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40 Years of Heart: Cape May MAC Honors Wildwood Woman for a Lifetime of Service

Issue #849

October 24, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎖️40 Years of Heart: Cape May MAC Honors Wildwood Woman for a Lifetime of Service

 🎣New Jersey Wants Permanent Daylight-Saving Time, but Congress Has the Final Say

 🎨Van Drew, Mullock Clash in Fiery Debate Over South Jersey's Future

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: East Lynne Theater Company’s War of the Worlds The Panic Broadcast

War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast running through November 1

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

 October 24

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40 Years of Heart: Cape May MAC Honors Wildwood Woman for a Lifetime of Service

Some organizations become so deeply woven into the fabric of a community that it's difficult to imagine the town without them. Cape May MAC is one of those organizations.

Since its founding in 1970, Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) has played an essential role in preserving Cape May's rich history, celebrating its cultural heritage, and helping make the seaside resort one of New Jersey's most treasured destinations.

But behind the tours, festivals, historic preservation efforts, and countless community events are the dedicated people who make it all possible.

This October, Cape May MAC is shining the spotlight on one of those remarkable individuals.

Anna Leeper of Wildwood has been named Cape May MAC's Volunteer of the Month for October, recognizing more than four decades of extraordinary dedication to the organization.

Leeper, who recently retired after many years of service, has been a familiar and invaluable presence at Cape May MAC for approximately 40 years. Her contributions have touched nearly every corner of the organization, from fundraising and strengthening community relationships to assisting with tours and supporting special events.

Volunteer Coordinator Maria Amin nominated Leeper for the recognition, highlighting her willingness to step forward whenever the organization needs an extra hand.

Throughout her years of service, Leeper has demonstrated the kind of commitment that cannot be measured simply by hours worked or events attended. She has helped build relationships, supported important fundraising initiatives, and quietly handled the countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep a nonprofit organization thriving.

Even after retiring from her professional position as executive assistant, Leeper's dedication to Cape May MAC hasn't diminished.

During the summer, she continued lending her time and talents to the organization's Family Fun Crafts and Collectibles Shows, helping sell merchandise, assisting with operations, and filling volunteer positions wherever needed.

Her continued involvement reflects a lifelong commitment to an organization and a community she clearly holds dear.

Leeper's retirement was celebrated on September 9 at the Inn of Cape May, where she was joined by Cape May MAC Director Emeritus Michael Zuckerman, Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine, and Board President Janet Coupland.

While the gathering marked the conclusion of an important chapter in her professional career, her recognition as Volunteer of the Month underscores something equally meaningful: retirement doesn't necessarily mean stepping away from a mission that has been part of your life for decades.

For an organization that has spent more than half a century preserving Cape May's past while enriching its present, volunteers like Leeper represent an indispensable part of its success.

And while Cape May MAC's historic landmarks, educational programs, and cultural celebrations may attract the headlines, it's the dedication of individuals like Anna Leeper that helps keep those traditions alive.

After 40 years of giving back, this recognition is a fitting tribute to a woman whose generosity, loyalty, and community spirit have made a lasting difference.

Cape May MAC welcomes new volunteers interested in supporting its mission of historic preservation, education, and cultural enrichment. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Volunteer Coordinator Maria Amin at 609-224-6029 or [email protected].

New Jersey Wants Permanent Daylight-Saving Time, but Congress Has the Final Say

New Jersey lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that could eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and establish permanent daylight saving time. The proposal, sponsored by Senate President Nicholas Scutari and state Sen. Shirley Turner, advanced through a Senate committee on October 15, 2026. If eventually implemented, the measure would keep clocks one hour ahead throughout the year, providing residents with more daylight during winter evenings and ending the annual tradition of springing forward and falling back.

However, the proposed change faces a significant federal obstacle. Under current law, states may choose to observe standard time year-round but cannot independently adopt permanent daylight saving time. Even if New Jersey lawmakers approve the legislation, Congress would have to authorize the change before it could take effect.

The proposal has also renewed debate over potential health and safety consequences. Supporters point to the benefits of additional evening sunlight, while opponents warn that darker winter mornings could affect students, commuters and religious observances. Sleep experts, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, favor permanent standard time because it better aligns with the body's natural circadian rhythms. Research has associated disruptions to these rhythms with sleep difficulties and increased risks of certain health conditions.

New Jersey joins numerous states seeking to change how Americans observe daylight saving time. Although several states have approved similar measures, federal restrictions have prevented permanent daylight saving time from taking effect. National legislation has also been introduced to address the issue, but a final resolution remains uncertain.

For now, New Jersey residents should plan to turn their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026. While the legislation represents another step toward potentially ending seasonal time changes, the familiar practice will continue unless both state and federal lawmakers take the necessary action.

Van Drew, Mullock Clash in Fiery Debate Over South Jersey's Future

Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew and Democratic challenger Zack Mullock faced off in a heated 60-minute debate on October 22, 2026, highlighting sharp political and policy differences ahead of the election for New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District. The debate, co-sponsored by Stockton University’s Hughes Center for Public Policy and The Press of Atlantic City, featured tense exchanges over President Donald Trump, the economy, immigration enforcement, rising energy costs, controversial data center developments and U.S. military involvement in Iran.

Mullock criticized Van Drew’s close alliance with Trump, questioned his record on federal spending and accused him of failing to protect South Jersey families, farmers and coastal communities. He also raised concerns about the impact of proposed data centers on electricity costs and the consequences of federal policies affecting Medicaid. Van Drew defended his congressional record, emphasizing his efforts to secure federal funding, strengthen domestic energy production, support law enforcement and protect the region’s beaches through coastal infrastructure legislation.

The candidates also sparred over delayed beach replenishment projects in Cape May County and American military involvement in the Middle East. Throughout the debate, both presented competing visions for South Jersey’s future, with Van Drew emphasizing his experience and political connections while Mullock called for new leadership and greater accountability. The contentious exchange underscored the stakes of the congressional race as voters prepare to head to the polls.

What major industry, besides tourism, has historically been associated with the waters around Cape May?

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 Answer to the October 23rd Trivia Question 

Cape May is located on a man-made island separated from the mainland by which body of water? 

A) Cape May Creek
B) Cape May Canal
C) Delaware Bay
D) Atlantic Inlet

Answer: B) Cape May Canal

The Cape May Canal is a 2.9-nautical-mile (3.3 mi; 5.4 km)  waterway connecting Cape May Harbor to the Delaware bay, at the southern tip of Cape May County, New Jersey.

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