Cape May Library to Present Local Underground Railroad History on January 15

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

📚 Cape May Library to Present Local Underground Railroad History on January 15

👮Veteran Officer Don Vanaman Promoted to Police Chief After 23 Years

 🚒Retired Wildwood Fire Chief Daniel Speigel Earns National Service Honor

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 January 9

• Cape May Zoo - 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

• Stay & Play CM Library - 10:00 am - 11:00 am

• Open Mic Night – Cold Spring Brewery - 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

• Weird Spirits at The Mad Batter - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Nolan Quinn at the Cricket Club - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Gordon Vincent at Nauti Spirits Distillery - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  January 10

• Signs of Winter: Nature Sensory Stroll - 9:00 am - 10:00 am

• Historic District Trolley Tour - 11:45 pm - 12:45 pm

• Emlen Physick Estate Tour - 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm

• Birddog at The Mad Batter - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Herb Moore Duo at the Cricket Club - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Vinnie Smith at Nauti Spirits Distillery - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

  January 11

• Cape May Zoo - 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

• Sunday Social at Fins - 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

• Roller Skating at Convention Hall - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

• Nicki Spaffoni at Nauti Spirits Distillery - 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

• Open Mic at The Mad Batter - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  January 12

• Cape May Zoo - 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

• Messy Masterpieces at the Cape May Library - 10:30 am - 11:30 am

• LEGO @ The Library - Play, Think, Build, & Share! - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

• Trivia at Nauti Spirits Distillery- 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Gregg Carpenter at The Mad Batter - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  January 13

• Total Body Chair Yoga - instructed by Jerry Loewe - 9:30 am - 10:30 am

• Storytime - 10:00am - 10:45am

• Cape May Zoo - 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

• Little Sprouts: Winter Wonderland Series - 10:00 am - 10:45 pm

• Trivia Night at Jesters Dive Bar - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

• Gregg and Company at The Mad Batter - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  OUR NEW EVENT SUBMISSION FORM

Have an Upcoming Event?

Cape May Library to Present Local Underground Railroad History on January 15

Residents are invited to delve into a powerful chapter of American history as the Community History Committee of the Center for Community Arts (CCA) hosts an enlightening presentation on the Underground Railroad. This engaging event will take place on January 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Cape May County Library, located in the Historic Franklin Street School. Guests will explore the significant local sites that once provided refuge for those escaping slavery and learn about the courageous individuals who assisted in their perilous journeys to freedom. The presentation will spotlight key historical figures, including the iconic Harriet Tubman and Stephen Smith—a prominent businessman and abolitionist whose contributions remain largely unrecognized. The tour highlighted during the event has been nationally acknowledged through its acceptance into the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom program, underscoring its educational and historical value. The program is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged and can be completed through the Cape May County Library website.

Veteran Officer Don Vanaman Promoted to Police Chief After 23 Years

After more than two decades in law enforcement, Don Vanaman has been appointed as the new Chief of Police for Lower Township, marking a significant milestone in his 23-year career. Vanaman steps into the role with a deep understanding of the department and the community it serves. While some might expect the new chief to focus immediately on crime rates or staffing challenges, Vanaman's initial priorities take a more community-focused approach. He's placing strong emphasis on rebuilding public trust, enhancing officer wellness, and deepening the department’s engagement with residents. His leadership style signals a shift toward transparency, accountability, and long-term community connection. Drawing from years of on-the-ground experience, Vanaman aims to balance operational effectiveness with the human side of policing, reflecting broader changes in law enforcement practices across the country.

Retired Wildwood Fire Chief Daniel Speigel Earns National Service Honor

Retired Wildwood Fire Chief Daniel Speigel has been named the 2026 recipient of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award. Honored for more than a decade of service supporting firefighter safety, survivor assistance, and statewide outreach, Speigel has played a major role in expanding the NFFF’s presence in New Jersey. Chief Speigel holds multiple professional certifications and state licenses, including Certified Public Manager, Certified Floodplain Manager, New Jersey State Fire Official, and New Jersey State Construction Official. He also previously served as a Rescue Specialist with New Jersey Task Force-1, responding to New York City in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award will be formally presented to Chief Speigel at an upcoming ceremony, with details to be announced. Meanwhile, the NFFF continues to accept nominations for the 2026 award cycle, with submissions open until January 15.

 Answer to the January 8th Trivia Question

What significant event boosted tourism in Cape May, New Jersey in 1863?

A) The opening of the Cape May Canal
B) The completion of Congress Hall
C) The designation as a National Historic Landmark
D) The opening of the Tuckahoe and Cape May Railroad

Answer: D) The opening of the Tuckahoe and Cape May Railroad

The opening of the Tuckahoe and Cape May Railroad in 1863 significantly boosted tourism in Cape May by making the area more accessible to visitors​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Wikipedia)​.