Cape May MAC Newsletter: Holiday 2023

VOLUME LIII, ISSUE 5

Newsletter www.capemaymac.org

HOLIDAY 2023

HOLIDAY PREVIEW WEEKEND Christmas arrives in Victorian Cape May with great fanfare during Holiday Preview Weekend in Cape May, Nov. 17-19, presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture). For ticket information, click here.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony It’s a yearly Cape May tradition and kicks off the holiday season! Santa Claus, himself, flips the switch and illuminates the huge evergreen Christmas tree on the grounds of the historic 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, Nov. 18, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to this annual tradition outdoors

on the grounds of the estate, a thrilling start to the holiday season, presented by Cape May MAC and sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank. Visitors are invited to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items for collection during the evening to donate to the Cape May Community Food Bank, which helps feed needy families in the community, and stop by the Toys for Tots table to help support this worthy cause.

Returning this year is the Atlantic Brass Band performing holiday favorites. The 35-piece Atlantic Brass Band, based at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., is an award-winning, authentic British-style brass band of international acclaim. They have entertained count(CONTINUED ON PAGE 6)

Cape May MAC holiday house tours feature a variety of homes and inns like the fabled Mainstay, shown here. Christmas Candlelight House Tours also include churches, hotels and museums.

Holiday private homes tours It’s all the special things we do during

the holidays that make them fun and memorable. Traditions are a wonderful part of the Christmas season! So many families have made Cape May MAC private homes tours part of their own holiday tradition. Cape May MAC has hosted private homes tours during the holiday season going on 50 years, and every year they bring holiday joy to many.

Cape May MAC launched its first Christmas tour in 1974, the Christmas Candlelight House Tour, and it is by far Cape May MAC’s most popular tour of the year. It’s a highlight of the holiday season in America’s only National Historic (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)

Cape May MAC welcomes shoppers for Museum Store Sunday Nov. 26 Shoppers will enjoy specials and promotions when they shop at more than 2,100 museum stores worldwide, during Museum Store Sunday Nov. 26. Museum Store Sunday is an annual event that celebrates the

special shopping experience that all museum stores offer. Cape May MAC will celebrate Museum Store Sunday with book (CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)

In This Issue Coming Attractions.................... Page 3-5 From the President......................Page 10 Membership News .................... Page 12 Recent Happenings...................... Page 2 Thank You Department......Pages 12-15

RECENT HAPPENINGS Fall Wrap-Up Sept. 16 was the perfect day for our annual Harvest Brew Fest. We could not have asked for better weather. Mackie the Stilt Walker (John McNair) was at the end of the driveway, greeting visitors, posing for photos, and occasionally helping members of the Cape May Police Department direct traffic. Volunteer Coordinator Anne Walsh, relatively new to her position, jumped in with both feet to recruit the scores of volunteers needed to make the event run smoothly. She had particular help from one volunteer, Joe Mammarella, who recruited his son and fiancée to help and got his wife to sign up for future volunteer shifts. The family that volunteers for Cape May MAC events always has fun doing it! We had thousands of visitors that day enjoying local brews, food trucks and the tunes of Fat Mezz and Animal House.

The Cape May Lighthouse was a happening place through the late summer and early fall. We continued with our Full Moon Climbs and Stairways to the Stars, treating visitors to nighttime climbs. We participated in the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey welcoming visitors from all over New Jersey, 27 states and three foreign countries. Tour Director Nanci Coughlin and her partner in crime Rosemary Rombado, Manager of Tour Operations, greeted more than 1,000 Challenge participants, many of whom have become friends from participating year after year. Nanci reported that one visitor always ends the Challenge at our Lighthouse to add to his collection of shells painted by Keeper Janie McNutt. The Cape

Shown here, Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd) visited the Emlen Physick Estate Monday, Aug. 14, for updates on the organization’s accomplishments and support needs from Cape May MAC Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine. An emphasis was on a recently completed study and video, “Economic Impact of Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture),” that showed Cape May MAC’s hard work year-round amounts to an annual impact to the region of $196 million in tourism dollars. Click here to help us share this amazing story!

May Lighthouse celebrated its 164th birthday on Oct. 31, with cupcakes and cider. We also unveiled three new interpretive panels, one dedicated to the keepers who have served here; one dedicated to Belle Palmer, the only woman to have served here as Custodian; and a third detailing the heroic story of six escaped enslaved people who braved the dangers of the Delaware Bay to find their freedom. This last story comes from William Still’s The Underground Rail-

NEWSLETTER Published by Cape May MAC, a not-for-profit corporation P.O. Box 340, Cape May, NJ 08204 • Phone: 609-884-5404 New Jersey Relay Center for TTY Customers: 800-852-7899 Web Site: www.capemaymac.org • E-Mail: info@capemaymac.org Editor: Jody Alessandrine • Assistant Editor: Jean Barraclough Contributors: Sandra Adams, Sara Kornacki, Susan Krysiak, Anna Marie Leeper, Evelyn Maguire, Mary E. Stewart and Anne Walsh

OUR MISSION Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors.

---- v ---OUR VISION Preserving Cape May’s rich heritage and assuring its vitality through superior cultural programs and events Page 2 • HOLIDAY 2023

Cape May MAC’s public history programs are funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission in the Department of State.

road, published in 1872. Cape May County artist Chanelle René illustrated the third panel for us.

Back at the Physick Estate, the Clueless crew wrapped up their summer series, and switched into Phantoms of the Physick Estate mode. This year’s title was Dearly Departed, an original mystery written by Jacky Fazio. Guests who attended had to brave our Scarecrow Alley, which this year had 40 specters on guard on the Physick Estate grounds. IT Director Cathy Baldacchini outdid herself with this installation this year.

Cathy collected materials and conducted workshops, ensuring that we would have great participation. We were delighted to host a visit from West Cape May Elementary School students who came to cast their ballots for their favorite scarecrow. Participants in the Cape May Halloween Parade also got to enjoy Scarecrow Alley when the parade ended at the Estate on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Nearly 500 costumed paraders assembled at the outdoor stage to hear the results of the judges’ deliberations and receive their trophies. Anne Walsh assembled a group of volunteers to ride in one of trolleys in costume and another group to hand out candy to the participants at the Physick Estate.

Ghosts and spirits were pretty much an

Cape May MAC

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Holiday Preview Weekend and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Daytime and evening holiday tours and events begin the weekend before Thanksgiving during Holiday Preview Weekend, Nov. 17-19. All are welcome! Visit the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., when Santa arrives by trolley to switch on the lights on the huge estate Christmas tree during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year again will feature a free performance of holiday favorites by the Atlantic Brass Band. The Physick House Museum is open to the public for free self-guided tours that evening. Bring a donation for the Cape May Community Food Closet. For more information, see story, page 1.

50th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours

Cape May’s Christmas Candlelight House Tour has been a beloved annual tradition for 50 years! Since 1974, thousands of people on three nights in December walk the city’s sidewalks and gas lit streets and visit homes, inns, churches and hotels, stepping across the thresholds to take in interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. Join us Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and experience this exciting annual tradition — it’s the longest running holiday tour in Cape May history! Tickets are limited.

For more information, see story, page 1.

1879 Physick House Museum Tours Physick Family Christmas House Tour

Your guide on this tour portrays a member of the Physick family in the early 1900s and shares stories and traditions, taking you on a guided living history tour of the magnificent 1879 Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, decorated in true Victorian style for Christmas. Friday-Sunday afternoon, Nov. 24-26 and Friday, Saturday & Sunday afternoons, Dec. 1-23. Click here for tickets and to learn more.

Evening Yuletide House Tour

On this guided tour of the first-floor rooms of the 1879 Physick House Museum, authentically decorated for a Victorian Christmas, see and hear how the Physick family might have entertained friends and family and celebrated in traditional Victorian fashion during the holidays. Tuesday and Thursday evenings (Accessible), Nov. 28, 30 & Dec. 5-28.

Click here for tickets and to learn more.

‘Tis the Season: Missing the Mistletoe

The townsfolk of Cape May are buzzing with excitement, especially after a fresh blanket of snow brings them closer to the big day. All except for Adeline Baker, the sole heiress of the Baker family fortune, who is quite fed up with being alone. Each potential suitor has been less promising than the last. Can you help Adeline find love in time for Christmas? Or will she spend another holiday season alone? Visitors will step inside Cape May’s Victorian House Museum, the 1879 Physick House, and encounter the characters as this original story written by Jennifer Hickok unfolds. Don’t miss stepping into this holiday story in this very special Cape May setting. Accessible with advance notice Wednesday and Friday evenings, Dec. 1-22. Click here for tickets and to learn more.

Vintage

Open Friday-Sunday for dinner, Saturday, Sunday for brunch through Nov. 26; Open Friday, Saturday for dinner, Saturday, Sunday for brunch Dec. 1-17 and Open Dec. 22, 28-31 for dinner and Dec. 30 and 31 for brunch: Vintage Restaurant, on the beautiful grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, offers an eclectic menu for brunch from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and dinner from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call 609–224–6064 for reservations and takeout orders or visit OpenTable.com. View the menu. Vintage is dog-friendly, has plenty of outside seating and take-out is available. Parking is free.

Stairway to the Stars

Monday, Nov. 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Last night climb of the year! Without the light of the moon, you see the stars shine!

Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings of the New Moon and the start of a new 29.5-day lunar cycle, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the New Moon! Binoculars are permitted if securely worn around the neck. Tickets may be purchased on-site.

Lunch & Learn: Gilbert & Sullivan

Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 12Noon: Mal and Dottie Knapp bring us a presentation on the lives and works of Gilbert and Sullivan, with videos of songs from several of their best-known operettas including HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado in person at the Cape May Lutheran Church:, 509 Pittsburgh Ave., and available on Zoom with registration in advance. This program will not be recorded. To register click here.

Cape May Lighthouse

Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 17-Dec. 24; Dec. 26-31: 12 noon to 4 p.m.: Climb the 199 steps up the original, cast-iron spiral stairway to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse and see a staggering view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding nature trails of Cape May Point State Park, and Cape May Point Borough. Interpretive panels on the grounds, at the base and on the climb tell stories of Lighthouse Keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically and today. The Cape May (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4)

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Lighthouse is the third beacon at this location. Still an active aid to navigation, it was restored and is maintained by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture).

Since Cape May MAC opened it to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top. The Cape May Lighthouse is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more.

Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides

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’Tis the Season & Dinner at Vintage

Enjoy dinner and a play at the Physick Estate, a perfect combination for the holidays.

Your evening begins with dinner at Vintage where you’ll choose from a select menu of delicious options. Then be immersed in an original play that brings the audience along as the drama of a Christmas love story unfolds from room to room on the first floor of the 1879 Physick House Museum. Savor your dinner then enjoy this delightful Christmas love story “‘Tis the Season: Missing the Mistletoe,” that revels in the magic of the season!

Friday evenings, Dec. 1-22 Dinner at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. show. Limited seating. Click here for tickets and to learn more.

Tours and Activities Especially for Families Santa’s Trolley Rides

Mrs. Claus comes directly from the North Pole to lead this tour! She tells stories and leads holiday songs on this jolly holiday trolley ride through town. Santa joins the fun at the Gazebo on the grounds of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate. Begins and ends at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., with free parking available. For more information see page 11

An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit

The wonders of the season are on display at “An OldFashioned Christmas” exhibit in the Carroll Gallery, at the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Here you can experience an exhibit of holiday traditions complete with a giant Christmas tree, a Dept.

56 Dickens Village, model trains, nostalgic photos from Christmas past and more.

Admission is free. Daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information see page 11.

Evenings, Saturday, Nov. 18, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 24-26, Saturdays, Nov. 18-25, Fridays & Sundays, Dec. 1-22: Listen to dramatic tales of Christmas woe featuring Victorian ghosts, told by a member of the East Lynne Theater Company, on this ride along the historic streets of Cape May. You’ll be happy you live now, not then.

Click here to purchase tickets and learn more.

Brunch & Bingo at the Inn of Cape May

Saturday, Nov. 18: 9 a.m.: Laugh along with your friends as you play a little bingo, compete for prizes and enjoy a fashion show by Lace Silhouettes/Cotton Company. It’s all over a scrumptious brunch at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. Cape May. Click here to learn more.

All That Glitters - Victorians Ring in a New Century Trolley Tour

Holiday Shopping Complete your holiday gift-giving list during the Holiday Crafts & Collectibles Shows and at Cape May’s renowned museum and online shops. Stop into the Museum Shops on Museum Store Sunday, Nov. 26, to support our unique mission and grab some special deals and giveaways (see p. 1 for story). Shop for unique hand-made gifts and seasonal decorations during Holiday Crafts & Collectibles Show, over two days, Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cape May Convention Hall, Beach Avenue at Stockton. Admission is $2.

Fridays-Sundays, Dec. 1-23, various times: It’s the Christmas season in the late Victorian age and Mrs. Frances Brooks leads this first-person trolley tour as she does her important holiday shopping around town, regaling all with then and now stories of the many shops, hotels, landmarks and personalities that make up the lively Cape Island social landscape of her time. This tour immerses you in Cape May social history and takes two steps back in time, as Mrs. Brooks reflects on her present and her past, including memories of her dearest friends, the Physicks. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more.

Lunch & Learn: The 175-year History of Star of the Sea in Cape May

Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 12 noon: Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, whose iconic church anchors the Washington Street (CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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Mall, celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2023. Mary Stewart takes us through the history of the parish and the beautiful church built in 1911 to serve the congregation. In person at the Cape May Lutheran Church,: 509 Pittsburgh Ave., and available on Zoom with registration in advance. To register click here.

Lunch & Learn: Newcomers to the Christmas Carol Repertoire

Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 12Noon: Christmas Carols are a tradition, but new ones are being written all the time. In this presentation, Brenda Leonard takes a look at some new classics. In person at the Cape May Lutheran Church,: 509 Pittsburgh Ave., and available on Zoom with registration in advance. To register click here.

Lunch & Learn: WE ARE STILL HERE

Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 12Noon: Not all Native Americans were relocated to reserva-

tions out West. Some of us were hidden in plain sight for generations, quietly retaining pieces of our culture, language and traditions in secret. Clan Mother of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania Xeli Otaesak Pilsit Xkw (Many Flowers Pure Spirit Woman, also called Teri Hislop) shares her own story. In person at the Cape May Lutheran Church,: 509 Pittsburgh Ave., and available on Zoom with registration in advance. To register, click here.

Lunch & Learn: Kiwanis Club of Cape May: 100 Years of Service

Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 12noon: Since its inception in 1924, Kiwanis Club of Cape May has been an active service club in Cape May, serving the health, nutrition, education and literacy needs of children and providing youth leadership development. Lou Paradise presents their story. In person at the Cape May Lutheran Church,: 509 Pittsburgh Ave., and available on Zoom with registration in advance. To register, click here.

Also, Cape May equity theaters present holiday productions. The East Lynne Theater Company presents “Lennie’s Christmas Extravaganza.” Click here for information and tickets. Cape May Stage presents “A Tuna Christmas.” Click here for information and tickets.

Plus, Whale & Dolphin Watching boat tours, guided tours of the Physick House Museum and Cape May’s most popular trolley tour, the Historic District Trolley Tour, are both offered regularly through the holiday season, along with the Combination Historic District Trolley & Physick Estate Tour, and the Combination Historic District Trolley Tour & Physick Family Christmas Tour. Tickets for all tours and events may be purchased online at capemaymac.org or by visiting 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or calling the Emlen Physick Estate Hill House Visitor Services Office at 609884-5404.

Shown here, Inn of Cape May Events Coordinator Jeri Ann Gerace welcomes guests for Cape May MAC’s festive Breakfast with Santa event at the inn.

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HOLIDAY PREVIEW WEEKEND less audiences since 1984. The band won the 2017 U.S. Open competition and is a three-time champion in the North American Brass Band Association competition. A longtime Cape May favorite, the band is comprised of professional musicians, professors, educators and community members. The concert begins at 5 p.m. Santa will arrive to hit the switch on the huge Christmas tree on the estate at 7 p.m. from the outdoor stage.

The 1879 Physick House Museum is authentically decorated for a Victorian Christmas during the holiday season and visitors on Saturday, Nov. 18 can step inside the museum for a self-guided Physick Estate Christmas Tour, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for free!

The wonders of the season are on display in An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit in the Carroll Gallery at the Physick Estate’s Carriage House. Stand beneath the boughs of a giant Christmas tree! This exhibit features holiday traditions through the years that bring to life a child’s Christmas fantasy, complete with a delightful Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, vintage Christmas family photos and much more. Admission is free.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) um Shop stocked with maritime accessories and lighthouse memorabilia. Open Friday, Nov. 17-Sunday, Nov. 19, noon to 4 p.m.

Trolley Tours

What was that shadow? Was it the undead of Cape May’s past wandering their beloved haunts? You might scoff, you might shudder, but rest assured: on board a trolley with an experienced guide you will begin to wonder what’s beyond when you board the Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour and hear the tales of hauntings unearthed in Cape May by renowned psychic medium and author Craig McManus. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street Trolley Stop on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Food Events

It’s easy to have fun with friends during Brunch & Bingo at the Inn of Cape May and enjoy time away from the holiday to-do list. Play a little bingo, enjoy a fashion show

by Lace Silhouettes/Cotton Company and compete for some great prizes at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., all while enjoying a delicious brunch on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.

Vintage Restaurant, on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, offers an eclectic menu for brunch and dinner. Call 609– 224–6064 for reservations and takeout orders or visit OpenTable.com. To view the menu, click here. Vintage is dog-friendly, has plenty of outside seating and take-out is available. Parking is free. Vintage is open Friday-Sunday for dinner, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sundays for brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., during Holiday Preview Weekend.

Reservations are highly recommended.

Cape May Lighthouse

Climb the 199 steps of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse to the watch gallery for a panoramic view of the Jersey Cape and Atlantic Ocean. For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House contains a fully accessible Visitors’ Orientation Center and a MusePage 6 • HOLIDAY 2023

decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions and play Christmas music. Rides last about 30 minutes and depart from the Ocean Street Trolley stop, the evening of Saturday, Nov. 18, at 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Museum Shops

Work on your holiday gift-giving list during Holiday Preview Weekend at Cape May MAC’s two museum shops: the Carriage House Museum Shop at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., and the Cape May Lighthouse Museum Shop, at the Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave. Cape May MAC’s Museum Shops are fully accessible and open for extended hours throughout the holiday season and offer museum-quality gift ideas for the Cape May lover, including jewelry, silk scarves and ties, tea, books, Cape May apparel and more at the Carriage House Museum Shop. There are selections for youngsters as well, including a curated selection of children’s books, toys, clothing, and plush toys. You can also delight the lighthouse lover on your holiday list with a gift from the Cape May Lighthouse Museum Shop. Here you’ll find toys, books, and clothing for fans of the lighthouse. Parking is free at both locations. Proceeds from both of Cape May’s museum shops benefit Cape May MAC’s historic preservation efforts. Visit the Online Museum Shop and shop at your leisure no matter where you are!

Boat Tours

Santa arrives! He is the guest of honor at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Physick Estate each year.

Listen to dramatic tales of Christmas woe featuring Victorian ghosts during Holiday Preview Weekend, told by a member of the East Lynne Theater Company, on this ride along the historic streets of Cape May. You’ll be happy you live now, not then, on the Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides, offered Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:45 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

The best way to see Cape May’s Christmas lights during Holiday Preview Weekend is on board a trolley during Holiday Lights Trolley Rides. Ride through Cape May’s Historic District and see cheerfully Cape May MAC

Cape May Whale Watcher Captain Jeff and his seasoned crew take you into the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean on the Whale & Dolphin Watching boat tour. The Delaware Bay Estuary has a unique confluence of fresh and saltwater that makes for a nutrient-rich area teeming with life and conducive to whale and dolphin activity. Unlike other areas, where the whales are a great distance from shore, Cape May is situated such that many of our sightings are within the Delaware Bay or within 10 miles of land.

Marine biologists, naturalists and whale lovers enjoy Cape May because the ride time to sightings is shorter. The excursion is fully narrated by your captain who will point out local history along with many types of marine life. Offered Nov. 17-19 at 1 p.m. during Holiday Preview Weekend. Click here for more information.

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Museum Store Sunday (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) signings and more at the Carriage House Museum Shop at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at the Lighthouse Museum Shop, 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May Point State Park, from 12 noon until 4 p.m.

Don’t miss this special shopping day that includes gifts with purchase and a drawing at each location for a $75 gift card that can be used for merchandise, memberships and tours.

“Museum stores offer customers a truly unique shopping experience with highly curated merchandise that reflects the museum’s mission,” said Cape May MAC Director of Retail Operations Sharon Falkowski.

“Along with many branded items, we here at Cape May MAC provide a selection of books by local authors and merchandise from local vendors. While supporting local makers, shoppers are also supporting Cape May MAC financially since all revenue goes directly to support our mission.”

Author and Cape May resident John Bailey will sign his books, The Sentinel of the Jersey Cape and Cape Island, Jewel of the Jersey Shore at the Lighthouse Museum Shop.

This is the third year Cape May MAC has hosted events for Museum Store Sunday.

“Each year we have gotten a larger, more positive response from the community, and we expect, with all the events and activities we are offering, that this will be our best year yet,” Falkowski said. “I love working for Cape May MAC and I love its many contributions to Cape May. Museum Store Sunday allows me to share that sense of community and commitment with others.”

-- SK #beapatron, #museumstoresunday, #iamapatron, #patronofculture, #shopmuseumstores

At the Carriage House Museum Shop: 10 a.m. to 12 noon, author Mary Anne Castagnetta will sign her book, I Love Cape May. 12 noon to 2 p.m., author Suzanne Simonetti will sign her book, A Cape May Christmas Story.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. “Meet the Maker” Joanne Infante, maker of fabric Christmas ornaments, who will greet customers.

3 p.m. to 5 p.m., author Ellen Alford will sign her book, Abolition and the Underground Railroad in South Jersey: Not Without a Fight.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags or purchase the special edition Museum Store Sunday Eco-Tote made from 100 percent recycled post-consumer materials to help eliminate single-use plastics. While there is only one Museum Store Sunday every year, consumers are encouraged to shop at, and support, museum stores all year long. The annual event has boosted museum stores’ sales efforts, with museum stores seeing a 39 percent average increase in in-store net sales in 2022 compared to 2021, and a 43 percent average increase in in-store transactions in 2022 compared to 2021. www.capemaymac.org

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Holiday private homes tours (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

yours soon! Click here for tickets.

For those looking for a festive daytime tour, the Holiday Inns Tours is your ticket to step inside several Cape May properties decorated for the holidays with garland, bows, trees and more! You’ll get into the Christmas spirit as you tour these festively decorated Cape May landmark properties.

This is a self-guided tour, so please bring your ticket to the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at the junction of Washington and Ocean Streets and get a copy of the map. A trolley shuttle will make continuous loops during this self-guided

afternoon tour. Offered Mondays through Thursdays, Dec. 4-14 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.

Stroll the gaslit streets of Cape May in the evening on the Lamplighter Christmas Tours. See inside a selection of Cape May’s bed & breakfast inns and private homes, specially decorated for the holidays on this self-guided walking tour that includes a visit to An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit in the Carroll Gallery at the Physick Estate Carriage House. Offered 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on select dates. Click here for tickets.

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Carroll Gallery Exhibit: “Line in the Sand: Segregated Beaches in Cape May and Atlantic City” opens Jan. 12

Landmark City. This tour celebrates the best of Cape May at Christmas, as you travel Cape May’s gaslit streets, hear musicians and carolers, and visit homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels where you’ll step inside to see both Victorian and more modern interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. Don’t miss this, Cape May’s longest running, favorite Christmas tour, on three Saturdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets sell fast, so get

Photo courtesy of Center for Community Arts

A new exhibit opening Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend explores the segregated beaches of Cape May and Atlantic City prior to the civils rights era. See Grant Street Beach through historic photos from West Cape May families and original artwork by Cape May County artist Chanelle René, and Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City through historic photos from the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, and learn how people of color enjoyed their time at these beaches, despite the harsh racial divide. Shown here, ca. 1955, waitresses and other workers had Sundays off and take time to enjoy the beach. Exhibit is in the Carroll Gallery on the grounds of the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Open Jan. 12-March 25, 2024, with an opening reception Jan. 15, 2024. Free admission.

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THIRD BOOK:

Dr. Physick’s adventures continue Cape May MAC is pleased to announce the publication of Dr. Physick Goes to the Lighthouse, the third installment in a series of children’s books chronicling the adventures of the good doctor and his canine companions. As the title might suggest, in this charming episode Dr. Physick visits the iconic Cape May Lighthouse to meet with the Lighthouse Keeper, a kindly soul with plenty to teach Dr. P about the importance of keeping the lantern lit.

Produced in-house, the Dr. P books are written by Cape May MAC Curator Ben Ridings and illustrated by Digital Marketing Manager Steven Olszewski. Ben and Steven sat down to discuss the recent publication: This is now the third installment in the Dr. Physick children’s book series that you two have worked on together. Did either of you ever expect to be an author/illustrator of a children’s book? Was this type of a project a long-term dream, or something that took you by surprise?

BR: I never anticipated becoming an author, let alone a children’s book. As often happens in life, timing is everything. When I was first approached about writing a book, I had a five-month-old daughter. She enjoyed when I read to her, so together, we probably went through 100 books. Although I wasn’t entirely sure if I could craft a story, I was well-versed in the medium. It was a case of “you never know what you’re capable of until you try.”

SO: I have a BFA in animation and have worked on a variety of children’s related projects in the past, but this was my first time illustrating a children’s book. I’d done some illustrations for a pet project during the pandemic and showed them to Eliza Lotozo (Cape May MAC Chief Outreach Officer), who expressed interest in a children’s take on Doctor Physick. The rest is history! www.capemaymac.org

The pair of you have roles outside of writing and illustrating at Cape May MAC: Curator and designer, respectfully. What has it been like to work collaboratively on such a creative project?

BR: At times, I find myself genuinely amazed by Steven’s creativity. I must admit, my role seems somewhat easier, given that there are no constraints on my written words.

However, Steven faces the challenge of taking my thoughts and ideas and seamlessly weaving them into illustrations. It’s not that

I should be surprised, for his work is always wonderful, but every time I see his artwork for a new book, I’m impressed by the high quality.

SO: I love working on these projects with Ben. I’m not much of a wordsmith, even when tasked with writing something for a more juvenile audience. I really enjoy seeing how Ben takes these inherently “grownup” topics and weaves them into something engaging for a younger audience.

What’s been the biggest learning curve for each of you?

BR: The biggest learning curve came from our second book, Dr. Physick’s Night Before Christmas. We wanted to match the style of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

My brilliant and patient editor, Evelyn Maguire, had to educate me on syllable couplet patterns.

SO: I’ve had to learn to not be so rigid in what I’m going to draw. I have the opporCape May MAC

tunity to tell stories within the story based on what the characters are doing in a scene.

If I go into an illustration sticking too strictly to the text, we lose little moments like Daisy the terrier hoisting herself up to the top of the lighthouse in a basket on a pulley while everyone else is using the stairs!

What aspect of the writing/illustrating process have you found the most satisfying?

BR: I enjoy putting real, researched history into every book, yet still making it fun and engaging. Children are learning about the past, perhaps without even realizing.

SO: I really enjoy taking actual human beings and places from history and creating whimsical, playful representations of them that honor the past by making it accessible to children today.

And Ben, have you read the Dr. Physick books to your own children? Did they get a sneak peek of Dr. Physick Goes to the Lighthouse?

BR: My daughter is now almost four, and I have a two-year-old son. They both enjoy the books, but they really like the illustrations. In addition to writing and being the Curator, I also portray Dr. Physick at tours and events.

Therefore, when they see an illustration of Dr. Physick, they call him “daddy.”

And finally—what’s next for the charming Dr. Physick? Any future book titles in mind?

BR: A few weeks ago, Steven and I discussed ideas for future books. Dr. Physick had many employees work on his estate. It would be interesting to write a story about them. I’m fortunate there are countless topics for stories.

SO: There’s been talk about another book that focuses on the staff at the Physick Estate. I’ve also been working on an activity/coloring book!

Dr. Physick Goes to the Lighthouse is available for purchase in the Cape May MAC Museum Shops as well as online by clicking here.

-- EM

Holiday 2023 • Page 9

FROM THE PRESIDENT: Brian Groetsch As I sit down to write my final contribution to the newsletter as Cape May MAC Board President, I find myself reflecting on the transformation I’ve witnessed as I conclude my nine years on the Board of Trustees and thinking how fortunate I was to have been a part of such an important organization to the Cape May area at such a critical time in its history.

My introduction to MAC was on a team with a mission to reach the more elusive Cape May traveler who opted for a whole house or condominium instead of the traditional Hotel, Motel, Guest House or Bed & Breakfast experience where MAC has worked hard to reach guests. That program placed thousands of tags on vacation rental keys with a way to see the latest MAC offerings and was in place for many years after.

This is just one example of the organization’s ability to adapt to change through creativity and collaboration with community partners for which it has become known.

You see, this was at a time when grant funding from the State of New Jersey for non-profit organizations like Cape May MAC had been slashed after the recent economic meltdown and a lot of belt-tightening happening in Trenton. While MAC was not immune to having to make some short-term adjustments, we could have easily slashed spending, cut staff and reduced programming to residents and visitors to make up the short fall. Instead, at one of the direst moments for non-profits in New Jersey, a new idea was born thanks to one of MAC’s most dedicated volunteers and past president herself, Diane Hutchinson along with her son Graydon. Together with another team of staff, volunteers and community partners rose one of the biggest fund-raising events in MAC’s history – The Craft Beer & Crab Festival at the Emlen Physick Estate. While the name and number of events at the Estate have evolved over the years, it was this spark that caused MAC to consider new ways to leverage their greatest asset to attract new visitors and partners to the Physick Estate and allow Cape May MAC to continue to support the thousands of unique offerings presented each year.

Another of the major initiatives undertaken during this time was our transformation from The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities to Cape May MAC (Museums + Art + Culture). With the guidance of long-time member and current Trustee, Norris Clark and his team of branding ex-

Page 10 • Holiday 2023

perts, the organization sought to re-brand itself to better reflect the organization it had grown to be since its inception nearly 50 years earlier. While the “MAC” remains, the meaning behind the acronym now articulated MAC’s commitment not only to the Arts, but to preserving and interpreting Cape May’s rich History as well as being a major contributor to many Cultural events throughout each year.

The next challenge facing MAC was probably the heaviest lift of all, and that was the task of finding the replacement for outgoing longtime Director/CEO B. Michael Zuckerman. Michael, as many of you know, signed on with MAC as its very first full-time director 37 years earlier. Under his leadership, MAC went from an all-volunteer organization born out of a local political revolution aimed at preserving the Physic Estate, to an absolute juggernaut of a non-profit organization throughout the region with 100+ full and part time employees, 3 historic sites under its stewardship and hundreds of thousands of visitors served each year.

A new team led by founding member and perennial supporter of MAC, Tom Carroll along with Past President Mary McKenney and Lee Belarmino, were tasked with the seemingly impossible--- to find a successor to Michael. Early in the process it was believed that the only way to truly replace Michael was through two or more new staff members due to the many hats he wore.

However, through the work of the search team and many months of interviews and effort, a candidate emerged that seemed uniquely built for the challenge to take the reins. So, February 2020, we welcomed our new Director/CEO Jody Alessandrine.

Cape May MAC

Jody came with a wide range of experience that the team felt translated perfectly for the task at hand, but nobody could have anticipated the challenge he would face just a few weeks into his tenure – the COVID-19 Pandemic. As I’m sure you’re just as tired of talking about COVID as much as I am, it’s sufficient to say that Jody’s leadership during this dark and difficult time has resulted in a Cape May MAC that is as strong and engaged as it has ever been in its 53-year history.

The most recent major initiative I was able to take part in is the one that I am most excited about, and that is the completion of the recent Economic Impact Study that was completed in partnership with the Cape May County Tourism Department. It was widely accepted that Cape May MAC played a role in the local economy (heads in beds, seats in restaurants, retail sales, etc.), but nobody could have imagined the extent to which MAC’s activities impacted the local economy and region overall—nearly $200 million annually. With the study complete, Cape May MAC is engaging regional partners as well as local, state and federal officials with the proof that MAC is making a difference in the community and is worthy of their continued support.

In 2024, Cape May MAC will reach an incredible milestone, which will be when the organization crosses over the $20,000,000 mark for grant funding awarded since 1988. It is through these grants that Cape May MAC can continue its’ work within the community as well the monumental task of preserving and maintaining the World War II Lookout Tower, Cape May Lighthouse and Emlen Physick Estate. It is entirely thanks to the talented MAC staff who have become highly skilled in the task of grant writing that this work would be nearly impossible. Without them, Cape May MAC’s impact couldn’t have gone nearly as far as it has.

It is with deep gratitude that I leave my post on the Board of Trustees at the end of the year. It has been a great honor to serve alongside some of the brightest, most talented and incredibly generous volunteers any non-profit could be blessed with as well as to witness the selfless hard work displayed by the Cape May MAC Staff each and every day. While I leave a MAC that looks much different than when I arrived, I am confident in its ability to continue to make an impact on the Cape May Community for many years to come!

www.capemaymac.org

Christmas for kids Christmastime is magical for children when it captures their lively imagination and fuels the excitement of childhood possibilities. We adults love to recapture that same magic we remember as children by sharing the holiday with families and little ones. Cape May at Christmas offers so many ways to share memorable experiences with the children in your life.

Since 2011, the yuletide display “An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: Holiday Traditions through the Years,” has been a beloved tradition of Cape May MAC’s festive holiday season. Hosted at the Carroll Gallery on the grounds of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, this charming exhibit has welcomed thousands of holiday visitors, both young and old, over the years. Experience holiday traditions complete with a stately Christmas tree, a Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, nostalgic photos from Christmas past and much more. Cape May MAC received a donation in 2009 of an extensive Dept.

56 Dickens Village Collection from Ernie & Betsy Heegard. The collection has become the integral piece in this exhibit, which is open daily Nov. 18 through Jan. 1, 2024 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).

Admission is free. Click here for more information.

Breakfast is more than a delicious treat when a special guest stops by! Share a bountiful breakfast with family and friends

www.capemaymac.org

during Breakfast with Santa at Ocean 7 and welcome special guest Santa Claus, himself, as he drops in at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., and greets guests with time for photos and sharing wish lists, on select dates leading up to Christmas. Event is limited.

Offered at multiple times in the morning on Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 16. Click here for more information.

Mrs. Claus comes directly from the North Pole to lead the Santa’s Trolley Ride! She tells stories and leads holiday songs on this jolly holiday trolley ride through town. Santa joins the fun at the Gazebo on the grounds of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate. The tour begins and ends at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Offered Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 25-Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Click here for more information.

Who can resist the twinkle of Cape May’s beautiful Victorian homes decorated for Christmas? Listen to Christmas music and enjoy hearing about the history of Victorian Christmas traditions on the evening Holiday Lights Trolley Rides. Victorian Cape May at Christmas is magical and this is a ride to share with friends and family. Trolleys are openair. Blankets are recommended. Tour begins and ends at the trolley stop on Ocean Street.

Offered Sundays through Fridays, Nov. 24Dec. 15 and nightly Dec. 17-23, and Dec. 2631. Click here for more information.

-- SK

Cape May MAC

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas time.

- Laura Ingalls Wilder

Holiday 2023 • Page 11

‘T H A N K YO U’ N E W S CAPE MAY MAC PRESERVATION FUND • $100-$499 Friend Donors: Michael & Donna Amundsen, Marianne Direzze, Joseph & Elizabeth Garner.

• Under $100 Donors: Biswajit Bhattacharjee, Gaetano Cataldo & Ioanna Iliopulos.

LESSONS OF HISTORY FUND DONATIONS • $1,000-$1,999 Donors: Victor Keen & Jeanne Ruddy Keen.

• $500-$999 Donors: Stephen & Janet Miller.

• $250-$499 Donors: Tricia Kraemer.

• $100-$249 Donors: Peter Cole & Bea Pessagno, Avi Eden, Larry & Miriam Hirsch, Stephen & Susan Irving, Laurie & Robert Jacobs, Richard Klein, Richard & Janet Koester, Rebecca Kriebel, Wayne & Joyce Monsees, Lance & Bonnie Pontin, Christopher & Erin Shoemaker, Bud & Jill Waisbren, Karol Wasylyshyn, Marvin & Lee Zektzer.

• Under $100 Donors: Christina Clemans, Randi Deweese, Carol Dijoseph, Matthew & Barbara Glenn, Martin & Judith Miller.

CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL DONORS • Duo Sponsor ($2,000-$3,999): Barbara Morris MAJOR DONATIONS • Joan & Jack Dempsey, for hosting a reception for Lessons of History donors and speaker.

• Fifth Generation (Tito’s Vodka), for a $2950 Sponsorship donation to the Harvest Brew Festival.

• Patricia Valas, for an $8,000 donation to the Cape May MAC Preservation Fund.

• Dr. Robert Watson, for donating the proceeds of sales of his book at Lessons of History.

DONATIONS • Roy & Ruth Brader, for a $350 donation to Operations.

• Valerie Carlin, for an in-kind donation of Christmas Decorations for our Holiday Tours.

• Diane Echtermeyer, for a $50 donation to the Cape May Lighthouse.

• Margo Lassner, for a $300 donation to the Physick Estate Restoration Fund.

• Stephen & Teresa Lazer, for a $100 donation to Operations.

• Patrick & Joanne Meehan, for a $100 donation to Operations.

• Randy & Mary Vanderhoof, for a $75 matching gift from Johnson & Johnson.

Page 12 • Holiday 2023

Lessons of History Lecture: “Hamilton, The Man, The Myth, The Musical,” a hit Dr. Robert Watson presented this year’s Cape May MAC Lessons of History Distinguished Lecture at Cape May Convention Hall Oct. 8 to an enthusiastic crowd, making this year’s Lessons of History lecture one of the most well-attended in the series’ 11-year history.

MEMBERSHIP NEWS Sponsor:

Melissa Barnhart & Brian Giordano of West Cape May, NJ.

Family: Lisa & Tom Kobin of Westfield,

NJ; Gale Rojas of Little Egg Harbor Twp, NJ; Amanda & Mark Vizzacco of Cinnaminson, NJ; Nicole & David Weeks of Manalapan, NJ.

Joint: Sandra & Joseph Fisher of Atco,

NJ; Kimberley & Bill Ivins of Cape May, NJ; Denese & Brad Kellmyer of Carneys Point, NJ; Janet & Thomas Oreilly of Cape May, NJ; Joann & Lewis Price of Cape May, NJ; Donald Robbins of Stanhope, NJ; Joan & Philip Ryan of Sea Isle City, NJ; Heidi Scripture & Kim Tanis of Whippany, NJ; Bonnie Stone & Laurence Klugman of Philadelphia, PA; Susan & Robert Tafel of Hatboro, PA.

Individual: Larry Curry of Aston, PA;

Darlene Gerber of Villas, NJ; Jane Hickman of Philadelphia, PA; William Irving of Camp Springs, MD; William Maher of Cape May, NJ; Elaine McDonnell of Cape May, NJ; Marilyn Milbourne of Berkeley Springs, WV; Maureen Petrucci of Abington, PA. Cape May MAC

Our heartiest congratulations to:

Sue Lotozo, on her recent marriage to Ron Filius; Former Cape May MAC Museum Education Director Melissa Palmer and her husband Chris, on the birth of their daughter Maisie Ray; Former Cape May MAC Marketing Assistant Leslie Weidel and her husband John Katity, on the birth of their daughter Bowie; Pastor Jeff Elliott and wife Carol, on the birth of their grandson Erik.

Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery to: Retail Shop Associate Corbin Cogswell.

Our deepest condolences to:

The family and friends of Gus Andy, owner of the LaMer Beachfront Resort; The family and friends of former City Councilman Bill Murray; Cape May MAC volunteer Frank Scott, on the death of his father, William J. Scott, Jr.; The family & friends of World War II veteran & Cape May MAC volunteer John Seubert; The family and friends of former Cape May MAC trolley driver Betty Weislawski.

www.capemaymac.org

‘T H A N K YO U’ N E W S Ticket Buyers who added a donation when purchasing tickets: Tracy Adams, Joanne Allen, Tanya Altmajer, Andrew Anderson, Debbie Arons, Michael Auerbach, Stephanie Baffone, Arthur Balkits, Teresa Balmaseda, Mark Bare, Melissa Barrett, Lou Barth, Patricia Barth, Kathleen Bauder, Connie Beene, Anna Beliveau, Nancy Benz, Michael Biddiscombe, Patricia Black, Kristen Bombardiere, Victoria Bonnette, Nina Bonus, Susan Borger, Kira Boswell, Jenna Bottino, Bill Broomall, Nisa Burnette, Elizabeth Burns, Lori Butera, Vincent Calfapietra, Anrhony Casterioto, Vivienne Cesaro, Susan Chappina, Kirill Chernov, Josephine Christiana, Sophia Cipriano, Samuel Clark, Susan Cohn, Susan Cusack, Patricia Czaplicki, Jaime Dagostino, Michael Decesare, Gabriella Demartino, Alex and Linda Deluccia, Emily DesiderioMehr, Renee Devita, Cynthia Dionne, Mirza Donegan, Dorothy Donohue, James Donato, Elizabeth Douty, John Doyle, Debra Drobenak, Patricia Duarte, Elizabeth Dupree, John Dymond, Anna English, Christina Fargo, Elizabeth Fennelly, Alba Ferman, Jennifer Fischkoff, Jack Flannery, Shannon Flannery, Sean Flynn, Mary Beth Fox, Vita Fracchiolla, Linda Fulford, Jeffrey Geiger, Lynn George, Robert Gerlough, Denise Gilchrist, Marites Go hiong, Mark Goldstein, Debra Graham, Marci Haas, Michael Hajducek, Joann Hamaid, Tara Hanley, Colleen Haubert, Jacquelyn Hawthorne, Lauren Hebda,

‘Tis the Season!

Summer might be the busiest season in Cape May, but late fall and winter are equally busy, with Cape May MAC crafts shows, Halloween tours, Victorian Weekend events, bus groups visiting from all over the country, and, of course, Christmas. Don’t miss the original play, ‘Tis the Season: Missing the Mistletoe” this holiday, in the Physick House Museum, set just after a blanket of snow has fallen. See Coming Attractions p. 8 for information.

Maria Hebert, Diane Hein, Patricia Heller, Kimberly Himelright, Daniel Hostetler, Susan Hostetter, Katherine Huber, Gemma Inguanta, Terri Jackson, Linda Jane, Donald Jeanson, Donald Johnson, Annette Jordan, Kevin Kassick, Edward Kaznicki, Deborah Kelemen, Brad Kellmyer, Shani Kelly, Lida

Cape May MAC’s annual Harvest Brew Fest was a huge success as locals and visitors from out of town came to the beautiful Physick Estate to enjoy a celebration of local food, beer and music. www.capemaymac.org

Cape May MAC

Kianoury, Denise Kimak, Patricia Jo Kiraly, Heather Klusendorf, Chiyo Kobayashi, Michael Koch, Nicola Koeberle, Tracey Kontor, Mike Koronkiewicz, Daphne Koufomihalis, David Kreitz, Kevin Kristian, Karrisa Lacorte, Esther Lapera, Ann Marie Larosa, David Latter, Laura Laurie, Richard Lepard, Douglas Levine, Sharon Lewandoski, Linda LockardPhillips, Dinah Lopez, James Lugo, Maria Mancuso, Carmen Martinez, Bob Mcclennen, Lisa Mccoy, Lesley Mccune, Margaret Mcgee, Rachel Mcgreal, Michele Mchugh, Riley Mckelvey, Kelly Mcmahon, Regina Mcshane, Oliva Mele, Linda Metzler, Kim Michele, Jessica Middleton, Lisa Monard, Kelly Moore, Louis Mraw, Michael Murphy, Melissa Myers, Kathleen Oleksy, Erica O’malley, Irene Orefice, Gaynelle Orndorff, Elizabeth Ortloff, Patty Ostaszewski, Robert Pace, Gerry Palladino, Carol Pandza, Mary Panzak, Aurora Paradise, Bonnie Patrinicola, Gina Pawlak, Francisco Pedro, George Pekurny, Eileen Persico, Roberta Pettengill, Aldrin Phillips, Martin Picinich, Dominic Pileggi, Jennifer Popowicz, Denise Pranzo, Lewis Price, Kristi Procaccino, Tim Prowse, Michael Quijano, Christine Reel, Stacie Rego, Denise Reilly, Christopher Rizzo, Hannah Rodums, Catherine Roe, Peter Rohrer, Mary Rollinghoff, Brian Ruane, Mandy Saccomanni, Kathleen Sanchioli, Richard Scaricamazza, Regina Schappell, Patricia Schnur, Nick Schrade, (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)

Holiday 2023 • Page 13

‘T H A N K YO U’ N E W S Grounds Crew: Tom Carroll, Patrick Dempsey, Jan Dwyer, Walt Gabriel, Bob Gorgone, Carol Lindsay, David Morais, Melissa Motz, William Schlitzer, Michelle Uhl, Rita Wade, Stephen Ward, Deb Yamashita.

Shown here, from left, Cape May MAC Director & CEO Jody Alessandrine, with Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock and Dan Alicea of Madison Resorts, during this year’s Harvest Brew Fest Sept. 16.

Madison Resorts and PNC Bank were sponsors of the event.

Danny Schreiber, Sandra Searfoss, Masha Shatalina-Russo, Rebecca Shoemaker, William Sieck, Pam Silverio, Pamela Sinishtaj, Angela Slaby, Abbe Smith, Joan Smith, Maryanne Spotts, Ellen Sprouls, Bill Stevens, Mary Swenson, Kelly Tedesche, Jen Thorwart, Michele Tiedemann, Alan Tominberg, Patti Topczij, Megan Treece, Audra Uhlig, Kara Ulatowski, Allen Valentine, Lisa Varone, Jennifer Varvar, Judith Vaughan-Sterling, Meaghan Vaughan, Keith Venturella, Marion Vetter, Vanessa Wallace, Lynn Walters, Kris Ward, Danielle Whinna, Jonella Williamson, Debbie Winter, Celeste Wisniewski, Ellen Young, Lindsey Zajac, Liza Zaneri, Debra Zarrella, Barbara Zecca, Natalie Zemaitis, Alexandra Zoueva SPECIAL ASSISTANCE • John Adams, for work to replace trolley window.

• Bill Band, for presenting a Lunch & Learn on sharks.

• Frank Garcia, for presenting a Lunch & Learn on storytelling.

• Kathy Genzoli, for performing inventory activities at the Emlen Physick Estate.

• Camille Llewellyn, for large scale database Page 14 • Holiday 2023

population effort.

• Madison Resorts: Todd Atkinson, Aspasia Bournousouzis, Rich Buxton, Kim Constantine, Paul Gates, Kait Giovinazzo, Elliot Perez, Lindsay Taylor, Yvonne Wolef, for lighthouse grounds maintenance efforts.

• Paul Smargiassi, for work to replace trolley window.

• Donna Szemcsak, for performing inventory activities at the Emlen Physick Estate and presenting a Lunch & Learn on women in Mathematics.

Cape May Halloween Parade Volunteers: Mary Burke, Ellen DeRose, Katherine DiMaria, Jean Erickson, Alice Haber, Kevin Hammeran, Julia Hankerson, Alan Leonard, Alan & Karen McGuire, Jacqueline McBride, Jim McBride, Vicki McBride, Tricia Nolfi.

Crafts and Collectibles by the Sea Volunteers: Alice Haber, Karen McGuire, Eileen Cassidy, Tricia Collins, Jean Grazel, Victoria Heimall, Tricia Nolfi.

Family Fun & Collectibles at the Lighthouse: Sue Currie, Susan Esposito, Alice Haber, Dagmar Jelincic, Carole Ulmer.

Cape May MAC

Harvest Brew Fest: Janice Ablett, Cheryl Alessandrine, Bill Angstadt, Tina Angstadt, Jean Barraclough, Jill Bellarmino, Lee Bellarmino, Mary Burke, Sue Carroll, Tom Carroll, Bev Chernaik, Casey Clark, Bill Currie, Sue Currie, Tom DeAngelo, Jane Donnelly, Chris DuBois, Peter Dwyer, Andy Ferry, Craig Fitz, Gail Fitz, Christina Fore, George Fore, Leslie Flick, Walt Gabriel, Hope Gaines, Maureen Gallagher, Mike Gallagher, Kathy Genzoli, Bob Gorgone, Roe Gorgone, Jean Grazel, Raymond Grazel, Scott Griffith, Carol Haggas, Karen Hammeran, Kevin Hammeran, Julia Hankerson, Victoria Heimall, Kimberley Ivins, Dagmar Jelincic, Kathleen Janits, William King, Kathy Kobik, Tricia Kraemer, Camille Llewellyn, George Macaluso, Nora Macaluso, Joe Mammarella, Nathan Mammarella, Richard Mayer, Jacqueline McBride, Karen McGuire, Barb Merzig, Diane Meza, Franco Meza, Melissa Motz, Nick Rossino, Carey Nathan, Mark Nathan, Therese Porzio-Kwiecinski, Jan Randle, Vince Rapone, Christine Rothwell, Joan Ryan, Phil Ryan, Frank Scott, Jeanie Smith, Mary Stewart, Emily Thall, Carole Ulmer, Jim Walsh, Stephen Ward, Leann Weinberger, Susan Wiggins, Holiday Light Installation at the Emlen Physick Estate: Tom Carroll, Walt Gabriel, Carol Lindsay, Camille Llewellyn, George Macaluso, Melissa Motz, Rita Walls, Tim Walls, Jim Walsh, Stephen Ward.

Lessons of History Team: Tom Carroll, Vince Degiaimo, Joan Dempsey, David King, Myles Martel, Mary McKenney, Chris Traficante.

Lessons of History Volunteers: Bill Angstadt, Tina Angstadt, Lori Dribbon, Christina Fore, George Fore, Jean Grazel, Scott Griffith, Yvonne Kuemmerle, Gloria Kutchner, Nora Macaluso, Emma Jane Maurer.

Lighthouse Challenge of NJ Volunteers: William Borse, Jane Donnelley, Scott Griffith, David Gunkle, Karen Hammeran, Kevin Hammeran, Dagmar Jelincic, William King, Ean Oesterle, Carole Ulmer.

Mailing Campaign Volunteers: Tricia Collins, Jocelyn Duquette, Cathy Genzoli, Roe Gorgone, Kimberley Ivins, Tricia Kraemer, Ruth Anne Stewart.

www.capemaymac.org

‘Thank You’ News

Fall Wrap-up

(CONTINUED FROM PRECEDING PAGE)

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) obsession again this year. Psychic Medium Craig McManus was on hand for a sold-out Channeling Dinner at the Inn of Cape May on Friday, Oct. 13. He also led two Ghost Walks the next evening and another on October 20, all sold out. The Graveyard, Ghosts & Mansion Tour was a similar hit entertaining more than 100 guests in October. Our newest ghost-themed tour, Voices from Beyond, which features EVPs recorded by our staff in the Physick House, got rave reviews. “Awesome” was the exact word used to describe it.

Victorian Weekend offered several opportunities to enjoy Cape May’s Victorian treasures. We offered a Historic House Tour on Saturday afternoon and Architectural Walking Tours both mornings. The grounds of the Physick Estate were particularly lively on Sunday. While the Victorian Weekend Crafts & Collectibles Show offered the wares of top vendors, we hosted a visit from the Wheelmen, a national, non-profit organization dedicated to keeping alive the heritage of American cycling, promoting the restoration and riding of early cycles manufactured in and before 1932, and encouraging cycling as part of modern living.

Later on Sunday, we presented Dr. Robert Watson as the featured speaker of the 11th annual Lessons of History Distinguished Lecture Series. Dr. Watson’s topic was Hamilton: The Man, The Myth, The Musical and it was a crowd pleaser. More than 250 people

“Mackie the Stilt Walker” has become an annual tradition at Cape May MAC’s Harvest Brew Fest, greeting visitors and passersby with a smile and helping to provide information and directions.

Scarecrow Alley Workshop: Cathy Baldacchini, Kelly Gray, Emma Jane Maurer, JP Morgan Chase Team, Bev Parada, Therese PorzioKwiecinski, Rita Wade, Leann Weinberger, Susan Wiggins.

Staff Advisory Team: Joyce Barth, Ann Burrows, Jill Connell, Rosalie Gallagher, Peggy Gora, Kathleen Familetti, Loretta Hughes, Anthony Vetrano.

Sunset Solo Concert Series: Bill Angstadt, Joe Mammarella, Kathy Morais, Cathie Russell, Carole Ulmer.

Tour Department Volunteers: Joyce Barth, Kathleen Familetti, Mary Stewart, Donna Szemcsak.

Trolley Maintenance: Patrick Dempsey, Camille Llewellyn, Joe Mammarella, Mark Nathan, Vince Rapone, Jim Walsh, Deb Yamashita.

Victorian Weekend Children’s Crafts Volunteers: Emma Jane Maurer, Susan Wiggins.

Victorian Weekend House Tours Volunteers: Janice Ablett, Bob Beal, Susan Beal, Jane Donnelly, Jean Erickson, Leslie Flick, Lynne Glasser, Dagmar Jelencic, William King, Tricia Kraemer, Joe Mammarella, Carey Nathan, Andrea Tahinos, Carolyn Vinci. www.capemaymac.org

joined us for a riveting hour with this dynamic speaker. The Lessons of History Team is already hard at work searching for 2024’s speaker.

We recently hosted both our federal and state legislators at the Physick Estate.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew visited the Emlen Physick Estate on Aug. 14 to see Cape May MAC’s Congressionally Directed Spending request projects. On Oct. 23, our state delegation, Senator Michael Testa and Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan, took time from their busy schedules to tour the estate and see firsthand the array of capital projects in the queue for the Physick House and grounds.

Our bi-weekly Lunch & Learn programs continue to offer a variety of interesting topics, both for live audiences and by Zoom.

Coordinator Brenda Leonard had to pinch hit on Sept. 20 as the previously scheduled presenter was unable to be with us. Brenda presented a program on Edvard Grieg. The originally scheduled program, “The Busy Bee Has No Time For Sorrow,” will be presented next winter. We learned that sharks got a bad rap in the media from Bill Band during his presentation Predators in Peril.

Frank Garcia presented a fascinating program on Storytelling on Oct. 18. Check the website for upcoming programs. We also continued to provide programs for the Blind Center of the Jersey Cape and Victorian Towers.

-- MES

ScarecrowAlley contest results Thank you to all of you who participated in this year’s scarecrow alley! Cathy Baldacchini was this year’s Scarecrow Coordinator. “This was one of the best in recent years, with 34 scarecrows posted around the Physick Estate walkways and 1,760 votes from visitors!” she said.

Here are the winners: • Winner of $200 prize for People’s Choice (most overall votes) – Garden Club – “Flight School” • Winner of $100 prize for Individual/Family – LaCava Family – “The Headless Cyclist of Cape May” • Winner of Pizza Party for 10 friends in the Munchkin (ages 3-10) category Cape May MAC

– The Mathews (Saige, Lincoln & Skylar) – “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” • Winner of display ad on Cape May MAC website in the Business category: DeSatnick Realty – “Despicable Me Real Estate” • Winner of Pizza Party for group in the Nonprofits, Churches, Clubs, Scouts category – Cape May Community Food Closet – “Lettus’ Give” • Winner of Pizza Party for class and free admission to Cape May Lighthouse for School, homeschool, afterschool program, clubs & PTA category – West Cape May Elementary School “WCME Art Gallery” -- SK

Holiday 2023 • Page 15