NEWSLETTER
Issued three times a year
WINTER 2015
NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
In this issue:
LOVIN’ OUR NEW ENTRANCE
SIGN!
Save the Date ............... 2
Mayor’s Message ............ 3
Mullock Message ............. 4
VanHeeswyk Message ..... 5
Pavilion Circle Report ...... 6
Triangle Park News ......... 7
Adopt-A-Beach ............... 8
Birding at The Point ........ 9
Dune Day Recap ............10
Dragon Boats ............... 11
Friends of Lake Lily ....... 11
In Memoriam ................ 11
President’s Message ...... 12
Editor's Note................. 12
Stay in the know. Visit the
CMP Taxpayers Association
website and sign up for the
email bulletins that are an
exclusive benefit of membership. cmp-taxpayers.org
Don’t forget to pay your dues…
To the Taxpayers Association, that is.
Membership letters were recently sent and
payment is appreciated by March 1st.
The TPA supports many of the activities reported in this newsletter.
Please contact our Viki Denny. Membership
Chair [email protected] if you have
any questions.
SAVE THE DATE!!
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Weekend of April 4—Pavilion Circle Easter Egg Hunt
April 4—8:30-12—Fire Extinguisher Certification
April 26—Spring Beach Clean-up Day
May 10—Pavilion Circle Mulch Day
May 26 (Tuesday after Memorial Day)—Bulk Trash pick-up
June 20—Circle Picnic and concert
July 18—Bonfire on the Beach
August 28—Annual Garden Awards
September 5—Circle Concert
September 19 at 5PM—CMP Taxpayers Assoc. Annual Meeting
September 26—Bonfire on the Beach
October 10—Dune Day/Spaghetti Dinner
October 13 (Tuesday after Columbus Day) - Bulk Trash pick-up
December 11—Christmas Lighting Awards
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
Dr. Bob Moffatt—Mayor and Commissioner of Safety & Public Affairs
It has been a quiet winter in Cape May Point this year, other than a flurry of new construction! We are working on the budget for 2015 and things look very promising. Fortunately, the increase in revenue which resulted from the change in beach tag fees will aid
us in meeting the minimum wage requirement. Some changes between departments
have been initiated in order to help things run more smoothly. The Office of Emergency
Management has been shifted to the Department of Public Works and a newly established position of Code Enforcement/Rental inspector has been taken up by the Department of Public Affairs.
The Cape May Police Department has introduced a new program entitled “Operation ReMoffatt
assurance” for residents who are elderly, disabled, live alone or face other challenges that
put them at increased risk in their homes. Brochures are available on our website or at Borough Hall. Additionally, Cape May Police Chief Rob Sheehan will present the details of the initiative at a future public
meeting.
The Planning Board is continuing to work on the circulation element of the Master Plan and has benefited
greatly from the initial draft presented by our planner, Michael Sullivan. If anyone has an interest in a seat on
the Planning or Zoning Board, please contact me at [email protected] .
As always I am looking forward to working with Bill Oat and Chris Garrison on our beaches this summer and
wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year!
Bob Moffatt
[email protected]
Halloween butterfly
sighting
Look at all the land that used to be around the
lighthouse!
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
Robert Mullock—Commissioner of Public Works
Hi and Happy New
Year! We are blessed to
live in Cape May Point
and enjoy this wonderful town. This special
environment
comes
with extraordinary responsibilities. I sometimes joke that I am the
commissioner of trash
and sewers, but Public Works is where our environmental concerns turn into action.
Recycling 2014 Results: Cape May Point had
slugged along in the middle of the municipal rankings by recycling just over one-third of our
waste. This was kind of embarrassing for such a
nature loving community. With changes to our
trash contract, doubling recycling pickups, while
saving $100,000 over five years in the process, and
modifying our recycle yard operation, the latest figures show Cape May Point can be proud of achieving the goal of recycling 50% of our waste, finishing
as one of the top one or two municipalities.
2015 Plans: Recycling Project 50/50: Cape
May Point is going to receive approximately $2,000
in combined recycling rebates from the state and
county. We will reinvest in a 2015 recycling program targeting summer rentals, expanded recycling
material definition and recycling containers.
Beaches 2014 Results: Cape May Point changed
from regular and constant beach raking to periodic
and selective mechanized beach cleaning. After an
early period of adjustment we achieved a balance
of improved beach environment while providing for
public protection. The beaches were healthier and
textured with less wind erosion but we have to be
mindful to keep flotsam of wood with nails, fishing
lines, hooks, etc. off the beach. So it is a balance,
but we were able to go from 60 - 75 rakings during
the season to less than ten.
2015 Plans: Beach trash surveys conducted
over the past decades under the auspices of Emelia
Oleson will be compiled under a special study and
computerization so we can continue to improve
our ocean environment.
Roads 2014 Results: We completed the West
Lake Drive road project. We required the contractor to make several additional improvements and
two additional traps were added with drains which
protect Lake Lily.
2015 Plans: We will be reviewing all of the Cape
May Point roads to develop a five-year road paving
plan.
Parks 2014 Results: Working with the 'Friends of
Lake Lily' and with the ‘Circle Bedfellows' (especially Ed Grant and Sally Sachs) we assisted in several improvements to our
parks. Around Lake Lily, we installed a well which
will allow us to use ground water to improve the
irrigation of those gardens. New benches composed of recycled material replaced the old benches which were, in some cases, dilapidated. We
added a standpipe to improve the Circle's watering. Also we changed the overall path lighting with
new sockets and LED lighting.
2015 Plans: We are under current review with
the Circle and Lake Lily volunteer leadership and
developing our spring plans to support their
efforts.
Monarch Butterflies 2014 Results: Public Works
sponsored a special Monarch Butterfly program
that provided free milkweed seeds and about five
hundred milkweed plants for the parks and the
yards of residents.
2015 Plans: We are going to build a Monarch
Butterfly and natural garden in the area between
Lighthouse Avenue and Cape Avenue and have installed a well for that purpose. We will also expand
the Monarch Butterfly program making Cape May
Point an improved Monarch sanctuary.
Cape May Point Water/Sewer Utility
2014 Results: The W/S utility had serious financial concerns when I took over in 2014. The surplus
had dropped from $175,000 to just $10,000, which
is equivalent to one major leak. We will finish 2014
Continued on next page...
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
Mullock continuedwith a surplus that has improved to over $50,000, which gets us well on the way to recovery. I appreciate
the support of my fellow commissioners and residents of the Point in understanding this turn-around.
2015 Plans: In the fall of 2015 the utility plans to make significant improvements in our water conservation and information. The infrastructure will be bettered by changing over to electronic water meters. This
is a major project and far along in the planning stage. We are, right now, working on the financial aspects of
this project. Our experience over these past two winters has shown a problem of water leaks from frozen
pipes and our goal is to reduce the costs and risks to homeowners through an information program and the
improvements an electronic metering system will provide.
I would just like to thank the taxpayers and my fellow commissioners for supporting these programs and a
special thanks to the Environmental Commission under Edie Schuhl. Also I very much appreciate the Public
Works employees, the Water and Sewer clerks and staff. We look forward to a great 2015.
Have a good year,
Bob Mullock
[email protected]
Anita vanHeeswyk -- Deputy Mayor & Commissioner of Revenue and Finance
In the last newsletter I promised to bring you updated information about property reassessments; we have recently awarded two professional contracts to do an in-house "hybrid" reassessment beginning in March 2015. Each of these contractors will work together on different
aspects of the reassessments. A letter will be sent to each property owner as we approach the
start of the inspections.
Beginning November 1, 2014 we began a Shared Services Agreement with Cape May City for our
Construction Office. It was necessitated by the retirement of both Jim James, who was our Construction Official, Building Inspector and Fire Inspector as well as Bill Bramble, our Plumbing InvanHeeswyk spector. These positions are highly specialized and required specific state certifications. Cape
May City could fulfill all the requirements for us and by sharing services with them, reduce our costs.
It is very important to note that our Zoning Office will stay in Cape May Point! ALL questions about zoning, building
projects, flood elevations, as well as ALL applications for building permits, must come to the Zoning Office BEFORE
applying for construction permits in Cape May. Once zoning applications are approved, the rest of a project moves
on to Cape May's Construction Office. With our Zoning Office staying in Cape May Point we have a consistent interpretation of our unique zoning ordinances. The Zoning Office can be reached at 609-884-8468 x16.
Your Commissioners recently had a first budget work session with our CFO. It was extremely encouraging. It looks
as if for the third year in a row, we will not have an increase in our tax rate! In our current fund our surplus is larger than it has been in previous years and with the pay down of debt to an almost zero balance we will be well situated to pay for our share of the next beach replenishment in 2016 without adding to our debt. We are well placed
financially now to have a Professional Planning Consultant, as needed, as we did last year and possibly an Administrative Consultant to help secure grants for projects that have been put off, albeit necessary. This consultant will
be able to streamline the work that we do with the goal of greater efficiency.
It is an exciting time in my department. Your Commissioners are united in providing the best municipal services
while controlling the budget. By paying down our debt, utilizing several part time employees and taking advantage
of many shared services, we are able to move from a bare bones budget in Revenue and Finance to one that can
support the professionals that are needed (but never supported) all without adding to the tax rate.
I can be reached during office hours at the Borough office at [email protected] or
609-884-8468 x17. You can also contact me on my cell at 609-425-0829.
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
Pavilion Circle Report - Sally Sachs
Cape May Point is not in the North Pole,
however, the Christmas Elves who decorate the homes here did exceptionally
beautiful lighting this
past Christmas season.
We all hope Santa gives
them a pension with our
thanks.
At this time of year many
Bedfellows are in warmer
Sachs
winter areas building
strength for their excellent Spring and
Summer care. Each bed has a personality,
which in itself, contributes to the many
compliments always expressed.
As you know, Ed Grant is the organizer
(just one of his many positions) for our
yearly MULCH Day with pizza rewards.
Please put May 10th on your calendar.
Many non-Bedfellows come that day to
help with the big job; some then become
addicted and stay on board with continued help. Weeding and general clean-up
before the big day is always beneficial.
I realize repetition comes with my pen
however, many thanks are always given
from all of us to Bedfellows and Bedwarmers; the latter being those who can’t
bend their knees but can bend their
check books. Professionals are often
needed in diverse areas so the Circle
Fund requires constant donations. They
can be made to the CMP Taxpayers Association and sent to Box#74. Please write
Circle Fund on the lower left on the
check.
Stay warm, cozy and healthy for all of
2015. The bulbs will soon pop expressing a colorful thanks.
Sally Sachs
Ed Grant’s helper
BRICKS AND FLAGS AVAILABLE!
Lee Shupert recently placed an
order for 10 pavilion pavers
that she hopes will be installed
before the Easter Egg Hunt.
These can be purchased for
$75.
Additionally, she is selling Cape
May Point flags—red, white
and blue with lighthouse on left
side. A limited number are
available at $75. Both can be
purchased directly from Lee
([email protected]) or
at various CMP events in the
summer season.
Show your Cape May Point
pride!
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
Triangle Park News
Twenty-three energetic, enthusiastic people helped at Triangle Park on Saturday, November 1st. We weeded, trimmed, planted, mulched, and removed invasive species.
At the same time we made sure to provide a winter habitat for the wildlife creatures
whose home is the Park. We left any blooming flowers for late butterflies, seed pods
for the birds, and created a brush pile for the birds and other animals.
Our Committee join us in thanking everyone who participated not only with this physical work but also with financial support. This Park is definitely a community effort, and
we appreciate the support of each and every one who has contributed.
Bill & Edie Schuhl
Thank you,
Triangle Park Committee
Ed Grant, Jim Hull, Mildred Morgan, Patty Rourke, Darryl Waller
Bill & Edie Schuhl, Co-Chairs (609.884.2592)
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
Cape May Point Spring Beach Clean-Up Day
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Meet behind Cape May Point Municipal Building
Sign in between 8:30 am-9:30 am
Organized by Emelia Oleson
Cape May Point Coordinator, Adopt-a-Beach Program
for
New Jersey Clean Communities Adopt-a-Beach Program
in partnership with
Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Clean-Up Day
Questions or to volunteer please contact: Anita vanHeeswyk:
[email protected] or 609-884-8468x17
What is New Jersey Clean Communities Adopt-A-Beach?
We are fortunate to have Emelia Oleson coordinate this effort for our community but did you
ever wonder what exactly this program does? Ms. Sandy Huber, Director of the NJ Clean
Communities Council tells me that Adopt-A-Beach is a comprehensive, statewide, volunteer
program created by the New Jersey Clean Communities Council and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to encourage volunteers to clean and maintain beaches,
bays, rivers and all waterways. The mission is to clean waterways in an ongoing effort to protect these natural resources and foster the volunteer stewardship of public lands; to clean
and maintain roadways because street litter often ends up in the water.
In 2014 the Clean Community more than doubled their 350 Clean Water Challenge goal for
the State of New Jersey. They estimate that more than 18,700 volunteers participated in 760
cleanups, picking up 1,930 tons of trash, 34 tons of recyclables and 8,300 tires!
Sounds like something we all should get involved with to protect one of favorite characteristics of Cape May Point—the beach. Please consider supporting Emelia and this awesome
program in April.
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
BIRDING IN THE QUIET MONTHS
Cape May Point--a year round playground? If you are a full-time resident, snow bird or otherwise part
time resident of our diminutive borough, please allow me to introduce you to one of the activities that
provides fun, adventure, challenges and social interaction year round – birding.
Blessed by our geography to act as a funnel for southbound migrating birds, Cape May Point is well
known for the raptors of Fall. And, springtime (just a weeks away!) greets us with the northbound migrants in their courting colors.
But Winter? Really? Other than gulls and pigeons? YES!
Winter and early Spring present so many opportunities get out and enjoy our beaches, wetlands, fields,
woods and even our backyards. And, there is another treasure at Cape May Point, our own Cape May
Bird Observatory’s (CMBO) Northwood Center located adjacent to Lake Lily. Led by new CMBO Director, Dr. David LaPuma and Program Director Mike Crewe, the Northwood Center is a hub of birding activities year round. For example CMBO, which is part of New Jersey Audubon, hosts a Birdwalk for Beginners on Wednesdays at 10am; a Birding Cape May Point walk on Saturdays starting at 8am and Winter
Evenings at the Meadows (Nature Conservancy property) Fridays at 4:30pm until February 27.
Free loaner binoculars are available and you can find the full listing of events at www.birdcapemay.org
I will not list all the birds you might see on these walks – there are many. Instead, I want to encourage
you to join us in this fun, year round hobby. Take just one walk this Winter or early Spring with us – your
neighbors – and see how much fun it can be to find and regard these amazing creatures. And, please do
not be sheepish to be a beginner. Truth is – beginners are the most fun because in your eyes all the early joys of birding are revisited.
Dress warmly, of course, and be sure to save time for coffee after the walk in our warm CMBO building.
Connie Campanella
Connie Campanella and husband Kevin Casey are only part-time residents of Cape May Point – a condition that will be remedied in the near future.
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Deadline for the next issue:
April 1, 2015
Helpful Contact Information
 Borough Website:
www.capemaypoint.org
Taxpayers’ Association website:
www.cmp-taxpayers.org
It will be here before you know it!
Articles, announcements and pictures are greatly appreciated.
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
Beach News
Thank you for helping to make Dune Day 2014 a
success!
We held our annual Dune Day on October 11,
2014; it was a very rainy morning but despite the
conditions we had a great turnout and accomplished a lot! We had over 50 volunteers and
together we planted over 90 plants along Whilldin and Coral Beaches. We planted two varieties
of Little Bluestem, Rugosa Roses, Yucca, Cotoneaster, Bearberry, Seaside Goldenrod, and Joe Pye
Weed; a total of eight different varieties! In addition to the work on the beaches, volunteers provided the delicious foods and desserts for the
luncheon, my favorite part!
This event is truly a community effort. Thank you
to the Cape May Point Taxpayers Association for
providing the funding and support for this event;
the funds raised during the Labor Day Picnic, by
the Dragon Boat team, and from all of the donations will be put to good use. The luncheon
wouldn’t have been possible without the Civic
Club and everyone else who made and served all
of the great food and coffee! Cape Island Home
and Garden deserves a big thank you for sourcing
and delivering our plants this year; and the input
and support of the Environmental Commission
and the Commissioners is appreciated. Lastly
and most importantly a huge THANK YOU to all
of the volunteers who came out in the bad
weather to support the dunes. Without your
help, I would still be out there planting!
To prove that we were actually having fun out in
the rain, I took some pictures during the event.
See them here:
https://www.icloud.com/photostream/
#A1GqkRUiGFO636 .
If anyone else has any pictures email them to me
at [email protected] and I’ll add them to
the album!
I am already planning next year’s Dune Day and
have a number of ideas to make it even more of
a success. If anyone has any questions or suggestions just send me an email at [email protected]. Dune Day is just one of the
many things that make Cape May Point a special
place and I appreciate being a part of it.
Jon Westcott
Jonathan Westcott—Dune Day Coordinator
[email protected]
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
Dragon Boat Races-2014
Although their oars are staying warm right now the Power Pointers dragon boat team
had a good time at the 3rd annual Cape May Dragon Boat Festival held last September at the Cape May Harbor. The total donations our team raised was in the neighborhood of $2700. Participants in the race choose their favorite charity to raise money for; which for this team just happens to be the Cape May Point Taxpayers Association Dune Fund. This fund helps subsidize our protective dune maintenance. On behalf of the CMPTA and the Power Pointers we thank everyone who participated or
donated to this effort. We hope to see you September 19th at the races!
Friends of Lake Lily Report on Fall
Fundraiser
In Memoriam
Kathleen “Kate” Altman
Susan Reilly-Ayars
Richard Bew
Toni Keiser
Michael Pakruda
Robert Sutherland
Jane Volkman
Adrienne “Toni” Vosika
The Friends fall fundraiser held at Cape
May National Golf Club was a huge success
despite the rainy evening. Net income was
approximately $3500. The Committee
wants to thank all who contributed to this
effort to protect our beautiful Lake Lily.
If you are interested in getting more involved with the Friends please contact Dick
Saari at [email protected]
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NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2015
Mike Whipple—President’s Message
many community based initiatives and events that
bring neighbors together for the benefit of all of us.
In addition, we have a lot of fun doing it.
I am happy to report that both our
membership and participation are up
and our volunteer projects are better
supported than ever. This is a testament to the fine work of the Cape May
Point Taxpayer Association. The many,
many years of hard work by those that
proceeded us and our more recent
efforts to keep up the momentum to make Cape May
Point a wonderful place to live and visit are rewarded by
your vote of confidence when you renew your annual
membership. Thank you.
The gardens in our Pavilion Circle and Triangle Park
are invaluable gems in our wonderful town. Our
brick walkway project provides a commemorative
opportunity for loved ones in a very unique way.
The annual Garden Awards bring attention to the
individual efforts of our property owners and promote beautification in our town. The annual Circle
Picnic, Children’s Games in the Circle and concerts in
the Park bring us all together in this very special
place. Dune Day planning and activities as well as
beach bonfires celebrate the many years of devotion our organization has focused on our incomparable beach and the protection the dunes provide to
our community. The holiday lighting of the Circle
and the holiday lighting awards help brighten the
Point in anticipation of the excitement for our NYE
celebration at the Memorial Park adjacent to our
Fire Hall.
Our organization’s objective “to promote a spirit of community pride and cooperation while sponsoring and supporting events and activities which contribute to the life
of the community” is enhanced by your membership,
donations and the efforts of an exceptional group of volunteer neighbors.
The Cape May Point Taxpayer Association has been a
very active partner in producing numerous opportunities
for our many community volunteers and donors to contribute both time and money to keeping Cape May Point
an exceptional place to own. Our organization provides
support, sponsorship and volunteer coordination for the
I hope we will be doing even more community wide
events in 2015, events that bring us together to celebrate this special place. Thank you again for your
support and encouragement.
Juliana Pash —The Last Word (Editor’s Note)
What is it that makes Cape May Point special?
P—Peacefulness of walking on the beach with
just the sound of waves to keep you company
O—Opportunities to volunteer in many ways
throughout the year
I—Inspired, by the beauty of our oasis
N—Neighbors. That’s what front porches are for
T—Treasure. What a treasure we have in the
sights, sounds, activities and people in our little
place we call home
C—Caring community, as shown by the articles and
pictures in this newsletter
A—Awesome sunsets, in all seasons
P—Playful children (and adults)
E—Enthusiasm to contribute. Won’t you consider
contributing to this newsletter?
M—Memories, lots of them
A—Awareness of what we love about The Point
Y—Yards filled with flowers and birds
May you reflect on what is special to you about
Cape May Point and give you warmth until
Spring.
The Newsletter of the Cape May Point Taxpayers Association is published three times a year. Those who submit text or photos affirm that they own the work and grant us
unrestricted permission to edit and publish and/or archive it. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily refl ect those of the organization, its officers or its directors.
Editor: Juliana Pash, 610-299-3711, [email protected]
Membership Secretary (mailings, change of address): Edie Schuhl 884-2592, [email protected]
©2015 All rights reserved.
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