Exit Zero Color Issue October 2012 by Exit Zero Publishing

EXIT ZERO october 2012 « $4.95

Washington Inn

the wine bar

Exceptional Cuisine in a Relaxed Atmosphere Highest Zagat Rating in Southern New Jersey Voted One of the Top 100 Restaurants in the Country by Open Table Early Dinner $24 Three Course Menu

Vote New Jersey Monthly 2011 Best Wine Bar Enjoy Dinner and Small Plates at the Bar from $10 Flights of Wine from our Cellar $1 Oysters Nightly

801 Washington Street, Cape May (609) 884-5697 • www.washingtoninn.com

Washington Inn & the wine bar... two distinct experiences, one address • Serving Lunch, Dinner, & Late Night • “Delicious” Breakfast everyday Memorial day till Labor day • Extensive Gluten Free Menu • Best Burgers • Best Thin Crust Pizza • Coldest Draught Beer in Town

LUCKY BONES BACKWATER GRILLE 1200 Route 109 south, Cape May (609) 884-BONE (2663) www.luckybonesgrille.com Where Friends Meet

contents october 2012 FEATURES

the big fall activity guide 6 The events and happenings you need to know about

the jazz is back 16 The inaugural Exit 0 International Jazz Festival is here!

the great food & drink guide 27-35 Wondering where to eat in Cape May? Look here first.

the ultimate teetotal guide 38 How to avoid alcohol and still enjoy great Cape May drinks

heroes and villains 48 Two enthralling, entirely different shows at Cape May Stage

true romance? 54 This year’s Cape May Film Festival asks a big question work weekends at the chalfonte 60 One man’s recollections of a special time at a special hotel

the way they were 76 Ben Miller presents a fascinating look at old landmarks

look up! 100 In Cape May, you could be missing a natural spectacle

the laws of the land 110 We take an entertaining trip through Cape May’s rule book

the ghosts of jackson street 116 Ghost Writer Craig McManus tells a few dark tales

27 questions for... rusty chew 137 What the former CMPD sergeant would do if he was mayor

cover painting by victor grasso 38

100

REGULARS my perfect day audrey snow 47 pat wenzel 87 sue lotozo 133 arts coverage cape may stage 48 gail pierson gallery 89 east lynne theater 93 soma newart gallery 98 shopping must haves 85, 87 puzzle time cape may crossword 144

about us editor & publisher Jack Wright jack@exitzero.us advertising manager Jason Black jason@exitzero.us staff writer Diane Stopyra diane@exitzero.us creative consultant Victor Grasso historical editor Ben Miller ben@exitzero.us photographers Aleksey Moryakov, Sandy Maloney, Gabi Urda

Serving fine food since 1988

graphic artist Doree Bardes contributing writers Kate Chadwick, Catherine Dugan, David Gray, Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien distribution team Ashley and Adam Larson labeler Mary Smith exit zero color magazine is published five times a year. Annual subscription is $25. To subscribe call (609) 770-8479 or visit www.exitzero.us Makes a wonderful gift! Published by Exit Zero Publishing, Inc. 109 Sunset Boulevard Suite D, Cape May, NJ 08204 Telephone: (609) 770-8479 Fax: (609) 770-8481 E-mail: info@exitzero.us Website: www.exitzero.us president Jack Wright vice-president Jason Black

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (609) 884-9119 322 Washington Street Mall, Cape May www.tishasfinedining.com

tennis ball supervisor April Wright fluffy toy supervisor Friday Wright mouse supervisor Pascal Wright canine supervisor Begley Wright chief whiner Rudy Stopyra

Unchanging. Quintessential. Classic.

The BEST Live Entertainment in Town!

426 WASHINGTON STREET MALL, cape may • « (609) 884-3459

“BEST AMERICAN” and “TOP 25 RESTAURANTS IN THE STATE” New Jersey Monthly, 2008

Serving Dinner Call

from

for

5:30

Days

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editor’s letter

VISIONS OF YESTERYEAR Don’t miss Ben Miller’s fascinating take on long-lost landmarks in “The Way We Were” on page 76

H, IT’S the fall, a sleepy time of year in charming, quaint, ever-so-quiet Cape May. Right? Well, that may be the case in many other shore towns that sit north of here on the Jersey coast. But not in this town, oh no... Flick through the pages of this magazine (as I’m assuming you will since you at least bothered to read this ramble), and you will see why Cape May has a fuller fall calendar than any other shore town — okay, with the exception of Atlantic City, where, at any time, you can go throw your money away on the craps tables and the slots machines and listen to washed-up artists you probably thought were dead, or at the very least in an nursing home (Peaches and Cream? J. Geils Band?). Yep, give me Cape May every time. On page 16, you will read a big preview of the inaugural Exit O International Jazz Festival, which is being launched by Michael Kline, an experienced jazz promoter who spent a lot of time in New Orleans before heading back to his home town. We should add that, despite the name, we have nothing to do with the festival, other than being a sponsor but we are excited to see jazz back in town, and with a new Convention Hall as the main stage venue. Michael has attracted a heady array of talent for the festival, which runs November 9-11. A few weeks before that (October 19-21, to be precise) it will be the turn of the Cape May Film Festival to treat the town to a quality infusion of culture, and the festival’s Executive Director Tom Sims offers a sneak preview on page 54. Turn the page and you will see The Big Fall Activity Guide, which tells you everything that’s going on in the month of October, from a midnight tour of the Emlen Physick Estate with the Ghost Writer Craig McManus (also see his latest ghost story on page 116) to the city’s first Dragon Boat Festival, which sounds like a lot of fun. There truly IS a great deal of fun activities and events to enjoy in America’s Original Seaside Resort, and some would say that fall is the best season of all in Cool Cape May. Before I go, I want to thank (as always) the brilliant Victor Grasso for another stunning cover (that’s him dressed up in a tribute to the Lenape Indians who enjoyed this beautiful place long before any of us settlers did). Enjoy the issue. Enjoy the fall. Enjoy Cool Cape May. Jack Wright Editor/Publisher exit zero

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the big fall exit zero

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OLD STYLE Getting into character during Victorian Weekend, which runs from October 5-9. Photograph by Aleksey Moryakov

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“

Everything about this restaurant was superb!

Not only do you have a fabulous view of the beautiful Cape May beach, but the food and service was top notch.

We will definitely be back! –Open Table

”

26 Food 27 Decor 26 Service

1301 Beach Avenue • 609.884.9090 • petershieldsinn.com

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October 5-9 Cape May’s 40th annual Victorian Weekend This annual jamboree celebrates Cape May’s Victorian heritage, featuring the Chocolate Championship Tour & Tasting, Historic House Tours, Murder Mystery Dinners, Vintage Dance Weekend, living history programs, lectures, workshops, performances and more. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 6 Lima Bean Festival What started as a celebration of Cape May’s storied agricultural past has turned into a quirky good time for all ages. One hundred vendors and thousands of guests will paint the town green at Wilbraham Park in West Cape May, where there’s live entertainment and — hopefully — Lima Bean ice cream! October 6 Private Homes Tour Step inside Cape May’s private residences, which are not normally open to the public. Homes featured on the tour range from the Victorian era to the 21st

inns and B&Bs are vying for Cape May’s Chocolate Champion title and you’re the judge. Visit each competitor’s property, sample their signature chocolate dessert and vote for your favorites. From 1pm to 3pm, adults $25, children $15 (ages 3-12). Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 6 Beer & Chocolate Tasting Who said that chocolate and beer don’t go together? Not America’s beer authority, Gary Monterosso, who will host a sampling of beers and chocolates that go perfectly together at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street, at 2pm, tickets $30. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts adn Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BEAN Mike Owen and Donna Holmes at the West Cape May Lima Bean Festival. This year’s event is on October 6, at Wilbraham Park. Aleksey Moryakov

century. From 11am to 1pm, adults $15, children $10 (ages 3-12). Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 6 Chocolate Championship Tour & Tasting Taste, Tour, Vote! Cape May’s famous

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October 6-7 Vintage Dance Weekend Kick up your heels as they did in Cape May during its Victorian heyday. Vintage Dance Instructors will teach you the traditional dances of the 19th century at a Vintage Dance Workshop, from 9am to 3pm at the Franklin Street School. Then, put your newfound expertise to

good use at a costumed Vintage Ball with live music of the period by Spare Parts at 8pm on Saturday night. A Tea Dance, also with live music by Spare Parts, is on Sunday, October 7 at 1pm at Cape Island Baptist Church. Victorian dress encouraged but not required. An all-inclusive package is $95, the workshops are $45, the Vintage Ball is $35, and the Tea Dance is $25. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts adn Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404. October 6-8 Murder Mystery Dinner Join the Impromptu Players who will set the scene for a new original mystery at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street. Enjoy a three-course dinner as you contemplate the clues, interact with the cast and help solve the mystery as it unfolds. Cost is $45 per person. Starts at 7pm. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 7 Victorian Weekend Crafts & Antiques Show Crafters and antiques dealers from

get ready to paddle The first-ever dragon boat festival will be held at Cape May harbor on October 13. The race is open to everyone, and the boats are supplied!

throughout the region display and sell their wares on the lawn of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street from 10am to 4 pm, free admission. Call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit capemaymac.org. October 7 Lunch & Antiquing Discover and explore crafts and antiques shops around Cape May on an excursion that includes lunch at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street. Enjoy the Victorian Weekend Crafts and Antiques Show on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, where you’ll board a trolley that shuttles you to lunch and then to West End Garage, Tree House Antiques and Cape May Antiques Center with time to browse. From 11:30am to 4:30pm, $35 per person. Call 609-8845404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 7 Fudge Fantasy with The Original Fudge Kitchen The Original Fudge Kitchen has been hand-whipping delicious creamy fudge in 21 wonderful flavors for more than a quarter of a century. Now you can

Down-home cooking... with a terrific view!

delve into your richest fantasy at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street, at 2pm. Sample the famous fudge flavors, learn how they make the fudge and much more. Admission is $15. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 12-31 Halloween Happenings in Victorian Cape May More than two weeks of speciallythemed tours and events including Ghost Writer Trolley Rides, Madame Parmentier’s Psychic Teas, Scarecrow Alley, Midnight at the Physick Estate, Historic Haunts Combination Tours, Phantoms of the Physick Estate and much more to help you get into the spirit of the season. Friday, October 12 through Wednesday, October 31. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 12-31 Scarecrow Alley The grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street will be ghoulishly transformed for the Halloween sea-

on Broadway Chef Geoff Johnson has appearded on Rocco’s Dinner Party on...

and also on My Big Redneck Vacation on Country Music Television (CMT)

ADULT CONTEMPORARY CUISINE Dinner from 5PM

Open 10-10 everyday

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Beach Avenue & Grant Street, Cape May • 884-3772 exit zero

416 S. Broadway, West Cape May, 609-898-1555 october

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son and a display of scarecrows made by members of the community is part of the transformation. Take a stroll along Scarecrow Alley on the grounds. Free admission. Friday, October 12 through Wednesday, October 31. Daily. Call 609884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit capemaymac.org.

are $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). The self-guided tour of terror is offered from 7pm to 10pm, tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children (ages 3-12). Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.

October 13 1st Annual Dragon Boat Festival Dragon boating is 2,000 years old, and it’s finally made its way to Cape May’s harbor. Anyone can do it — dragon enthusiasts of all ages. There are 20 people to one boat, and the races last approximately three minutes. Call 609884-5508.

October 13 Madame Parmentier’s Psychic Tea Enjoy a Halloween-themed tea at the Carriage House Café, 1048 Washington Street, and learn what the future holds for you (all in good fun, of course). During the tea, you may encounter wandering fortune-tellers or the odd phrenologist. Starts at 2:30pm, admission $25. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visitcapemaymac.org.

October 13 Phantoms of The Physick Estate Tour Visit Cape May’s original haunted house. Come to Dr Physick’s estate, 1048 Washington Street, for this special self-guided tour featuring a variety of Victorian Halloween happenings including spooky sounds, special effects and scary stuff. A kid-friendly, self-guided tour is offered from 1pm to 4pm, tickets

October 13 Phantoms of Cape May Tour Enjoy a self-guided Halloween-themed tour through a selection of Cape May’s homes and inns. Includes admission to the Phantoms of the Physick Estate

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Tour. Includes trolley shuttle. From 7pm to 9pm. Admission is $20 for adults; $15 for children (ages 3-12). Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 13 Harvest Festival Crafts & Antiques Show Crafters and antiques dealers from throughout the region display and sell their wares on the lawn of the Emlen Physick Estate, from 10am to 4pm. Free admission. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. Call 609-8845404 or visit capemaymac.org.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Try Our Breakfast Experience... featuring indoor or outdoor seating with sweeping ocean views!

October 13-14 Murder Mystery Dinner Join the Impromptu Players who will set the scene for a new original mystery at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street. Enjoy a three-course dinner as you contemplate the clues, interact with the cast and help solve the mystery — $45 per person. Starts at 7pm. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 14 Fishing Flea Market Go fishing for those little bits and accessories you’ve been searching for. From 9am-3pm at the Cape May Elementary School. Call 609489-9986. October 14 Murder Mystery Luncheon Join the Impromptu Players who will set the scene for a new original mystery at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street. Enjoy a three-course luncheon as you contemplate the clues, interact with the cast and help solve the mystery. $30 per person. Starts at 1pm. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. Call 609-8845404 or visit capemaymac.org.

at the

OCEAN CLUB HOTEL

1035 Beach Avenue, Cape May NJ 08204 capemayoceanclubhotel.com 609.884.7000

October 19-21 Cape May Film Festival Be among the first to see groundbreaking work from some of New Jersey’s most promising filmmakers. Screen shorts and feaexit zero

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tures, then meet face-to-face with the directors, actors, producers, screenwriters, and composers who’ve worked on them. In lieu of popcorn, grab a glass of bubbly at the opening night champagne reception. Check out capemayfilm.org. October 20 Phantoms of The Physick Estate Tour Visit Cape May’s original haunted house, the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, for this selfguided tour featuring a variety of Victorian Halloween happenings including spooky sounds, special effects and scary stuff. A kidfriendly, self-guided tour is offered from 1pm to 4pm, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). The self-guided tour offered from 7pm to 10pm is $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 3-12). Saturday, October 20. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. Call 609-8845404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 20 Madame Parmentier’s Psychic Tea Enjoy a Halloween-themed tea at the Carriage House Café, 1048 Washington Street, and learn what the future holds for you (all in good fun, of course). During the tea, you may encounter wandering fortunetellers or the odd phrenologist. Starts at 2:30pm, admission $25. For more information, call 609884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 20-21 Murder Mystery Dinner Join the Impromptu Players who will set the scene for a new original mystery at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street. Enjoy a three-course dinner as you contemplate the clues, interact with the cast and help solve the mystery as it unfolds. $45 per person. Starts at 7pm. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. Call 609-8845404 or visit capemaymac.org. October 20-21 Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey Weekend New Jersey lighthouses, museums and life-saving stations will host

2010 2011 2012

Recipient of the

Award of Excellence Wine Spectator Magazine Rated Top 10 Wine Values in New Jersey

AMERICAN STEAK & SEAFOOD HOUSE Featuring Hand-cut Steaks, Fresh Seafood and an Amazing Selection of Wines & Beer-on-tap Grande Center Shopping Mall • Rio Grande • 609-889-2000

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a special weekend. The public is invited (and challenged) to visit all participating lighthouses over the weekend and help raise funds for continued lighthouse preservation. Begin the challenge at any of the participating lighthouses, and purchase a tri-fold souvenir pamphlet ($1) to be stamped at each lighthouse. October 21 Halloween Parade Have you always wanted to be an astronaut? A doctor? Here is your chance. Dress in costume or just spectate; Perry Street at Congress Hall is a premier spot. The parade kicks off at Rotary Park. Registration begins at 1:30pm; judging at 2pm; parade at 3pm. Party to follow at 4pm at the Physick Estate. The kiddies are invited to trick-or-treat on the Mall between 12 and 2pm. October 21 Murder Mystery Luncheon Join the Impromptu Players who will set the scene for a new original mystery at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street. Enjoy a three-course luncheon as you contemplate the clues, interact with the cast and help solve the mystery as it unfolds.

strange things on the streets Cape May’s annual Halloween Parade will be held on October 21 — arrive early to snag the best people-watching spots.

$30 per person, at 1pm. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.

Street. $25 per person. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.

October 26-28 New Jersey Audubon Weekend Seasoned birders and novices alike should flock to Cape May (no pun intended) for a weekend of field trips, lectures, hawk watches, sea watches, evening dinners, kayak excursions and more, all led by New Jersey’s finest naturalists. Registration is required; visit BirdCapeMay.org for details.

October 27 Phantoms of The Physick Estate Tour Visit Cape May’s original haunted house the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, for this special self-guided tour featuring a variety of Victorian Halloween happenings including spooky sounds, special effects and scary stuff. A kid-friendly, self-guided tour is offered from 1pm to 4pm, with tickets $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). The self-guided tour of terror is offered 7pm to 10pm, tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. Call 609-8845404 or visit capemaymac.org.

October 26-27 A Ride with the Ghost Writer This 45-minute evening trolley ride takes you through the streets of Cape May’s Historic District with psychic medium and ghost writer Craig McManus providing the narration. McManus will talk about ghosts and spirits, the history of the houses where he has sensed activity and legends of ghost activity in Cape May. Starts at 7:30pm and 8:30pm, leaving from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, and Saturday, October 27 at 8:30pm, leaving from the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington

October 27 Madame Parmentier’s Psychic Tea Enjoy a Halloween-themed tea at the Carriage House Café, 1048 Washington Street, and learn what the future holds for you (all in good fun, of course).

A Cape May tradition for over 30 years!

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Cocktails

19 Jackson Street, Cape May (609) 884-5970 www.madbatter.com exit zero

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Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC). Call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit capemaymac.org.

During the tea, you may encounter wandering fortune-tellers or the odd phrenologist. Starts at 2:30pm, admission $25. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. Call 609884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.

October 27 Midnight at the Physick Estate Tour Twenty-five lucky people will get to spend midnight in the haunted Physick Estate with author and Ghost Writer Craig McManus, who will share his experiences and perhaps channel a spirit or two. Starts at 11pm, tickets are $35. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.

October 27 Phantoms of Cape May Tour Enjoy a self-guided Halloween-themed tour through a selection of Cape May’s homes and inns. Includes admission to the Phantoms of the Physick Estate Tour. Includes trolley shuttle, from 7pm to 9pm. Admission is $20 for adults; $15 for children (ages 3-12). Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.

October 27-28 Murder Mystery Dinner Join the Impromptu Players who will set the scene for a new original mystery at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street. Enjoy a three-course dinner as you contemplate the clues, interact with the cast and help solve the mystery as it unfolds — $45 per person. The event starts at 7pm. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.

October 27 A Lighthouse Ride with the Ghost Writer This evening trolley ride takes along the path to the Cape May Lighthouse with psychic medium and Ghost Writer Craig McManus, who will talk about ghosts and spirits and ghost activity at the Lighthouse. Leaves from the Physick Estate at 1048 Washington Street. Starts at 6pm, admission $30 per person.

The trouble with eating Italian food

...is that five or six days later you’re hungry again. — George Miller

Cucina Rosa

898-9800 | 301 Washington Street Mall & Perry Street www.cucinarosa.com

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THE JAZZ GET SET FOR A FEAST OF WORLD-CLASS MUSIC IN COOL CAPE MAY

IS BACK

man with a plan Michael Kline is launching the new Exit O International Jazz Festival on November 9-11. Previous page: Captain Black Big Band.

E WINCES when he talks about it. The record collection, 4,000 strong, that 51-year-old Michael Kline amassed in high school. “I moved to New Orleans from Cape May in 1992, and for some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to put the collection on a train and ship it down. They were stolen.” It was traumatic, Michael says, because these records were jazz. These records were Michael’s first love. The music he first heard as a five-year-old boy, awestruck by the Duke Ellington Orchestra on Atlantic City’s Steel Pier with his father. And then as a 24-year-old working in the kitchen of the old Shire pub on Cape May’s mall, the sounds of Pat Martino’s guitar in the dining room bouncing off the stainless steel surfaces of the kitchen. And then as a grown man, working with a community radio station in New Orleans, where he produced live broadcasts during the city’s famous jazz fest, a destination for 700,000 people. Now, Michael has made his way back to Cape May, in order to produce the Exit 0 International Jazz Festival (no affiliation with this periodical)

this November, and to share this love for jazz with the entire Cape May community. “Cape May is the ideal location,” Michael told us. “It’s a place so many people have fallen in love with and so many people fall in love when they get here. It’s incredible.” And that’s saying something coming from Michael, who’s been all over the world promoting musicians through his other endeavor, Michael Kline Artists. “Cape May can become an iconic jazz location,” he said. When we spoke with Michael in August, he was in the thick of the planning, making preparations for the 22 (and counting) artists — from Chile, Brazil, New York, Puerto Rico, New Orleans, Venezuela, and New Orleans — who will grace the stages of nine separate venues, including Convention Hall, the weekend of November 9-11. Among them is headliner Ramsey Lewis, a three-time Grammy winner with seven gold records to his credit. In years past, he played at the now defunct Cape May Jazz Festival, and he told us he’s looking forward to getting back to the island, where the fans are “down-to-earth and sophisticated.” Ramsey also let us in on a little secret. “During a performance,” he said, “jazz musicians have a roadmap, so that we know exit zero

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where everyone is supposed to go twenty-five percent of the time. The other seventy-five percent, we make it up on the spot. At its essence, jazz is spontaneous combustion.” It’s this “on-the-spot creating” Michael says that makes us connect with the music. “Not everyone knows the technical stuff,” he said, “that the band is changing time from four to six, for example… but you’ll be able to appreciate the high level of creativity going on in front of you. That resonates with a lot of people.” For this reason, the Exit 0 festival isn’t just for the seasoned jazz snob (although they’ll enjoy, too). It’s for any lover of music. “Our two aims,” Michael said, “are to present world-class artists, and to make it fun. We’re going to include blues, New Orleans R and B, a little of everything.” And to make the festival as accessible as possible, he’ll be offering, in addition to main stage show tickets, a club pass option — $65 for all three nights, which works out to roughly 30 hours of music, at $2 an hour. Most importantly, “you’re going to be right on top of the musicians,” Michael said, “right in their laps.” And this, unlike a prized record collection, is an experience you’re bound to carry forever. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit exit0jazzfest.com.

HEADLINE ACT Three-time Grammy winner Ramsey Lewis will be bringing his Electric Band to the new Convention Hall on Saturday, November 10

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THE EXIT 0 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, CAPE MAY NOVEMBER 9-11

Ramsey Lewis and Electric Band Saturday, November 10 at Convention Hall

RAMSEY Lewis, three-time Grammy winner and recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award, and his Electric Band will bring their Sun Goddess tour to the main stage of the Exit 0 International Jazz Festival on Saturday, November 10. Composer and pianist Lewis first became interested in music as a four-year-old when he heard his parents offer his sister piano lessons. “To me, it sounded like they were offering an ice cream cone,” he told us, “so I decided I needed that, too.” Although he did admit that he’s a natural, he says he can’t think of himself as a legend. “My mother said never to become a legend in your own mind,” he said. “In any profession, the most important thing is to love what you do.” Nevertheless, the man’s got talent. By 1965, he was one of the nation’s most successful jazz pianists, topping the charts with “The In Crowd,” “Hang On Sloopy” and “Wade In The Water.” He has seven gold records to his credit, including his 1974 crossover hit, Sun Goddess. Like the remarkable live performances Lewis continues to give in the US and abroad, his latest album, Ramsey, Taking Another Look continues to generate rave reviews.

baggage handler John Salzman is a bellhop at the Ocean Club Hotel — Tony Buckley was unavailable to be photographed

and

CLIPPER SHIP PUB

Serving Dinner from 5pm EARLY DINNER SPECIALS 5-6pm 1/2 PRICE RAW BAR ITEMS 5-6pm in the Pub Only Affordable Pub Menu

Reservations: 609-884-5878 991 Ocean Drive, Cape May www.blueclawrestaurant.com

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Captain Black Big Band led by Orrin Evans Saturday, November 10 at Convention Hall ORRIN Evans has been recognized as one of the most inventive pianists of his generation. In a short span of time he has earned the titles of pianist, composer, bandleader, teacher, producer and arranger. The New York Times described him as “a poised artist with an impressive template of ideas at his command.” The latest release by Evans, titled Freedom, is an interpretive exploration of the music of his Philadelphia friends and mentors. It features a

hometown crew of sidemen, including the solid playing of bassist Dwayne Burno, the precise metrics of drummer Byron Landham, and the tenor saxophone stylings of special guest Larry McKenna. Also guesting on the record is upand-coming Philly drummer Anwar Marshall. After attending Girard Academic Music Program and the Mason Gross School of The Arts at Rutgers University, Orrin was invited to join Bobby Watson’s band Horizon on their exit zero

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European tour. His own recording career started in 1994 with a self-produced trio release called The Trio, then six critically acclaimed recordings for the Criss Cross label. Evans has also released recordings for Palmetto Records and his own label, Imani Records. His greatest joy, besides spending time with his family, is producing projects for other artists and playing with his own band.

“I was trying to pull a minivan through a really tight area coming out of Beach Avenue. I was trying not to squish some flower beds, so I got too close to another truck and put a big scratch along the passenger side door. They still tipped me $3.”

THE EXIT 0 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

Christian McBride and Inside Straight

IT’S TIME TO TRADE IN THOSE FLIP FLOPS FOR YOUR WARM AND COMFY BOOTS.

Friday, November 9 at Convention Hall

WHEN he arrived in New York as a seventeen-year-old kid, Christian McBride turned heads as a young phenom who was equally adept at acoustic and electric bass. Nearly 20 years later, he is considered to be one of the marquee jazz artists of his generation. In addition to commanding the stage with the likes of Diana Krall, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Brad Mehldau and Brian Blade, McBride has toured and recorded with McCoy Tyner, Pat Metheny and Sting. He’s also been mentored by such jazz giants as Ray Brown and Betty Carter, and enjoyed a critically-acclaimed recording career. His 2006 album Live at Tonic is a vibrant three-CD collection with an all-star support team. McBride, committed to furthering jazz education, has also served as the creative chair of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the co-director of the Jazz Museum of Harlem. In 2008, he performed duties as artist-inresidence at both the Detroit International Jazz Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival. At a concert where they both performed, bass legend Ron Carter told McBride, “It’s good to see you respecting the music so much.” In 2009, McBride released the critically acclaimed Kind of Brown on Mack Avenue Records and 2011 marked the release of two other pivotal projects for McBride on Mack Avenue: The Good Feeling (the 2012 Grammy Award winning big band project) and Conversations with Christian, on which the 39-year-old maestro places himself in the forefront of the flow on a duet piece with “13 of my closest musical friends and cohorts”— including Angélique Kidjo, Sting, Dee Dee Bridgewater, George Duke, Eddie Palmieri, Chick Corea, Dr Billy Taylor, Hank Jones, Regina Carter, Roy Hargrove, Russell Malone, Ron Blake and actress Gina Gershon.

But don’t worry, summer never really ends at Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill. Open year round, we’re your destination for what’s hot when the weather gets cool.

609-884-4800 At the corner of Beach Ave. & Decatur Street www.CabanasOnTheBeach.com www.facebook.com/CabanasOnTheBeach

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Aleathea’s Restaurant Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

7 Ocean Street at the Inn of Cape May | 609.884.5555 | innofcapemay.com

Cape May

Winery & Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon  Merlot Red Reserve Chardonnay  Pinot Grigio Reisling  Blush  Apple Gift Cards available Tasting Room - Open Daily Amazing Winery Tours Daily at 3pm 2 hours, 8 wines, cheese, glass, fun & knowledge only $20

Call for details... (609) 884-1169 711 Townbank Road, North Cape May www.capemaywinery.com Check us our on Twitter and Pinterest Like Us on Facebook We Have the Oldest Roots in the County!

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THE EXIT 0 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

AVA L O N

Ulysses Owens

Saturday, November 10 at Carney’s Other Room

C O F F E E

#7GURNEY

THE BEACH

OPEN EVERY DAY

8088 BAKERY

MICRO

ROASTED COFFEES

SPECIALTY

FROZEN COFFEE

DRINKS

HAND

GOODS

ROLLED BAGELS

CATERING

BREAKFAST

TRAYS

ULYSSES Owens’ interest in percussion began at the age of two, when he experimented with the drums in his church’s band. At eight, the opportunity to receive professional instruction finally came, and he honed a unique sensitivity and musical awareness. In May 2006, Owens completed a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in New York City. In 2009, Owens was commissioned by the Washington DC Arts Counsel to compose the opening piece for the 24th Annual Mayoral Arts, which featured African percussion, Jazz Ensemble and dancers at The Kennedy Center. He was selected by Modern Drummer Magazine as a finalist for “Up and Coming Drummer of 2011,” and he was featured in Ebony/ Jet Magazine as a Jazz Musician to Watch. Owens has performed with some of the world’s finest, including Patti Austin and Dianne Reeves. Currently, he’s touring with Grammy winning artists Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton, Kurt Elling, Ted Nash and Wynton Marsalis. He also holds the position as Artistic Director for Don’t Miss A Beat, Inc, whose mission it is to expose local inner city youth to the arts. In this role, he travels annually and conducts workshops, a summer camp and productions to educate students worldwide about using the arts as an alternative to violence. In 2009 Owens released his debut project, It’s Time For U, with his new quintet, The U.O Project.

SPECIALTY

SANDWICHES

TRY OUR NORTH CAPE MAY LOCATION

3704 BAYSHORE ROAD

DJ Soul Sister

Green Street Market

November 9 and 10 at the Boiler Room SOUL Sister was one of the first US radio DJs to highlight the rare groove format and is one of the few female DJs to spin and mix 100% funk (on 100% vinyl) and related original styles in her live performances. She’s either performed or been invited to spin at every major music venue or club in New Orleans. Soul Sister has also performed at high-profile events like Essence Music Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Voodoo Music Experience, and the Revlon Run/Walk for Breast Cancer in New York. She has been invited to open for everyone from George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic to the VH1 Hip Hop Honors Tour featuring the Roots. When Hurricane Katrina blew through her hometown, Soul Sister evacuated with one bag of clothes and two bags of records,

Natural Health & Gourmet Local & Organic Produce & Cheeses Local Organic Grass Fed Meats Free Range Organic Poultry Gluten Free, Vegan, Raw Vitamins and Supplements

open 7 days 3167 RT. 9 South Rio Grande NJ 08242 (next to Avalon Coffee) 609-463-0606 www.greenstreetmarket.com email: info@greenstreetmarket.com

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and wound up spinning gigs in both New York City and Los Angeles. Now, Soul Sister hosts several weekly parties all dedicated to her deepest crates of funky music — including her HUSTLE party at Mimi’s in the Marigny, voted multiple times as New Orleans’ best dance party. Gambit Weekly voted her best DJ in New Orleans.

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THE EXIT 0 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, CAPE MAY NOVEMBER 9-11

Claudia Acuña

Saturday, November 10 at Convention Hall and Aleathea’s CHILEAN singer/songwriter/arranger Claudia Acuña possesses one of the most beautiful and compelling voices in jazz and creative music. While singing primarily in Spanish, her music crosses language barriers to communicate with power and deep feeling. Acuña was born in Santiago, Chile in 1971. “The family did not own a television, so my imagination became my own TV,” she says. “I began to fantasize about being in front of an audience...” At 24, without knowing how to speak English, Acuña moved to New York. It was at the original Small’s in Greenwich Village, a hotbed of young talent, that Acuña met and began working with other artists. Record companies began to show interest in Acuña after a tape of one of her live performances began to circulate without her knowledge. She was signed to Verve Records in 1999, and has since been appointed as spokesperson for the childfocused relief agency World Vision Chile.

Oyster Bay STEAKS

The most unique cafe in Cape May! ng Servi ic n Orga ade em Hom fast & k Brea Daily! h Lunc

SEAFOOD

A classic copper bar, a great martini list, and modern American cuisine.

Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly

What more could you want?

Organic Fruit Smoothies Iced Coffee & Teas

FIND US ON

FREE WiF i Hot (with Spot purc hase

)

Pet Friend ly Outdoor Seating

ALL food is vegetarian, vegan, organic, local, made to order and DELICIOUS!

Coffee House & Organic Market

479 West Perry Street West Cape May 884-1131

(609) 884-2111 615 LAFAYETTE STREET, CAPE MAy exit zero

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The Ultimate Cape May Food & Drink Chart What you need to know about the food and the vibe Aleathea’s 7 Ocean Street, Cape May (609) 884-5555, Ext. 226 www.innofcapemay.com

Offers superb food in a graceful setting at the glorious old Inn of Cape May, plus a cozy-but-elegant bar with access to the oceanfront patio. Check out the antiquefilled lobby first.

Avalon coffee 7 Gurney St, Cape May, 898-8088 & 3823 Bayshore Rd, N. Cape May, (609) 846-0040

Superior coffee that’s always fresh, and healthy food that’s perfect for breakfast and lunch. First-class wraps, sandwiches and bagels, along with a good range of smoothies and cold drinks.

Axelsson’s Blue Claw 991 Ocean Drive Cape May (609) 884-5878 www.blueclawrestaurant.com

Enjoy fine dining near the harbor – just go over the quaint old drawbridge. There is an elegant dining room, a cozy fireplace, and the classic Clipper Ship Pub.

backstreet 600 Park Boulevard West Cape May (609) 884-7660 www.backstreetcapemaynj.com

Downhome cooking, a laidback vibe and superior desserts in this gem of a place, a few minutes from Cape May. They have plenty of free parking and delicious nightly specials.

BELLA VIDA CAFÉ 406 N. Broadway, West Cape May (609) 884-6322 www.bellavidacafe.com

“The local café with a wholesome aroma” is what they call it... and that’s how we describe it. You can tell that everything is home cooked here. Always fresh, always delicious.

The Black Duck 1 Sunset Boulevard West Cape May (609) 898-0100 www.blackduckonsunset.com

A chic interior and stylish Modern American cuisine from acclaimed chef (and owner) Chris Hubert, but the ambience is anything but pretentious. There’s a nice laidback vibe.

The Blue Pig Tavern 251 Beach Avenue, Cape May (609) 884-8422 www.congresshall.com

Congress Hall’s restaurant is better than ever, as evidenced by its usually filled dining rooms. The Pig serves classic tavern food with quite a a twist or two along the way.

Cabanas 429 Beach Avenue, Cape May (609) 884-4800 www.cabanasonthebeach.com

It’s always warm and friendly in this lively beachfront bar that features some of the best live bands around. A great spot to enjoy happy hour, with the sun pouring in the open doors.

cape may bakers 482 W. Perry Street, Cape May (609) 884-7454 www.capemaybakers.com

At the same location since 1979, Cape May Bakers has fine pastries, gourmet desserts and cakes for all occasions. Great daily specials!

cape may Olive Oil Company 324 Carpenter’s Lane Cape May 800-584-1887

This new spot features 20 different varieties of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, pastas, spreads, jams, mustards, infused salts and sugars, and much more.

SYMBOLS KEY

u Onsite parking

Meals served

Price range of entrées

Bar or BYOB?

Should I book?

Food for kids?

Other details

B, L, D

$15-$45 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

FULL BAR

YES

ub HU

B, L

$3-$8 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

N/A

YES

b H

$24-$30 Cards: V, MC, D

FULL BAR

YES

ub H

B, D

$13-$29 Cards: V, MC, AE

YES

ub H

B, L, D

$5-$25 Cards: V, MC, D

BYOB

YES

u H

$15-$28 Cards: V, MC

BYOB

YES

ub H

B, L, D

$12-$36 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

FULL BAR

YES

ub H

B, L, D

$8-$25 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

b H

B, L

$2-$12

N/A

YES

b H

Please call for info

N/A

Olive Oils and More

Handicap accessible exit zero

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BYOB

Takeout available

2012

YES

b H

U Dog-friendly patio

THE EXIT 0 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

Great food, great drinks and great music...

Henry Cole and the Afrobeat Collective Friday, November 9 at Cabanas

DRUMMER Henry Cole is at the forefront of a growing wave of jazz innovation and cross-cultural rhythm. His power behind the drum kit has proven indispensable to some of the world’s most acclaimed jazz groups, including Grammy winner David Sánchez of Cultural Survival. Cole is also a leader of the Afro-Beat Collective, which released its debut album Roots Before Branches in 2011. Born in 1979 and raised in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Cole relocated to San Juan in 1999 to study classical percussion at the Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico. He began his jazz immersion at Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 1998, but soon returned to San Juan, where he became one of the most in-demand and influential jazz drummers on the island. There he gained pivotal, formative experience in the varied music scene of Old San Juan: “It was very small,” Henry says, “but it had all styles and genres, so it was easy to go from one to the other and learn from all. I was playing rock, salsa, jazz, electronic music, all in the same week. That’s college right there.” Relocating to New York, his current home base, in the fall of 2003, Cole received a scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music and study with the great John Riley. Since, he has toured throughout the US and Europe, Mexico and Central America, Korea and Japan. The San Jose Mercury News praises Cole’s “explosively detailed” playing, and All About Jazz praises his ability to “make instantaneous, organic adjustments at every turn.” Cole is also a successful and sought-after educator, often substituting for his mentor John Riley at MSM and at SUNY Purchase College Conservatory of Music. His main goal is to see music reaching out to audiences of all kinds with a message of determination and unity.

...are always guaranteed.

106 Decatur Street @ Columbia Avenue Cape May (609) 884-8363 www.merioninn.com

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The Ultimate Cape May Food & Drink Chart What you need to know about the food and the vibe Cape may organic market 120 Park Boulevard West Cape May (609) 884-3200

New to the Cape May scene this year, Cape May Organic is already a favorite, with a great selection of organic necessities, and an emphasis on “fresh” and “local.”

Cape may winery 711 Townbank Road, Cape May (609) 884-1169 www.capemaywinery.com

This beautiful winery is open daily. Make a reservation to take an informative tour ofthe winery – just call for more information and their current tour hours.

Cape Orient 315 Ocean Street, Cape May (609) 898-0088 www.capeorient.com

It’s not often that one restaurant can do excellent Chinese, Thai AND sushi, but trust us, Cape Orient does. The service, led by owner Glendy, is superb, too.

THE Carriage House 1048 Washington Street At the Emlen Physick Estate Cape May (609) 884-5111

The Carriage House offers everything from hearty wraps, salads, quiche and paninis to classic teas. Best of all maybe is the location – the gorgeous Emlen Physick Estate.

Copper Fish 416 Broadway West Cape May (609) 898-1555

Chef Geoff Johnson’s popular Copper Fish is located on Broadway near Sunset Blvd. Chef Geoff’s concoctions are always fun, creative and delicious.

Cucina Rosa 301 Washington Street Mall Cape May (609) 898-9800 www.cucinarosa.com

Nicely located at the beginning of the mall, on the Congress Hall side, this Italian restaurant is a must-visit. Simply superb food in classy-but-casual surroundings.

C-View inn Texas & Washington Avenues Cape May (609) 884-4712

A locals’ favorite, the oldest and friendliest tavern in town with great wings, excellent pub fare and cold beer. And these days they accept credit cards, too!

depot market cafÉ 409 Elmira Street Cape May (609) 884-8030

New owners Chris and Lisa Shriver are keeping the old favorites at this muchloved café AND adding new specials. Cape May’s movers and shakers often eat lunch here.

The Ebbitt Room 25 Jackson Street, Cape May (609) 884-5700 www.virginiahotel.com

With the remarkable cooking of chef Lucas Manteca, there’s even more reason than usual to visit. Sublime concoctions, a romantic setting, great wine list, and a beautiful porch!

fish and fancy 2406 Bayshore Road, Villas (609) 886-8760 www.fishandfancy.com

Superb seafood however you like it – fried, broiled, grilled, blackened or sautéed. That’s choice for you. Also great salads. Eat in (there’s an outdoor patio) or take away.

SYMBOLS KEY

u Onsite parking

Meals served

Price range of entrées

Bar or BYOB?

Should I book?

Food for kids?

Other details

Health Food Store

Cards: V, MC, AE, D

N/A

YES

u b

Winery

$5-$27 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

Winery

N/A

ub H

L, D

$12-$19 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BYOB

YES

ub H

$12-$19 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BYOB

YES

u b

$24-$32 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BYOB

YES

ub H

$12-$29 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BYOB

YES

b H

L, D

$4-$18 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

u H

B, L, D

$6-$14 Cash Only

BYOB

YES

ub H

$26-$33 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

L, D

$5-$19 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BYOB

YES

Handicap accessible exit zero

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Takeout available

2012

ub H

U Dog-friendly patio

THE EXIT 0 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, CAPE MAY NOVEMBER 9-11

Joe Krown Organ Trio Saturday, November 10 at Carney’s

JOE Krown is a New Orleans styled piano and Hammond B-3 player. Both he and his trio have been the recipients of the New Orleans Big Easy Award in the Blues category. Joe Krown formed the Joe Krown Organ Combo in 1999. The band made its European debut in November 2001 in Germany, and has made regular appearances at the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Ottawa Blues Fest since. They’ve played such noted nightclubs as the Boom Boom Room in San Fransisco and Tobacco Road in Manhattan, and they’ve performed every week at one of many New Orleans nightclubs. The Joe Krown Organ Combo, which has released 4 CDs, was the front-page feature article for the Times Picayune 2003 Jazz Festival, and their album Buckle Up was ranked fourth out of 2,000 by OffBeat magazine. Krown and his music have also been featured in HBO’s Treme, about life in New Orleans following Katrina.

LITTLE ITALY II RISTORANTE

Home-cooked food that satisfies your family and your wallet!

A Local Café with ... a Wholesome Aroma Breakfast 7 ‘til 2:30 Lunch 11:30-2:30pm Sat & Sun 7-3 Dinner from 5pm Fresh Fruit Smoothies & Juices Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Friendly • Family Affordable Take-Out • Outdoor Seating & Doggie-Friendly Dining Fair Trade Organic Costa Rican Coffee Fresh Pressed Carrot Juice Hottest Hotcakes Homemade Soups Signature Sandwiches Veggie Delights

Breakfast Burritos Multigrain Waffles Sweet Potato Pancakes Sensational Salads Bella ½-pound Burgers Dynamic Dinners

Early Bird Special... Complimentary Glass of Wine with each Early Bird Dinner. Available Sunday thru Friday from 3:30-5:30

3704 Bayshore Road, North Cape May (Cape Plaza Shopping Center) • (609) 889-6610

406 N. Broadway, West Cape May 609.884.6332 • www.bellavidacafe.com

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The Ultimate Cape May Food & Drink Chart What you need to know about the food and the vibe Gecko’S Carpenter’s Square Mall Cape May (609) 898-7750

On a balmy summer night there’s nothing quite like Gecko’s in Cape May. Serving superb southwestern food, including great vegeterian fodder, on a tropical-vibed patio.

GODMOTHER’S Broadway & Sunset Cape May (609) 884-4543 www.godmothersrestaurant.com

Excellent downhome Italian food, just like your mama, or your grandma, or your aunt would make. Reasonably priced and great for a family dinner.

green street market 3167 Route 9 South Rio Grande (609) 463-0606 www.greenstreetmarket.com

A family-owned and operated organic market, committed to providing healthy and fair trade cerftified foods and products. Check out their rewards program.

harbor view 954 Ocean Drive Cape May (609) 884-5444 www.harborviewcapemay.com

A locals’ favorite for a reason. There’s a Key West vibe, good food, regular entertainment, and the views are spectacular.

hawk haven vineyard 600 S. Railroad Avenue Rio Grande (609) 846-7347 www.hawkhavenvineyard.com

A hip vibe, relaxed, beautiful setting and superb wines make this winery a mustvisit. Open daily from 11am to 7pm. Enjoy wines by the glass and gourmet snacks!

hemingway’s 1045 Beach Avenue Cape May (609) 884-5611 www.hemingwayscapemay.com

A relaxed yet elegant island ambience, featuring hand-cut USDA Prime Steaks, classic seafood creations and an outstanding wine selection. At the beachfront Grand Hotel.

higher grounds 479 W. Perry Street West Cape May (609) 884-1131 highergroundscapemay.com

The only fair trade coffee house in town, Higher Grounds is also the only organic and vegan cafe in Cape May. It’s a wifi hotspot, and also offers great garden seating.

Island Grill 311 Mansion Street Cape May (609) 884-0200

The interior design and menu concoctions are similar – Caribbean-influenced and very, very colorful. The sauces and combinations are creative and delectable.

lucky bones 1200 Route 109 Cape May (609) 884-BONE (2663) www.luckybonesgrill.com

This harborfront restaurant is a huge hit for a reason. There is excellent food (including wonderful thin-crust pizza), a great bar vibe, and superb service. Gets it right every time.

mad batter 19 Jackson Street Cape May (609) 884-5970 www.madbatter.com

The original fine dining restaurant in Cape May and still one of the best. The food is always creative and the breakfasts and brunches are very hard to beat – hence the lines.

SYMBOLS KEY

u Onsite parking

Meals served

Price range of entrées

Bar or BYOB?

Should I book?

Food for kids?

Other details

L, D

$8-$24 Cards: V, MC

BYOB

YES

b H

$12-$28 Cards: V, MC

BYOB

YES

u H

Health Food Store

Varies Cards: V, MC, D

N/A

YES

u b

B, L, D

$6-$30 Cards: V, MC

BAR

YES

Winery

$5-$34 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

B, L, D

$15-$38 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

B, L, D

$5-$15 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

L, D

$13-$26 Cash Only

u H

YES

ub H

BYOB

N/A

YES

bH U

BYOB

YES

L, D

$6-$22 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

For tables of eight or more

YES

B, L, D

$19-$30 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

Handicap accessible exit zero

ub H

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Winery

Takeout available

2012

ub H ub H b H

U Dog-friendly patio

THE EXIT 0 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, CAPE MAY NOVEMBER 9-11

Pedrito Martinez Saturday, November 10 at Cabanas

THE Pedrito Martinez Group has its roots planted firmly in the Afro-Cuban Rumba tradition and in the bata rhythms and vocal chants of the music of Yoruba and Santeria. For those who don’t know what that means, The New York Times sums it up best: “complex, blenderized Africa-to-the-New-World funk.” The group has developed into an extraordinarily tight and creative unit. With a home base gig in Midtown Manhattan, the group has built a fan base that includes Steve Gadd, and Eric Clapton. Members include percussionist, Jhair Sala, from Peru; electric bassist, Alvaro Benavides, from Venezuela; and keyboard player/vocalist, Araicne Trujillo, from Cuba. Pedro Pablo Pedrito Martinez was born in Havana, Cuba in 1973. He began his musical career at the age of 11, performing as vocalist and percussionist with such Cuban legends as Tata Guines. in 1998, he was brought to Canada to tour with Jane Bunnett. The musician’s decision to remain in North

America to pursue his career proved an auspicious one when, two years later, the annual Thelonious Monk Institute Competition showcased Afro-Latin Hand Drumming for the first time. Martinez entered and won first place. Since settling in New York City in 2,000,

Pedrito has lent his talents to over one hundred records, six of which have been Grammy nominated, and one which received a Grammy. Martinez also became a member of the Afro-Cuban band Yerba, which has opened for the likes of Ray Charles.

Freshest Ingredients Fantastic Specials Friendly Atmosphere Reservations Recommended 600 Park Boulevard, West Cape May • (609) 884-7660 • www.backstreetcapemaynj.com

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The Ultimate Cape May Food & Drink Chart What you need to know about the food and the vibe

maRIE NICOLE’S 9510 Pacific Avenue Wildwood Crest (609) 522-5425

This classy-but-casual restaurant serves modern American cuisine with a European ambiance in a relaxed atmosphere, just a short drive from Cape May, in Wildwood

martini beach 429 Beach Avenue Cape May (609) 884-1925

A lively nightspot with a friendly vibe, great Mediterranean dishes, and a panoramic oceanfront view. It’s also the place that brough tapas to Cape May – go ahead and

merion inn 106 Decatur Street Cape May (609) 884-8363

The dim, amber lighting, dark wooden bar, period fittings and classy staff give this place a special ambience. Great food, great cocktails, and a great vibe.

ocean view Beach & Grant Avenues Cape May (609) 884-3772

A large and very reliable menu at this oceanfront staple. Classic diner food, and very reasonably priced. A locals’ favorite, and you know that is always a good sign.

oyster bay 615 Lafayette Street Cape May (609) 884-2111

Lovely, airy dining rooms, a beautiful copper-top bar and classic, generous dishes are what you’ll find here. This is the kind of place where people keep

peter shields 1301 Beach Avenue Cape May (609) 884-9090

The Georgian Revival mansion on Cape May’s beachfront is magnificent, and the creative modern American menu matches it all the way. This is one classy eating

THE PILOT HOUSE 142 Decatur Street Cape May (609) 884-3449

A classic pub and restaurant offering great burgers, excellent comfort good and an authentic ambience. The burgers are big favorites among locals.

primo hoagies 605 Lafayette Street Cape May (609) 884-1177

No need to drive all the way to Philly for an authentic hoagie experience with Primo conveniently located right on Lafayette. It’s not just a hoagie, it’s a Primo.

the red store 500 CapeAvenue, Cape May Point (609) 884-5757

Awesome food in a secluded, serene setting. And now you can enjoy dinner, too, cooked by the brilliant Lucas Manteca, formerly of The Ebbitt Room.

rio station 3505 Route 9 South Rio Grande (609) 889-2000

While all around it has changed, the Rio Station is still serving excellent food with old-style, friendly service. Their chicken wings are particularly good.

Seasalt restaurant 1035 Beach Avenue Cape May (609) 884-7000

Whether you want to salsa on Latin night or chill poolside at the Tiki Bar, have a fabulous meal or book a spectacular event, it’s SeaSalt Restaurant at the Ocean Club.

SYMBOLS KEY

u Onsite parking

Meals served

Price range of entrées

Bar or BYOB?

Should I book?

Food for kids?

Other details

$19-$44 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

u b

$15-$30 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

$18/Mrkt Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

B, L, D

$9-$30 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BYOB

YES

ub H

$12-$29 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

ub H

$22-$39 Cards: V, MC, D

BYOB

L, D

$5-$25 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

L, D

$6-$20 Cards: V, MC, AE

N/A

YES

B, L

$5-$15 Cash Only

BYOB

YES

L, D

$13-$29 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

B, L, D

$8-$20 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

Handicap accessible exit zero

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Takeout available

2012

ub H

ub HU ub H

ub H

U Dog-friendly patio

THE EXIT 0 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, CAPE MAY NOVEMBER 9-11

Ben Williams and Sound Effect Friday, November 9 at Carney’s Other Room

BENJAMIN James Williams is a native of Washington, DC, who performs on electric bass and piano. His musical influence is rooted in various genres, including jazz, hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and classical. Williams is a recent graduate of the Michigan State University School of Music where he majored in Music Education with an emphasis in Jazz, studying with Rodney Whitaker and Jack Budrow. He plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at the Juilliard School. The musician’s accolades are many. He was a two-time winner of the Fish Middleton Jazz Scholarship Competition at the East Coast Jazz Festival, a twotime winner of the DC Public School Piano Competition, a 2002 recipient of the Duke Ellington

Nicholas Payton Friday, November 9 at SeaSalt NICHOLAS Payton was hailed as a virtuoso before he was even out of high school. In 1994, the musician made his recording debut as a leader with From This Moment, when he was immediately recognized as a “young lion.” Since then, he’s only improved. “The approach and the ideas of my music have become more singular, more cohesive,” he says, “I have no agenda in terms of a specific genre or style, only to be true to who I am.” Nicholas Payton was born in New Orleans in 1973 to a musical family. Encouraged by his mother, a pianist and vocalist, and his father, the legendary bassist, composer and educator Walter Payton, he received his first trumpet at age four. By nine, he was sittingin with local bands including the Young Tuxedo Brass Band. Dur-

ing his high school years, Payton attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts to study with Clyde Kerr Jr, and after graduation, he attended the University of New Orleans. Now, he is an accomplished pianist, bassist, drummer, tuba, trombone, clarinet and saxaphone player, and he is credited on well over 120 recordings as a composer, arranger, special guest or sideman. As a leader, Nicholas has recorded 8 albums under his own name including Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton — a 1997 Grammy award-winning collaboration with the legendary trumpeter. Payton says in reference to both his music and his life that he has finally arrived “most solidly in a place where I’m coming to terms with who I am... I’m not out to impress.” exit zero

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Society Annual Scholarship Award and, more recently, he won first place in the 2005 International Society of Bassists (ISB) competition in the category of jazz. Ben has performed both nationally and internationally with such artists as Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Mulgrew Miller, Cyrus Chestnut, Ron Blake, Stefon Harris, Karreim Riggins, Hamiett Bluiette, James Williams, Bobby Watson, Winard Harper, Buster Williams, John Hicks, Anthony Wonsey, Me’Shelle N’degeocello, Gene Lake, Wycliffe Gordon, and Delfeayo Marsalis, to name a few. Williams has also performed with opening acts for artists such as John Legend, Kirk Franklin, and Eric Roberson.

The Ultimate Cape May Food & Drink Chart What you need to know about the food and the vibe Seaside Cheese Company 600 Park Boulevard (609) 884-8700 www.seasidecheesecapemay.

A huge plus for the area when it opened, and this place, a short walk from downtown Cape May, continues to delight with gourmet treats. Private tasting room is

Sunset Liquors 106 Sunset Boulevard West Cape May (609) 435-5052

A new liquor store in town - definitely a welcome addition. Beer, wine, spirits, snacks, ice and free parking, and open daily. What’s not to love about that?

Tisha’s fine dining 322 Washington Street Mall Cape May (609) 884-9119

In case you’re wondering why they’re not at Convention Hall – they moved to the mall, where they are still serving up irresistible concoctions, PLUS breakfast

TOMMY’S FOLLY COFFEE 251 Beach Avenue, Cape May (609) 884-6522 www.congresshall.com

Situated in the lobby of Congress Hall, this shop has great coffee and some lovely to-go breakfast goodies, as well as healthy and tasty lunch wraps, plus soups, shakes

The Ugly Mug 426 Washington Street Mall Cape May (609) 884-3459

A Cape May legend, and even better now that they’ve put those wonderful booths in there. Such a treat. It has a classic pub vibe, and always a warm, friendly atmo-

Ukai asian restaurant 1500 Route 47 South, Rio Grande (609) 770-7773 www.sushiukai.com

Enjoy delicious, fresh and nutritious authentic Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian and Thai cuisine - all homemade! Great sushi too!

Uncle Bill’s Pancakes Beach Avenue & Perry Street Cape May (609) 884-7199

Reliably excellent food – there is a reason why people wait a while to eat here... Excellent breakfasts and brunches at this circular restaurant that overlooks the

union park Beach Avenue & Howard (609) 884-8811 www.unionparkdiningroom.com

Elegant dining in a classic old hotel, and the food is magnificent and inventive. Voted one of the best restaurants in the state by New Jersey Monthly magazine.

vincenzo’s little italy ii 3704 Bayshore Road North Cape May (609) 889-6610

If you want to bring the family for a fine and fun Italian meal, look no further than here! The kids will love it. Excellent pasta dishes, and they’ve recent expanded their

WASHINGTON INN 801 Washington Street (609) 84-569 www.washingtoninn.com

Superb gourmet food, and a great little cocktail bar to get your night off on the right foot. Amazing wine list and an all-new wine bar has opened with small plates

willow creek winery 168 Stevens St., West Cape May (609) 770-8782 willowcreekwinerycapemay.com

Willow Creek is the newest and largest winery in Cape May. Check out the stunning villa, set on the idyllic 50-acre vineyard. This isn’t a tour - it’s an event.

SYMBOLS KEY

u Onsite parking

Meals served

Price range of entrées

Bar or BYOB?

Should I book?

Food for kids?

B, L, D

$4-$12 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

N/A

YES

Liquor Store

Cards: V, MC, AE, D

Liquor Store

N/A

B, L, D

$18-$35 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BYOB

YES

B, Café

$2-$5 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

N/A

YES

L, D

$12-$25 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

L, D

$2.25$36.95 Cards: V, MC, AE

BYOB

YES

B, L

$4-$9 Cash Only

BYOB

YES

$18-$35 Cards: V, MC, AE

BYOB

YES

L, D

$8-$20 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BYOB

YES

$18-$34 Cards: V, MC, AE, D

BAR

YES

Winery

$6 and up Cards: V, MC,

N/A

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THE EXIT 0 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

CARRIAGE HOUSE

Sachal Vasandani

e f a C & TEAROOM

Friday, November 9 at Martini Beach

At the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May, NJ 1048 WASHINGTON ST.

All-new a la carte Menu with.... SIGNATURE SALADS SOUPS QUICHE PANINIS WRAPS

SACHAL Vasandani was born in Chicago and grew up in a household where all kinds of music were appreciated. His parents listened to a variety of jazz, from Duke Ellington to Keith Jarrett, which piqued his curiosity. In pursuing his love for music at the University of Michigan, he was pegged as a talent of the future, most notably by DownBeat magazine, which named him Collegiate Jazz Vocalist of the year in 1999. After moving to New York, Vasandani quickly became a part of the jazz scene, and made a musical home in storied clubs like the Zinc Bar. He was also tapped for a number of guest performances and recordings, notably by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, and TS Monk. After Vasandani’s breakthrough debut recording, he toured extensively, supporting Eyes Wide Open. He opened for

TEA SANDWICHES CLASSIC TEA LUNCHEON AFTERNOON TEA New in 2012! CHILDREN’S MENU • TAKE-OUT

Tuesday-Sunday: 11am-4pm

Take-out/Reservations, call

609-884-5111

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disparate artists, from jazz trumpeter Chris Botti to pop singer Joan Osborne, garnering respect from a diverse spectrum of audiences. “I played in the US as well as overseas,” he says. “I played at jazz festivals as well eclectic venues, and it was humbling to see people with different backgrounds and tastes respond to what I do.” Vasandani was signed to Mack Avenue Records in 2006. In addition, Vasandani was mentored by the veterans of the jazz vocal realm. He shared the stage with Jon Hendricks at a masters and mentors concert in Idaho (“Jon’s honest spirit, intellect and improvising ability are such an influence”), and toured Japan with Sheila Jordan. “Sheila serves as a mother figure to a lot of us singers,” he says. “Like Jon, Sheila sings powerfully and with so much love. To keep your voice, spirit, energy alive... for decades — what an instruction in longevity.”

Chef Lucas Manteca is now cooking Dinner at The Red Store! Also serving Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Our On The Go Menu From 7:30am till 2:30pm General Store and Small Bites 7:30am To 8:30pm Gourmet Coffee Housemade Baked Breads & Sweets Housemade Gelato

a t C a p e M a y Po i n t 500 Cape Avenue

Stop by our Beautiful Vineyard for everything wine... tastings, classes, picnics, parties and more! Join us this summer for an exquisite vineyard experience featuring wine festivals, daily vineyard tours, wine tastings, wines by the glass and wine pairing dinners

Photos by Robert Mayer

168 Stevens Street, West Cape May â&#x20AC;˘ (609) 770-8782 â&#x20AC;˘ willowcreekwinerycapemay.com Photo by Robert Mayer

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the extremely useful and

deliciously decadent

teetotallerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to

cape may Story by KATE CHADWICK Photography by ALEKSEY MORYAKOV

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aybe you’re expecting. Maybe you just never developed a taste for it. Maybe you’re the regular designated driver. Maybe you’re watching your waistline, or you simply don’t want to wake up feeling like a pile of poo in the morning. Or maybe, like this reporter, you’ve simply had enough alcohol for this lifetime (and several others). How to navigate a ‘Victorian town with a drinking problem,’ as the T-shirt says? What to order to wet your whistle while those around you are sipping fine wines (or slugging down shots, depending upon where you are)? There was a time when a non-drinker in a bar would be stuck with a soda, but the options these days have expanded — from bottled sparkling waters to fresh-squeezed juices to mocktail menus, and it’s tough to find a bar anywhere that doesn’t offer non-alcoholic, or N/A beer. These are a great option for most non-drinkers, with one caveat: there is a trace amount of alcohol (0.4%) in most N/A brews, and for some recovering alcoholics, that’s not a risk worth taking (although a similar trace amount can be found in a glass of orange juice). For others, it gives the taste and the look of a beer, without the risk. It’s a judgment call. As a beer substitute, though, it’s smart for several reasons, besides the obvious behavioral affects, like calorie count. The calorie count in a 12-ounce Budweiser is

A REFRESHING LINEUP Previous page: Helen Linney, bartender at The Ebbitt Room, at the Virginia Hotel and, above, four of the bar’s signature mocktails — Ginger Sparkler, Apple of Eden, Cucumber Collins and Pomegranate Soda Opposite page: Kaitlyn Douglass showcases the three nonalcoholic beers available at the C-View Inn; and a homemade Bloody Mary mix at the Pilot House

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145; an O’Doul’s is less than half of that at 70. (And here’s a fun fact — the Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Ale contains a whopping 330 calories per 12 ounce bottle.)O’Doul’s, if you don’t know, is the standard in N/A beers. It tastes like your average light beer, but other beer companies are getting on the N/A bandwagon. Here, then, is the teetotaller’s ultimate guide.

Brown Room at Congress Hall It figures that at a standard-breaking place like The Brown Room, you’re not going to have a standard O’Doul’s option — they serve O’Doul’s Amber, a step up from the regular bottle, with a beautiful color and a nice, fuller flavor. Bartender John McCurdy showed us the mocktail menu — we’re partial to the Blue Pig Cream (milk, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, club soda — yum). 251 Beach Avenue, Cape May, 609-884-8421, congresshall.com

Cabanas Kaliber, made by Guinness, is the N/A beer you’ll get if you ask Noreen Cicero for one at Cabanas. It’s full and bold with an almost coffee taste, and it comes in at a mere 71 calories. “We can also do any cocktail as virgin,” Noreen told us. “People especially ask for virgin pina coladas and daiquiris, and we do an infused lemonade in the summer, with mint and strawberries. And then you have the old standby, the Shirley Temple.” Which, if you don’t recall from your childhood, is a 7-Up with cherry juice and a cherry — if you’re good. 429 Beach Avenue,

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Cape May. 609-884-8400, cabanasonthebeach.com

C-View Inn The C-View reminds us of what used to be called a taproom. It’s a bar’s bar. It’s not fancy, it’s not pretentious, they serve a great corned beef sandwich and wings. You could have a coke with those wings, but why not order an ice-cold brew while skipping the calories and the brain drain? The C-View offers three N/A beer options: O’Doul’s, Coor’s Cutter (coming in at 82 calories) and Kaliber. Barkeep Holly Boone told us that they also make their own Bloody Mary mix… good to know if you want that taste but not the buzz. Texas and Washington Avenues, Cape May, 609-884-4712

The Ebbitt Room Ah, The Ebbitt Room — uber-elegant and yet relaxing at the same time. Leave it to them to come up with a sophisticated mocktail menu, which the lovely Helen Linney shared with us when we visited. These mocktails are always made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, from Beach Plum Farm, whenever possible, so by the time you read this, we’re sure some delectable fall options will be in place. Our favorite had to be the Apple Of Eden, made with muddled apples, basil, fresh lime and ginger ale. Excellent and refreshing with a nice little bite. And for the beer drinkers, the Ebbitt offers Kaliber. 25 Jackson Street, Cape May, 609-884-5700, virginiahotel.com exit zero

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Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille This is a family place, and head bartender J.R. Basolis tells us that he feels like he makes nearly as many virgin drinks as cocktails to accommodate all the kids. “The virgin daiquiris are big — the mango one especially, and we have ice cream drinks that the kids can get. It looks fancier than a Shirley Temple.” For the N/A beer drinker, Harry’s used to carry O’Doul’s, until this reporter suggested to manager Jonathan Hirsch last summer that they kick it up a notch. They now carry St Pauli Girl N/A (96 calories), a very tasty brew, and you can still get O’Doul’s in the Montreal’s liquor store. 1025 Beach Avenue, Cape May, 609-884-7011, montreal-inn.com

READY TO SERVE Bartender TJ Belasco at the Washington Inn, where two non-alcoholic wines are on offer — Mendocino Pinot Noir and Gewukztramer

Hemingway’s at The Grand Greg Elliot was manning the bar when we visited Hemingway’s, and when we asked him about an N/A brew, the way he said O’Doul’s just sounded more appealing with that Irish brogue of his. “We sell a fair amount of O’Doul’s,” he told us, “And any cocktail can be made as N/A — virgin daiquiris, or Virgin Mary. Some people just drink tonic with lime, or club soda. Most people who come here are here to drink, but these days, sometimes you have one person drinking, and one not. Which is good.” 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, 609-884-5611, hemingwayscapemay.com

while we’re on the subject of tons of flavor, for the designated driver who happens to be a beer drinker, Lucky Bones serves Beck’s N/A (our favorite one, and that was even before we found out it only has 64 calories). 1200 Route 109, Cape May. 609884-2663, luckybonesgrille.com

Mad Batter Before we could even speak to Kyle Kulkowitz, who was tending bar when we stopped in at the Mad Batter on a busy late afternoon, we overheard a woman across the bar asking him to recommend a good, refreshing drink that had no alcohol (thank you, ma’am). He did not even hesitate, suggesting an Orange Creamsicle, which was served up in an old-fashioned float glass. She said it’s “delicious — it’s like a dessert.” Sounds good to us. They also have St Pauli N/A there, just in case you’re not the dessert-first type. 19 Jackson Street, Cape May, 609-884-5970, madbatter.com

G Martini Beach

How can you possibly go into a place called Martini Beach and not order a martini? We checked with bar manager Christina Rodriguez, and it can be done! They started carrying Buckler N/A beer years ago for a regular customer who has since passed away, and they still stock it. And they’d be happy to whip up any sort of mock martini for you — just tell them what you like and they’ll hook you up. And what would Christina recommend? “Passion fruit, peach juice, a shot of sour mix, and a splash of club soda. In a martini glass, of course.” Of course. 429 Beach Avenue, Cape May, 609-884-1925, martinibeachcapemay.com

Lucky Bones

The Beach Plum Mojito is way popular here, but bartender Matt McGaffney told us that the virgin version of the same drink is a big seller, too. “You’d be surprised,” he says. “Then again, it’s really refreshing, and it’s got a ton of flavor.” And

Chart a Course for...

Hemingway’s is committed to serving you only the highest quality hand-cut steaks, prime beef and fresh seafood complemented by a superb wine selection.

Our staff is eager to provide you with exceptional, friendly service. We have created a unique, exciting dining destination you will want to visit again and again.

In the

The Grand Hotel

Oceanfront at 1045 Beach Ave • Cape May, NJ 609.884.5611 • GrandHotelCapeMay.com exit zero

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Merion Inn Kaliber is the beverage of choice for non-drinkers at the Merion, says bartender Mark Kobart — so we had one with him. And if you’re not up for something as heavy as a brew prior to an excellent Merion meal, Mark would be happy to serve up a Perrier sparkling water — most people get it with lemon or lime. Why have club soda when you can have Perrier? 106 Decatur Street, Cape May. 608-884-8363, merioninn.com

Pilot House Bartender Chris Mendicino had just finished making a batch of Bloody Mary mix when we visited the Pilot House, and that beats the premixed bottled stuff every time, whether you’re putting vodka in it or not. Other options for teetotalers besides a Virgin Mary at Pilot House include Kaliber, or go with a nice bottle of Perrier, or perhaps… birch beer? “Yes —we carry Pennsylvania Dutch bottled Birch Beer,” Chris told us, “and Stewart’s Diet Root Beer.” 142 Decatur Street, Cape May. 609-884-3449, pilothousecapemay.com

Ugly Mug O’Doul’s has always been the go-to N/A brew at the Ugly Mug, but bartender John Armbruster told us that they’ve also just started carrying Kaliber. “It’s just a way to offer people a choice,” he says. So they get folks into the Mug who aren’t there to drink, huh? Because we wondered about that… “Well, they may not want it to look like they’re not drinking. In that case, they’ll go with something like a 7-Up with a splash of cranberry. Looks like a cocktail, but it isn’t.” 426 Washington Street, Cape May, 609-884-3459, uglymugcapemay.com

The N/A wines were a tad sweeter, but delicious. And no headaches the next day — even sweeter.

Washington Inn The Washington Inn Wine Bar is a hugely popular place with area oenophiles, aka wine lovers, and with good reason. But did you know that you can get a glass of N/A wine there? And we know it’s technically grape juice, but we’re not talking about Welch’s here. We’re talking about Mendocino Pinot Noir, a darker N/A wine, or go for the Gewukztramer (white) N/A. Bartender Marty Santry poured us a sample of each, and they were both quite good — a tad sweeter, perhaps, than wine with alcohol, but delicious nonetheless. And no wine headache the next day — even sweeter. 801 Washington Street, Cape May. 609-884-5697, washingtoninn.com.

Dinner Nightly from 5pm Reservations Accepted • Cash Only Free Parking • Catering Available Contemporary cuisine with a Caribbean flair.

Uncle Bill’s & FAMILY RESTAURANT Open Everyday!

Outdoor Seating!

For Catering Call Carol 609-408-0612

BEACH AVENUE & PERRY STREET, CAPE MAY (609) 884-7199

311 Mansion Street • 884-0200 exit zero

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t s e d l O s ’ y e Ma

! n r e v a T t s

e i l d n e i r F &

Cap

C-View Inn Texas Avenue & Washington Street Cape May • (609) 884-4712

Want to have a special day? Here is where you start! • fine pastries, hearth-baked wholegrain breads, and decadent desserts since 1980. • serving Grounds for ChangeTM organic fair trade coffee • Daily lunch items, including quiche, stuffed breads, pasta salads, soups, and veggie tarts. All recipes are vegetarian and many are vegan. And ALL items are prepared fresh daily on the premises. • Customized Cakes for ANY Occasion. Victorian and Beach-Themed Weddings are our Specialty!

CAPE MAY BAKERS 482 West Perry Street, Cape May (609) 884-7454 | www.capemaybakers.com exit zero

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my perfect day audrey snow, local singer

Yoga, fashion, mojitos, and music

ecause it’s so refreshing to feel fully stretched and healthy in the morning, I would start with either a morning yoga class or a run. I usually try to catch a class from yoga instructor Lia Antonicello, who holds classes at the Chalfonte Hotel and at the Wise Wellness Center. Her mixture of challenging positions and relaxing cooldowns leaves me feeling stronger and calmer to begin my perfect day. After that, I would stop in to YB for a build-your-own egg-white omelette with roasted reds, onions and olives. While eating my breakfast, I can look out the window at my next activity for the day — the beach! I usually like to meet up with friends at Steger’s or Madison. It really doesn’t matter which beach I’m at in Cape May. As long as I’m next to the ocean, it’s perfect. After sitting for a few minutes, I

have to take a dip. A perfect day is never perfect without sand between your toes and salt water in your hair. After I feel I’ve had enough sun for the day, I am happy to leave the beach for some retail therapy. I love to pop in to the boutiques and surf shops on and around the Washington Street Mall. I love when I find unique, fun pieces to add to my wardrobe. My usual spots to find what I’m looking for are Pink, South End, Ella Rae’s, and The Free Shop. I like to head to Harry’s at the Montreal in the early evening to grab a drink. Once again, I can look at my favorite feature of Cape May (the beach), while I sip on a freshly minted mojito made by the friendly staff. I might grab some bruschetta and trout dip. If I’m on the other side of town, I like to hit up the Rusty Nail for one of their frozen drinks. I still feel like I’m on the beach when I’m sitting in the sand pit sipping on a Cape May Vice, exit zero

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HIGH NOTE “Although most people wouldn’t include their job as part of their perfect day, I would load my car up with my guitar and head over to The Brown Room at Congress Hall. It’s such a blessing to be able to do what I love in my home town and share my music with both the locals and the summer tourists,” says Audrey Snow. Aleksey Moryakov

2012

a blend of daiquiri and pina colada. Although most people wouldn’t include their job as part of their perfect day, I would load my car up with my guitar and head over to The Brown Room at Congress Hall. It’s such a blessing to be able to do what I love in my home town and share my music with both the locals and the summer tourists. It really is the perfect job. After singing, I might head down to the Boiler Room to check out what entertainment is happening. It’s such a neat place because it makes me feel like I am in a city somewhere. If I have time, I might head down to Cabarneys (The Mug, Cabanas and Carney’s) to meet up with some friends. On a perfect day, I wouldn’t stay too late because a good night’s sleep is my idea of the perfect ending to the perfect day in my favorite town on the Jersey Shore... Cape May.

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heroes and villains the new fall offerings at cape may stage delve into darkness (edgar allan poe) and poetic inspiration (emily dickinson)

Story by catherine dugan

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UTUMN is the perfect time, and Cape May the perfect place, for a visit with two of America’s greatest authors, Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allan Poe. Walk along Cape May’s Victorian streets and you can convince yourself that you see a woman in white strolling through a garden, or a slim, dark-haired gentleman with military bearing passing on the sidewalk. Cape May Stage will present The Belle of Amherst by William Luce, starring Barbara Dana, from October 17 through October 27, and Poe, Times Two starring Greg Oliver Bodine from October 31 to November 16. Barbara Dana looks forward to bringing The Belle of Amherst to Cape May. She believes that immersing oneself in history can “nourish” an artist. While she wrote her book on Emily Dickinson’s early life, she lived in a “little house in a little hamlet that looks like the 19th century,” complete with a cemetery across the street. Barbara Dana explores the life of

Actress Barbara Dana also has an abiding interest in wolves, who she says are like Emily Dickinson in that they are “forces of nature — wild, different, not needy. They make you come to them.”

Emily Dickinson in the play by William Luce, which follows Dickinson from the age of 15, when she was a girl full of dreams, through her increasingly reclusive life, to her death at 56. Although she rarely left her own yard, Dickinson, more famous for her gardening than her poetry while she lived, carried on an active social life through her correspondence. According to Dana, Dickinson’s poems were too far ahead of her time to be widely published while she lived. Her work was perceived as “raw,” and she was “very much the rebel,” especially in her attitudes toward the role of women and traditional religion. She only published about a dozen of her poems during her lifetime, but she “created a whole new place for poetry to go.” Her sister, Lavinia, is credited with promoting Dickinson’s work after her death, and sharing the modern, slightly subversive poetry with America. The play makes use of Dickinson’s poetry to tell her story. One actor portrays Dickinson, her friends, her teacher and her father. Dana, a Dickinson scholar, has done extensive research on the poet’s life and art, which critics say adds layers of complexity to her performance. She has

written Voice of Her Own: Becoming Emily Dickinson and co-edited Wider than the Sky: Essays and Meditations on the Healing Power of Emily Dickinson with Cindy MacKenzie. She plays the role in an exact replica of the poet’s white dress, wearing a brooch given to her by Julie Harris, who originated the role on Broadway. Dana also has an abiding interest in wolves, who she says are like Dickinson in that they are “forces of nature — wild, different, not needy. They make you come to them.” In addition to her works on Dickinson, Dana is the author of several books for young people. Necessary Parties, recognized by the American Library Association as a “Best Book,” was made into a film featuring young Mark-Paul Gosselaar, fresh from Saved by the Bell, as a teenager who sues to prevent his parents’ divorce. Zucchini tells the story of a ferret seeking a home outside the zoo, and Young Joan, the story of Joan of Arc, was inspired by Dana’s performance in the play Joan of Lorraine. Dana also writes for adults — her play War in Paramus was recognized as one of the best new plays of 2006. Though Dana is an award-winning writer, acting is no mere hobby. She

A restaurant with so much flavor...

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A Poe-erful performance Actor-playwright Greg Oliver Bodine says that the “historic ambiance of Cape May creates a wonderful, gothic setting for a play like Poe, Times Two,” which adapts two of Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories, “The Black Cat” and “The Cask Of Amontillado”

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Eat In Take Out

Talk to us about planning your next catered event! Check us out on facebook or call 609-884-8030 for our daily specials! Featuring The Depot’s popular homemade soups, salad selections, house roasted meats and local seafood specials

Phone 609-435-5052 Beer • Wine • Spirits Ice • Snacks • Free Parking

409 Elmira Street, Cape May (Next to the Train Station) • 609-884-8030 exit zero

Open Daily. 51

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began modeling as a child, and started acting professionally at age 16, beginning with commercials before finding roles on live television. Through her career, Dana has acted in shows from Law & Order to Sesame Street, where she had a recurring role in scenes teaching cooperation. Her film credits include Raising Flagg, The InLaws, and Chu-Chu and the Philly Flash, and on stage she has starred in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Room Service, and Where’s Daddy? Dana has three grown sons and four grandchildren, and she lives in New York State with a yellow Labrador named Riley, who will be joining her in Cape May. Greg Oliver Bodine, who stars in Poe, Times Two, is also an award-winning writer, often gaining critical acclaim for acting in his own work. Bodine has been called “an actor of extraordinary natural gifts which he has honed to the highest professional acuity.” A graduate of Hobart College and the MFA program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bodine lives in New York City. His film credits include Earth Killer and Solar Vengeance. On television he has appeared in Saturday Night Live, Guiding Light, and Law & Order: SVU, and he has acted in the-

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Poe could have been a character in one of his own stories. He was an orphan adopted and rejected, a sometime soldier, a gambler, and a drinker who sought temperance.

ater in New York and across the country. Bodine has written The Fatwa of Corpsman Johnny Jones and has adapted stories from authors like Charles Dickens, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Thomas Hardy for the stage. Bodine credits small theaters like Cape May Stage with providing “the lifeblood” for shows like Poe, Times Two, noting that “the most frustrating thing for me as an actor-playwright is having a hit play on my hands, only to let it… collect dust after the initial production has closed.” Bodine is grateful that “Cape May Stage has extended the life” of his play, which recently won three New York Innovative Theater awards. In Poe, Times Two, Bodine has adapted two of Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories, “The Black Cat” and “The Cask of Amontillado”. The first tells the story of a man on the night before his execution, who attempts to explain his own behavior. “The Cask of Amontillado” is a tale of revenge which explores the ways “honor” can be perverted into violence, with echoes in reality which reveal Poe’s skill. You’ll never look at Cape May’s stonework the same way again.

Poe could have been a character in one of his own stories. He was an orphan adopted and rejected, a sometime soldier, a gambler, and a drinker who sought temperance. Poe married his wife when she was only thirteen, only to lose her to tuberculosis before she was 25. He struggled to balance life and art, created the modern detective story and made important contributions to science fiction, horror, and the short story. Poe died under mysterious circumstances at age forty, after he was found on the sidewalk, incoherent and wearing someone else’s clothing. The cause of death has never been determined. The Belle of Amherst runs from October 17 through October 27, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. The play is two hours, with intermission, and is suggested for ages 12 and up. Poe, Times Two runs from October 31 to November 16, Thursdays to Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, at 3pm. The play is appropriate for ages 10 and up, and runs for 65 minutes with no intermission. For information and tickets, contact Cape May Stage at (609) 884-1341 or visit capemaystage.com.

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STORY OF A REMARKABLE WOMAN Barbara Dana channels Emily Dickinson (and her friends) in the one-woman show, The Belle of Amherst, which chronicles the poet’s life, from 15 to 56. Dickinson, whose work was ahead of her time, was considered “very much the rebel.”

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film festival

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true romance?

this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cape may film festival offers a smorgasbord of features large and small and asks the big question: can we ever believe the relationships we see onscreen?

Story by TOM SIMS

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he Cape May Film Festival will celebrate its twelfth year on October 19-21 at the Chalfonte Hotel. “In the relative life of film festivals, twelve years is a reason to celebrate,” says Dottie Knapp, President of the Cape May Film Festival. “We’ve seen several festivals come and go,” she says. “Of course the national festivals, such as Sundance or Tribeca, will always remain, but the future of community film festivals is sometimes not so certain. And the defining characteristic of a successful community film festival is having a team of creative volunteers who are dedicated to film screenings. It’s no wonder we have received the New Jersey People’s Choice Award for the first three consecutive years that the award was offered.” Knapp has been a committed part of the festival for years, having presented film screenings, clips programs, and been part of discussion panels. She and husband Mal have also been part of programming and planning for the last few years and have made significant investments in

star of tHE show Opposite page: Locally connected filmmaker Greg Henry presented the acclaimed Redemption at last year’s Cape May Film Festival.

the festival’s future. “We believe in sharing films with neighbors, friends, and the great visitors of our town,” she says. “Sure you can watch a lot of films online these days as well as on big screen TVs in your home, but you can’t hear the laughter of others, feel the tension during suspenseful moments, or talk with one another afterward — that takes a film society.” This year, the festival is planning one of its most comprehensive programs ever offered. The weekend begins with an opening program on Friday, entitled “Romance: Impossible”, hosted by the creators of the website reel-couples.com, on which creators Karyn Witzel and Caroline Corman rate couples who appear in films to determine if they will stay together after the end credits roll. Harry and Sally? Yeah they’ll make it. Melvin and Carol from As Good As It Gets? Probably not. On Friday night, the two will present their favorite romance film clips, and their in-depth assessment of couples from the movies. Karyn Witzel says, “I think I’ve lost my sense of romance. At least when it comes to the movies. I seem to have become too cynical. I used to love love stories. Dramas, romantic comedies — I loved them

all. Watching two people fall madly in love and then head off into the sunset to live happily ever after was always a great way to spend an evening. But I’ve found over the years that I can no longer believe in Happily Ever After. As the movie goes on I find myself looking more and more askance at the couple-to-be and questioning their chances of ever really making it work. Are these two really going to live forever in wedded bliss? Nine times out of 10 I just don’t see it happening.” On Saturday, the festival will show short films that are either being made in New Jersey or that have never been screened in the state before. “Some of these filmmakers are relative newcomers and some have been making films for years,” says Stefan Prosky, Curator of Films. “We have hosted Susan Sarandon in the past, as well as Joe Pantoliano, Vincent Pastore and important independent filmmakers such as Greg Henry, whose work has appeared on National Geographic Channel. And as always we are working on presenting a main feature on Saturday night that will greatly impress. When you’re trying to attract high-end talent to the area, it takes a lot of time and

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a lot of schedule manipulation to make it work.” Sunday, the festival will honor Marilyn Monroe on the 50th anniversary of her death. As recent as last year, there has been an account of her life that garnered not only box office sales but Oscar attention as well (My Week with Marilyn star Michelle Williams was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar). “We’ll look at her greatest works, but also some of her most important work,” says presenter Paul Sofian, an expert on Hollywood’s golden age. “Look at her first starring role in Niagara, which garnered for her a great deal of critical praise. After that film, she always had a starring role. Her memory endures not because of her sex appeal and acting ability. There was a mystique behind Ms Monroe that transcends time and endures despite our changing perceptions of what it means to be a lead actress.” The work of the Cape May Film Society does not end in October, and it relies on the support of the community to continue our good works. “Membership to the Society is free,” says Corbin Cogswell, Chair of the society’s Program and Membership Committee. “Our hope is that people will

HONORING MARILYN On Sunday, October 21 the Cape May Film Festival will honor Marilyn Monroe on the 50th anniversary of her death. Opposite page: Monroe in her first starring role, Niagara, and in the iconic Some Like It Hot, in which she starred with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

enjoy the programs they attend and support the group with donations and their own time. This year, the society took the concept of smaller screenings even more intimate by introducing house parties to its offering of film programs. “We had a great time hosting our house party,” says Cogswell. “We showed Under the Tuscan Sun, and it was great to get together and watch the film with friends and neighbors. We served some refreshments and had a little time for discussion afterward. It’s like a book club for movie lovers. Our group has great opportunities for good fellowship and camaraderie with people who have like interests doing something that most of us like: watching movies.” For the past decade, the film society has hosted an annual film camp, and this year was no different. Four films were created that are among some of the best films the students have created. “This year’s camp helps us identify young filmmakers locally that can help us with other productions throughout the year,” says Gail Schmidtchen, Chair of the society’s Education Committee. “Every year we work with local non-profits to showcase on film the great works that they do on

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behalf of residents of Cape May county. These films that are made at film camp are great productions, and the subsequent films made out in the community are just as important.” The Cape May Film Academy is the educational outreach that works on these productions, and the work is possible with the ongoing support of the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage. “Through their help,” says Schmitchen, “we’ve been able to accomplish the camp, a film history on Cape May County, and so many other projects.” “So many people reminisce about the good old days and how different things were back in the day,” says Dottie Knapp. “Well, this is a perfect way to feel connected with people like we did in the past. There are so many ways we are separated in this day and age with the Internet, cable television, and other distractions. The Cape May Film Society, our screenings, and our annual festival are great ways to come together.” You can find out more about the Cape May Film Society at capemayfilm.org or by calling/texting 609-326-FEST (3378).

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working weekends

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at the chalfonte

MEMORIES OF SPECIAL TIMEs AT A VERY SPECIAL PLACE

Story by Will Valentino

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HE Chalfonte Hotel is a treasured survivor of a bygone age that has weathered the passing of time with more than a glance of luck and serendipity. While the world around the Chalfonte continued to change, it has remained, even if accidentally, a steady marker in a constantly changing tide. Since the 1970s, preservationists, master gardeners, carpenters and local historical society members have descended on the hotel to volunteer their time in what has become an interesting subculture called The Chalfonte Work Weekend. My own Chalfonte journey started innocently enough by sitting in one of the hotel’s rocking chairs on its first-floor veranda after a walk in Cape May. Rocking on the veranda soon led to a weekend stay and explorations from its cupola high atop the hotel offering ocean vistas, to its 130-foot corridors and room after room filled with a simplified antique elegance. The commitment of time was not an easy choice and shortly afterwards I registered to become a work weekender. With bag and work clothes in tow, I trekked to Cape May during the following spring. There’s a beauty to Cape May in those serene pauses before and after the summer season. Cape May in the springtime is a place of transcendence, with trees budding and flowers reawakening from winter sleep. When you stumble across the Chalfonte, tucked away on Howard Street, a couple blocks from the ocean, you discover it’s the Holy Grail in the center of something that should not have survived. And

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so, I became a work weekender, because at some point you have to, because you already have done everything there is to do in the land that time forgot. After checking in to a sleepy nearly empty hotel, I woke up that first weekend morning in my assigned room to hear longtime Chalfonte stalwart Jim Abrams knocking on my hotel door, trumpeting me to rise and shine. As the hotel filled with golden sunshine, the intoxicating aromas of a hearty breakfast began curling up the staircases. Out of bed you stumble into the kitchen and you almost can’t believe your eyes when you see Dottie and Lucille smiling back at you and greeting the day with youthful smiles from what must surely be tired bodies after spending nearly a lifetime in the Chalfonte’s kitchen, learning the craft in the shadow of their mother, Helen Dickerson. After breakfast and work assignments this typical group of Cape May faithfuls known as work weekenders usually meet in the courtyard behind the hotel where time can stand still. The courtyard with its backwards view of the cupola is a sheltering cocoon from the salty ocean brine air and the complexities of the modern world beyond. It is here that the hardcore work of the work weekend begins. What had been an old stable back in the late 1800s is now used as a walk-in

volunteer army The author, Will Valentino, top, during a previous work weekend — the practice has been going on since the 1970s and has been an invaluable tool for getting the Chalfonte Hotel into shape every season

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tool crib from where paint, scrapers and dust masks are freely handed out the entire weekend. Here in the courtyard is where you can stumble upon countless artifacts from the hotel’s past. An old coal furnace stands outside the kitchen door in quiet retirement. At one time, numerous, cast-iron bed frames original to the hotel lay rusting here, although today only a few remain. From the courtyard, the assigned groups make their way through the hotel with scrapers, paint, rakes, nails and hammers, and for the next four hours the Chalfonte will receive the first of many makeovers before the first guests arrive on Memorial Day. Leaving behind my own home in Palmyra, New Jersey was either a fanciful escape or plain foolishness — after all, my own 125-year-old Victorian wood frame house also needed some special attentions — but, still, the peeling old hotel would receive top priority. exit zero

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That first work weekend, I helped to paint the lobby of the grand lady and suddenly, after a weekend of scraping, spackling, sanding and painting the most important room in the hotel, I was no longer an outsider. When Anne LeDuc, the Chalfonte’s former, longtime owner, started the work weekends, she allowed ordinary people to become a part of the Chalfonte family and its history. It changed me and my relationship with the hotel forever. This old hotel has always been surrounded by people who loved it dearly and respected it, and when you become a work weekender you become part of this extended family of people who have kept it going over the many years. When the work on the lobby was completed on Sunday afternoon, I successfully huddled everyone I worked with to pose for a photograph with a camera I bought that weekend, because you realize these are moments worth remembering and trea-

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suring like a falling star in your pocket. I have returned nearly every year since then, sometimes working several weekends to scrape and paint the verandas I once rocked on, only now, as an endoctrined member of the Chalfonte Family, scraper in hand and layers of white paint and plaster covering my clothes like a badge of honor. Names are reapplied to remembered faces from past work weekends as they slowly arrive,

one by one on Friday evening to haphazardly gather around the metal table in the kitchen where Lucille, Dot and the kitchen staff have meticulously prepared countless meals to summertime travelers with sand in their shoes. As my first years as a Chalfonte work weekender unfolded, I became woven in the tapestry of many wonderful memories and experiences, all of which would not have been possible if Ann Le Duc had not started this extension of the Chalfonte family called the work weekend. There is absolutely nothing like a Saturday night at the hotel in spring when after completing your first six hours working, you return to your hotel room, aching and sore. After showering, and putting on some clothes that aren’t layered in paint and dirt, the intoxicating aromas of Dottie and Lucille’s famous fried chicken start to fill the hotel from the bottom up. The spring air is blowing the curtains away from the win-

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This old hotel has always been surrounded by people who loved it dearly and respected it, and when you become a work weekender you become part of this extended family of people who have kept it going over the years.

dows as you comb your hair in the pitted backwards silver of an old Victorian mirror and you realize: how could you ever tell anyone about this because you know it’s the best kept secret in Cape May and perhaps the universe. It’s Zen, and it happens a lot on your typical Chalfonte work weekend. The whole experience transcends the work itself. If you are lucky, the hotel will be playing host to some event on Saturday night and the hotel, even while reawakening from its slumber is abuzz with guests for a wedding, or a dance in its ballroom. One such event I can recall with fondness was a group of Victorian ballroom dancers who arrived in full costume, with a live chamber quartet in tow. That evening the hotel filled with music Henry Sawyer (the Chalfonte’s famous founder) himself would have danced to. I can’t describe the sounds of shoes dancing and tapping in rhythm on the wooden floors as they resonated through the entire hotel. Time travel, courtesy of the Chalfonte Hotel is always on the menu and a perk of the working weekends. As a guest of the Chalfonte dur-

READY TO TAKE CARE OF YOU Opposite page: For more than 60 years, Lucille and Dot Burton have been cooking up remarkable downhome Southern food in the kitchen of the Chalfonte... and this is one of the ultimate perks for the work weekenders

ing the summer season you will collect your own plentiful memories of your stay, but as a working weekender, the Chalfonte is the only place in the world where you could say you spent six hours in one of the restrooms just off the main lobby with a wonderful charming lady — painting it of course, over the space of a weekend. During my first five years I have painted untold numbers of hotel rooms, scraped, spackled and painted every hallway, including the lobby. I’ve installed and removed window screens and awnings and mowed the gracious front lawn of the hotel before a wedding. I had become more a work weekender and less of a guest but last year, it was a pleasure to stay as a guest of the hotel just at the end of summer, discovering my assigned room, #40, was one I helped paint a few years earlier. The one difference was that now it was air conditioned, and I honestly didn’t want to leave this newfound haven of simple and gracious elegance overlooking the oceanside corner of the hotel’s second-floor veranda. I eventually did, of course… to reluctantly check out!

In 2008, Ann LeDuc finally found someone she could sell the hotel to in the person of Robert Mullock. Like Ann before him, Robert had always been a close patron of the extended family of the Chalfonte and was married in its ballroom many years earlier to his wife Linda. When you think about the consequences of the Chalfonte falling into the hands of greedy investors, the transaction seems right and the Mullocks have taken over the reigns of the hotel with a renewed vigor and confidence. During his first introduction at a work weekend after the sale of the hotel, Robert kidded that he thought he purchased the hotel but with Ann always nearby offering advice from years of experience he still wasn’t too sure he was the owner. Ann’s perseverance in waiting until she found the right owner to sell to has paid off — Robert appears be a true visionary, making subtle necessary changes to the hotel while never losing sight of its historical sensitivity and the reason people continue to come to the Chalfonte. As a work weekender you are working alongside the Mullock family,

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hand to hand and paint brush to bead board. The family works together in caring for the hotel, and Linda’s decorative touches and energy can be seen throughout the hotel. Once again last year, Ann returned and when I asked to take her photo she replied with modesty, “Oh why would anyone want to take a picture of me?” The truth is, I said, she is now a part of Chalfonte history herself, having done her part to attend to the lady. She can now sit back and become a guest of the hotel once again, as she was when she was seven years old. She has given the hotel a new lease on life. In the course of my Chalfonte stays, I can’t recall a single year, spring or fall when something magical fails to happen. This past spring, the memory of witnessing a passing thunder and lightning storm while in the close confines of the hotel’s cupola will be a memory that will stay with me forever. I watched as lightning curled upwards, majestically out of the ominous approaching clouds, glowing with an ancient spark and fire from deep within. I watched the storm pass

I can’t recall a single year, spring or fall when something magical fails to happen. This past spring, the memory of witnessing a passing thunder and lightning storm while in the close confines of the hotel’s cupola will be a memory that will stay with me forever.

over the hotel and out to sea, lightning splintering across the sky... only at the Chalfonte in Cape May. Better book your stay at this eternal space by the sea quickly and perhaps you too will discover a memory that will stay with you forever. This legendary cupola, which still houses the remains of the hotel’s original flagpole carved from the trunk of a single tree, is the stuff of memories from what I’m told and at the top of the hotel you are much closer to the stars to make a wish on a falling star. In the spring, it takes several weekends to bring life back to the hotel for its opening Memorial Day weekend, when it’s like a new dime freshly minted and polished to a shine, its freshly painted verandas soon to be filled with diners and beach goers summering at the shore. Soon the kitchen and boarding rooms fill with college kids from Ireland and Poland who make up the summer staff. After the season opens, most Chalfonte employees will attest that there is a buildup of excitement at the old hotel as summer is in full stride and the

hotel is playing host to any number of events, from special dinners, plays and concerts. After September, the height of summer has given way to cooler breezes and most of the Chalfonte’s summer help have returned to school as the season sputters to a close while the old hotel still sparks with weddings, art shows and most recently film festivals. By the fall, the hotel takes a deep breath as the work weekenders return to put away the chairs and roll up its famous green awnings and the staffers at the Chalfonte breathe a sigh of relief as the hotel is closed for the winter, standing naked on Howard Street as the setting sun passes through its gingerbread onto the clapboards above its once covered verandas. All things end, but the Chalfonte Hotel will go on forever, as long as we want it to. The Chalfonte’s next fall work weekend is from October 26 to 28. For more information or to sign up for a work weekend, please contact Nancy Granick at the Chalfonte, on (609) 884-8409.

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- F ranklin

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the way they were famous cape may landmarks, and how they used to look Story and Photo Illustrations by BEN MILLER exit zero

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concrete ship The SS Atlantus was one of 12 concrete tankers and transport ships built by the government during the First World War. Concrete was much cheaper and more durable than steel, with the added bonus of the ship’s construction time being nearly half that of a steel vessel. The Atlantus was a troop transport ship and was dubbed the “floating tombstone” by the soldiers who rode it back to the US after the war. Two years after it was launched, in 1920, the ship was retired from active service — the US Navy had discovered that concrete ships required nearly twice the amount of fuel of other ships. In 1926, Colonel Jesse Rosenfeld, purchased the Atlantus and had it towed to Cape May as part of a plan for a new ferry service. The colonel planned to use three concrete ships, arranged in a Y formation as a dock for ferries. It was moored just offshore when an early storm hit and slammed it into a sandbar. Rosenfeld wasn’t able to free her and the Atlantus has remained there ever since, slowly decaying and twisting apart.

THE GIANT OF BEACH AVENUE Previous page: The Christian Admiral, originally known as the Hotel Cape May, was a muchloved presence on the eastern beachfront before its demolition in 1996. It was replaced by private homes.

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CHRISTIAN Admiral This majestic Cape May landmark, a shining symbol of Reverend Carl McIntire’s Christian Beacon Press, started life as the luxurious Hotel Cape May. Construction on the behemoth started in 1906 and took two years, due to a series of accidents and disruptions, including the death of at least one laborer, a partial collapse and a race riot among the workers. All the problems seemed to be settled when the hotel opened its doors in April of 1908, with the developers boasting it was one of the largest in the world. At eight stories tall and 350 hotel rooms, it was a contender, but it proved to be a failure almost immediately and was forced to shut its doors six months later. After two stints as an army hospital, multiple failed hotel bids and subsequent sheriff sales, Reverend McIntire bought the hotel in 1963. It was condemned and slated for demolition at the time, but he renovated it to pristine condition. McIntire ran the Christian Admiral until his organization filed for bankruptcy, like every previous owner of the hotel. Developers were sought to purchase and renovate the badly deteriorated building, but after 80 showings, there were no serious offers. The Christian Admiral was demolished in 1996.

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Centre House Like the United States Hotel, the Centre House stood along Washington Street, from Jackson to Perry. It was four stories tall and had the capacity to serve 400 guests, which is 100 more than today’s Congress Hall. Built in 1840 by Jeremiah Mecray, the Centre House was one of the first Cape May hotels to be painted — the pale yellowish hue was a great selling point back in the mid-19th century. The Centre House escaped the 1869 fire, but wasn’t so lucky when the adjacent Ocean House hotel burst into flames on the morning of November 9, 1878. The Ocean House was situated along Perry Street and abutted the back of the Centre House. Unlike the 1869 fire, there was a fierce ocean breeze in 1878 and it didn’t take long for flames to spread in all directions. Nearly 30 acres of downtown Cape May was lost in that fire, including the Centre House, which was replaced by a series of commercial shops. exit zero

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Convention Hall Cape May’s original Convention Hall opened its doors in 1918, on the newly created Municipal Pier. The majestic building was nearly destroyed in the 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane, then finally fell victim to the 1962 Ash Wednesday Nor’easter. The land remained empty until a new, temporary hall was opened in 1965 by Mayor Frank Gauvry. Called a “glorified barn” by those who remembered the elegance of the first hall, the building was constructed for $250,000 and built entirely by city workers. It was meant to be a temporary solution until funds could be amassed to rebuild the original hall, but it became a beloved fixture in the town. The “temporary” hall stood until 2008, when it was deemed structurally unsound. In 2012, Mayor Ed Mahaney opened a new $10.5 million Convention Hall that the city hopes will serve Cape May as well as the two previous buildings. There’s been much debate over the design and functionality of the building, but only time will tell how it stacks up against its predecessors.

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Lafayette Hotel The original Lafayette was a site to behold. It was shaped like an S, with one wing spanning half a block north on Decatur, connected to a section that ran along Beach Avenue and another, smaller wing that extended south. It was built in 1884 and adorned with gorgeous pillars that were removed in 1920, in an attempt to modernize the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior. Next to the Lafayette Hotel on the east side was the Weightman Cottage, which contrary to popular myths, was not split in two halves when it was moved to the property. The large house remained intact through the move and many years afterwards. When it was sold by the family to the owners of the Lafayette Hotel in the early 20th century, it was split into two halves to provide more ocean views The Lafayette Hotel was demolished in 1970 by the owners, during Cape Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s period of Urban Renewal. It was believed that the new Marquis de Lafayette would be more profitable.

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United States hotel It’s hard to imagine it looking at the Washington Street mall today, but at one time, the three-block section was home to three very large hotels. The United States was one of those hotels and stood four stories tall on the corner of Decatur and Washington Streets — its front entrance was the site of what is now Stewart’s Root Beer. The hotel was built in 1853 and lasted only 16 years, until the devastating fire of 1869 reduced the building to ashes. Unlike most other fires that devastated the city, the 1869 blaze occurred at the height of the season and the United States Hotel was nearly filled to capacity at the time of the fire. Luckily, the alarms were sounded in time and all the guests were able to escape with their lives, though not with their belongings. exit zero

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Summer Station Back in the days of rail travel, hordes of vacationers would flock to train stations in Philadelphia and elsewhere, waiting for the locomotive that would bring them to Cape May. There were four different train stations over the history of Cape Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rail service, but none have captured the imagination of visitors like the famed Summer Station. Summer Station was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1876, at the foot of Grant Street. The depot was Cape Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second summer train station, replacing a much smaller structure on Jackson Street that was built by the West Jersey Railroad years earlier. It fell victim to the wreckers ball in the 1940s, as automobiles became the favored mode of transportation for visitors to the Jersey Shore. exit zero

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Windsor hotel As Cape May struggled to rebuild what was lost in the Great Fire of 1878, replacing the mammoth hotels with smaller versions, cottages or stores, Thomas Whitney took advantage of the new direction Cape May was taking. He hired popular architect, Stephen Decatur Button, to design two hotel wings that would attach onto his existing cottage along Congress Street. The final result was the Windsor, similar in size and style to the new Congress Hall next door In 1979, just months shy of its 100th anniversary, the Windsor Hotel was lost to fire. Nobody was ever charged, though there have been multiple theories on who did it. While the hotel was closed at the time, the owner claimed to have been using it to store valuable antiques. Electricians who had been in the hotel a few weeks before the fire verified that there was a lot of old furniture on the lower level. exit zero

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musthaves

from the shops of cape may

Artizan Salon and Spa 600 Park Boulevard, West Cape May 609-884-4499

Who says you have to settle for what Mother Nature gives you? Sun, sand, and aging — all of these can sap the color from your hair and skin. Allow one of the pros at Artizan to restore the vibrant color and highlights to your crowning glory and soothe and pamper your skin. Artizan is a full-service salon, and they are open year-round.

Celebrate Cape May

315 Ocean Street, Cape May 609-884-9230 celebatecapemay.com It’s always the season to celebrate Cape May, so toast your favorite town with a little something from Celebrate Cape May, a full service souvenir and gift shop carrying Cape May-centric clothing, decals, wine glasses, and much, much more. And don’t forget to get your hermit crab here, too, and all the things you’ll need for him.

Cape May Bird Observatory

Cape May Linen

701 E. Lake Drive, Cape May Point 609-884-2736 Who would have thought? What a great store they have here at the Bird Observatory — you’ll hit the gift-giving jackpot for your favorite avian fan here — everything from binoculars to books to really great bird-inspired canvas totes — you certainly don’t have to be a bird-lover to appreciate this stuff!

110 Park Boulevard, West Cape May 866-884-3630 capemaylinen.com You shop in some places because it’s that time of year — surmmertime or holiday, and others you shop in all year-round because you love it. Cape May Linen is just such a place. Everything you could possibly need for bed and bath (kitchen towels and curtains, too!), at rock-bottom prices. A Cape May must-visit.

Good Scents

Henry’s Fine Jewelry

327 Carpenters Lane, Cape May 609-884-0014 sensia.com Gift idea central right here, folks — whether for you or someone else. You don’t stick around for over 25 years unless you’re good at it, and when it comes to fragrances for the body and home, Good Scents is good at it. Incense, candles, oils, plus home accents, jewelry, and CD’s, too! You can start (or end) your holiday shopping here.

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407 Washington Street, Cape May 609-884-0334 You say you have a Cape May lover in your life? Of course you do. So give the perfect Cape May reminder, an original Cape May Hook Bracelet from Henry’s. They’ll think of Cape May — and of you — every time they put it on. Or really pull out all the stops and check out their selection of rare yellow diamonds — the largest in the area.

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Cape May Sports Memorabilia 405 West Perry Street, Cape May 201-306-0076 capemaysportsmemorabilia.com

Quandary: What to get your favorite sports nut when the same old jersey just won’t do? Solution: A visit to Cape May Sports Memorabilia at Antiques Emporia (or shop them online!). Highest-quality sports cards and memorabilia at the most reasonable prices around.

Italian Garden

510 Carpenters Lane, Cape May 609-884-2300 Sometimes gift-giving involves that little touch of luxury that your special someone may not think of for themselves. Check out the awesome, downright decadent selection of hand and body treatments, massage oils, perfumes, face tonics and masks, cleansers, bath foams here. It’s shelf after shelf of luxurious soaps, lotions and creams in one spot, all appealingly displayed.

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Fne antiques and estate jewelry... Specializing in high end engagement rings and designer jewelry . Handbags and other accessories too!

609.898.1777 Located in Congress Hall Hotel

Women’s Boutique Fashions Clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories

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at “Victorious Pink” for printable coupons, specials and new merchandise exit zero

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musthaves

from the shops of cape may

Kate’s Flowers

Mary Ann’s Jewelers

600 Park Boulevard, West Cape May 609-884-6181 katesflowershop.com Established in 1984, Kate’s Flowers is a true small-town treasure, offering prompt, professional services with that next-door-neighbor touch. Let Kate and her dedicated staff help decorate your Thanksgiving table, and keep them in mind when you want to say it with flowers during the holidays.

Talk about bang for your buck. The tiniest store in town has some of the most stunning jewelry you’ll find in the south Jersey area, with a staggering collection of contemporary and estate gems to suit every possible taste and budget. And they also buy diamonds, gold and silver — keep that in mind if you’re in need of some extra holiday cash.

PINK

33 Perry Street, Cape May 609-898-1113 Knock their socks off at your next event when you let your inner fashionista come out to play in a special frock from Pink. And don’t fret about the details like shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry and other accessories — Julie and her crew at the little pink house have got you covered there, too. Be fabulous, darling.

511 Washington Street, Cape May 609-898-8786

Tea By The Sea

405 West Perry Street, West Cape May, 609-898-4TEA teaincapemay.com Life’s little problems can seem much easier to bear when you’re sipping a soothing cup of tea, and we defy you to beat the selection at Tea By the Sea. Put a twist on your upcoming holiday gathering by hosting a tea party. Tea By The Sea has not only the tea, but all the acessories you need to go along with it.

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Original Fudge Kitchen

513 Washington and 728 Beach Drive 800-23-FUDGE fudgekitchens.com The holidays are right around the corner — eat your fudge with impunity! And don’t forget to share it. The folks at Original Fudge Kitchen will ship their delicious creamy fudge — or any of their other confections — anywhere in the world. Be sure to ingratiate yourself with every lucky recipient on your list with a gift from Original Fudge Kitchen.

Whale’s Tale

–312 Washington Street, Cape May 609-884-4808 whalestalecapemay.com Anyone who really knows Cape May knows the Whale’s Tale is the place to find fabulous greeting cards, gorgeous ornaments, toys, puzzles and books, not to mention jewelry, decorative shells and other home décor under one charming roof. They’ve been at it for over 35, and they are still going strong.

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Patricia Jackson Jewelers 414 Bank Street, Cape May 609-884-0323 patjacksonjewelers.com

Established in 1980, the creative minds at Patricia Jackson Jewelers have some of the most unique handcrafted designs you will come across — including the Exit Zero charm! We’re especially fond of their sea life collection — gorgeous and whimsical pieces inspired by creatures of the sea.

White

605 Hughes Street, Cape May 609-884-5061 vivianerowandesign.com Whether home design is a passion of yours or you are completely clueless, White is your decoration destination in Cape May. Stunning furniture and objets d’art for your home, and all the design expertise and guidance you could possibly need are available for you here in this beautiful, serene spot.

my perfect day pat wenzel, co-owner of cape may wicker and artist

Silence, landscapes, and turtles

y perfect day would begin with silence — no alarm clock. I roll out of bed and take my time getting ready since I am in no rush. First morning stop is the Cape May Point Post Office. It’s always an enjoyable event to connect with neighbors and pick up the mail. Melissa gives everyone a friendly “hi” or Wes is there sharing his morning newspaper. Knowing that my capable employees are in full control of the stores and making customers happy enables me to meet friends for breakfast. The Dock Mike’s on Broadway has a healthy menu and a variety of unusual foods. I choose to eat the delicious vegetable omelet since it covers it all. It’s fun to catch up with the activities of Paula and Matthew, who help their parents at the restaurant during school breaks. I will be joined by my good friends Eleanor, Kathleen, and Pat. We share many

memories and can never go a moment without laughing. To find time to enjoy my hobby of oil painting is rare, but it would happen in my perfect day. I would paint for as long as I wanted to with no interruptions. I began painting about five years ago. Landscapes are my favorite, so that’s what I will do. A visit to the Gail Pierson Art Gallery on Washington Street is always fun, especially if I have one or two paintings on display. Her receptions are classy, serving tidbits from Seaside Cheese and The Depot Market. What evening isn’t complete without sitting on the Schooner, behind the Lobster House. I will have a glass of wine and a dish of oysters with my husband Bill — we have been married for 51 years. They only serve appetizers since it is like a cocktail lounge, my ideal place to eat. This is a favorite place for taking photos for my art work. It is so relaxing to watch the boats go back and exit zero

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A TIME TO PAINT “To find time to enjoy my hobby of oil painting is rare, but it would happen in my perfect day. I would paint for as long as I wanted to with no interruptions. I began painting about five years ago. Landscapes are my favorite, so that’s what I will do,” says Pat Wenzel. Aleksey Moryakov

2012

forth as the sun sets in the background. The orange pinkish glow reminds me of how blessed my life is, and how thankful I am. We also enjoy talking with Keith and Joe. The wait staff is excellent, especially Megan, our friend’s daughter. Stopping on my way home at the new Sunset Liquors store to pick up refreshments is very nice — the O’Hara family is doing a great job with the store. They are so willing to please their customers. I buy a bottle of white wine. Returning home and taking care of my kitties is what I love to do, and I’m sure they appreciate it. Living in the Point, there are so many turtles. Maybe even more than the amount of cats I have! I always have to check under my car for the neighborhood turtle before driving. A perfect end to my perfect day would be relaxing at home with my husband. Our local community creates a warm fuzzy feeling to make a perfect day even better.

NEW OILS ON CANVAS AND BOARD. SEASCAPES AND LANDSCAPES. NOW AVAILABLE. VISIT MY GALLERY OR SEE THEM AT MY SHOWS...

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Upcoming Shows October 6 Lima Bean Festival Wilbraham Park, West Cape May October 7 Victorian Craft Show Emlen Physick Estate October 13 Dragon Boat Festival at the Harbor Cape May Harbor

cape may lighthouse

November 3 MAC Arts & Crafts Show Star Of The Sea Parish Hall

lookout tower

congress hall

The all-new Exit Zero Store & Gallery

Patricia Rainey Studios

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109 SUNSET BOULEVARD, CAPE MAY (across from Shell Gas) (609) 770-8479 exitzero.us Open daily 9am to 9pm

Original clothing, designed and printed right here in Cape May.

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1 3 0 Pa r k B o u l e va r d, W e s t C a p e M ay ( 6 0 9 ) 8 8 4 - 2 7 6 0 â&#x20AC;˘ t h e fly i n g f i s h s t u d i o. c o m Also Visit Our 2 Locations at West End Garage! exit zero

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arts beecycles take flight at the gail pIErson gallery

New Lively show generates buzz

S IT a bird? Is it a plane? It’s Matt Lively and a new take on Beecycles! Matt Lively Returns to the Gail Pierson Gallery with his signature Beecycles and other new work. The BEES are back, and once again they are on CYCLES. It is the BEECYCLES! The Gail Pierson Gallery warmly hails Matt Lively back to Cape May for his fourth annual exhibit. South Jersey has its share of Matt Lively “Beecycle” collectors, so much so that Matt is known in some circles as the “Bee man.” He denies it. The new Matt Lively show opened to acclaim and a crowd at the Gail Pierson Gallery on Saturday, September 22. An opening reception on Saturday evening welcomed the artist, the Gallery’s friends, fans, and visitors to Cape May, to share the Gallery’s signature hospitality, and to find a special piece of art. The show will run through the month of October. Matt Lively is an internationally acclaimed artist living in Richmond,

cute bugs Matt Lively never anticipated devoting a whole show to bees on unicycles, but the paintings have become so popular, he’s earned the name “bee man.”

Virginia, where he works in a 130-year old barn that is close to his family. A lot of things get made in the barn and some of them are shown nationally and internationally. When not in the studio, Lively teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. As an artist, Matt moves between various media, depending on the season and his mood. In the winter months, he does drawings and screen prints. In the summer, he’s working with wood, tar, oil and varnish, which he described to the Rocketts Landing Blog, which we quote here, as “real cavemen-like” tools. Overall, he tends to focus more on the art as an entity rather than how the art will affect others. “I don’t have a lot of control over other people’s feelings,” Matt has said. “So, I rarely think about [how my art will affect viewers] when creating a show. Within a half second, if the art looks interesting [to me], then I know it’s alright.” Matt says he makes images that suggest a story without a beginning

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or end. “Learning to stop before the painting reveals too much is the most delicate aspect of my process.” And it’s a humbling one, too. “It is a real privilege to make a living doing this job,” he says. “I have high standards — sometimes I hit them and sometimes I don’t. I do not consider being overly precious beneficial for my work. I am consistent, work hard and do everything that I know to do to improve but, I allow things to happen naturally while painting. I avoid pretentiousness by working quickly and knowing that my methods and materials are smarter than me.” Inspired by everyday objects, Lively’s bold imagination transforms the familiar with movement, color and unique personality. With a BA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University, Lively has worked successfully as a self-employed artist and entrepreneur since 1993. His bold approach shows in his work. A Matt Lively painting offers up a familiar, but decidedly edgy and playful, view of reality. The paintings portray a specific world, with recognizable

and repeating places and characters. Animate or inanimate, the characters do at first seem ordinary and familiar, even comfortable, until you notice they are instead unusual, and sometimes strange. There is a “story” in each painting, and everything moves. The result is at once timeless, mysterious, familiar, edgy and playful. You are not sure if it is fiction or nonfiction. That is what makes living with a Matt Lively painting so much fun. Chairs, tables, windows, fans, shoes, a bed, dresses, phones, and ironing board are regular actors. Alongside these there are sheep, a ubiquitous dog, unusual birds and some very unusual bees. And that brings us to the Beecycles… Matt Lively began painting flying bees on unicycles a few years back, but he hardly expected to dedicate a whole show to them. The bee on a unicycle first appeared when Matt was in college, as a sculpture, which Matt soon realized wasn’t the right medium for this character. Then, the bees started showing up

bee boards Matt Lively’s paintings of bees on unicycles are done on wood panels... and there’s a stroy in each one, he says.

and filling empty spaces in many of Matt’s canvases, providing a new kind of character to his stories. He kept putting them in paintings because of their ability to instantly charge a painting with movement. The Beecycles’ onewheeled frantically flapping movement breathes life into the deliberately slowpaced settings of a painting.

But now, with a small format and a beautiful wood panel, the Beecycles are getting every opportunity to shine, or rather, fly on their own and become the story. Wooden panels line the walls and feature bees riding unicycles: some ride solo, some cycle in groups, some fly through clouds and others sail across a wooden sky. In these installations, each panel’s detail is different, but they all showcase Matt’s playfulness and technical precision. The Gail Pierson Gallery is in its fourth season in the heart of Cape May’s historic district. This fine art gallery is a fresh take, providing first quality exhibitions for artists of varying styles from all over the east coast in a charming downtown setting. Open all year, the Gail Pierson Gallery welcomes new artists and art lovers from all over to Cape May. Art education is a year-round focus. The Gail Pierson Gallery is located at 658 Washington Street. For more information, call (609)884-2585, or visit gailpiersongallery.com. Fall hours are Thursday through Monday, noon to 5pm.

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Tel: 607.351.5365 / www.BigButtonUpholstery.com exit zero

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139 Broadway, West Cape May 609-884-7900 • Open All Year

511 Washington Street Mall, Cape May (next to Fudge Kitchen) • (609) 898-8786

Other Location: 15 N. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede • (856) 939-0230

The Heart, Soul & Sand of Cape May Weddings

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DESATNICK’S WINDOW FASHIONS 609-884-2545 www.desatnicks.com

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Sitters at the Shore

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arts big name stars grace the east Lynne Theater Company stage

Comedy, mystery, and silent film

N OCTOBER and November, the award winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company offers a farce about advertising, a one-woman Alcott tour de force, an acting class, and a classic horror film. Running through October 13 is It Pays to Advertise, a “farcical fact” in three acts. It will be performed Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm. Written by Roi Cooper Megrue and Walter C. Hackett, the show was a Broadway hit that was twice made into a movie: a silent in 1919, and in 1931 with Carole Lombard. The premise — and promise — that anything can be sold is at its core, but it also examines the

A Broadcast To Remember Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Norwood Builder with Lee O’Connor, Thomas Raniszewski, James Rana, Fred Velde, Gayle Stahlhuth, and Rob LeMaire, is performed in the style of an old-time radio broadcast

very nature and romance of advertising. Decades before AMC’s Mad Men, this screwball comedy demonstrates that an ad campaign might be better than the product. All it takes is one adventurous young man to announce, “Advertising is responsible for everything!” and he and his two friends are off and running in this mad romp. In the cast are four actors who have previously been in ELTC productions: Tom Byrn, John Cameron Weber, Phil Pizzi, and Artistic Director, Gayle Stahlhuth, who also directs. Tom plays Ambrose Peale, the marketing maven who convinces Rodney Martin that “advertising is everything.” Tom has worked with many theatres in Pennsylvania, and throughout the

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country, most recently in God of Carnage at River Valley Rep in Poughkeepsie, NY. For ELTC, he’s performed in The Ransom of Red Chief, The Dictator, and He and She. Also a published writer, he’s been working Historical Spout-Offs, based on editorials from Cape May newspapers from 1870-1930. John Cameron Weber portrays Cyrus Martin, a self-made millionaire in the soap business who wants his son, Rodney, to strike out on his own to make his own fortune. John played Michael Husted in CBS’s As the World Turns, and has worked in regional theaters including Cortland Rep in New York and Arrow Rock in Missouri. Phil Pizzi, whose voice is known to many who listen to 98.7 The Coast,

plays William Smith, a fellow businessman friend of Cyris’. He was in ELTC’s The New York Idea, Why Marry? and Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Copper Beeches. Phil co-hosted “Music Plus,” which featured bands and celebrities appearing in Cape May County, and has performed with Sea Isle Players and The Sandpiper Players. New to ELTC are Matt Luceno, Kate Shine, Maria Silverman, Glen Corlin, and Brian Graziani. Matt plays Cyrus’ son, Rodney. Recently he performed in a new adaptation of H. G. Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau in Brooklyn with Piper Theater Productions. He was in King Lear, starring Stacey Keach, and made several appearances on CBS’s The Guiding Light. Kate portrays Mary Grayson, Martin senior’s secretary and the young woman with whom Rodney falls in love. She has performed in NYC and regionally, and her film/TV credits include a recent role in 30 Rock. Enter Comtesse de Beaurien, speaking fluent French and in a hurry to make a business proposition, played by Maria Silverman who was in A View from the Bridge on Broadway and has performed with numerous NYC and regional companies. Glen Corlin is Johnson, the always-ready

butler in the Martin household. Glen has performed in Hawaii and Germany in productions ranging from Oklahoma! to Crimes of the Heart. Brian Graziani plays Ellery Clark, whose father owns Ivory Soap. Ellery would rather paint than run a business. Recently, Brian performed at the Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield, NH, and portrayed the White Rabbit in a national tour of Alice in Wonderland. Gayle Stahlhuth, whose work has been praised by reviewers for papers including The Newark Star-Ledger, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Wall Street Journal, marks It Pays to Advertise as her 43rd ELTC production that she has directed. Step back in time on Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3 at 8pm with Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Norwood Builder, performed in the style of a radio broadcast, complete with live sound effects and commercials. Is a young lawyer really guilty of murder, or is he being set up? Lee O’Connor once more portrays Holmes, and Fred Velde returns as Dr Watson. Lee first portrayed Holmes in ELTC’s William Gillette’s Sherlock Holmes and has become one of the main storytellers for the company’s “Tales of the Victorians.” Fred, who was in ELTC’s recent production of The Poe Mysteries, has per-

formed in more than 50 shows in NYC, including the off-Broadway revival of Mae West’s Sex. Portraying several roles are James Rana, Thomas Raniszewski, Gayle Stahlhuth and Rob LeMaire, who also operates the sound effects. On November 23, 24, December 2, 7, 9, and 14 at 8pm and on Saturday, December 8 at 2pm and 8pm, ELTC presents Louisa May Alcott’s Christmas. Three of Alcott’s tales, including the opening of “Little Women,” are presented in storytelling fashion by Gayle Stahlhuth, who portrays 30-plus roles all in the telling of one tale. The performances are at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes Street, where the company is in residence. Tickets for It Pays to Advertise are $30 for general admission; $25 for seniors (ages 62 and over); and $15 for full-time students. For Sherlock Holmes and Louisa May Alcott, top ticket price is $25; $15 for full-time students. As always for mainstage productions, to encourage whole families to attend, ages 12 and under are free. For information and reservations, call 884-5898 or go online to eastlynnetheater.org. ELTC partners with the following restaurants for further savings: Aleathea’s, The

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DYNAMIC DUO Tom Byrn (top left) star of ELTC’s It Pays to Advertise, performed with Brad Hykes in ELTC’s production of The Dictator

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Washington Inn, 410 Bank Street, and Frescos. If staying at The Henry Sawyer Inn or The Victorian Lace Inn, tickets may be purchased for only $20. Performances are at The First Presbyterian Church, not only with the mainstage season, but with special events... With the success of last season’s silent classic, Phantom of the Opera, with Wayne Zimmerman providing live organ accompaniment, ELTC, with The Cape May Film Festival, is proud to bring more silent goodies. On Sunday, October 14 at 8pm, it’s the 1922 horror classic Nosferatu, starring Max Schreck. Once more providing the music is Wayne Zimmerman, who first impressed the Cape May audience when he played for Phantom. Performing throughout the county, he regularly accompanies silent films at the Loew’s Jersey Theatre in Jersey City and The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA. Tickets are $15. There is one more “Tales of the Victorians:” Saturday, October 6 at 4pm at The Cliveden Inn, 709 Columbia Ave. Listen to a tantalizing tales read by Equity professional actress Michele LaRue, while drinking tea and tasting tea-time treats. Price is still $10, and anyone age 12 and under is free and welcome! Tom Byrn’s acting class presented by ELTC

funny ladies Maria Silverman (above left) and Kate Shine (above right), who recently appeared in 30 Rock, are both making their ELTC debut this Fall with It Pays to Advertise.

last March was so successful that ELTC is sponsoring another one with Tom on October 8 from 6-9pm. If you’re a seasoned performer, never performed, or a theater lover who wants to find out more about how actors work, join us! Tom works with many Philadelphia-area theaters, and was a member of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble for 11 years. The class is for ages 17 on up and costs $20.

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East Lynne Theater Company’s production season would not be possible without season sponsors Curran Investment Management and Aleathea’s Restaurant; Show Sponsors La Mer Beachfront Inn, The Henry Sawyer Inn, and Exit Zero; The NJ Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism; NJ State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; and the generosity of many patrons.

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arts compelling new exhibitions at soma newart gallery

MAJOR SUBJECTS Alex Katz, Alice Neel and Allen Ginsburg all posed for artist Sandra Bloodworth, whose new SOMA show opens October 20

Iconic portraits on show

E intriguing new show at SOMA NewArt Gallery, featuring artists Sandra Bloodworth and Sam Donovan, opens October 20, with a reception that evening from 5pm to 8pm. Sandra Bloodworth believed from an early age that she was an artist. “I have drawn and painted from the time I was able to pick up a crayon,” she told us. Even though Bloodworth grew up in a small town in rural Mississippi, her mother made sure she had access to art classes and supplies. “She got me this set of permanent pigment watercolors and an Arches watercolor block... the message I got was that my mother believed in me as an artist. I have carried that with me always.” Bloodworth went on to earn a BS in art education from Mississippi College, an MA in art education from the Unviersity of Mississippi, and an MFA in painting from Florida State University. Now, she wears the hat of a public arts administrator for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Bloodworth enjoys painting the food of

special meals shared with friends and family, and several of these works will be featured at the Noyes Museum this fall. But her signature paintings are the lifesize portraits she does of people — famous men and women with whom she admires or identifies. “My intent is to capture... that intangible thing that makes them uniquely them,” she says. Bloodworth’s new show at SOMA, titled “Urban Principals,” will feature such portraits. Included among her subjects are iconic poet Allen Ginsberg, the proprieter of the famous

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Bowery Poetry Club in New York City Bob Holman, and Nobel Laureate writer IB Singer. Most of Bloodworth’s subjects are people with whom she has developed a relationship. With artist Elizabeth Murray, Bloodworth had the privilege of working on a couple of large public art projects. “I was compelled to capture what I could of her essence, her personality, her smile; to bring her back to us, if only for an instance.” This desire to “bring back” is hugely motivating for the artist. “Throughout history,” she says, “humans have had the desire to capture the image of people, the desire to take that which is mortal and make it immortal.” When we spoke with Sam Donovan, his show did not yet have a title. “Other artists think about that stuff,” he says. “They offer deep philosophical ideas, and I just kind of paint.” The father-of-two started out, at the age of 23, lettering trucks, before moving on to painting billboards in Atlantic City. “That’s before it was all computerized,” he told us. Now, owner of Donovan Design, he paints murals all over the south Jersey area and Philadelphia and focuses on his fine art.

A Hero Honored â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to paint Elizabeth Murray because I had such phenomenal admiration for her work, and who she is as a person,â&#x20AC;? says artist Sandra Bloodworth

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Now is the perfect time to watch

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Look up!

Pete Dunne explains how the natural history spectacle of a lifetime might be right under your nose

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remember it like it was yesterday — the greatest, single hawk migration day in Cape May’s history and one of the greatest days of my life. It was the 4th of October, 1977. The place was Cape May Point State Park. Conditions were perfect for a deluge of migrating birds of prey. Over 6,000 hawks had been counted the day before. Persistent northwest winds promised more birds to come. Dawn found a trickle of Sharp-shined Hawks already flowing along the tree line north of the Hawk Watch. By sunrise the trickle had grown to a stream and by 8am, a river of raptors was flowing past. Look one way and you’d miss a dozen birds passing behind. Turn around, and miss a dozen more. Then, with the sun’s rays beckoning, a host of Broad-winged Hawks left their perches and went aloft. The river became a flood. In minutes, the sky over Cape May Point was awash in migrating birds of prey. Hundreds of birds passing every few minutes. Thousands every hour. More hawks in view, at a glance, than many ardent bird watchers see in a lifetime. About mid-morning, I chanced to notice a young woman heading for the beach. She had all the standard accoutrements of beach going (beach chair, towel, big thick novel). She walked past the throng of awe-struck hawk watchers without a glance. The great flight continued all day, a migration for the record books. Finally, with shadows lengthening and birds turned to hunting, I gathered up the tools of the hawk watching trade. Physically drained but elated, I headed for my car. En route I found myself keeping pace with the young beach-goer. She took note of all the curious stuff I was carrying. Binoculars, spotting scope mounted on a gunstock, metal counters, clipboard. Curious, she asked “What have you been doing?” “Watching hawks,” I replied. “Oh,” she said. “Did you see any?” 21,800 migrating hawks were tallied that day. The sunburn index must have been about a two under the umbrella of birds. Yet this person had spent the entire day, a mere two hundred yards away and had not seen a single bird. The natural history spectacle of a

brown beauty The Northern Harrier, a slender bodied, mediumsized raptor, is on the state endangered species list. It lives in marshlands and meadows, where it hunts small mammals (including small birds!) using its exceptional, batlike, hearing. Scott Whittle

lifetime had literally passed her by. Don’t Be the Victim I’ll be honest. Every day in Cape May doesn’t make the record books. But every day dawns with new possibilities as thousands of migrating birds, heralding from the arctic and boreal regions of Canada, getting trapped in the land funnel that is Cape May and concentrated at its peninsular tip. Part game of chance, part treasure hunt, you never know what birds you are going to find but there are lots of possibilities. Nearly 450 species of birds have been recorded in Cape May. That

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is more than half the breeding birds in all of North America. Over 200 species have been recorded in a single day and in one day, flights in excess of 3,000,000 (that is not a misplaced comma, I really mean three million) birds have been estimated. In Cape May you don’t even need to move about to witness the spectacle of migration. In both spring and fall, more than 140 bird species have been recorded by observers standing in a single location. In fact, the national “Big Sit” record was set at the Hawk Watch Platform in Cape May Point. A total of 145 species were seen in 24 hours.

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Is Your Co-Worker CRANKY? Maybe she’s wearing the Wrong Bra! Let us help you find the Perfect Fit. BRA specialist available daily! Walk right in or make an appointment. hawk haven As part of the Cape May Autumn Birding Festival (October 26-28), raptors like the one pictured above will be on display at Convention Hall. On the right, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a woodpecker, looks for lunch. Mike Hannisian

You also don’t have to be an expert to experience the spectacle of migration. All you need to do is team up with the local experts and let them introduce the special nature of Cape May to you.

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Define Special From songbirds to sea ducks, monarch butterflies to migrating birds of prey, Cape May hosts more natural spectacles than any comparably sized location on the planet. You are familiar with the monarch butterfly, of course. The gossamer winged insect whose annual migration to Mexico is accounted among the planets most celebrated migratory feats. Over a million monarchs pass through Cape May in years when monarch numbers are high. A million in a season? No. A million in the span of a day or two. Witnesses liken the mass movement of butterflies to “standing inside a kaleidoscope.” At night the branches of roost trees bow beneath the weight of these orange-winged voyagers. But, just like all natural spectacles, it’s hit or miss. Now you see it; now you don’t. But just like the beach-goer who missed the hawk flight, awareness is nine-tenths of discovery. Awareness starts with stopping by the Cape May Bird Observatory and learning what october

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natural history opportunities coincide with your visit. Opportunities like... You might be familiar with the Peregrine Falcon, the legendary falcon whose meteoric stoops are the substance of legend (and speculation). Cape May hosts one of the greatest Peregrine migrations on the planet. Over 250 Peregrines have been recorded in a single day and counts of fifty or more birds per day are common during peak migration. When is peak migration? Stop by the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Northwood Center at 701 East Lake Drive, Cape May Point, and find out. You can also pick up a free bird checklist which notes the seasonal abundance for over 300 regularly occurring species. Speaking of abundance... Cape May’s seabird migration is massive (of course, you need to know when and where to stand to view it). When the big sea duck push is on, counts in excess of 100,000 scoter have been tallied in a single day. There are three species of scoter seen in these parts. The skeins of birds writhe like ribbons of smoke all the way to the horizon. But through quality binoculars and spotting scopes, you can gain supernatural intimacy with the speeding hosts of birds. What if you don’t have bin-

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The Italian Garden

ALL Italia, All Imports

Beauty secrets and fragrances imported from Italy... just for YOU! (609) 884-2300 • 510 Carpenter’s Lane, Cape May A chilling plot and a peerless relationship between kids, adults and pets. Meet Patricia Crandall, author of several books. Patricia and her husband Art are frequent visitors to Cape May. Her family resides at Babcock Lake in the Grafton Mountains near Petersburgh, New York.

The Dog Men, her latest achievement, draws the reader into a tempest of animal abuse, lawlessness, and kidnapping within the confines of small-town happenings. You can purchase a copy on Amazon.com and PublishAmerica.com.

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oculars or a spotting scope much less quality ones? Then I suggest you stop by CMBO for that as well. They carry the finest selection of binoculars, spotting scopes, and accessories in New Jersey with all top brands and models. Prices for binoculars start at around $100. Include a field guide to the birds, and you are on the road to a lifetime of discovery. Bird watching is not just fun (as millions of people have discovered). It is easy — providing you are in a place that supports lots of birds. A place like Cape May. Sometimes in Cape May, there can be too many birds. So many birds that a person can’t decide where to turn. There is a name for these massed migratory spectacles. They are called… Fallout! Did you see the recent movie The Big Year? The story about three men who try to see the most bird species in a single year? Do you recall the scene when the character played by Jack Black races into his boss’s office and announces that he is heading for the coast of Texas to catch a “fallout.” Well, migratory bird fallouts really happen and the place to be in fall is Cape May. How many birds? Hundreds of thousands. Sometimes millions. All descending upon Cape May.You certainly don’t need an expert to find a bird on days when a million and a half American Robins are migrating through Cape May airspace or days when Tree Swallows are so common that they reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the earth. But you might want a local expert at your side when you run into a woodland edge vibrating with a swarm of “confusing fall warblers.” American Redstarts that flicker and dance amid the branches. Yellow-rumped Warblers that sally out and snap insects out of the air. Caramel-colored Wormeating Warblers that skulk in the understory and Cape May Warblers whose cryptic, fall plumage deflects the identification skills of october

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novice birders. Here’s a hint. If you want to find the warbler that was first discovered here in Cape May, find a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The warblers tend the sap wells made by the woodpecker. Of course, you’ll need to know where to find a sapsucker (and be able to identify it) and, once again, my best advice is team up with the local bird experts. Finding them, at the very least, is easy. Welcome to Cape May The Cape May Bird Observatory offers daily walks for novice and experienced birders. Led by local experts, you’ll see more birds and find out where the local birding hotspots are by attending a walk. You can go on-line (BirdCapeMay. org) to view the calendar of walks or, like I’ve said, stop by CMBO’s Northwood Center in Cape May Point and pick up a copy of the Kestrel Express, the seasonal schedule of events. But one thing you absolutely must do is be here for the annual Cape May Autumn Birding Festival. The dates are October 26-28 which is timed to coincide with the absolute peak of the autumn migration. It’s a weekend filled with field trips, indoor programs, celebrated speakers, and a whole Cape May Convention Hall filled with nature-related artisans, crafters, travel, binocular companies, even live raptor shows. For 65 years, New Jersey Audubon has been introducing people to the greatest, natural history show on earth at the Autumn Weekend. If you missed the first 65, that is all the more reason to attend this one and finally discover a side of Cape May that you’ve been missing. The natural side. The spectacular side. New Jersey’s own Pete Dunne is the Director of the Cape May Bird Observatory and Chief Communications Officer for New Jersey Audubon. Author of several books on and about nature (available at CMBO), he has written for virtually every birding publication and for The New York Times.

HIDDEN CHARM The Eastern Meadowlark, although it will not hesitate to fight over territory with the Western Meadolark, is shy around humans, and will hide in tall grasses or slink away as silently as possible

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Cape May Sports Memorabilia Large selection of high quality vintage sports cards & memorabilia at reasonable prices. Current Stars, Hall of Famers and Rookies Certified Autographed Items

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The Exit Zero Store & Gallery Come see our exciting new joint... 2,500 square feet and two stories of ridiculously cool Cape May souvenirs! GREAT ARTWORK « HIGH QUALITY T-SHIRTS SWEATSHIRTS « YOGA PANTS « TOTE BAGS « BEACH TOWELS « BASEBALL CAPS PILLOWS « VINTAGE PHOTOS « BEACH BAGS COFFEE MUGS « TRAVEL MUGS & MORE! Chattel Village, 109 Sunset Boulevard (609) 770-8479 OPEN DAILY

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Theoflaws the land ben miller on some of cape mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quirkier pieces of legislation exit zero

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OU may have heard Cape May referred to as the “City of No” from time to time. Generally, I disagreed with the sentiment. I always saw it as the city trying to protect itself from troublemakers, attempting to squelch any problems before they begin. I will admit that the idea of banning smoking on the beach seemed to be a bit much, considering it’s outside and more than properly ventilated (I’m a non-smoker, by the way), but the council voted against that. And lord knows, the city leaders would put a parking meter on the beach if they could figure out a way, but is there really more to it? I figured I would go right to the source and crack open the old Cape May Municipal Code book. I wanted to see if that no-no reputation was deserved. And to tell the truth, I was a little surprised by what I found. Let’s start with this beauty... No person, either male or female, shall be attired in a bathing suit, trunks or other than usual dress on any public street or in any public place, after 7:00pm and prior to 7:00am. With reference to the boardwalk or promenade, usual dress includes appropriate footwear. Hmmmm. I was unaware that walking barefoot on the promenade or in a bathing suit and shirt were illegal between 7pm and 7am. I have broken that law hundreds of times, waking up in the morning, putting on my bathing suit with a shirt, then having my coffee on the promenade. And what is “appropriate footwear?” I wear my sandals everywhere. I was MARRIED in them. The sandals stay, Mayor Mahaney! Chapter 373 is the Peace and Good Order section, so I figured there might be a few more beauties in there and I was right, such as... No person shall... Enter upon any public or quasi-public place or private property without the consent of the owner or person in lawful control and possession and to there picnic, change apparel, dress or undress, defecate or commit any other nuisance. So apparently it’s illegal to interrupt a picnic in Rotary Park, take off all your clothes and poop on their blanket. Is that a big problem in Cape May? It must be to be specifically named. That same

I was unaware that walking barefoot on the promenade or in a bathing suit and shirt were illegal between 7pm and 7am. I have broken that law hundreds of times, waking up in the morning, putting on my bathing suit with a shirt, then having my coffee on the promenade.

painted into a corner Cape May is a magnet for artists who come to paint its charming Victorian buildings and captivating beach scenes, but according to the city handbook, only three licences can be given out a year to artists who want to capture Cape May’s beauty in a public place. Officer, arrest that artist now! Frank Scott

section prohibits... Use of any type of vehicle, truck or trailer for the purpose of changing clothes or sleeping. Let’s be honest — who hasn’t changed into a bathing suit discretely in your car or the back of a van? I dozed off one day, waiting for my wife in CVS... scofflaw! There are A LOT of stipulations in Chapter 368, Parks and Recreation. It is prohibited to... Leave a bicycle lying on the ground or paving or set against trees, or in any place or position where a person may trip over or be injured by it. And don’t even try to... Violate the generally accepted rule of first-come, first-served in the use of individual tables, benches, fireplaces, or other park facilities. Nor should you... Use any portion of the park area or any of the buildings or structures therein for the purpose of holding picnics or other activities to the exclusion of other persons, nor shall any person use such areas and facilities for an unreasonable time if the facilities are crowded. In short, you lean your bike against a tree, take someone’s seat or ask that rough-looking woman in a bikini that clearly doesn’t fit her to walk away while you’re taking wedding pictures in the Sunset Pavilion, and you’re going to the clink. And don’t even THINK about reading someone’s palm... The use or the pretension to use or to have any skill in physiognomy, palmistry, any type of character reading or like crafty

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science in the telling of destinies or fortunes, or the pretension to use or to have any skill in the telling of destinies or fortunes of people, shall be unlawful. I must admit, this one really surprised me — Chapter 151 Artists in Public, Licensing Of... Artists actually personally engaged in the preparation of sketches, portraits, caricatures or other drawings in public places within the City shall pay a mercantile license fee as set forth in 310-16, subject to the following conditions: A. No more than one such license shall be issued to any one individual, partnership, corporation or firm. B. No more than three such licenses shall be issued in any one year. C. The location to be used by the licensee must be approved in advance by the City Manager, and no such location shall be changed without the prior written consent of the City Manager. D. No license shall be permitted on the mall. E. No more than two licenses shall be permitted on the boardwalk or any pier, pavilion or portion thereof.” Cape May is no longer an art town, apparently... three licenses a year? I have seen many gorgeous paintings of Cape May from Thomas Kinkade, Victor Grasso, Stan Sperlak and others. Wonder if they had permits? Is this just another way to sap people for money? I would think it’s a good public relations tool to have visitors see sights so beautiful that people feel compelled to paint them. Then there’s the paintings themselves, spreading images of Cape May all over the world. But what do I know... I once had my palm read. One of the city’s greatest features is the many varieties of trees. Don’t make

RIDING LESSONS Exploring Cape May on two wheels is one of the pleasures of this island, but just be careful you are not flagrantly breaking the law. Leaning your bike against a tree or on the ground where someone may trip over it? You’re busted!

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the mistake of thinking you can just plant or remove one on your own private property, Chapter 482, Trees and Shrubs, prohibits that without approval from the city, and there’s an entire page of stipulations. If you do get approval and plant a tree, but it doesn’t grow straight, you’re shafted... No person shall place any guy wire, brace or other device on any such tree in such a manner as to injure it. It’s illegal to use a guide wire or brace to hold a new tree up straight. I have one on my weeping willow in my backyard right now. Good thing I don’t live in Cape May. I won’t bore you with all the tree details, but this one is my favorite... The City Council may designate, by ordinance, a certain tree or a certain species of tree as being of special value based on size, rarity or historical importance. Historic trees. Really? Okay, so let’s end this with a good one and for that, we need look no further than Chapter 324, Malls and Plazas. There are six pages of restrictions on what is allowed. Ever wonder why every restaurant looks the same?

Yikes. Does anyone else find the irony in the city’s “no-vinyl” stipulation? (I’m thinking of those attractive vinyl railings that have appeared on various parts of the promenade.)

Wonder no further... The permitted area within the Mall must be enclosed by a black wrought iron or aluminum fence selected from one of four preapproved styles. Any awning supports must fall within the total permitted area and be incorporated into the fence design. B. Only tables and chairs are permitted within the permitted Mall area. No plants and flowers are permitted. Tables and chairs must be constructed of metal, wood or resin. No vinyl tables and/or chairs will be permitted. Tables and chairs must be black, hunter green, natural wood stain, brushed or shiny aluminum. No other colors will be permitted. Yikes. Does anyone else find the irony in the city’s “no-vinyl” stipulation? (I’m thinking of those attractive vinyl railings that have appeared on various parts of the promenade. It gets better when we look at Chapter 158, Beaches and Boardwalk, by far, my favorite. For instance, did you know it’s illegal to “Operate, drive or park any type of vehicle except emergency vehicles...” on the promenade? In 37 years, I have never seen anyone try to get their minivan or pickup truck on the promenade, let alone park it there.

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And you have to love the thoroughness of this language, which prohibits “the use of roller devices which are securely connected to safety shoes, commonly called roller skates...” These lawmakers don’t miss a trick! Local surfers will especially be interested in the section which makes it illegal to... Park or stand, carry or transport any surfboard on the promenade or boardwalk, except to cross the promenade at such places and during such hours that surfing shall be permitted by the Beach Supervisor of Lifeguards. DON’T come to the beach early or stop to talk to anyone one the promenade. You so much as stop to tie your shoes on the boardwalk and you’re going down, long hair! Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse, so don’t molest the lifeguard, take a walk on the beach before 6am, or do something crazy like use a raft or inner tube. And don’t even think of violating the section which stipulates you can’t “change apparel, dress or undress, defecate or commit any other nuisance.” Amen to that.

THE LAW OF THE BOARDWALK You probably already know that you can’t ride your bike or rollerblade on the boardwalk at certain times. But that’s not all that’s illegal on one of the city’s most populated areas. That bathing suit you’re wearing? The cops could ticket you for that.

Rum Runners Ball

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Hors d’oeuvres • Dinner • Dancing • Cash bar 1920s dress or costume ENCOURAGED, but not REQUIRED • Prizes awarded for best dressed • Tickets $75 Call the Museum at 609-465-3535 for more information or purchase online at cmcmuseum.org

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All proceeds benefit the Cape May County Historical and Genealogical Society

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the ghosts of

why is this beachfront dreamscape so full of spirits? thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a simple answer to that mystery, says ghost writer craig mcmanus... exit zero

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jackson street

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You could just take home a postcard.... But really, isn’t your mom, your sister, your boss, or the lady next door who walked your dog or fed your cat worth more than that?

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hen it comes to the GPB (that’s the number of Ghosts per Block, in, um, technical terms) Jackson Street has few competitors in Cape May—and that is saying something. Columbia Avenue is a close second, but as one of Cape May’s original right-of-ways, Jackson Street is a paranormal lover’s paradise. In the earliest days, when the Native American Indians came to summer here, the area from Jackson Street to Perry Street was higher ground than much of the low-lying marshland that made up the adjoining coastline. While there were high dunes and bluffs in the early days, getting to the shore from the mainland required navigating the low-lying swampy areas. Jackson Street is appropriately called Jackson Mountain near the mall because it is a whopping 14 feet above sea level, the highest spot in town. The Native American Indians would have created a path to the water on higher ground. Jackson Street, first surveyed as a road in the 1780s, may have been such a path. Eventually, civilization took a foothold on this section of Cape Island, as it was eventually called by the new settlers. Cape May’s resort community, starting in the early 1700s as a series of small taverns and lodging places, began to spring to life, albeit slowly at first. The area on and around what is today called Jackson Street was the hub of the early resort. Today, many tens of thousands of visitors a year wander Jackson Street and stay at the many B&Bs and hotels along the way. The street has been enjoyed by generations of shore-goers for hundreds of years. All this history, and the street’s proximity to the ocean, has created quite a few interesting ghosts. Some are contemporary spirits and linger october

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with unfinished business. Others are more than 100 years old, still attached to some physical place or emotional trauma, long gone. Jackson Street has been through several incarnations since the Native Americans left town. The earliest hotels and homes were continuously rebuilt and enlarged to accommodate the ever-growing crowd that visited Cape May in the late 1700s and early 1800s. In 1869, a fire took out part of Jackson Street. Next, the Great Fire of 1878 wiped out everything else. Jackson Street was reduced to burning cinders, along with almost 40 acres of the rest of downtown. Cape May was rebuilt and Jackson saw the rise of many new hotels and boarding houses. These new buildings replaced previous incarnations that had burned. For the ghosts of Jackson Street it was only a matter of trading spaces. Ghosts do not feel physical sensations like fire. They move away and wait until it is over to return to their old homes — even if they are now someone else’s homes. This is one of the tricky parts in a ghost investigation. One needs to know what was on the spot before the current building, as well as what is there now. Ghosts are placecentered for the most part, even when their surroundings change. Many ghosts have a physical attachment. This is no different from the living. We are attached to where we live. Ghosts become attached to a dwelling as well. THE GHOSTS Should you be strolling down the mall, searching for souvenirs to take home and suddenly feel a chill move past you — you may have just crossed Jackson Street. Several of the stores in this area also have ghostly tenants. On the corner of Jackson and Washington, you will see Fralinger’s, the source for great salt water taffy and macaroons. Before Fralinger’s moved here, about 15 years ago, Barry’s Cloth-

after the fire The Inn at 22 Jackson, now the Red Cottage, occupies the old site of the New Columbia hotel, which was destroyed by fire in 1889 exit zero

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ing Store occupied the site for almost 40 years. Even earlier in its history, the grand old building was The Capitol Bar and Hotel, which catered to the turnof-the-century Cape May crowd. Look upstairs and you will see the current residence of one of Cape May’s longtime spirits, Henry. My friend Harry Bellangy remembered several incarnations of the building, as his grandfather’s barbershop was right next door. Many years ago, when I was first writing this column for Exit Zero, I started to inquire about hauntings wherever I shopped or stayed. The thing about the buildings on the mall is no one ever thinks to look up. We all see the storefronts and what’s inside, but we never think to cock our heads back and notice there are upper floors. It is actually these forgotten upper floors, some now used for storage, others as apartments, where most of the ghosts reside. “Oh we have a ghost!” one of them exclaimed, “We call him Gunthar,” one of the ladies in Fralinger’s told me years ago. “That’s a new one,” I thought, “a ghost called Gunthar.” Maybe a Viking ship got stranded in Cape May a long time ago. You never know. The women working in the store that day had told me that the ghost was mainly experienced on the second floor of the old building where they had their storage rooms. Some felt someone following them, while others sensed or heard a presence nearby and raced back downstairs. They sensed a strong presence when they ventured upstairs. The same employee felt it was the third floor, rather than the second. Ghosts are transient and they will move freely around a building. Since other tenants had started sharing the space, the haunting activity had calmed down. I was always under the impression that there were now apartments upstairs and decided it would be too much of a hassle to investigate. I took advantage of a bleak day in February, when most of the living had left town, to investigate the old Capitol Hotel building’s upper floors. The third floor felt empty and I detected nothing paranormal, so I ventured down to the empty second floor

the old man on the SECOND floor The old Capitol Bar and Hotel is now the location of Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy, on the Washington Street Mall. While visiting the building’s second floor, Ghost Writer Craig McManus came into touch with a presence known as Henry.

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and ran a tape. The second-floor hallway looks like something out of an old 1930s film noir mystery. The hallway, and the entire building, is on a slant, creating an odd feeling for anyone walking down the corridor. Each of the old hotel room doors is still adorned with the same number it has had for over 100 years. I went from room to room searching for activity. Finally, in one of the dark rooms filled with old furniture and appliances, I felt something. I sensed an older man — and a name — Henry. (Sorry, Gunthar.) Henry would not communicate psychically, but did give me a picture of what he was seeing. Ghosts will see what they want to see, either the present or their past. A fixation with old times can be a major reason for a ghost being stuck between planes. The images I saw in my mind looked like early 1900s bathhouse or beach hotel imagery with people in old bathing attire moving up and down the hallway. I also got the feeling that Henry had been there with his wife, but did not sense another presence. Henry’s energy was very peaceful, but stuck

A BUSTLING SCENE Cape May was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1878, and Jackson saw a number of new hotels and boarding houses

in my mind but he almost appeared flat and two-dimensional. He was trapped in his own world inside the ghost realm. Ghosts have varying degrees of energy that allow some to manifest more strongly than others. In Henry’s case he was fading. I think all souls eventually cross over to the Other Side.

in time. He did not react to me, and I began to wonder if this was a residual haunting or an energy imprint left over by a living person. I concentrated and tried to get closer to Henry when I realized he was very much a spirit, but something had happened to his energy. I could see him

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Maybe Henry was in a slow transition. Across the way, a small store was once a candle shop called Flimm Flamm. During the time they sold candles, the managers came in several mornings to find candles had been relit. Fearing there would be a fire, they started questioning all the employees, but no one could solve the mystery. Barbara from the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC) emailed me to tip me off to the ghostly combustion and told me that her grandfather used to live in that same tiny house. Was her grandfather trying to add more light to his old, dark house on Jackson Street? I went to look in the shop and sensed a Charlie sitting up on the narrow staircase. He seemed like a shorter man, and very well could have been Barbara’s grandfather. The store later became Wildberries. The activity had subsided quite a bit. Today the small row of buildings on Jackson Street where it crosses Washington Street, house other shops. I have not heard too much in the way of paranormal activity here as of late, but I am always watch-

A MAJESTIC OLD LADY The Merry Widow is comprised of three old homes moved together after the Great Fire of 1878

ing for signs. The Merry Widow, a magnificent, double-turreted guesthouse on the corner of Carpenter’s Lane and Jackson, is one of my favorite haunts. This is actually three old houses moved together after the Great Fire of 1978

to create one large dwelling for a man named J. Henry Edmunds. During my early days in Cape May, I was always drawn to this house, especially the high turret that overlooks the top of Jackson Street. I have stayed here several times since and I would have to say, I love the

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Many believe the ghost of a young child haunts the turret suite on the top floor of the Merry Widow, but I have on several occasions recorded an older man’s voice on tape.

A ghostly love affair There is a curious, centuries-old romantic connection between the Saltwood, above, and its next-door neighbor, Windward House

energy of this huge, old Victorian mansion. When I was a child, I fantasized about spending a night in a house like this — now I can, and so can you! Many believe the ghost of a young child haunts the turret suite on the top floor. My experience has been with J. Henry Edmunds himself. A mover and a shaker in Cape May in the late 1800s, Edmunds controlled many of the cities utilities, held public office for many years and was also a bit of a real estate baron. It’s strong connections like this that can tempt a soul to stay behind after death of the body. Phantom footsteps can be heard in the house, and I have exit zero

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on several occasions recorded an older man’s voice on tape, replying to my questions. At least his hearing is still good after a century. Edmunds seems to roam the house, but much of the activity is centered on the top floor. This is a friendly spirit, who happens to have a no-nonsense personality and a love for Cape May. I asked him, on one occasion, if he could communicate with the living. The response, audible on tape, was “This is not easy.” I think he is happy that visitors to Cape May are still enjoying his former home. The Virginia Hotel is my favorite place for evening cocktails when I am in town. It also

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A few years ago, one of the former general managers was making a rather disparaging remark about Mrs McConnell’s portrait. That very evening, the same large oil in its heavy Victorian frame lifted off the wall and crashed to the ceiling. No one was near it. Lesson here: ghosts can hear us. has a ghostly couple watching over the place. Should you decide to have dinner in the fabulous Ebbitt Room, you will notice two large portraits on the far wall of the dining room. I believe these are the McConnells, the couple who built Ebbitt House (the original name for the Virginia) in 1879. Little is known about the McConnells. What I can tell you is that I have sensed both a male and female presence in the hotel. A few years ago, one of the former general managers was making a rather disparaging remark about Mrs McConnell’s portrait. That very evening, the same large oil in its heavy Victorian frame lifted off the wall and crashed to the ceiling. No one was near it and no one could figure out how the wire could have lifted off the heavy hook in the wall. Lesson here: ghosts can hear us. Watch what you say about them. In The Ghosts of Cape May Book I, I talk about the ghost of the Windward House and the Saltwood House being that of a Catherine Campbell. Catherine and Charles Campbell built their home at 26 Jackson Street in 1906, a short time after they had married. Charles Campbell was a local real estate agent and a lifelong resident of Cape May. They moved into their new home where they raised two daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine. Somewhere along the line, Catherine the elder seems to have died and become a ghost, however, the Campbells had long since moved to another house on Ocean Street. Guests at the Saltwood House B&B, as the Campbell homestead is now known, have encountered a woman who they say gives the name Catherine, and then promptly vanishes. october

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Catherine does not seem to be content roaming her old haunt. She is also thought to haunt the Windward House just next door! There is an old story on Jackson Street hat has been passed down over the last century, about Catherine being disloyal to her new husband. Old timers have called the Saltwood House, The Mistress’s House and have passed down stories that point a guilty finger at Catherine for having an affair with her neighbor, banker George Baum. Baum built the house next door that is today Windward House. Has Catherine Campbell returned to her earlier amorous abode, or is it the energy of Jackson Street that has pulled her back and kept her tethered to her old stomping grounds? Campbell’s last home on Ocean Street was demolished in the late 1960s after she died. Has she returned to her original home because of this? The spot on which Windward, Saltwood, the Red Cottage and the Puffin sit is a highly charged piece of real estate. After the Great Fire of 1878 destroyed the previous dwellings, a new luxury hotel was built in 1879 called the New Columbia. The vast building stretched from Jackson Street to Perry Street in a showy display of avant-garde Queen Anne style architecture with turrets at every corner. It was not well received by the neighbors who chose a more plain and scaled down style of shore architecture. The New Columbia was truly a showplace and thrived at the foot of Jackson Street with a panoramic view of the sands and surf. The Seven Sisters Houses at the foot of Jackson Street were not yet built so nothing obstructed the ocean view. Then on Septem-

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ber 25, 1889, as the summer season was ending, something strange happened. With two night watchmen in attendance, the gas lamps on the walls started to explode. Attempts to control the fire were abandoned after the entire brick structure went up into an inferno. Bricks were shattered by the heat, exploded, and then hurled by force around the neighborhood. The tenyear-old hotel was reduced to a pile of rubble. The land was cleared, and the owners divided and sold off the property in small lots. The old hotel may be gone, but its residual energy lingers on. I have sensed images of a vast hotel while staying at the Windward House and the former Inn at 22 Jackson, now the Red Cottage. Speaking of the Red Cottage, for many years people talked about a ghost named Esmeralda haunting this building. She does not. There never was an Esmeralda living in this house. The then owners of the house submitted the fictionalized story as part of a Halloween issue for the Philadelphia Inquirer in the 1970s. It has been passed down as fact for almost 40 years. The real story

With two night watchmen in attendance, the gas lamps on the walls started to explode. Attempts to control the fire were abandoned after the entire brick structure went up into an inferno. The old hotel may be gone, but its residual energy lingers on.

mer servant, or a guest who died in Cape May? Peruse a few back issues of Cape May newspapers from the 1800s and early 1900s and you will see many people had drowned or died in town during the summer tourist season. If a person dies far away from home, and decides not to cross over to heaven right away, they may just remain stuck near where they passed. Cape May, with its wonderful energy and beautiful beaches, is almost like a little slice of heaven. Maybe that’s why it’s so haunted. Like their living counterparts, the ghosts just don’t want to go home — luckily for all you lovers of the paranormal. I hope to see some of you during my two October weekends of ghost tours and events. You can find out more about what I do, and where I will be next, on my website at craigmcmanus. com. Happy haunting. Craig McManus’s Ghosts of Cape May books are available from the Exit Zero Store and Gallery, 109 Sunset Boulevard, Cape May, 609-770-8479, or online at www.ezstore.us.

— my story — is based on experiences of some of the guests and me. A young woman named Anne or Roseanne seems to haunt the building. Several guests have seen her over the years; a feat many ghosts are not capable of doing. Most ghosts are “felt” not seen. This young spirit has even played ball in the hallway with one of the young (living) guests. She seems to be able to interact with the living, being mistaken as another guest or a housekeeper. Another mystery on a very haunted street, and I have only scratched the surface here. There are many more haunted places on Jackson Street, but I am out of space! You’ll just have to by my Ghosts of Cape May books and read about the rest. There are so many unsolved hauntings on Jackson Street and throughout Cape May. Some hauntings can be solved quickly. Others take time to put the paranormal pieces together. Cape May has been a resort community for hundreds of years. When dwellings see this amount of transient guests, it makes identifying the ghost or ghosts much more difficult. Was Anne a for-

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my perfect day sue lotozo, owner of flying fish studio

Massages, naps, and lobster picnics

y favorite day in Cape May... it is fairly easy to write because it has already happened! Saturday, July 7. I start the day with a good cup of coffee on my screened-in porch. It is early, and I can see the mist rising. Everyone else is still asleep. I pick up The New Yorker magazine and spend some time reading about the world. There is a short story by one of my favorite authors, Mavis Gallant, that totally captivates me. In the background a rooster is crowing, and I can hear my neighbor, Jack, playing with his dogs in the yard — “Friday!! Come Here, NOW!” Second cup of coffee... yum. Then my sister-in-law, Eils Lotozo, who is visiting us with her family, wakes up and we have a lovely chat. Soon we bike into Cape May... it is off to our scheduled appointments at the Sea Spa in Congress Hall for massages and luxurious skin treat-

ments (guaranteed to make us both much younger!). We are completely pampered and end with the steam bath. Hmmm, now it is lunchtime and we are so relaxed, but feeling a bit peckish. We decide to step outside to the pool bar and lounge on the comfy sofas while Patrick Miller brings us two delicious Ginger Mojitos. We peruse the menu and decide to order a series of light bites…guacamole, humus, beet and goat cheese salad. We then let our families know where we are and are soon joined by several loved ones — Bela and Eliza Lotozo, Frances Wilson, Brian Lee, Gamal and Mira Sherif. The entire atmosphere is so relaxed and friendly that we hang for a few hours. Several of our family members must head off to work — it is summer in Cape May — but I am so fortunate to have the best staff at the Flying Fish. I can take the day off and not worry because Megan and Manny are there. I am incredibly happy. exit zero

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SO GLAD TO LIVE HERE “Who knew that when I came to spend the summer in Cape May that I would build a life here... I am grateful every day. This is a magical place where I meet people on a daily basis who enhance my life,” says Sue Lotozo. Aleksey Moryakov

2012

Now it is time to head home for outdoor showers and naps. After that, it’s dinner time. We decide to call H&H Seafood and order some lobsters to go. We throw together a few tasty salads and head to the Cove around 6pm. What could be more enjoyable than eating a lobster picnic at the beach then jumping into the ocean? My 11-year-old niece Mira washes out the lobster carcasses in the sea and then sets them into the sand to see if anyone notices. It is funny to watch the reactions. Who knew that in 1976, when I came to spend the summer in Cape May, that I would build a life here, rich in community, family and friends. I am grateful every day. This is a magical place where I meet people on a daily basis who enhance my life. People from all over travel to visit and work here, and we can expand our horizons by meeting them and engaging in conversation. I am really glad that I live here.

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Fall Thrills & Chills At Cape May Stage

utumn is special in Cape May: crisp ocean breezes and leaves turning as the city sheds its frenetic summer pace to become the sleepy, Victorian town we love. Lines are shorter and traffic is bearable; yet, Cape May Stage still has nose to the grindstone producing quality theatre for the whole family. This month, Cape May Stage brings a onewoman tour-de-force to the Robert Shackleton Playhouse. Actress Barbara Dana stars as Emily Dickinson in William Luce’s The Belle of Amherst, which delicately explores the life and work of one of America’s foremost poets. Full of hope and promise at age 15, to her death at 56, The Belle of Amherst connects the themes and passions of Amherst’s famous recluse. In addition to Dickinson, Dana portrays 15 other characters, from Emily’s father, Edward, to friends and teachers, eventually solving one of literature’s mysteries: the identity of Dickinson’s famous “Master.” Dana, a Dickinson expert, has written two books about the poet: the novel A Voice of Her Own: Becoming Emily Dickinson and Wider than the Sky: Essays and Meditations on the Healing Power of Emily Dickinson, of which she is co-editor. Don’t miss this finely-wrought portrayal of one of literature’s most intriguing personalities. The Belle of Amherst runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm, from October 17-27 — a must-see for anyone who loves Dickinson’s poetry. Following The Belle of Amherst, we’re pleased to present Poe, Times Two. A doublebill of short, one-man plays adapted from two of Poe’s classic mystery stories, “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Black Cat”, Poe, Times Two opens just in time for Halloween. In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Italian nobleman Montresor narrates a chilling tale of revenge involving his friend Fortunato, against whom he carries a grudge that’s never fully explained. He leads his

Barbara Dana channels American poet Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst friend through catacombs under his palazzo, enticing him to drink and reminding him of the motto on his family’s crest — Nemo me impune lacessit (No one insults me with impunity). Montresor and Fortunato eventually make their way to the celebrated cask of Amontillado, where Fortunato’s fortune is sealed. In “The Black Cat”, a condemned man speaks from his prison cell the night before he is to be executed for the brutal murder of his wife. Poe’s masterful study of domestic violence, guilt and one man’s descent into madness, “The Black Cat” is a journey that illustrates the ability of the human mind to observe and comment on its own destruction, while being powerless to stop it. Poe, Times Two runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm, October 31-November 16. Poe, Times Two is a must-see for Poe enthusiasts and fans of mystery and horror. Made possible by PNC Arts Alive, join Cape May Stage for “Meet Your Seat: Coffee and Con-

HERE’S WHAT’S COMING to cape may stage Barbara Dana in “The Belle of Amherst” October 17 - 27 Tickets $15-35

Halloween Horrors in “Poe, Times Two” October 31 - November 16 Tickets $15-35

versation.” Tour behind-the-scenes of The Belle of Amherst (on Thursday, October 25 at 1opm) and Poe, Times Two (on Saturday, November 3 at 5pm), and discuss ideas and issues raised by each show with the production team. A pre-show discussion with artistic director Roy Steinberg allows the audience to learn about the creation of each production and ask questions. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and purchase a discounted block of tickets for a special PNC Arts Alive performance of The Belle of Amherst and Poe, Times Two. Next season is Cape May Stage’s 25th! Featuring exciting new works, stellar Broadway series concerts, and old favorites, it’s shaping up to be Cape May Stage’s most captivating, ambitious season yet. Subscriptions are now available. For more information, call (609) 884-1341 or visit www.capemaystage.org.

«Call (609) 884-1341

Meet Your Seat: Coffee and Conversation “Belle of Amherst”: October 25 “Poe, Times Two”: November 3

This column is made possible through the generosity of Second Stage Series sponsors Chris and Dave Clemans as part of their support of the arts in Cape May

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running for mayor Rusty Chew says it’s his aim to return the office of mayor to its rightful place — as simply one member of a council of five

27 Questions for Rusty Chew

usty Chew retired as a sergeant from the Cape May Police Department in January, 2011 after 25 years of service. A licensed realtor, he continues to work with his wife Dagmer Chew at their real estate company, HomeStead, and the Blue Fish Inn. The couple have two children, Betsy and Mickey. This November, he will be challenging incumbent Ed Mahaney for the office of mayor in Cape May. Did you grow up on the island? I spent my childhood in the Point, then we lived in Williamsport, PA for a few years, then West Cape May. I went to school where the Acme is now on Lafayette Street and graduated from LCMR in ’74. As for the ‘island’ you are referring to, the old Cape May folks don’t consider WCM or the Point as part of their island. I moved to The Island in 1979 and have been here ever since! When did you join the Cape May Police Department, and did you have any other job

Interview by JACK WRIGHT Photograph by Aleksey Moryakov

before that? In 1986 I started with the CMPD. I had several jobs before that, all centered in the commercial fishing industry. I worked on the trawlers and local lobster boats. I also worked in the fish markets of Lunds, Axelsson and Johnson. I was most known for my skills with a fillet knife on the docks. I’ve won every challenge for the fastest flounder cutter — six seconds was my best time. I joined the CMFD in 1980 and have been an active volunteer fireman for 32 years. Most of the time I’m just driving one of the trucks, and let the kids carry all that heavy equipment around. What was Cape May like when you first started working as an officer, compared to now? When I started, things were a little different. As a young officer, just a month out of the police academy, at times I found myself the only one that showed up for work on the midnight shift. The department had been cut back to a very low number of men. There were three assigned to each shift, and there were no detectives or admin officers. We depended on the guys from the next towns to back us up. Back then, we had to do all the warrant raids ourselves. I was sent for SWAT exit zero

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training in 1989 and for a number of years we were busy here. Things are much different now. Crime is crime. I don’t want to compare then to now because so much in our world has changed. The men and women of our department still come to work every day and night and face a very real threat. We not only live in a violent society, but a litigious society. We have more lawyers today than doctors. It seems that we are more interested in getting even than better. Trust me when I say that they are ready, willing and able to protect all who live in and visit our city. Has the role and the style of the police department changed much in that time? The role is the same but the style has definitely changed — this is the digital age. Cops are always going to be human and make mistakes. Today, there is a good likelihood that you will be reviewed by many for a decision that you had to make in seconds. But the same good investigative tools that good street cops learn will always work. What are your proudest moments or best memories of your time in the CMPD? Cape May is a small town and I won’t recall specific events,

but I will say that I joined so that I could make a difference in my community and there were many times when that happened and I am proud to have been there for the ones that were involved. I am proud to have been able to work with some of the best men and women in the field. Any regrets about your time in the CMPD? Not really. Where and how did you meet your wife Dagmer? We both attended the same church in the late ’70s. I went to school with Dagmer’s sister Stina, so I knew her family. We had mutual friends who are from Sweden and Dagmer is very proud of her Swedish heritage. I was in love with her on the first date — she wasn’t that sure about me. Where did you two go courting? We went to the movies and to friends’ houses. Dagmer was in high school, so she had the school night thing going and then she worked a job on weekends and in the summer. We started dating in the spring of 1978 and eloped in November of that year. Did I mention that her father was a 6’4” Swedish carpenter? We didn’t travel with a drinking crowd back then, or now. Dagmer had her friends that liked to go dancing, and they went to Wildwood. I was a fisherman during our dating period and was on the ocean almost daily. How did you feel when you retired from the force? Relieved, or sad, or a little bit of both?

Relieved, not at all sad. I had a goal and met it. I did 25 years as a uniformed patrol officer, working the rotating shifts. At the end, I was ready to go to bed EVERY night and not have to set an alarm or think about going to the station. The body armor in the summer, the weight of the utility belt with all the equipment... what’s to regret leaving? How do you spend your days now? Fishing almost every morning, leaving around first light, often taking friends and former coworkers with their kids to catch whatever is willing to be caught. Off to North Wildwood for some clams every now and then at low tide. My son is building a home and I have been able to help him. I am a licensed realtor and help Dagmer with rental check-ins and check-outs every weekend. We own a small mom and pop motel on Madison, the Blue Fish Inn. I help there with repairs and chores. What are your other hobbies? I love to hunt — archery is my thing. I have several close friends who enjoy the same passion for the outdoors. We travel to Canada, Virginia, the Carolinas and Florida in our quests. But fly fishing is my real passion. There are a few of us who tie our own flies to share with each other. I’ve fished from northern Canada to Panama — marlin to Atlantic salmon. I’ve been accused of fishing too much, but that’s rubbish! I also like fast boats. I haven’t found a flats boat that’s too fast for me. You haven’t lived untill

you’ve traveled 80mph in a 19-foot bass boat! That reminds me, did I show you the pictures of me jumping out of a perfectly good airplane from 3500 feet over Easton, Maryland? That’s a rush that I’ll tell you about some time! What are your favorite things to do and favorite places to go in Cape May today? We enjoy walking the beach in the off-season. I can often be found holding court in booth 1A at the Ocean View restaurant. I also enjoy riding my bike on Beach Avenue and then down to the Point. We put out our crab pots and enjoy picking crabs on our dock, watching the boat traffic. What places do you miss most that are no longer here? I miss my friend Tom who for years had Sports and Stuff on Texas Avenue. I would visit with him often and so enjoyed his friendship. He was one who did so many good things for the kids in this community and in the township. Tom was a kind and generous man who used what he had to help others. I also miss seeing the Christian Admiral. We had a tow about two miles from the beach that we called Hotel Slough. As a fisherman, after the five-fathom light ship, the Christian Admiral was the first landmark to come up on the horizon as we headed into port. It was a grand old building with majestic features. You’ve announced you are running for mayor. What is your main reason for doing that? I’m

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only 56 years old. I’ve always loved Cape May and chose to live here and work here. Twenty-five years ago, Fred Coldren, the former city manager, asked me in an interview what it was that I hoped to achieve by being a policemen in Cape May. I remember telling him that I wanted to make a difference in my community. Dagmer has lived here her entire life, on the island. My children are fifthgeneration Cape May residents. Dagmer’s grandfather was Sol Needles. I believe that I can bring the position of mayor back to being one cooperative member of city council, one of five. Together, all members of council can support the city manager as he tends to the day-to-day operations of the city. In the past several years, I have grown concerned, from my own observations, that our current mayor is over-involved in the day-to-day functions of the city and a distraction to the current form of government that we have, a strong city manager. What are the three major things you would like to see change in Cape May right now? I don’t believe in being critical of our current city leaders. As mentioned before, my intention is bring the mayor’s position back to one in five on the council, no more than that. What do you think of how the Convention Hall project was conceived and executed in the end? I don’t make decisions without knowing

the facts. I’m also aware that no matter what is done, someone is likely to be unhappy. This is a very nice convention center. Many hours of planing and review went into its construction. We should be very proud of our city council for all the hard work and time put into this project. If I had to find something that I wasn’t really in favor of, there would be two things. First, I’m not sure that the electric sign conforms with the HPC code that clearly applies to this location. Second, the landscaping in front on the street — do I even have to comment on that? In a town that is so pressed for parking, and in the most prime parking location, spaces are removed so we can look at Charlie Brown Christmas trees. Every time I went to a planning board meeting, they wanted to know how many parking spaces were going to be provided for the project. We have rules that apply for new and replacement construction, rules that apply to everyone. What kind of example is this when we say do as I say not as I do? What would you have done differently with Convention Hall, if you had been the mayor of this city? I would have done my part as a council member to make sure everything was done without a notion of deceit. I shouldn’t expose any hunches that I have but I’ll be real surprised if the bill on the hall remains around the $10.5 million that was approved by the vote. This is with-

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out mention of monies that were diverted to the project from water and sewer bonds that should have been used in other areas of the city. Yes, the money was used as alloted for water and sewer projects, but shouldn’t the water and sewer lines have been part of the overall projected price of the construction? The grant for the solar panels on the roof was not filed in time and we lost out on that funding. Where did the money come from to pay for the solar panels since they were supposed to be paid for by grant money? Should Cape May have as many parking meters as it does? Yes. Remember my background is in law enforcement. Believe me when I say that without the meters set up the way they are in this town, parking would be a mess. Consider this: someone comes to the shore for the season and wants to go to the beach as frequently as possible. They arrive early in the season and quickly find a location on the beachfront to park their car with all the beach chairs. They leave the car there for the summer, visiting it only to retrieve a chair. There’s no question that the parking would be soon taken and no room left for the daily visitor. All of the parking near the center of town could be taken by cars parked for the season. This situation occurs on some of the side streets in front of homes. Meters resolve this situation and many others and provide the city with a windfall of revenue.

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Is there a better parking system that could be used to make life easier for tourists and locals? I haven’t seen one yet. Do you think Cape May needs a parking garage? I don’t think that a garage would be able to sustain its self. Remember, one of the biggest cost is labor. How many cars would you have to park to pay the bill? I don’t think it would be good money spent at this time. What more could be done to integrate the fishing industry and the harbor in general into the everyday life of the town? Sometimes the harbor is as crowded as the mall on a hot summer afternoon. Keeping it clean is the way to make it look attractive. We should, however, look into stopping the erosion taking place on Delaware Avenue. The harbor has already claimed part of the roadway there. It’s a county road, and we should be able to obtain some assistance from county road funds. Do you think the same could be done for the US Coastguard base? It is the only training center in the US, and yet you can walk around Cape May every day and not realize it is a “coastguard town” in the way that Annapolis is a navy town. The Coast Guard is in the process of obtaining funds to build a memorial to all of the men and women lost in action over the history of the USCG. There may be a way for the city to partner with the Coast Guard and provide a location in the city suitable

for the monument and promote its honor with our advertisements and events. There probably aren’t many in this town who haven’t been impacted by the Coast Guard. It is a privilege to have them here. How do you see the real estate market in Cape May over the next few years? It seems to be on the increase at this time. Election years carry lots of uncertainty. Lenders are waiting as are sellers and buyers to see what happens in the race for president. His policies will have a direct impact on investors and home buyers. The number of people out of work also plays into it. When people are sure of their future, they spend. Uncertainty leads to a tightening of the belts so the big ticket items like homes are put on the back burner and rentals increase. Where do you buy your coffee in Cape May, and how do you take it? If I’m not at the Ocean View, the Lobster House coffee shop it is. Black with sugar makes me happy! Should more be done to accommodate cyclists in Cape May, such as extending bike lanes? I think common sense should kick in somewhere. Lafayette Street is a major artery into town. If you are on a bike, do you really think that Lafayette is a good route to take — really? Common sense should rule and certain narrow roadways without shoulders should be used for vehicular traffic. I know that

the bikes have the right to be there, but 5,000lbs vs 200lbs? Yep, the car wins. Never really made sense to me when someone had to prove their point and ended up in the back of the CMFD rescue rig. Yep, they sure were right, broken and run over but proved their point! Is the risk really worth the gain? Sorry bikers. I ride frequently and try to use as much common sense as I can and stay away from the heavy traffic streets. What would your idea of a perfect day in Cape May be, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between? Up at 5am and to the coffee pot. After several cups, a fast dart across the harbor to a favorite fishing spot. Back by 7 and fish cleaned by 7:15. Off for breakfast at one of my favorite watering holes. After holding court, check on the motel and the real estate office to see what needs to be done. Stop at the Acme and pick up something to go with the fish for dinner. Home for a nap till 2, then start dinner. You might think I’m crazy but the one thing that I think I might have trouble with being mayor is that the meetings don’t start till 7pm. I have been getting used to going to bed at 8 or 9 so I might need a longer nap in the afternoon. Then dinner with Dagmer, Betsy, Mickey and their families. A quiet evening on the deck with a glass of my favorite merlot (Yellow Tail), the family and Tucker, our small poodle.

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The Cape May Crossword So YOU love crosswords and you love Cape May? Great. Sit down, get a cup (or glass) of your favorite beverage, relax and enjoy this puzzle. The answers to this crossword are all related to the content in this magazine. The solution can be found on our website, exitzero.us. Compiled by Kate Chadwick. Across 4 . Translated as “People of the Longhouse,” this native American tribe was originally known as Five Nations. 7. The likeness of this iconic Shawnee leader and folk hero was featured on a Great Americans series US postage stamp, released on September 14, 1989. 9. An American Indian tribe that was most prevalent in the Plains states, they once anchored the ‘Four Corners’ of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. 11. This Cape May bar serves three different brands of non-alcoholic beer. 12. General George Custer was killed, along with all of his men, during the Battle of Little.... what? (2 words) 13. This is the name of the Lakota Indian who killed Custer (and a band Neil Young used to jam with...). (2 words) 15. The ghost of J. Henry Edmunds allegedly haunts this old house on Jackson Street. (3 words) 16. According to her Perfect Day feature, this

is the name of Sue Lotozo’s favorite short story writer. 18. The Indians who killed Custer were from two tribes: the Lakota Sioux and this one. 20. This Indian tribe long inhabited the midAtlantic region, and there is a large lake in Mays Landing that bears the name. 21. There is a street in Erma that has the name of this Shawnee leader and folk hero who opposed the Americans in the War of 1812. 22. This is a popular non-alcoholic brew made by the manufacturers of Guinness. DOWN

His image is on a US postage stamp... 7 across

6. This Cape May bar and restaurant still carries Buckler N/A beer for a now-deceased regular customer. 8. The Linen Ladies automobile is painted to look like this insect. 9 . This relic of an American Indian weapons is often found in our area and is popular with collectors. 10. Pat Wenzel’s perfect day ends with a glass of wine at this popular harborfront spot. 13. This real estate agency is located on the Washington Street Mall, right next door to the Toy Shop.

1. The Lakota name for a cone-shaped shelter, this word is often misspelled.

14. The Windward House is supposedly haunted by a woman called Catherine, who comes over from this house next door.

2 . A monument to Crazy Horse is located in the Black Hills of this state, where Custer was killed.

16. Native Americans introduced us to corn, the most ubiquitous US crop of the day, but they called it this.

3. Before he was a police officer, Rusty Chew worked in local fish markets, where he was known for his skill with this object. (2 words)

17. This is the name of Rusty Chew’s pet poodle.

5. Cape May Stage presents Poe, Times Two, just in time for this annual occasion. exit zero

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19. While some American Indian tribes settled in a specific region, others moved from place to place and were called this.

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The closest path from farm to table is just around the corner at

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