Cape May MAC's Spring 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter
VOLUME LIV, ISSUE 2
www.capemaymac.org SPRING 2024
Photo by Susan Krysiak
Visitors will hear about Victorian life and pastimes in summer during this year’s Physick House
Museum tour.
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
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)
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
Erich Cawalla
Janis Washington White
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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In This Issue
Coming Attractions.................... Page 3-4
From the President........................ Page 5
Membership News .......................Page 7
Recent Happenings...................... Page 2
Thank You Department.........Pages 8-9

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
RECENT HAPPENINGS
Winter Wrap-Up
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, Maria Amin, Sara Kornacki, Susan Krysiak,
Anna Marie Leeper, Eliza Lotozo, Reilly Shanahan, 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
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.
Cape May MAC’s public history
programs are funded in part
by the New Jersey Historical
Commission in the Department
of State.
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 representatives
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
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Page 2 • Spring 2024 Cape May MAC www.capemaymac.org

Coming
ATTRACTIONS
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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.
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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!
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www.capemaymac.org Cape May MAC Spring 2024 • Page 3

Coming
ATTRACTIONS
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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.
-- SK
Page 4 • Spring 2024 Cape May MAC www.capemaymac.org

Cape May MAC, long known as the Mid-
Atlantic 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,
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Continuing Our Outreach Programs
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 the grounds of the Physick Estate, in the Carriage House and in Hill House, and at the Cape
May Lighthouse in the Oil House Museum Shop. 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.
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 walking,
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 1880s-
1890s. 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.
www.capemaymac.org Cape May MAC Spring 2024 • Page 5

DONOR PROFILE
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
Sharon Kewish
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.”
-- SK
Page 6 • Spring 2024 Cape May MAC www.capemaymac.org

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
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Welcome new members
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.
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
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
of Mohnton, PA; Elizabeth Reed of Burlington,
NJ; Dorothy Rogers of Cape May, NJ;
Louise Wilson of Wildwood Crest, 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.
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.
“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 business -
talent, 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
www.capemaymac.org Cape May MAC Spring 2024 • Page 7

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).
‘THANK YOU’ NEWS
• 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
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.
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 Mc-
Bride), 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
Page 8 • Spring 2024 Cape May MAC www.capemaymac.org

‘THANK YOU’ NEWS
• 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 De-
Rose, Kelly Gray, Mary Beth Hager, Richard
Mayer, Tricia Nolfi, Jane Randle, Stephen
Ward.
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.
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.
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.
www.capemaymac.org Cape May MAC Spring 2024 • Page 9

Cape May MAC Potluck Dinner
Photos by Susan Krysiak
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.
Jackie Matkowski received her 15-year pin. (Not shown:
Randi Flamm, Harry Schmidt, Judy Mohler).
(Not shown, to receive their 10-
year pins are: Paul Smargiassi, Jr.,
Ben Ridings, Marie Haffner.)
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).
Page 10 • Spring 2024 Cape May MAC www.capemaymac.org

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
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 12)
www.capemaymac.org Cape May MAC Spring 2024 • Page 11

Garden tour
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11)
a habitat for butterflies. The intention is to
showcase plants that people can use in their
own garden to attract and support butterflies.
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.
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
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)
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
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
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)
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 community
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
Page 12 • Spring 2024 Cape May MAC www.capemaymac.org

Winter wrap-up
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2)
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
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.
www.capemaymac.org Cape May MAC Spring 2024 • Page 13