill McCray. Staff Over and Above Gold Awards recognize those who have donated 75 to 134 hours of volunteer service: 2019 Jean Barraclough, Rosalie Gallagher. Staff Over and Above Silver Awards recognize those who have donated 30 to 74 hours of volunteer service: 2019 Cathy Baldacchini, Dory Coe, Janet Coupland, Sue Currie, Judy Gatt, Carol Hartman, Barbara Hubmaster, Karen Van Varick-McGuire, Mary Stewart. 2020 Cathy Baldacchini, Carol Hartman, Mary Stewart.
Cape May MAC
Volunteer Service Gold Awards recognize volunteers who have donated 100 to 149 hours of volunteer service: 2019 Jill Bellarmino, Jan Dwyer, Roger Henry, David Morais. 2020 Jill Bellarmino, Sue Carroll, Barbara Hubmaster, Dave Morais. Volunteer Service Silver Awards recognize volunteers who have donated 50 to 99 hours of volunteer service: 2019 Tina Angstadt, John Baldan, Bill Currie, Christopher DuBois, Heather Furlin, Carol Lindsay, Kathy Morais, Joseph Noll, Don Rogers, Vivianne Rogers, Ernestine Zeli-Bove. 2020 Jan Dwyer, Robert Gorgone, Roger Henry, Carol Lindsay, Peggy Ose. The Youth Service Award recognizes young people (ages 12-17) who have donated 15 or more hours of volunteer service: 2019 Rainbow McAtee, Evalina McBride, Jackie McBride, Lily Palmer, Sophie Palmer. Cape May MAC honors volunteers throughout the year as part of our Volunteer of the Month program
www.capemaymac.org
Celebration & Volunteer Recognition
2019 Carmen Alessi, Tina Angstadt, Army Ground Forces Association, Jill Bremer, Wendy Collins, Jim DelGrosso, Christopher DuBois, Jan Dwyer, Ana Grance Fangayen, Donna Flegal, Rosalie Gallagher, Rainbow McAtee, Dave and Kathy Morais, Cathy and Joe Noll, Photography Club of Cape May, Don and Vivianne Rogers. 2020 Cathy Baldacchini, John Baldan, Joe Byrne, Bill and Sue Currie, Tom Grayson, Bob & Carole Irwin, Brenda Leonard, Sue Lotozo, Bill McCray, Peggy Ose, Lily & Sophie Palmer, Ray Rebman. The Community Partners Award acknowledges the valuable services that businesses and organizations provide to Cape May MAC 2019 4-H Club Kitchen Phanatics - accepted by Lou McAtee Cape May Maritime Museum – accepted by Ed Melega Girl Scout Troop 44616 – accepted by Kathryn Brown Gold Coast Productions – accepted by Graydon Hutchinson Greater Cape May Historical Society –accepted by Harry Bellangy Kara Restaurant Group – accepted by Yianni Kanapanagiotis Kiwanis Club of Cape May – accepted by Charles Hendricks www.capemaymac.org
2020 Cape May United Methodist Church – accepted by Pastor HeyYoung Horton Harbor Square Theatre – accepted by Brett DeNafo The Inn of Cape May – In memory of Beth Eastman
The Cherry House: Beth & Frank Acker Henry Sawyer Inn: Barbara Morris The Inn of Cape May: In memory of Beth Eastman The Mainstay Inn: Peter & Esther Scalone The Mason Cottage: Kimberly Gilbert The Mission Inn: Wendy Collins & Laura Shaddock.
The Historic House Tour Awards acknowledge the valuable contributions of Innkeepers in our community
The Private Homes Tour Awards recognize the generous support from private homeowners. In 2019, the following opened their doors for two or more tours: The Blue Heron: Marty & Valerie Carlin Bradford Cottage: Ted Wiederseim The Bowne Family: Lenore Bowne and in memory of Marty Bowne Cavalier Cottage: Tom Cataldo & Ioanna Iliopulos The Cherry House: Beth & Frank Acker The Cottage Within & Seahorse Retreat & Cottage: Steve & Jean Krupinksi Franklin’s Key: Marla Bonner The Humphrey Hughes House: Terry & Lorraine Schmidt John F. Craig House: Lori & Steve Lazan
In 2019, the following opened their doors for three or more tours: Angel of the Sea: Theresa Stanton, and in memory of Ron Stanton Beauclaire’s Bed & Breakfast: Joe & Joanne Giovanetti The Bedford Inn: Paula Murray Casablanca, The Harrison, Pharos at the Harrison: Andrew Bares & Kelly Lavorgna Henry Sawyer Inn: Barbara Morris The Mainstay Inn: Peter & Esther Scalone The Mission Inn: Wendy Collins & Laura Shaddock The Queen Victoria: Doug & Anna Mar ie McMain In 2020, the following participated in tours: Angel of the Sea: Theresa Stanton, and in memory of Ron Stanton The Bedford Inn: Paula Murray Franklin at 721: Patricia Ternove The Abbey: Barbara Tillman Cape May MAC
In 2020, the following participated in tours: The Bellarmino Residence: Jill & Lee Bellarmino The Bowne Family: Lenore Bowne and in memory of Marty Bowne The DeWaters Residence: Mary DeWaters The Gaines-MacKenzie Residence: Hope Gaines and David MacKenzie
Fall/Holiday 2021 • Page 13
Summer/Early Fall (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) It wasn’t long before we were again in full festival mode preparing for the Harvest Brew Fest. As always, this was a celebration of all things local: breweries, food, and entertainment. It’s a fun way to celebrate the harvest season and raise funds for our on-going restoration projects at our historic sites. To take advantage of the tents erected for the festival on Sept. 18, we decided to celebrate our long-delayed 50th Anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 19. The 50th Anniversary Team chaired by Eliza Lotozo planned a party for members, staff and board and a few dignitaries to help with the proceedings. Cape May MAC President Tom Carroll addressed the crowd with remembrances of our past, Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine spoke about the present-day organization and Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock looked to the future. Volunteers from 2019 and 2020 finally received well-deserved recognition in front of their peers. We assembled a time capsule to be opened in 2070 at our 100th anniversary. Cape May MAC Curator Ben Ridings had the task of gathering the items. He was assisted by his three-year old daughter, Abigail. Of course, we included a Cape May MAC face mask among the artifacts and added a photo taken of all the participants present at the event. Continuing with the celebration of the local, on Sept. 25 we offered a Harvest Dinner with Vintage. Chef Nikos Goutzouris and his crew prepared a unique menu for this four-course dinner based the harvest’s bounty. And then we rolled in Victorian Weekend and Halloween programming. The Lessons of History Distinguished Lecture Series has been the highlight of Victorian Weekend for eight years. Our long-anticipated, two-years-in-theplanning event finally came to fruition. In the past, the team has identified highly respected, qualified speakers whose topics support an overarching “Lessons of History” theme. This program was quite different- a one-man performance called “Give “Em Hell, Harry!” It was a faithful and humorous portrayal of President Harry S. Truman’s life and presidency that spanned his childhood, political apprenticeship as a judge in Jackson County, MO, years in the U.S. Senate and momentous two terms as President. It was written by a “local;” playwright Samuel Gallu was born in Woodbine. What made it truly extraordinary was that Truman was portrayed by his grandson Clifton Truman Daniel. Mr. Daniel embodied his
grandfather and kept the audience riveted on the character. Team members whipped together an Oval Office set as a back-drop. It was gratifying to see Convention Hall filled with our largest audience ever. Following his performance, Mr. Daniel joined Dr. Myles Martel, chair of the Lessons of History team, for a Q and A from the stage. Mr. Daniel has made a study of presidential wit and wisdom and delighted his audience with his quick wit and humor and engaging style. It will be a hard act to follow but the team is hard at work planning for 2022. Like the proverbial curve ball, we found ourselves involved in yet another event during October. Out of the Darkness, Into the Light, a three-day conference about South Jersey’s and Philadelphia’s Negro League history, was presented as a partnership of the Greater Cape May Historical Society, Cape May MAC, Congress Hall, and the Mad Batter. It explored the history of Negro League Baseball, embracing the rich history of the regional Negro League ball clubs, and their impact on baseball heritage. Cape May figured in this narrative by way of the Cape May Giants. The event featured authors, artists and historians who presented fascinating accounts of lives and careers of black athletes who will made history that is now being honored. It seems like “BOO” is the operative word around the Physick Estate during October. Halloween actually begins early in the month when Scarecrow Alley appears. IT Manager Cathy Baldacchini again organized the event and festooned the grounds with a variety of creative, humorous and scary entries. Congratulations to our winners: PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD - “Terra” by The Cape May Garden Club; INDIVIDUAL/ FAMILY- Cirque Du Cape May by Melissa Granski; MUNCHKIN- Hotel Transylvania by Emma & Amelia Phillips; BUSINESS- Elvis by The Bedford Inn & Beach Concierge; NONPROFIT, CHURCHES, CLUBS, SCOUTSPrincess Cornhusk by Cape May MAC (Cathy Baldacchini & Anna Leeper). We find that ghosts are a popular topic all year long, but they are especially hot in October! Our favorite medium, Craig McManus, also visited us and led several Ghost Walks, which were sell-outs as was the Séance at the Physick Estate he conducted. We offered our Graveyard, Ghosts & Mansion Tour three consecutive Thursday nights and each event was sold out well in advance. We partnered with the folks
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Cape May MAC
of Without a Cue to present The Gloomy Apparition 2 several nights a week during October, and of course offered Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tours every night. In the midst of this busy month of programming, we also hosted the participants of the Cape May Halloween Parade when they assembled at the outdoor stage for the post-parade award ceremony. One of our trolleys filled with an assortment of Victorian specters rode in the line of march and another crew of volunteers provided refreshments at the Physick Estate. By the time the month was over, we helped several thousand people get their ghoul on! The inimitable detective Sherlock Holmes was back in the house for the mystery “Making the Grade” Halloween Weekend. Written, directed, and cast by Jackie Fazio, the three acts over three days play unfolded in Aleathea’s Restaurant. The attendance has been capped at 57 due to COVID precautions but that hasn’t really dampened the enthusiasm of the participants. Congratulations to Grand Prize winners Brian and Diane Collis. And last but not least, we hosted hundreds of pirates, princesses, witches and superheroes during Trick or Treat at the Physick Estate. Cape May MAC Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine along with IT Manager Cathy Baldacchini, Lighthouse Keeper Anne Brickley, and Delivery Driver Mikey Alimo did the honors dispensing the treats.
Education
Our Museum Education Division has seen a number of changes recently. Curator Ben Riding, who served briefly as interim coordinator, has now welcomed Elan Zingman-Leith to his staff as Museum Education Manager. Elan brings with him years of experience presenting engaging (and fun!) content for Cape May MAC on a variety of topics. He’s already hard at work creating a library of videos for our YouTube channel and handling inquiries from local schools and organizations. Mary Stewart has been presenting programs for the Blind Center of the Jersey Cape and is working on presentations for the Avalon History Center and Free Library. Our Lunch & Learn programming resumed in September and is scheduled through December. Check our website to register and for more information CLICK HERE. -- MES
www.capemaymac.org
