I’M BAAACK!! OLLIE RETURNSBy Oliver J. Oyster It’sbeenawhilesinceI’vebeenintouch.I’vebeenbusytraveling,discoveringtheworld,lookingforamateand“findingmyself”.LastyearIhadthepleasureofgoingtoPeruwiththeeditor.It’saverybeautifulcountrybutIdidn’tfindtheirfemaleoystersveryattractiveplusIhadaproblemunderstandingthelanguage.AsIsoonfoundout,mostfemalesarehardtounderstandorfigureoutinanylanguage.Youguessedit–nowthatIam3yearsoldandmature,I’mlookingforamate.So,hereIam,backattheCapeMayCanal,neartheRutgersUniversityOysterResearchFacility.AccordingtowhatIhavereadandseen,areallybeautifuloysterisproducedhereinthelowerDelawareBay.Areallybeautifuloyster,ex-actlywhatIamlookingfor–aspecial,plump,beautifulfemalewithgreatqualitieswithwhomtosharemylife. Itismyunderstandingthatmanypeopledon’tknowaboutthisRutgersUniversityoperatedfacilityoritsscopeofoperation.Thisfacilityopenedin2008tostudyanymarineorganismbuthasthrivedoncultivatingbabyoysters,seedingNewJersey’soysterindustry.TheyhaveasystemfordrawingseawatertheoystersneedfromtheCapeMayCanal,cultivatingtheseedandthentheseedissoldtocommercialoystergrowersordonat-edtogroupswhoareattemptingarestorationofcoastalecosystems.Theseoystersarenotthesamenordotheyhavethesamequalitiesthatawildoysterhas. Thisallseemedveryinterestingtome.Ifigureditwasanidealplacetofindtheperfectmate.Wildoystershaveelongatedorirregularshapesandattachtogetherinclumpswhereas,theseoystersretainafairlyroundshapeandhaveacertainsweetness;ahighqualityoyster—mydreamswillbeanswered,atlast.SoovertotheLowerTownshipsideoftheCanalIheadandattachmyselftoarocktolookovertheprospects.Myeyesaredrawntoaparticularlybeautifulbivalvemolluskrestinginameshbag.Idecidetodriftinclosertocheckheroutandpossiblymeether.Sheseemstobeagemofagirl,kindofshyatfirst.ImanagetogetherattentionbyfallingofftherocktowhichIwasattached.SheshowednosignsofirritationsoIfiguredsheshouldbeabletoputupwithaguylikeme.WestartedconversingandIknewimmediatelyshewasdefinitelyculturedaswetalkedaboutallkindofsubjects.Timejustseemedtostandstill.Bestillmyheart! Thiswasit;IknewIhadfoundmysoulmateatlast.SheinvitedmetohangaroundtheCanalsowecouldgettoknoweachotherbetter.Iwassohappy,IthoughtIwouldpop.HernameisShelley.Ifoundoutthatsheknowsmyaunt,mycousinPearl’smother.Smallworld!!Oneneverknowswhatthefutureholdsinstore?Hopefullywecangoouttofiltersomewatertogethersostaytunedformynextadventure.Tilthen…

“Our mission is to preserve the history of theDelaware Bay and River Lighthouses, Lightships and their Keepers”

Newsletter ofThe Delaware Bay Lighthouse Keepersand Friends Association, Inc.

Volume 23 Issue 13June 2015

In This Issue:3 - From the Chairman of The Board, Lighthouse Cruise Summary & Wacky Roadside Attractions

5 - Destination Cape May & Take Me Out To The Ballgame

7 - Continued from page 6 Cruising the Wild & Scenic Maurice River

2 - A Beam from the President’s Desk

4 - Peggy’s Corner

6 - Bits N’ Pieces & Cruising the Wild & Scenic Maurice River

8 - Pictures of the Annual Lighthouse Keepers Banquet & Spring in South Jersey at Last!!

A BEAM FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESKAngelo S. Rigazio, Jr.

Itlookslikespringhassprung;it’sabouttime.Withwarmerdaysandalotofsunshine,wewillbespendingmoretimeoutside.Cabinfeverisoveratlast.

CapeMayCountywasrecentlydesignatedaCoastGuardCommunitywithmanyactivitiesheldatthebaseonMay8,9and10.Therewere:helicoptersflyingoverhead,cannonsbeingfiredoff,toursofsmallshipsandsmallboats,trolleytoursandeducationaldisplaysthrough-

outtheCoastGuardBase.IspentSaturdayatthebasehandingoutinformationaboutourupcomingDela-wareBayLighthouseCruisesandexhibitingourlighthousedisplays.Alotofpeopleseemedtobeinterested.ThankyouJoanneandCharlesBoltonforlendingahandandtalkingwiththosepeoplewhowereinterestedinlighthouses.Allinall,itwasagreatday.Enjoy the warmer weather and remember to keep the light shining. Angelo

THE BAY RUNistheofficialpublicationofTheDelawareBayLighthouseKeepersandFriendsAssociation,Inc.andispublishedquarterlythroughouttheyear.Asubscriptiontothenewsletterisincludedwiththecostofmembership,AnnualMembershipduesare$25.00forthecalendaryearbeginningMarch1st.Backissuesareusuallyavailableformembersjoiningmid-year.MaterialsarecopyrightedandmaynotbereproducedwithoutpermissionoftheDBLHKFA,Inc.

For Newsletter ideas, ContactDBLHKFA c/o Maxine Mulligan1049SimcaTerrace,Vineland,NewJersey08360Email:Memax1@juno.com

DBLHKFA, Inc. Officers and DirectorsPresident...................................AngeloS.Rigazio,Jr. Sunshine/Hospitality..............................KatieMoserVicePresident.........................................BillGeilfuss Publicity.........................................MaxineMulliganChairmanoftheBoard..........................RodMulligan Historian.........................................PeggyStaplefordTreasurer......................................... MaxineMulligan WaysandMeans.............................. AnthonyGilettoSecretary...........................................DarleneRigazio Newsletter.......................................MaxineMulliganMembership..........................................ElmaGardner Webmaster.........................................KellyMulliganActivities/Programs..........................PeggyStapleford ScholarshipCommittee................... AnthonyGiletto

Board of DirectorsRodMulligan,BillGeilfuss,AnthonyGiletto,JimGardnerandKatieMoser

Phone Numbers and Email AddressesA.Rigazio-(609)884-1329•Keeperang54@yahoo.com R&MMulligan-(856)691-8224•Memax1@juno.com

Jim&ElmaGardner-(856)825-0123•elmagardner@verizon.net KatieMoser-(215)884-8548•KatieMos@aol.com

BillGeilfuss-(215)872-9506•billyrio@aol.com D.Rigazio-(609)884-1329•Darlenej50@yahoo.com

P.Stapleford-(484)947-3191•mspegstapleford@dejazzd.com TonyGiletto-(856)482-8874•Nino21328@aol.com

K.Mulligan-(856)691-8224•Kelly@delawarebaylightkeeper-friend.org

The Delaware Bay Lighthouse Keepers and Friends Association, Inc. (DBLHKFA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit preservation and educational organization.

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A BEAM From The Presidents Desk By Angelo S. Rigazio, Jr. President’s Message Well, it appears, spring will be here early this year. We are having nice warm weather already, let’s hope Mother Nature doesn’t throw us any surprises. As you all know, memberships are renewable each year in March, so don’t forget to send your renewal form and check back if you haven’t done so to date. Our Mission depends on you annual support. I don’t want you to miss a single issue of our “Bay Run” newsletter, that keeps us all updated on the happenings in our organization and over all interesting articles. Thanks to the team that spend endless time developing and researching for each interesting articles .Jim Moffatt, Maxine Mulligan and other contributors also our photographers Bill Geilfuss and Dr. Bruce Middleton. They all do such a fine job. Cruise dates have been set and approved, with our first one on July 15th, an outstanding cruise to Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse (this was my Keepers location) Hope to see you there. Be sure to check to web site and newsletter for all of the important dates. I am hoping to have as many former lighthouse keepers as possible attend National Lighthouse Day on August 7th at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood. It would be nice to have a reunion that day as we celebrate this national event. Lots of activities will be planned for every member of your family. You can’t miss this great first time event! Please contact me if you would like to be part of this celebration. Till then… “Keep the light shining” Angelo

THE BAY RUN” is the official publication of The Delaware Bay Lighthouse Keepers and Friends Association, Inc. and is published quarterly throughout the year. A subscription to the newsletter is included with the cost of membership. Annual Membership dues are $20.00 for the calendar year beginning March 1st.Back issues are usually available for members joining mid-year. Materials are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission of the DBLHKFA, Inc. For Newsletter ideas, Contact DBLHKFA c/o Maxine Mulligan 1049 Simca Terr., Vineland, NJ 08360 E-Mail – Memax1@juno.com Jim Moffatt 1728 Woodcrest Dr Vineland, NJ 08361 E-Mail - JamesMoffatt@comcast.net

The DBLHKFA, Inc. Officers and Directors President……………… Angelo S. Rigazio, Jr. Vice President…… Gaylord F (Dusty) Pierce Chairman of the Board………...Rod Mulligan Treasurer……………………Maxine Mulligan Secretary……………………...Darlene Rigazio Membership………………....……Eva Moffatt Activities/Programs………...Peggy Stapleford Sunshine/Hospitality……….........Katie Moser Publicity…………………………….Jean Jones Historian…………………….Peggy Stapleford Ways and Means Anthony Giletto Newsletter……Jim Moffatt, Maxine Mulligan Webmaster…………………….Kelly Mulligan Scholarship Committee……...Anthony Giletto

Board of Directors Rod Mulligan, Bill Geilfuss, Tony Giletto Jim Gardner and Katie Moser

Phone Numbers and E-Mail Addresses A. Rigazio (609) 884-1329 Keeperang54@yahoo.com G.F.Pierce (302) 684-3512 overfalls@juno.com R & M Mulligan (856 )691-8224 Memax1@juno.com J Jones (856) 825-3386 jeanjones@fast.net Jim Gardner (856) 825-0123 elmargar@verizon.net Bill Geilfuss (732)-477-7768 billyrio@aol.com Katie Moser (215)-844-8548 KatieMos@aol.com D. Rigazio (609) 884-1329 Darlenej50@yahoo.com P Stapleford (484)-947-3191 mspegstapleford@windstream.net. Jim & Eve Moffatt (856)691-0201 JamesMoffatt@comcast.net Tony Giletto (856)482-8874 Nino21328@aol.com K. Mulligan (856)-691-8224 Kelly@delawarebaylightkeeper-

friend.org The Delaware Bay Lighthouse Keepers and Friends Association, Inc. (DBLHKFA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit preservation and educational organization.

LIGHTHOUSE CRUISESJust A Reminder – Get your reservations for the Delaware Bay Cruises in Early!The schedule for this summer is as follows:Sunday, July 19toShipJohnShoalandsouthleavingdockat3:30PM(4 hour cruise) Sunday, August 2toHarborofRefugeandDelawareBreakwaterleavingthedockat3PM(Note: This cruise is 5 hours.)Sunday, August 16toBrandywineandNorthleavingdockat3PM(4 hour cruise)Saturday, August 29toShipJohnShoalandsouthleavingdockat2:30PM(4 hour cruise)

Forreservations:ElmaGardner(856)825-0123,e-mail:elmagardner@verizon.netORDarleneRigazio(609)884-1329e-mail:darlenej50@yahoo.com

Costofcruise$45foradults,$20forchildrenunder12yearsofage.Payment due 2 weeks BEFORE the cruise; checks(payable to DBLHKFA)canbemailedto:MaxineMulligan,Treasurer,1049SimcaTerrace,Vineland,NJ08360.

EventhoughtherewasanexcellentarticleaboutourwintermeetingatTuckertonSea-portinthelastNewsletter,Iwouldliketoaddafewpointsofinterest.WhilePaulHart(agreattourguide)wasconductingthetourontheseconddeckofthelighthouse,Inoticedamodelofasearchandrescuevessel;soIhadtocheckitoutimmediately.Muchtomysurprise,itwasamodeloftheAgassiz,the125’shipthatIwasassignedtowhilestationedatCapeMay,NJ.ItsurebroughtbackalotofmemorieswhichyouwillreadaboutinournextNewsletter.

OurannualkeepersbanquetwasheldattheSeaIsleCityYachtClubonApril12.Iwouldliketothankallofthosewhodedicatedmanyhourstomakethiseventasuccess—thosewhoattendedandalsotothestaffattheyachtclubforthedeliciousbuffetandtheirservice.Also,manythanksgotoKatieMoserandBillGeilfussforthepresentationontheirlighthouseadventureswhichwasenjoyedbyall. Congratulationstoboardmember,JimGardner,ourVolunteeroftheYear,whohascontributednotonlytoourorganization,butwhohasputinagreatdealofworkandalotoftimevolunteeringatEastPointLighthouse.Happy Spring to you all. Hope to see everyone at our June 13 meeting in Mauricetown, NJ.

Page3 FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDby Rod Mulligan

10 OF OUR WACKIEST ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS IN AMERICAStill not decided where to head this summer? Check out a couple of these wacky roadside attractions as listed in Budget Travel.l.CadillacRanch–10Cadillacsstickingintothegroundheadfirst;atributetotheuniquetailfinsdesignedfrom1949to1963.2.LongabergerBasketCompanyhasa$30milliondollarreplicaofoneoftheirbasketswhichhousesofficefacilitiesfor500employees.3.TheExtraterrestrialHighwaynearArea51inNevada.4.CheckoutCarhengeinNebraska.5.Thereisaninteresting“AwakeningSculpture”inWashington,DC’sNationalHarbor6.InNaturalBridge,VAthereisaFoamhenge,areplicaoftheoriginalStonehengeinEngland.7.LucytheElephantinMargate,NJwasbuiltin1882.Takeatourforjust$8.8.ThereisareplicaoftheGreekParthenoninNashville,TV.Visitforafeeofonly$7.9.InLouisville,KY,stopbytheseethe120’tallBigBatoutsideoftheLouisvilleSluggerMuseum10.AndthenthereistheCoralCastleinHomestead,FL.Itwassupposedlybuiltwiththehelpofextraterrestrials.

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Saturday, June 6 –DelawareBayDayatBayshoreProjectBivalve,NJ

Saturday, June 13--Summerpicnicmeetingatthe***PattersonTidyHouse—10AMCoffee&SocialHour;11AMMeeting–12Picniclunch(bring your own).9074HighlandStreet,Mauricetown,NJ08329(856)785-9927.(NOTE: Charcoal grills available.) DirectionsincludedinNewsletter.Approx.2PM--TourcourtesyofMau-ricetownHistoricalSociety.YouarealsowelcometovisittheEastPointLighthouse—

approximately10milesfromthislocation.

Saturday & Sunday, June 20 & 21–MaritimeDaysatHerefordInletLighthouse,NorthWildwood,NJ.Comeoutandenjoythedisplays,vendors,entertainment,theoceanbreezeanddon’tforgettotourthelight-house.Stopbyourtent.(Volunteers always needed.)

Sunday, July 19–4hourDelawareBayLighthouseSunsetCruisetoShipJohnandsouthintheBay.Formoreinformation,pleasecontactElmaGardner(856)825-0123orDarleneRigazio(609)884-1329.

Sunday, August 2–5hourOldFashionedDelawareBayLighthouseMoonlightCruisetoHarborofRefugeandnorthintheBay.ContactGardnerorRigazio.

Friday, August 7–NationalLighthouseDayatHerefordInletLighthouse,NorthWildwood,NJ.Plantoat-tend,listentotheprogramandjoininthefun;plentyoffoodandvendors.(Volunteersneeded)

Sunday, August 16--4hourDelawareBayLighthouseSunsetCruisetoBrandywineandnorthintheBay.ContactGardnerorRigazio.

Saturday, August 29–4hourOldFashionedSaturdayNightDelawareBayLighthouseMoonlightCruisetoShipJohnandsouthintheBay.ContactGardnerorRigazio.

Saturday, October 3–FallmeetingtobeheldattheCharlesworthInnlocatedonDelawareAvenueinFortes-cue,NJ.10:15–Socialhour(coffee&donuts);11:15–Meeting;12:15lunch(orderfrommenu);1:15Pro-grampresentedbyShirley&JimFonashwhowillbediscussingtheaffectsofHurricaneSandyandinforma-tiononMiahMaullLighthouse.SamplemenuandmoreinformationtofollowintheFallNewsletter.

Saturday & Sunday – October 17 & 18–LighthouseChallengeofNJthroughouttheState.Visit11land-basedlighthouses,onemuseumandtwolife-savingstationsinoneweekend.Participantswillpay$1attheirfirststopandreceiveasouvenirateachlocationtheyvisit.The“Challenge”istovisiteachsiteandcollectall14souvenirs.Allcompleterswillbeincludedinadrawinginwhichonepersonwillwin$1000inprizes.CheckthisoutonLighthousechallengeofNJonFacebookorvisittheWebSiteatwww.lighthousechallengenj.org(Volunteers always needed.)

Saturday, January 9, 2016 –WintermeetingatLobsterHouseinCapeMay,NJ;JeffStewart,ownerofBrandywineLighthouse,willspeakonhisplansfortheLighthouse.StewartalsoownsTheWhaleWatcher.LobsterHousemenuandmoreinformationtofollowintheWinterNewsletter.(Snow date January 16)

***Directions to Patterson-Tidy House in Mauricetown, NJ:Route55SouthtoRoute47;followRoute47towhereRt.47andRt.347split.StayonRoute47,makingarightattheWAWA.FollowMauricetownBypassRd.makethefirstleftafterthebridgeandintoMaurice-town;thenthefirstrightontoHighlandStreet.Thehouseislocatedaboutahalfmiledownontheright,nexttotheBayberryCottageGallery.Thefrontofthehouseiswhitewithgreenshutterswiththehouse#9047onthefrontdoorframe.From the south:Followroute47NorthturningleftatthelightattheWAWA.Follow instructions above.

Page 5 PEGGY'S CORNER NEWS n' VIEWS

By Peggy Stapleford Activities/Program Chair DBLHKFA 2012 ACTIVITIES SPRING MEETING Saturday, April 28th Tatham Lifesaving Station 117th St & 2nd Ave Stone Harbor, NJ Bring Brown Bag Lunch & Beverage Topic: History of Tatham LSS Station (Directions inserted in this Newsletter) SUMMER MEETING-PICNIC Saturday, June 23rd 2012 Cape May County Zoo . 11:00 A.M. Coffee and Donuts Social 12 Noon Membership Meeting 1:00 P.M. Picnic-There is a grill available Remember!! bring your own picnic goodies “Bring the Family-Great for kids” Our location is at Picnic Area #6* *When you come to the entrance gate ask for directions to our DBLHKFA Picnic Area #6 HEREFORD MARITIME DAYS Saturday July 7th & Sunday July 8th We need volunteers to help out!! AUGUST “A Great NEW Event”- NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY TUESDAY, AUGUST 2nd 2012 “National Worldwide Lighthouse Celebration” Ham Radio Operators sending and receiving Worldwide from Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Children’s activities, music, Civil War Enactors, Food, and variety of vendors. Plus Lighthouse Keepers to discuss life on their lighthouses of Delaware Bay PLUS! many interesting Maritime exhibits LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE Of NEW JERSEY Saturday October 20th & Sunday 21st Join us at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

OUR ANNUAL MEETING and KEEPERS REUNION BANQUET

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21ST 2012 Don’t Miss It! Mark the date down NOW

Location to be announced in the Summer Issue of your “Bay Run”

WHO NEEDS HELP!! There are many Maritime Groups who can use your help. Starting with your own Association. We are dedicated to assist with numerous “Outreach Programs” but we need more member volunteers. These programs showcase our “Mission” Please get involved. You will meet great knowledgeable volunteers and have fun doing it Contact Pres. Angelo (609)884-1329 Or any Director listed on page 2 Some other Volunteer contacts: Historic Absecon Lighthouse Stephanie Carr (609)449-1350 Historic Cape May Lighthouse (800) 275-4278 Hereford Inlet Lighthouse (609)522-4250 GHOSTLY FUN in CAPE MAY! Take advantage of the rare full moon tours and the Full Moon Climb and Full Moon Ghost Hunt July 15th,Aug. 13th, Sept 12th 8 to 10 p.m. Included is the original Cape May haunted house the Emlyn Physick Estate tour. Afterward return to the Carriage House Tearoom for dessert and discuss your findings .Tickets $30 Call 800-275-4278 for reservations, information.

NEW BOOK Local History “For Those in Peril” A history of the Ocean City Life Saving Station Kimball Baker, writer historian is offering the profits from the sale of his book to the restoration of the Ocean City Life Saving Station and Museum. Send check for $11.45 includes shipping to P.O. Box 24, Somers Point NJ 08244

PEGGY’S CORNER – Event Calendarby Peggy StaplefordActivities/Program Chair

DESTINATION CAPE MAY – EXIT 0Page5

CapeMay,describedas“abitofNewEnglandcharmwrappedinSouthernHospitality,”isthenation’sfirstseasideresort.WellknownforitsVictorianarchitecture,thiscommunityisnowconsideredathree-seasonresort.TouristscomingtotowntocheckouttheVictorianhomesshouldnotmisstheEmelynPhysickEstateonWashingtonStreetwhichwascompletelyrestoredduringthe1980’s.TheEstateservesasthebaseofoperationfortheMid-AtlanticCenterfortheArtsandHumanities(MAC). Firstsettledinthe17thcenturyasawhalingvillage,CapeMaystillreliesheavilyonfishing,bothrecre-ationalandcommercial,foritseconomicsuccess.Ithasevolvedfromatinywhalingvillagetoapremierresortcommunity.Twiceayear,theskiesoverCapeMaydarkenwiththemigrationofavarietyofshoreandlandbirds.AutumnfeaturesnotonlyraptorsbutbeachesthateruptwithcolorascloudsofmonarchbutterfliespassbyontheirsouthboundjourneytoMexico.Thebackbaysareidealforviewingnestingospreyintheirnativehabitat. Whilevisitingthisarea,don’tforgettocheckouttheCapeMayLighthousebuiltofbrickandstanding157’6”tall.ItnotonlywarnsshipsoftheshallowwaterbutmoreimportantlyguidesvesselsintothebroadmouthoftheDelawareBay.TheConcreteShip,Atlantis,theWorldWarIIObservationTower,theWildlifeSanctuaryatCapeMayPointandotherpointsofinterestarealsointhisarea.Alittlemorethan20yearsago,thesandysoilofSouthJersey,coupledwiththecoastalclimate,wasdiscoveredtocomparefavorablytothatofthefinestwine-growingregionsofFranceandCalifornia.TaketheopportunitytostopbyandsamplesomeofthewinesofCapeMayWinery,thefirstwineryinCapeMay.Ithassincebeenjoinedbymorethanadozenotherwineries,allofwhichproducespectacularandaward-winningwines. AllofthislocatedinandaroundthegroundsofCapeMayPointStatePark,NewJersey’ssouthernmosttip–GARDENSTATEPARKWAY’SEXIT0.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME Ifyouareplanningtoattendamajorleagueballgamethissummer,you’llfindagreaterthanevermixofcreativeandoff-the-wallculinarydelights.Theparksarestillservinghotdogs,peanuts,andCrackerJacksbutitwillbejustaseasytofindshortribs,minifriedriceballswithpepperjam;waffleconesstuffedwithmashedpotatoesandfriedchickencoveredwithhoneymustard,churrodogsondonutbunstoppedwithwhippedcream;aswellasavarietyofveganandgluten-freeoptions.Everythingforthechoosyconnoisseur. Hereareafewchoiceculinarydelightsofferedattheconcessionstandstothedelightoftheirfans:GoingtoseethePiratesinPittsburgh?For$7.50youcanhaveabeefburgerwithbacon,cheddarcheeseandafriedeggsqueezedbetweentwoglazeddonutscoveredwithyellow,blackandwhitesprinkles.HappentobeinMinnesotawatchingtheTwins,checkoutthegiantturkeydrumstickscoveredinsaucefor$9.75.AtTurnerFieldinAtlanta,GAwhiletakinginaBravesgameyoucouldorder“TheHammer”sonamedforHankAaron.Itisavailablefor$14andconsistsoffriedchicken,bacon,cheeseandonionsbetweentwocrispywaffles.InArlington,TXwhilewatchingaRangersgame,trya2footlonghotdogsmotheredinchili,nachochips,jalap-enoandonions. Stillhungry?AtMinuteMaidParkinHouston,for$8youcouldhavethe“BarbequeBaker”apotatocontainingpulledporksmotheredincheese,withonions,jalapenosandaspecialbarbequesauce.Thenthereis“TheSchmitter,”namedforthePhilliesformerthirdbasemanMikeSchmidt.AtCitizensBankParkinPhila-delphia,a“Schmitter”consistsofcheesesteak(whatelse?),layeredwithsalami,onions,tomatoes,andspecialsaucesmotheredincheese.It’s$8.75.Lastbutnotleastisthe“Strasburger”soldatWashingtonPark,homeoftheNationals.Itisan8lb.8,000calorieburgerthatsellsforawhopping$59.Bonappetit!

Page6BITS ‘N PIECES ***MemorialDay2015commemorating150yearssincetheendoftheCivilWarandthe70thanniversaryoftheendofWWII.RememberingthisMemorialDayallthosewhomadetheultimatesacrificeinthenameoffreedom.Aspecialthankyoutoourveteransfortheirservice.***Bestwishestooursecretary,DarleneRigazio,whorecentlyretiredafterworkingfor25yearsforCapeMayCounty.Thanksforallyouhavedoneforourorganization.Rest,relaxandenjoy!!***DidyouknowthatNewJerseyheldthedistinctionofhavingmorewrecksalongthecoastlineduetoitsproximitytoPhila-delphiaandNewYork?Moreboatstraveledthiscorridorforimmigrationandbusinessthananyother;oncethevesselsranaground,theyseldomsurvived.Before1839,Massachusettshadaseriesof“housesofrefuge”imitatingtheBritishsystem.These“housesofrefuge”werethebeginningoftheUSLifeSavingServicewhicheventuallymergedwiththeRevenueCutterServicetocreatethemoderndayUnitedStatesCoastGuard.***In1939UnionOilCompany,knownforitsgasstationswiththebrightorangeballthatfeaturedthenumbers76for“Spiritof76”gasoline,issuedaseriesofpostcardscalled“PhotographicScenesoftheWest.”Thepromotionwascalled,“SeetheWestwith76Gasoline.”Sincetheyweretryingtosellgas,itnaturallyshowedanautomobilewiththeimageofOldPointLomaLighthouseinthebackground.Todaythecard,whichwouldnowbe76yearsold,isarealsliceofhistory.OldPointLomaLighthouseinSanDiego,CA,presentlyapartoftheCabrilloNationalMonument,wasbuiltin1885anddeactivatedin1891. (Article courtesy of Jim Moffatt)***InJanuaryofthisyear,diversfromtheFloridaAquariumandSoutheasternArchaeologicalServiceshelpedtheUSCoastGuardplaceareefballmonumentin15feetofwateroffEgmontKeyestablishingtheUSSNarcissusasFlorida’s12thunder-waterarchaeologicalpreserve.Thewrecksiteliesabout2milesoffthenorthernendofEgmontKey.In1864,theNarcissussawactionattheBattleofMobileBay,wherelegendhasitthatRearAdmiralDavidG.Farragutyelled,“Damnthetorpedoes,fullspeedahead!”Ongooddays,youcanstillseemajorfeaturesofthevessel,includingaportionofthewoodenhull,driveshaft,propellerandsteamenginenowhometoa200poundgoliathgrouper.(Tampa Bay Times)***Lookingfordaytripsthissummer?VisitHistoricCumberlandCountyforamaritimeadventure.ClimbtheEastPointLighthouse(afamouslandmarkforlocalartistsandtourists);takeasailontheAJMeerwaldSchooner(anauthenticallyre-stored1928DelawareBayOysterSchooner);enjoyhistoricMauricetown(anantiquelover’shaven)andcheckoutthepristine“WildandScenic”MauriceRiver.Stayovernightandenjoyadayoffishinginthe“WeakfishCapitaloftheWorld,”Fortescue.Theshorelinehereishometooneofthelargestshorebirdmigrationsintheworld,secondonlytoAlaska.***ShirleyandJimFonash,whoco-owntheCharlesworth,arehappytoannouncethereopeningoftheir90yearoldlandmarkrestaurantafterrebuildingfromtheextensivedamageitsufferedfromSuperstormSandytwoyearsago.(856)447-4928.An-othergreateateryalongtheDelawareBayinFortescueisJimGlass’sFortescueGrill.Stopintosavor,notonlythedeliciousfood,butthebeautifulviewoftheDelawareBay.Thesearegreatplacestohavelunchbeforeourcruises.“BaysideDiningOntheBeautifulDelawareBay”***Forthethirdyearinarow,NewJerseytakesthetopspotinautoinsurance.Thenationalaverageisabout$815pervehicleandthegreatstateofNewJerseytopsoutatanaverageof$1,200.Addtothatotherareasinwhichweareat,ornearthetop,suchasincometax,salestaxandespeciallypropertytaxes.Itmakesonewonderwhypeoplearen’tmovingoutinmasses!(Salem Guide)***ThegovernmentofEgypthasannouncedthattheyplantobuildareplicaofthePharosofAlexandriareplacingtheoriginal.ThePharos,a400’lighthouse,wasbuiltaround300ADandtoppledbyanearthquakein1303AD.ItisoneoftheSevenWon-dersoftheAncientWorld. (Lighthouse Digest – May, 2015)

CRUISING THE WILD AND SCENIC MAURICE RIVER RodhadtakenthiscruiseaboutfiveyearsagobutIdecidedIwouldliketogothisyeartopossiblylearnsomethingabouttheriverIhadlivednearmyentirelife.CaptainDaveSchererwelcomedusaboardtheJoyce-Annstatingthatthesecruiseswere“TheBestKeptSecretinSouthJersey”.Itwasaveryinteresting,informativeandeducationalcruise.Viewingthebeautifulsceneryalongtheshorewhilecheckingoutthemanyvarietiesofbirdsonlyaddedtothetrip. TheMauriceRiver(pronounced Morris)anditstributaries,theMenantico,Manumuskin,andtheMuskee,flowthroughfivesouthernNewJerseymunicipalities,fourofwhicharelocatedinruralCumberlandCounty.Thepointsofentranceofthesetributariesaremarkedbyyellowsigns.TheMauriceRiver’snameisthoughttobederivedfromthePrinceMaurice,a17thcenturyDutchshipreputedtohavesunkinitswaters.TheMauriceRiverisapproximately50mileslong,makingitthe2ndlongest,largesttributarytotheDelawareBay.Theriverstartsassmallfreshwatercreeks,overhungwithtrees,meanderingthroughVinelandandBuenaVistaTownship;bythe

Page7CRUISING THE WILD AND SCENIC MAURICE RIVER

timetheriverreachesMillville,MauriceRiverTownship,andCommercialTownship,itssizehasincreasedanditisnavigablebymotorboat.ThisserpentineriverthanwidenstobecomeUnionLakeatMillville.FromthereitwindsthroughsouthMillvilleand,eventuallydividesCommercialandMauriceRiverTownshipsonitswaytotheDelawareBay.Thedistancebetweenthebendsintheriveriscalledareach.(Picture A) HistoricallytheMauriceRiverhasanextensivemaritimehis-torycenteredaroundoysteringandthefishingindustry.ThisrichculturalbackgroundistheprimaryreasonfortheinclusionoftheriversystemintheWildandScenicProgram.Togetherwiththearea’sunparallelednaturalre-sources,includingnumerousthreatenedandendangeredplant,animal,andbirdspecies,itmakesthewatershedauniqueplacetovisit.Themouthoftheriverisacriticalstagingareaformigratoryshorebirds--endangeredspe-ciessuchasosprey,baldeagles,thesoutherngraytreefrogandtherailbird.(Picture B)CumberlandCountyhasthelargestconcentrationofeaglesinthestate.Withtheadditionofospreystandsalongtheriver’sroute,theospreypopulationhascomeback.(Picture C) Alsotakingadvantageofthisserenearea,wereswans,ducksandgeese.(Picture D)PurpleMartinhouseswerevisiblealongtheshore.(Picture E)CaptainSchererstated,“Ifyoulivenearthewater,youwantasmanyPurpleMartinsasyoucanget.” TheBurchamfarmisthelastdykedmarshfarmontheMauriceRiver,thesolesurvivorofthemanydykefarmsintheDelawareValleyandtheonlydykewallfarmstilloperatinginthestate.Duetothisdykewallsys-tem,thisfarmhasperseveredthroughmanystorms.(Picture F)Cruisingthroughtheareanamed,“TheBluffs,”ourattentionwasdrawntothewhitelineofsilicasandingrainedinthebluffs.(Picture G) ThissandisstillusedinmakingthehighestqualityofglassontheEastCoast.Acombinationofgroundoystershellsandsilicasandwasonceusedtomakethefirstwindowglass.Redclay,usedinmakingbricks,wasalsofoundinthisarea.ThousandsofyearsbeforeEuropeansettlers,NativeAmericansusedtheresourcesofthisriver.Everyriverhasahistory—acompilationofstoriesandlorethatgivestheriveralifeintertwinedwiththepeoplewhoknowitbest.CitizensUnitedtoProtecttheMauriceRiverandItsTributaries,Inc.hasaRiverRecollectionsProjectthatex-ploresthesestories. Thisisjustashortsummaryofwhatwelearnedonthiscruise.IfyouareinterestinginspendingacoupleofhourscruisingontheMauriceRiver,pleasecontactCaptainDaveSchererat(856)327-1530tomakerequiredreservations.Thecruisetimesare:WednesdayEveningSunsetCruise(call for time);FridaysandSaturdays1–3PMand4–6PM.Rates:Adults$20,Seniors$15;Children5-16yearsold$10,childrenunder5yearsarefree.Relax,learnandenjoy!

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(Picture A)

(Picture D)(Picture C)(Picture B)

(Picture E) (Picture F) (Picture G)

Photos courtesy of Mulligan and Guimara.

Page8Annual Lighthouse Keepers Banquet Pictures

Lighthouse members enjoying our guest speakers

Spring in South Jersey - At Last!!!!

Our President thanking our guest speakers, Bill Geilfiuss & Katie Moser

President Rigazio presenting plaque to Jim Gardner, our “Volunteer of the Year”

Photos courtesy of Mulligan.