Cape May MAC Newsletter: Spring 2024

New tour, exhibit celebrate the joys of summer

The new Physick House Museum guided tour is called “Down the Shore: Summers in Cape May.” Visitors will take a guided tour of the Physick House Museum, Cape May’s Victorian House Museum, and learn how Victorians “beat the heat” with ocean bathing and ice cream. From dancing to fishing, golfing, and concerts, this tour explores various activities that entertained visitors and the Physick family in the Victorian era. Visitors will learn about architectural features

within the house designed to combat the summer heat, gaining a unique perspective on the ingenuity of the past. Admission to the tour is $20 adults, $15 children (ages 3-12) with 25 percent discount for members. The tour is offered daily at various times beginning April 12 (except April 24, May 20, June 4, Sept. 14, Nov. 20, 21, 28 and Dec. 25.) For information on the Physick House Museum tour and to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

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Cape May Cabaret comes to Convention Hall

Erich Cawalla and the Uptown Band comes to Cape May Convention Hall for a thrilling evening of music, dinner, drinks and dancing, after his resounding Cape May debut during the Cape May Music Festival last year. This nationally charted singer, saxophonist, recording artist and educator brings his Uptown Band this time around, featuring some of the top musicians in the northeast, for a perfect Cape May summer evening of stepping out in style, Saturday, June 23 at 6 p.m.

Calling this show a “celebration of American music through the decades,” Cawalla and his band will play standards earlier in the evening with songs from the ‘40s into

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Erich Cawalla

Talk on bias-free classrooms slated

Every individual shapes bias-free classrooms, says Janis Washington White. She shares her wisdom and experience in education and the corporate realms in her talk, “The Ripple Effect: How Every Individual Shapes Bias-Free Classrooms,” on Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m. at Cape May Stage, 405 Lafayette St.

Her talk is based on her groundbreaking book, “Erasing Bias From the Classroom: A Guide to Fostering Selfawareness, Open Dialogue and Advocacy.” Discover the transformative power we all possess as influencers in shaping the educational landscape for our youth. White will share her insights on the pivotal role each of us plays, transcending our connections to education. Be part of the

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Janis Washington White

Photo by Susan Krysiak Visitors will hear about Victorian life and pastimes in summer during this year’s Physick House Museum tour.

RECENT HAPPENINGS Winter Wrap-Up

While we entertain visitors all winter now, Presidents Weekend still marks our “opening” in that it’s the weekend we begin to gear up programming. As usual, the weekend found us in Convention Hall hosting our annual Crafts & Collectibles in Winter show. Director of Visitor Services and Special Events Janice Corkery did her usual fine job putting together an array of regional vendors. Over the two days, we welcomed 1,200 people happy to practice some retail therapy. It was a weekend we also welcomed folks looking for a tasty treat, hosting our first Cape May Wine Trail of the new year. Our guests first enjoyed lunch at the Bellevue Tavern, followed by tastings at Jessie Creek Winery and Natali Vineyards Ghosts were popular too (as they always seem to be). Craig McManus entertained a full house for his Channeling Dinner at the Inn of Cape May. And our Ghosts of Cape May Trolleys took to the road for the weekend. The Cape May Lighthouse, which has been open weekly since early January, has already welcomed more than 1,500 visitors.

Just a month later, we took advantage of St. Patrick’s Day falling during the weekend and offered a Brunch & Bingo at the Inn of Cape May. This event has its fans, probably in no short measure due to volunteer Sue Currie’s warm hospitality and skill as the bingo caller. We also debuted the Cape May Beer Trail this weekend. The group gathered at the Physick Estate to board the trolley and then it was off to a day of adventure. First stop was the Cape Square Kitchen and Craft in Rio Grande for a delicious lunch, followed

by flight tastings at Cape May Brewery, Behr Brewery and Gusto Brewery. March is also the month the World War II Lookout Tower comes out of its winter hiatus.

While we were entertaining visitors here in Cape May, Tour Director Nanci Coughlin and Group Tour Manager Sue Gibson were on the road promoting our group tour offerings. They spent a snowy week in Nashville at the American Bus Association annual marketplace, meeting one on one with rep-

resentatives from tour companies nationwide. Just to show how important this marketing is to us, on March 22, we hosted the Coastal Defense Study Group, a group from Ft. Miles at the World War II Tower. Observer Mark Allen served as our presenter. We were also represented at the Philadelphia Flower Show through a partnership with the Southern Shore Regional Destination Marketing Organization. Our tour and activity booklet, which our ad rep Joe McLaughlin works so hard to pull together, is always a hit with Flower Show audiences, who yearn for Cape May’s beaches when the March winds blow.

A group of our staff recently stepped up to provide a free lunch for the First Baptist Church of Wildwood. Every Thursday from October through the end of April in Fellowship Hall of the Church, volunteers from throughout the county provide people of the Wildwoods and Cape May County with a hot meal. We’re just one of several community organizations that volunteer.

Our annual on-line auction ran during the month of February, a benefit for the capital projects currently underway. Organized by Chief Outreach Officer Eliza Lotozo and Director of Operations and Special Projects Sara Kornacki, the auction had the

Photo by Susan Krysiak Shown here, Chief Outreach Officer Eliza Lotozo, Assistant to the CEO Anna Leeper and IT Manager Cathy Baldacchini prep plates for serving at First Baptist Church of Wildwood Feb. 29 as volunteers for their hot lunch program.

Brunch & Bingo at the Inn of Cape May

April 6, May 11 at 9am: The Inn of Cape May is ready to host you for 10 rounds of bingo over a delicious breakfast. Laugh along with your 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 breakfast at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., Cape May. Mark your calendar now: April 6 and May 11 at 9am. Admission is $30 for adults. Advance purchase required. Capacity is limited. VISIT HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Vintage B.Y.O.B.

Vintage B.Y.O.B. offers brunch and dinner beginning Friday, April 12 and features exciting menu items. Outdoor dining under the tent is a hallmark of Vintage. Dine on the patio of the Carriage House at the historic 1879 Emlen Physick Estate. The Carriage House Museum Shop is a licensed retail outlet for Cape May Winery wines, available with brunch or dinner. Stop in the shop when you arrive or bring your own. Vintage is dog-friendly, has plenty of outdoor seating and take-out is available. Parking is free. Dinner is offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning April 12, 5pm–8:30pm (last seating). Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays beginning April 13, 10am-3pm. Vintage is open daily (except Mondays) beginning June 1. For hours and reservations, CLICK HERE or call (609) 224-6064. For takeout, call (609) 224-6064. VISIT HERE for more information, hours and menu.

Crafts & Collectibles Shows in 2024

• April Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, April 27 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

• Spring Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, May 4 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

• Mother’s Day Weekend Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, May 11 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

• Summer Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, June 15 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

• Family Fun Crafts Show at the Lighthouse: Wednesdays, July 3 through July 31 and Aug. 14 through Aug. 28 at the Cape May Lighthouse 9-2.

• Christmas in July Crafts & Collectibles Show: Thursday, July 25 at the Cape May Lighthouse, 9-2.

• National Lighthouse Day: Wednesday, Aug. 7 at the Cape May Lighthouse 9-2.

• Harvest Brew Festival: Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-5.

• Crafts & Collectibles by the Sea: Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

• Victorian Weekend Crafts & Collectibles: Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

• Halloween Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-3.

• Fall Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, Nov. 2 at Cape May Convention Hall 10-4. $2

• Holiday Crafts & Collectibles: Friday & Saturday, Nov. 29 & 30 at Cape May Convention Hall 10-4. $2 VISIT HERE for more information.

Murder Mystery Dinner: Bumped Off & Bottoms Up

Wednesdays, May 22, June 5, 12 and 19, Sept. 25, and Oct. 2, and Mondays, Sept. 23 and 30. Offered at 7pm. Enjoy a three-course dinner and watch as the mystery and drama unfold around you during “Bumped Off & Bottoms Up.” Prohibition has arrived, and that means locals and visitors alike gather at Walter O’Leary’s infamous club for refreshments and entertainment. When an evening of fun takes a terrible turn, can you help bring the murder to justice? Limited event. Advance purchase is required. The Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St. VISIT HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

LUNCH & LEARNS

Cape May Lutheran Church Hall, 509 Pittsburgh Ave., Cape May: Bring a bag lunch and learn during these informative talks on popular topics of history, culture, science and the arts. Lunch & Learn programs are offered both LIVE at the Cape May Lutheran Church Hall, 509 Pittsburgh Ave. and by ZOOM. You may bring your lunch and beverage, but no food or drink is provided. The hall is accessible and free parking is available. No registration is needed if you plan to attend in person. VISIT HERE for more information] See upcoming programs, below:

“WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM”

Wednesday, April 17: 12pm: Delve into the delightful journey of frozen indulgence with a captivating presentation from Ben Ridings on the history of ice cream. Uncover the sweet evolution of this frozen treat, from ancient flavors to innovations, in an exploration of its cultural and culinary significance. REGISTER NOW.

“THE MUSIC OF MENDELSSOHN”

Wednesday, May 1: 12pm: Embark on a musical journey through the life and works of the Romantic-era prodigy Felix Mendelssohn with Dr. Brenda Leonard. We’ll consider all he accomplished in his short life and preview some of his works that will be appearing at the Cape May Music Festival in the next few weeks. REGISTER NOW.

“SHIPWRECKS OF CAPE MAY: TRUE STORIES OF DEATH AND SURVIVAL”

Wednesday, May 15: 12pm: Rusty Cassway, Captain of the Cape May-based Explorer, will discuss the history of several historical shipwrecks located near Cape May. His tales will chronicle the explorers who visit these wrecks and those who faced death and survival as shipwrecked souls. REGISTER NOW.

FREE ADMISSIONS FOR MOMS ON MOTHER’S DAY AND DADS ON FATHER’S DAY

Cape May Lighthouse

World War II Lookout Tower

Sunday, May 12 • Sunday, June 16: Moms and dads are admitted free on their respective holidays, Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12, and Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16, to two Cape May MAC experiences: the CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE, and the WORLD WAR II LOOKOUT TOWER. Thanks mom and dad!

Coming

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Armed Forces Day

Saturday, May 18, 11am-3pm: Every year on Armed Forces Day, Cape May MAC honors veterans and military men and women. Enjoy free admission on Armed Forces Day when you visit the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) on Sunset Boulevard. Veterans will be on hand at the tower where you can learn about how Fort Miles helped protect the coastline from attack during World War II. VISIT HERE for more information.

New in 2024!

Cape May Beer Trail

June 16 at 10:45 am: Cape May County is home to an increasing number of breweries that produce a variety of flavorful beers and brews. Hop on the Cape May MAC trolley and join the merriment for visits to Cape May Brewing Co., Behr Brewing, and Gusto Brewing Co., tasting flights of local beers. A delicious lunch is included at the newly opened Cape Square Kitchen & Craft. This tour is for adults ages 21 and over. VISIT HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Cape May Wine Trail

April 27, May 11 at 10:45 am: Cape May County wineries are producing a variety of outstanding wines and this tour will help you experience them. Board the trolley at the Emlen Physick Estate and travel to the Bellevue Tavern in Cape May Court House for a delicious lunch. The trolley will then travel to Jessie Creek Winery for a tasting and souvenir glass, and to Natali Vineyards for an educational tasting tour. This event is for adults ages 21 and over. VISIT HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Writing Workshops

with Cape May Poet Laureate Sylvia Baer

July 8, 15, 22 at 3pm: Cape May’s Poet Laureate Sylvia Baer hosts three two-hour writing workshops at Vintage Restaurant on the grounds of the Physick Estate this July that explore various writing styles: Poetry, Fiction and Memoir. These workshops are for anyone interested in writing at any level of knowledge and experience. Participants will learn about the essentials of each style with time for writing during each workshop. Sharing work is a personal choice and will not be required. After each session there will be time for discussion with light refreshments included. Dr. Sylvia Baer has been a professor of literature for 51 years and is also the Poet-Laureate of Cape May, a playwright, a memoirist, a writer of scholarly works, a translator of Spanish poetry (into English), and a Fellow at Yale University. She has curated haiku and photography exhibitions at Rowan University and Yale University, been founding editor of international academic journals, and presented at conferences and workshops throughout the country. In Cape May she is the creator of The Poet-Tree where she hangs about 60 poems written by a whole panoply of writers, and with signage encourages passers-by to pick any poem that appeals to them and to take it with them. So many folks enjoy this that each day the tree is replenished once or twice. Her latest book, Learning Life, a Memoir, was published in August 2022 by Nostos Press. She has deep connections to Cape May MAC, spanning five decades, and can proudly say that her father was the first president of Cape May MAC in 1971. VISIT HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

-- SK

CAPE MAY’S MARITIME COMBO TOUR

Saturdays in May: 9:45am, Thursdays in June: 9:30am, Wednesdays in July and August: 12:30pm, Fridays in July in August: 9:30am, Various dates and times in September, October: Whaling, wartime and wild weather. The remarkable maritime history of our seaside town has long defined the Cape May story. Board the trolley and rediscover the important places and natural phenomena that have shaped, literally and figuratively, the Cape May we know today. The trolley then stops at Fisherman’s Wharf for an up-close walking tour about Cape May’s commercial fishing industry on the docks at The Lobster House. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street Trolley Stop. Tour is not accessible. VISIT HERE for schedule, information and to purchase tickets.

STORIES OF CAPE ISLAND TROLLEY TOUR

Wednesdays in May: 10:30am, Wednesdays and Fridays in June: 2pm, Wednesdays in July and August: 3pm, Fridays in July and August: 10am, Various dates and times in September and October: Many stories of Cape Island and the surrounding area’s economy are in whaling and farming and while new industries have evolved since then, that heritage is celebrated today. Hear how whalers centuries ago eked out a dangerous but lucrative living near Town Bank and how the area’s rich farming heritage continues to be a source of tremendous community pride. Learn about the Union Bethel community in 1831 in which Black residents thrived and the diverse community that continues to contribute to the vibrancy of island life today. Begins and ends at Ocean Street Trolley Stop. VISIT HERE for schedule, information and to purchase tickets.

COMMUNITY DAY

Sunday, June 23: For 32 years, Cape May MAC Community Day has encouraged Cape May County residents to be tourists for a day by offering free admission to Cape May historic landmarks and select tours. Cape May County residents are admitted free to the Cape May Lighthouse (10am-5pm) and the World War II Lookout Tower (11am-3pm), and can take a free Emlen Physick Estate Tour (12:30pm, 1:45pm or 3pm) and a free Historic District Trolley Tour (11:45am, 1pm or 2:15pm). This is your chance to take a hometown tour again, or for the very first time. Photo ID is required for county residents. VISIT HERE for information.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Continuing Our Outreach Programs

Cape May MAC, long known as the MidAtlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities, has a long record of sharing the lessons and benefits of historic preservation that we have learned over the years. Cape May MAC’s early efforts helped lead to Cape May’s National Historic Landmark Status in 1976. Besides what we have accomplished within our organization, many of our members have served other community preservation organizations like Cold Spring Village and Naval Air Station Wildwood, as well as state-appointed positions such as the New Jersey Historic Trust, The Historical Commission and The Cultural Trust.

These efforts have made Cape May an educational center for preservationists, who have observed the benefits of communitywide efforts. Two of our local organizations were recently presented with awards from the NJ Historical Commission for their significant contributions to New Jersey State History. Of all the preservation groups in New Jersey, The Center for Community Arts and our city’s Historic Preservation Commission were both singled out for the top honors. In the NJ Historic Commission’s own words these winners “engaged diverse audiences and practitioners in the active exploration,

interpretation, understanding, and preservation of New Jersey history.” What an honor for this little town at the bottom end of the state!

Over the years, many groups and individuals have come to Cape May to learn about building, decorating, and living in a Victorian home by visiting the Physick Estate and by taking Cape May MAC’s walk-

the

the Physick Estate, in the Carriage House and in Hill House, and at the

Lighthouse in the Oil House Museum Shop.

ing, trolley, and private house tours. Others learned about running a B&B by attending Cape May MAC’s Inn Deep Workshops or lectures on painting Victorian houses, and even creating appropriate gardens simply by exploring the Historic District on their own.

A trolley full of visitors from Delaware came on March 22 to visit our World War II Lookout Tower and learned its wartime purpose from Retired Lieutenant Colonel Mark Allen, one of our most knowledgeable guides and storytellers. The visitors were volunteers from the Fort Miles Historic Association and the Bunker Busters Volunteers. Fort Miles, Delaware during World War II was staffed by 2,200 army and navy personnel with 12- and 16-inch guns that could hit a target 25 miles at sea with 2,700-pound shells. That’s probably why no enemy tried to attack unless they were in a submarine. The four towers in Cape May County were part of the triangulation plotting used to track and position an enemy target. One is now in the middle of the Grand Hotel. The towers in North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest have been demolished.

Our most colorful visitors this June (9-13) will be the Wheelmen, returning to Cape May for another National Antique Bicycle Meet, which some of you will remember from 1973. These yearly meets are held in preserved 19th century environments, most recently in Dearborn and Mackinac Island, MI. Cape May is the most appropriate background for their gathering. The headquarters for the Wheelmen’s National Meet will be the Cape May Point Science Center and they are planning bike rides on antique bicycles that will wander through roadways and city streets south of the Cape May Canal. There will be approximately 125 cyclists and family members riding and displaying bicycles dating from approximately 1860 to pre-1932, particularly Penny Farthings from the first golden age of cycling, the 1880s1890s. The event is being sponsored by Cape May MAC and we want to make it a successful, safe, and traffic-friendly event. Riders will be here from across the US, including members from England and Europe, as well.

I feel sure Cape May MAC friends and members share my pride in the popularity of our community that we have worked so hard to save and carefully improve.

Cape May MAC

Tom Carroll, President Cape May MAC Board

Photo by Susan Krysiak Cape May MAC received a donation of three AED (automated external defibrillator) machines from AtlantiCare through their Heart Heroes AED Matching Funds Program. Through the AED Heart Heroes partnership, AtlantiCare has placed more than 300 AEDs at recreation centers, schools, places of worship, fire and police departments, municipal buildings, and other wellpopulated places throughout Southern New Jersey. Cape May MAC has installed the machines on

grounds of

Cape May

Shown here, from left, Cape May MAC staff: Interim Director of Retail Operations Lindsay Casale, Director & CEO Jody Alessandrine, Chief Outreach Officer Eliza Lotozo, Digital Marketing Manager Steven Olszewski and Director of Operations and Special Projects Sara Kornacki.

Retired professor is staunch supporter of Cape May Music Festival

Sharon Kewish loves music and that love started at an early age. She and her sister were the star musical performers in the tiny town where they grew up, from the time they were young, into their teens.

“All of my youth was music-oriented,” she said. “I come from a small hometown in Illinois, and they couldn’t afford to bring in famous musicians. So, my sister and I became the music entertainment in our small town. We sang duets, we played piano duets, we played saxophone duets, all throughout the town. Church groups, Rotaries, Lions Clubs, women’s groups, it was all my sister and me.”

But when it came time to choose what to study at college, she came to the realization that her second passion, reading, was the natural fit for a lifetime career choice. In 2018, Kewish retired from Cumberland County College as Professor Emeritus, after a 48-year career teaching English literature to college students in Vineland. Cumberland County College became the Cumberland Campus of Rowan College of South Jersey on July 1, 2019.

“Music is still there — as much as I can keep in my life. Music has just been a background for me. Literature – I love teaching that.”

She said back then she wasn’t exactly sure what she was going to do with her degrees.

“I was thinking of becoming an editor and going into publishing and being in a large city like Chicago and gradually getting to the East Coast,” she said. “I knew I was going to be on the East Coast. American literature begins in New England, so I knew I would be moving to the East, but I didn’t think I’d be in New Jersey. I thought I’d be in Massachusetts or farther up the coast.”

“I was young, single, and I thought, ‘Well, I may stay four or five years and then I may just move on.’ I ended up teaching at Cumberland for 48 years — almost half a century at the college! I have to laugh. When I was young, I never would have expected to go into teaching. My sister wanted to be an elementary school teacher, she knew that from an early age, everything was geared to becoming an elementary school teacher. But me, no. I got my bachelor’s and my master’s and I just kept on going and I thought, ‘You know? Maybe teaching is where I ought to be’.”

A colleague at Cumberland figured out

that she had taught more than 12,000 college students.

“It gave me so much joy having students all of a sudden get an idea from a theme from what they were reading. It (literature) opened up so much of their thought processes. So much of their lives they could relate to the literature.”

Retirement is an adjustment, but it is getting easier, she said. One of her ongoing passions for 35 years has been coming to Cape May, her favorite place on the Jersey Shore, and specifically, coming to Cape May for the Cape May Music Festival concerts. Classical music is her favorite, especially chamber concerts, with jazz a close second. She has been a longtime supporter and generous financial donor to the festival.

“Out of the 35 years (since the music

festival started), I could probably count on one hand how many years I didn’t get down at all. I always came down for at least one or two (concerts). More recently, in the last 10-12 years, I’ve been coming down to as many as I can. I’ll stay over and group three or four concerts together. I just love being in Cape May. I don’t want the drive home at 11 o’clock at night any longer, so it gives me a good excuse to stay overnight. And now that I’m not teaching, I don’t have to get up early so I’m happy to do that!”

“The entire Cape May Music Festival gives me an opportunity to continue my love of music. The music that I hear is as good as I’ve heard in New York, as good as anything I’ve heard in Philadelphia. I don’t know what I would do without it.”

Sharon Kewish

Welcome new members

Family: Lina Belkewitch & Angelica Russo

Kaulfers of Rahway, NJ; Kim & Fern Gibbons of Cape May, NJ; Lauren & Aaron Kingsbury of Cape May, NJ; Kathy & Peter Novak of Cape May, NJ; Carol Socha & Erin Van Vooren of Edison, NJ.

Joint: Leigh Davis & Santo Natoli of Cape May Court House, NJ; Erin Dwyer & Bryan Bateman of Alexandria, VA; Kristin Jacobs & David Narkiewicz of Elizabethtown, PA; Linda & Walter Jones of West Deptford, NJ; Brian King of Marlton, NJ; Patty & Joe

Cabaret

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the ‘50s and continue to the ‘60s with the songs of Frankie Valli and Motown hits, to the ‘70s with disco hits and to today’s music. The evening will include a delicious threecourse dinner by KARA Catering. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

In 2006, Cawalla started The Uptown Band, becoming extremely popular as a featured act headlining hundreds of shows and numerous charitable functions in the Northeast. After achieving success as a cover group, The Uptown Band began recording original music in 2008. The group’s recordings have received critical acclaim throughout the world with the release of two full-length albums, including Waiting for Her in 2008 and Heart, Soul, Body, & Mind in 2014. The Uptown Band includes a nine-piece group of some of the Northeast’s top musicians, including a three-piece horn section, four-piece rhythm section and two powerhouse female vocalists.

His unique talents merge “Old Vegas with Contemporary R&B” in tribute to some of his biggest idols, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Smokey Robinson, David Sanborn, Chet Baker, Frankie Valli, Kenny Rankin, and Junior Walker, to name a few.

Erich Cawalla is a BMI-affiliated songwriter and a Grammy Voting Member of the National Recording Academy. In 2022, he released his debut full-length solo recording, “Erich Cawalla - The Great American Songbook,” performing original arrangements of classic standards in a traditional big band format. The album held at #1 for 3 weeks on the RMR Top Crossover Jazz Album Chart and peaked at #14 on the RMR Top Jazz

Kolodey of West Cape May, NJ; Eve & Brian Kramp of West Chester, PA; Carolyn & Dante Liberti of Clifton, NJ; Melody & Brian Olsen of Clark, NJ; Antoinette & Joe Pedano of Franklinville, NJ; Joan & John Yetzer of Bernville, PA; Christine & Steve Zeuli of Marlton, NJ.

Condolences to:

Cape May MAC Interpreter Kathleen Familetti, on the death of her husband Col. Robert Familetti; the family and friends of former Lighthouse Keeper Ed Hoffner; the family and friends of Brandi Rattigan; the family and friends of Cape May MAC volunteer Patti Sands; the family and friends of Bob Sheehan

Individual: Lorey Bird of Ocean City, NJ; Lynnie Braun of Cape May, NJ; Lori Dribbon of Villas, NJ; Elizabeth Dupree of Chevy Chase, MD; Adele Ferreira of South Amboy, NJ; Lisa Fritz of York, PA; Vali Heist of Mohnton, PA; Elizabeth Reed of Burlington, NJ; Dorothy Rogers of Cape May, NJ; Louise Wilson of Wildwood Crest, NJ.

Album Chart. It was also the #1 Added Jazz Album in the country on the NACC Chart for its week of release. The song “One For My Baby” was the #1 Crossover Jazz Song in the country for five weeks. Special guests on the album include legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker, violin virtuoso Karen Briggs, percussionist Doc Gibbs, and other industry heavyweights. He has dedicated the album to his arranger Dave DePalma who passed away unexpectedly during the album’s completion. This motivated him to create an all-new show featuring Dave’s arrangements entitled, “Erich Cawalla Presents The Music of Sinatra, Bennett, Darin, & More,” which he performs at theatres and festivals throughout the country.

For more information on Cawalla, CLICK HERE or to listen to his music, CLICK HERE.

-- SK

Sunday, June 23: 6 p.m.

Cape May Cabaret with Erich Cawalla & the Uptown Band

Cape May Convention Hall

714 Beach Ave., Cape May, N.J

Don’t miss this exciting evening of outstanding big band music capped off with dinner and dancing! Erich Cawalla returns with his big band after a resounding Cape May debut in 2023. Tickets are $100 and include dinner and music. Advance purchase required. Tickets are limited, so get yours now before they go!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

“Erich Cawalla shows that he is a topnotch singer quite capable of creating memorable music in several different genres.”

-- Scott Yanow, The LA Music Scene, Los Angeles, CA

“Erich has all the tools to be successful in the music businesstalent, personality, dedication, and organization. To a presenter, that is a winning combination. Erich always delivers a solid performance for the audience.”

-- John Ernesto, Berks Jazz Fest, Reading, Pa.

“Whether jazzy or slow grooves, he’s in his métier and makes this the fun kind of romp this kind of music should be.”

-- Chris Spector, Midwest Record, Lake Zurich, Il

Courtesy of Erich Cawalla Plan now for the Cape May Cabaret! Take a LISTEN HERE to Erich Cawalla and The Uptown Band playing favorites from decades of great music.

ANNUAL APPEAL DONATIONS

• $250-$499 Donors: Sandy & Mary Stewart.

• $100-$249 Donors: Lawrence & Margaret Dunbar.

• Under $100 Donors: Scott & Nancy Holland, Elizabeth Phelan, Terry Prior, Kevin & Kathe Stepanuk.

CAPE MAY MAC PRESERVATION FUND

• Under $100 Donors: James & Joal Britton, Karen & Donna Smith, James & RuthAnne Stewart.

CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL DONORS

• Solo Sponsor ($4,000-$9,999): Cape May Star & Wave (David Nahan).

• Duo Sponsor ($2,000-$3,999): Sharon Kewish.

• Trio Sponsor ($1,000-$1,999): Tom & Sue Carroll, Roger Henry, Jim & Maryellen Ozalas, John & Janice Rose.

• Quartet Sponsor ($500 - $999): Lee & Jill Bellarmino, Bennett Werner & Michelle Uhle, Warren & Janet Coupland, Stan & Peggy Gora, Myles & Leslie Martel (in honor of Barry Myles), Peter & Kathy Manzetti, Sheller P.C. Law Offices (Steven & Sandy Sheller), WCFA.

• Conductor’s Circle ($100-$499): Gerard & Phyllis Brew, Thomas & Erin Curtis, Ron Frech, Steven & Lynne Glasser, Robert & Rosemary Gorgone, Robert & Carole Irwin, Eileen Kirk (in Memory of Barbara Rittenhouse), Walt & Yvonne Kuemmerle, Steven & Lori Lazan, Ronald Rosalind Levy, Mary Ann Mosso, Howard & Barbara Neilson, Thomas & Janet O’Reilly, William Paladini & Pamela Nardone, Alyce Parker, Margot Putukian, Lisa Rebert, Steven Sammartino, Victorian Motel (Sherry Kejzman, Bud & Jill Waisbren, Don White.

• Musician’s Circle (Under $100): Lori Dribbon, Mike & Margie Heitman.

CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL: GEORGE’S ANGELS

• Conductor’s Circle ($100-$499): Eileen Kirk, Gayle Stahlhuth (In memory of Lee O’Connor).

• Musician’s Circle (Under $100): Lynnie

Braun, Gerard & Phyllis Brew, Kim Gibbons, Margaret Lonzetta.

MAJOR DONATIONS

• Stan & Peggy Gora, for a $1,000 donation given in support of the project to restore and repair window treatments of the Physick House.

• JP Morgan Charitable Foundation, for a $2,500 matching gift generated by Jacob & Amanda Pashelinsky.

• Melissa Motz, for a $500 donation to Operations.

• Princeton Strategic Communications, for a $3,000 donation to Operations.

DONATIONS

• Sarah Adams, for a $100 donation to Operations in memory of Patrice Sands.

• Stephen Brodsky, for a $30 donation to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Patrice Gail Sands.

• Linda Dennery, for a $100 donation to the Cape May Music Festival in memory of Patrice Sands

• Ron Frech, for a $25 donation to Operations.

• Ronni Fox Glaser, for a $36 to donation to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Patrice Sands.

• Susan Henick, for a $36 to donation to Operations in memory of Patti Sands.

• Donna Kopelman, for a $50 donation to

Operations in memory of Patrice Smukler Sands.

• Gregory Lessig, for a $50 donation to the Emlen Physick Estate.

• Henry & Carol Mauermeyer, for a monthly gift of $25 to the Preservation Fund.

• Susan Sherwin, for a $250 donation to Operations in memory of Patrice Gail Sands

• John White, for a $50 donation to Operations in memory of Patrice Gail Sands (Smukler).

2024 Online Auction Donors: 410 Bank Street (Craig Garrabrant), Art Pottery Studio (Susan Fox Hirschman), The Bedford Inn (Paula Murray), Joan Berkey, Cathy Baldacchini, Molly Bernstein, Tom Carroll, Phil Courtney, Cape May Island Tours (Bob Connolley), Cape May Brewery (Casey McBride), Cape May Day Spa (Jennifer Hay), Cape May Lewes Ferry (Mike Porch), Cape May Magazine (Bernie Haas), Cape May Nature Center (Gretchen Whitman), Cape May Stage (Wendy Collins), Cape May Whale Watcher (Brigid Reichle), Coldwell Banker (Chris Bezaire), Joe Evangelista, Flying Fish Studio (Susan Lotozo), Harbor Square Theatres (Jenn Hasson), Icona Resorts (Christopher DiCerbo), Inn of Cape May (Jill Heim), Jessie Creek Winery (Bruce Morrison & Lori Loewen), Patricia Jo Kiraly, Brenda Leonard, La Mer (Danyelle Adesso), Louisa’s Chocolate Bar (Will Riccio), Carol Mohr, Barbara Morris, Roger & Judy Mazzolani, Montreal

Photos by Susan Krysiak

Cape May MAC held its first Cape May Beer Trail on March 16 and an enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the afternoon immensely with visits to Cape May Brewing Co., Behr Brewing, and Gusto Brewing Co., for tasting flights of local beers. Lunch was included at Cape Square Kitchen & Craft. Upcoming Beer Trails are June 16 and Oct. 12. CLICK HERE for more information.

‘THANK YOU’ NEWS

Beach Resort (Brian Jones), Morey’s Piers (Karen Morey), Naval Air Station Wildwood (Bruce Fournier), New Jersey Symphony (Gabriel van Aalst & Hannah Aberin), NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory (Shannon DeAngelis), Orange Moose Golf Cart (David Cassidy), Pedego (David Cassidy), Perigee Moon (Kirsten Ewing), Philadelphia Museum of Art (Kalleen McLaughlin), Amy Read, Chanelle Renee, Mary Stewart, Frank Scott, Shell Cottages (Susan Burgos), Sunset Beach Gift Shops & Mini Golf (Larry & Michele Hume), The Wetlands Institute (Rae Griffiths), Tuckerton Seaport, Whale Tale Brewing, Whale’s Tale (Hilary Pritchard), Wheaton Arts (Kellie Haines).

Ticket Buyers who added a donation when purchasing tickets: Mark Anderson, Jessica Baker, Rebecca Barner, Amanda Bell, Nancy Benz, Catherine Bowie-Hightower, June Carp, Vincent Ciecka, Bari lu Cooper, Diane Crisalli, Margie Dieter, Sharon Downey, Thomas Dupree, Jane Foran, Mia Frederick, Lisa Galonardo, Hannah Genereux, Uday Gulvadi, Bob Jacobi, Walter Jones, Cassandra Kacso, Michele Mano, Ron & Melanie Marcols, Carol Mccauslin, Robert Mcgeehan, Tony & Joyce Monico, Lauren Morgan, Marlaina Mutchko, Christine Nuss, Sharon Olsen, Kathleen Patterson, James Piorkowski, Samantha Platzer, Catherine Plunkett,

Michael Temperino, Martha Torpey, Karen Wells, Betsy Werthmann, Elaine Whitaker, Lydia Zelle.

ASSISTANCE

• Harry Bellangy, for presenting a Lunch & Learn about magnesite during World War II and the Cape May plant that produced it.

• Jill Bellarmino, for updating and organizing artifact folders and inventory.

• Ted Bryan, for presenting a Lunch & Learn about how people in the Victorian Era entertained themselves in respectable, responsible ways.

• Janet Coupland, for her help with the Cape May MAC archiving project.

• Janet & Warren Coupland, for hanging new curtains in the third floor windows of the Physick House.

• Pastor Jeff Elliott and the Cape May Lutheran Church, for use of the church hall for Lunch & Learn programs and the Staff Kickoff Dinner.

• Camille Llewellyn, for administrative assistance with research and data entry.

• Kathy Morais, for help with brochure and poster distribution.

• Mary Stewart, for presenting a Lunch & Learn celebrating Irishness.

• Dr. Donna Szemcsak, for presenting a Lunch & Learn on the mysterious and irrational number, π (Pi) and for laundering the curtain of the Physick Estate.

VOLUNTEERS

Advisory Team Volunteers: Joyce Barth, Rosalie Gallagher, Peggy Gora. Carol Hartman, Loretta Hughes, John Klos, Barbara Lamont, Brian McGrath.

Campaign Mailing Volunteers: Ellen DeRose, Kelly Gray, Mary Beth Hager, Richard Mayer, Tricia Nolfi, Jane Randle, Stephen Ward.

Crafts & Collectibles in Winter Volunteers: Sharon Agin, Mary Burke, George Macaluso, Kathy Morais.

Benefit House Tour Team Volunteer: Jill Bremer.

Brunch & Bingo at Bella Vida Volunteer: Sue Currie.

Grounds Crew Volunteer: Carol Lindsay.

Investment Team Volunteers: Lee Bellarmino, Tom Carroll, Jake Cuomo, Mary McKenney, Martin Zektzer .

Membership Mailing Volunteers: Kathy Genzoli, Ruth Anne Stewart.

Thursday Hot Lunch Program Volunteers: Cathy Baldacchini, Carla Colson, Sharon Falkowski, Barbara Freda, Susan Krysiak, Anna Leeper, Eliza Lotozo, Lisa Xavier.

Trolley Maintenance Volunteers: Mark Nathan, Donna Szemcsak.

Volunteer Team Volunteer: Tina Angstadt.

Photo by Susan Krysiak New trolley driver Eric Christensen is also an accomplished artist. He’s shown here in the midst of painting the names “Ron” and “Betty” on the two newest Cape May MAC trolleys, in memoriam of trolley drivers Ron Frech and Betty Wieslawski. For more about how Cape May MAC names its trolleys, CLICK HERE to read our blog post.

Cape May MAC Potluck Dinner

Cape May MAC’s annual potluck dinner kicking off the year was held on Thursday, March 21 at Cape May Lutheran Church.

Staff were given pins for reaching milestones at Cape May MAC and are shown here with Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine.

(Not shown, to receive their 10year pins are: Paul Smargiassi, Jr., Ben Ridings, Marie Haffner.)

Cape May MAC

Photos by susan KrysiaK

Jackie Matkowski received her 15-year pin. (Not shown: Randi Flamm, Harry Schmidt, Judy Mohler).

Carol Hartman received her 25-year pin.

Al Bennett, left, and Nanci Coughlin, right, received their 20-year pins.

Receiving their 5-year pins were, from left: David Mackenzie, Hope Gaines, (Jody Alessandrine), Ian Campbell and James Fraatz, Sr. (Not shown: Ann Disare, Jennifer Hickok, Ron Holman).

Explore gardens of Cape May on tour June 15

Venture onto Cape Island and its various neighborhoods for this year’s Gardens of Cape May tour Saturday, June 15, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring five beautiful properties. This is your invitation to explore the Cape May region’s landscaped areas and the private plants, blooms and landscape designs of avid area gardeners.

Explore at your own pace and see both private and public gardens as you take home ideas for your own garden on this self-guided tour. Smell and see what’s blooming and flourishing in several different seashore locations dominated by sunlight, ocean breezes, and sand and salt, each uniquely situated.

Cape May’s Emlen Physick Estate gardens are included. The grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., will also host local and regional vendors, including the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, plus a complimentary wine tasting by Cape May Winery. A trolley shuttle is available noon-4 p.m. and will travel a route between properties. Properties on the tour include:

The Clemans Residence

609 Seagrove Ave., Cape May Point

Begin at the Clemans’ sweeping grounds by entering through the spacious, light-filled gallery, featuring the private collection of Dave Clemans’ own oil paintings, many of which were inspired by the gardens and grounds. As you exit the gallery, pass a trellis of antique roses, as you wander down the brick pathway toward the pond which features blooming waterlilies and a dramatic Hakuro Nishiki willow overlooking the water. Delight in the perfume of more roses along the terrace as you make your way toward the Japanese-styled garden toward the end of the property. Before you exit, be sure to peek into the sweet Starlight Cottage playhouse, created for the Clemans’ own grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Brick paths meander among hostas,

liriope, skimmia, nandina and boxwood. A cryptomeria, or Japanese Temple tree, stands at the front corner of the property, as do three specimen “Harry Lauder’s Walking Sticks,” with their gnarled, twisted branches.

In the side yard, a fishpond and splashing fountain are focal points, along with a seating area and sundial. Vines grow over windows and pergolas in true “picturesque” fashion. A box garden at the rear contains herbs, daisies and rudbeckia.

The Todaro-Franceschi Residence

514 Elmira St., Cape May

A kaleidoscope of blooming color from spring until frost, the front and rear cottage gardens were created in 2005 to support wildlife. Comprised of various host plants and nectar sources—both annuals and perennials—visiting bees, butterflies, and hummers are many, as are numerous other beneficial insects, and birds, of course! In 2020 we added a small pond, which is visited by toads, birds, rabbits and even the occasional possum. A rain garden was created in 2021, with several native plants to support the environment. The gardens are pesticide-free, wildlife certified and are also listed in the national Monarch way-station registry.

The Viguers Residence

501 Broad St., Cape May

This garden located at the corner of Bank and Broad streets keeps within the historical tradition of Cape May. The original owner

of the home, Mr. F. Boerner, was gardener, landscape designer and caretaker for the Physick Estate located just blocks away. The success of this garden can be attributed to the ongoing love of flowers. The gardening season starts with daffodils, tulips and Siberian iris, followed by a variety of Asiatic lilies, heirloom roses, and mophead hydrangeas. In the fall you will find wine-colored garden mums planted along the cypress fence line. The cypress fence is handmade by the late Howard Viguers. The garden also features a fishpond. The pond, which is a former hot tub, hosts goldfish and a variety of aquatic plants including water lilies. Take special note of the container plantings on the porch. You will find phalaenopsis orchids, a collection of begonias, and other house plants which enjoy their time on the porch all summer long.

The Emlen Physick Estate

1048 Washington St., Cape May

Tour five different gardens on the grounds of Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate.

Oval Garden: See 700 colorful annuals of multi-colored snapdragons, marigolds, white vinca and red cardinal salvia flower for summer.

Herb Garden: Ornamental and culinary herbs thrive throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons.

Fred and Sarita Kuhner Memorial Shade Garden: Enjoy a refreshing and shade-dappled retreat on a hot summer’s day among the fountain, hydrangeas, hostas, lilies of the valley, ferns, rhododendrons and holly trees.

Elvira Turano Memorial Garden: This garden features a fountain and benches that beckon guests to enjoy a respite among ferns, hollyhocks, hellebores and two fig trees.

Pollinator Garden: This garden is a collection of native plants designed to create

Garden tour

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a habitat for butterflies. The intention is to showcase plants that people can use in their own garden to attract and support butterflies.

The Greater Cape May Historical Society Memucan Hughes Colonial House

653 1/2 Washington St.

The Greater Cape May Historical Society, steward of the Memucan Hughes Colonial House (circa 1730), is restoring the garden with authentic plants used for teas, cooking, and medicine to “cure the miseries.” The garden was researched and designed by the Garden Club of Cape May and among other flowers features yarrow, which contains flavonoids (plant-based chemicals to help improve digestion); chamomile, for chest colds, sore throat, anxiety, inflammation and abscesses; sage, a natural antibiotic, bactericidal, and antiseptic used for wound healing; and angelica “Wild Celery,” named “Herb of the Angels” after the archangel Michael, who supposedly visited a monk to inform him that this botanical could help cure the bubonic plague. Garden Club members will be available to answer questions. The Colonial House will be open and decorated for spring.

For more information and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE. -- SK

New tour, exhibit

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The exhibit, “We All Scream for Ice Cream: A History of Summer’s Favorite Treat,” features the story of the treat that screams “summer,” and that, interestingly, gained much of its popularity and many of its important innovations from entrepreneurs during the Victorian era (1820-1914).

At the beginning of the 1800s, ice cream was an elite and expensive dish in flavors like Parmigiano and asparagus. By the end of the 1800s, ice cream was adored by everyone, in flavors like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Some of our favorite dishes, like the ice cream cone, the ice cream sundae and the banana split are Victorian inventions. Visitors to the Carroll Gallery exhibit will see an authentic 1898 ice cream maker

Talk

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conversation that empowers change and fosters inclusivity in our schools; don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and make a meaningful impact on the future of education.

Janis Washington White is a retired Certified School Counselor, accomplished corporate manager, certified life coach, and advocate for diversity and inclusion. As a passionate public speaker and active com-

and other artifacts, and a reproduction Victorian ice cream wagon. Visitors will learn about the diverse pioneers of ice cream, including Augustus Jackson, Nancy Johnson, and Bassett’s of Philadelphia, and innovations including the ice cream scoop, the ice cream freezer, and more. The public is invited to an exhibit opening Friday, April 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Several ice cream flavors will be available on-site from Cape May’s Fine Fellows Creamery. Admission to the exhibit is free. The exhibit is open daily, April 12 through Nov. 3. Times vary. For more information, CLICK HERE.

-- SK

munity volunteer, she continues to shape a more inclusive and empowered world. With a bachelor’s degree in human resources management and a master’s degree in community counseling, she’s leveraged her education to make a tangible difference in both corporate and educational spheres.

For more information and to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

-- SK

May MAC

Photo courtesy of Bassetts Ice Cream Company Circa 1908, Delaware Avenue at Market Street. This Bassetts Ice Cream carriage would have been collecting ingredients to bring back to the Reading Terminal Market.

Winter wrap-up

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largest catalogue value we’ve ever offered, and probably the greatest array of items as well. When all the dust settled, we were more than pleased to learn it was a recordbreaker, bringing in more than $17,000 to support Physick Estate projects.

Our Lunch & Learn programs have been humming along at the Cape May Lutheran Church Hall. Ted Bryan showed us how the Victorians recreated themselves, respectfully and responsibly of course. Harry Bellangy drew the largest crowd to date with his presentation on the Northwest Magnesite Plant. Harry, the historian for the Greater Cape May Historical Society, tapped into their archives to show us little-seen images from the plant’s history. For our first program in March, our registrar Dr. Donna Szemcsak shared her love of Pi with us. And we shared

pizza with our audience. We ended March with a celebration of Irishness. Mary Stewart shared her love of the Emerald Isle and its influences on our country along with some home-baked Irish soda bread.

We have continued to visit the Blind Center of the Jersey Cape, Victorian Towers and Haven House with programs for our older adult audience. Cape May Elementary School invited us to their Science Fair, where Mary Stewart showed kids how to make a simple origami bookmark. Mary also visited Mrs. Krause’s first grade class at Wildwood Catholic Academy and entertained her students with the Legend of Finn MacCool and the Giant’s Causeway.

We just closed our Winter exhibit “Line in the Sand: Segregated Beaches in Cape May and Atlantic City” and are already hard

at work preparing for our next exhibit now. We were delighted by the media attention this exhibit attracted. Director of Media Relations Susan Krysiak kept busy fielding requests from various media outlets. In addition to the Cape May Star & Wave and the Press of Atlantic City (which covered us in print and on-line), we also received coverage from these outlets:

NJ Advance Media/NJ.com/The Star Ledger (New Jersey’s statewide newspaper) in print and on-line.

WHYY/NPR on radio and on-line.

WPVI Channel 6 Action News, the Philadelphia ABC affiliate, did a story which was picked up across the country, airing in San Francisco, Calif. and Houston, Texas.

We were delighted that this compelling piece of our history had so much exposure.

-- MES

Cape May MAC

Photos by Susan Krysiak Fort Miles Historical Association members and volunteers came on the ferry from Delaware March 22 for a group tour that included trolley travel with visits to the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) on Sunset Boulevard, shown here, and the tower in the Grand Hotel. They also visited Fort Miles Battery 223 on the beach at Cape May Point State Park, took a tour at Naval Air Station Wildwood and fit in lunch before returning home across the Delaware Bay.