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Holiday Light Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo

On November 19, 2017

Carousel house welcome

If happiness is perspective, the soaring view from atop a father’s shoulders is a wonderful way to think of the world. Like many fortunate children, it was a first memory from Turtle Back Zoo where it is a joy to see such memories made today at events like Holiday Light Spectacular.

View from Savanna Cafe deck on another visit

The light display is free, as is the parking, and open to the public. From the time one turns onto Northfield Avenue and sees the dazzling lights along the South Mountain Recreation Complex entrance, it is clear that it will be quite a show. At the actual zoo entrance, a cheerful costumed Frosty the Snowman and Turtle greet visitors as the carols regale from loudspeakers. The first sign you will see, however, is the invitation to stop at the green tent to make a donation of canned or boxed food, unwrapped toys, or gently used coats to the Community Food Bank.

Endangered species carousel in carousel house

The zoo is immediately festive and fun with a menorah and Kwanzaa kinara ready to add to the celebration. Some animals are on view like the barn pets, and the train and carousel also charm for free. Pony rides are available for $2.00. Photo stations with themes from Peanuts to polar bears to penguins to How the Grinch Stole Christmas throughout the zoo are ideal for creating holiday cards or Snap Chatting (with the Mom & Dad filter), added holiday features. S’more stations ($4.50 for a kit) at the new Savanna Café gave a ski lodge. This is a delightful way to start the season.

Follow the leader on the boa and s’mores fire pits

What was different this year was the crowd. The visitors are always in good spirits, the staff, always welcoming. When we went to the zoo as children, we fed the deer, admired the wandering peacocks, played with the turtles, rode on the children’s train (whose whistle still thrills), and ate sandwiches at the wooden picnic tables. We thought it out-of-this-world fun. All of those things are still there and, impressively, more like the African Adventure, Outback Aviary, Treetop Adventure Course, and Mini Golf, but Friday night’s mood of the visitors, the friendliness and quiet joy around the s’mores fire pits, reminded me of the zoo of years ago. It was a happiness infused with gratitude. People were taking photos, but enjoying each other’s company even more, sparked by the delight that the animals bring.

Taking care at Turtle Back Zoo

Princeton’s Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote a beautiful song “Bells Are Ringing” from Come Darkness, Come Light about the essence of Christmas, and though the happy, flickering lights and the holly-jolly are at Holiday Light Spectacular in abundance, the underlying spirit of Christmas is at the zoo more so this year.

Some visitor notes: The winter hours are 10-3:30 daily, and stroller rental ($7) is available during hours. The zoo is wheelchair accessible. The grounds are hilly, so bring good walking shoes. (Lunch hour walkers have been onto this great aspect for years.) Now it is safer to let the zookeepers feed the animals. If you want to visit the zoo before the light show, you can ice skate at Codey Arena or have a bite until the show starts at 5 at wonderful places in the area. For more on the zoo and events, visit Turtle Back Zoo and South Mountain Recreation Complex.

Thank you to the zoo for another dazzling Holiday Light Spectacular and hope to visit again before it ends on January 1st!

Swans in Winter

By Kathleen Helen Levey

On November 19, 2017

In Culture, Family, Lifestyle, Park, Travel

Swan paddle boats at South Mountain Reservation

The wonderful swan paddle boats from South Mountain Reservation move from the reservoir above to storage below in the winter. Though completely still, perspective transforms them.

At the holidays, we look both back and forward. While preparing for this year, we think of our Uncle Ray, a comedy writer and a Laurel and Hardy fan with whom we watched the warm-hearted “March of the Wooden Soldiers” every Thanksgiving morning, a family tradition. A little bit of silly for a rainy Sunday…. Make it a #SundayFunday with a trip to the Holiday Light Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo, tonight from 5-9. As for the swans, they will return to the water in the spring, but the Regatta Playground at the dock is delightful, free, and open now as is the Holiday Light Spectacular: South Mountain Recreation Complex.

“March of the Wooden Soldiers”

New Jersey’s Jack Nicholson

Ingmar Bergman

“Sleeping Beauty”

South Mountain Reservation

Remembrance Day

By Kathleen Helen Levey

On November 11, 2017

In Culture, History, Travel, US History

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Buddy Poppies are known for “Honoring the Dead by Helping the Living”. While visiting Cape May, I met a veteran selling the poppy flowers to raise money for his fellow veterans. People passed by him, unfortunately, because they did not know what the flowers meant. With the observation of the 100th anniversary of World War I this year and Remembrance Day in Commonwealth Countries, it is important to share the story of their meaning.

Red poppies grew on the battlefields of World War I, striking amidst rows of white crosses for the many lost lives in the trench warfare fought around Flanders, Belgium. Moved by grief, Canadian Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon with Canada’s First Brigade Artillery, wrote a poem “In Flanders Field,” which resounded around the world. Through the work of Anna E. Guerin, France, and Moina Michael, Georgia (US), the sale of artificial poppies helped orphans and others impoverished by the war. By 1920 the American Legion assisted and the “Flowers of Remembrance” were sold throughout the US, Canada, Britain France, Australia, and New Zealand. To expand the support, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) began to sell the Buddy Poppy nationally immediately before Memorial Day in 1922; this became their memorial flower.

The VFW got a trademark for the Buddy Poppy to safeguard that proceeds go directly to the veterans who assemble them, veterans’ rehabilitation, families of deceased veterans, and, in part, the VFW National Home for Children. As you may have seen in ceremonies and exhibits in the news, the United Kingdom has revitalized this recognition.

Dr. McCrae’s poem from the Poetry Foundation:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

(Sources: VFW.org, VA.gov, Wiki/Photo from Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township, NJ)

Highlights of the John Basilone Parade

By Kathleen Helen Levey

On November 11, 2017

In Culture, History, Travel, US History

Raritan’s annual parade in Sergeant Basilone’s honor each September is a proud event with many veterans and Marines participating. The link below leads to video of the tossed-candy fun at this year’s parade along Somerset Street. The children, all delightful in this year’s crowd, are mostly off-frame, but they were even sweeter. Our mother, who attended for many years, exclaimed when hearing this, “It’s a first-rate parade if they’re giving out candy!” In the generous spirit of Sergeant John Basilone, his family, and the local communities, the borough invites everyone to attend.

D71CE420-581E-448B-AD13-8F0109C2A62D

and sports cars escorting veterans and honorees:

Donald Basilone, Sgt. Basilone’s youngest brother

Andy Martin, Silver Star, Vietnam

Herb Patullo, Grand Marshall

Though the parade itself is light-hearted, the banners along the route honoring the 23 other young men from Raritan who gave their lives in service in World War II are reminders of the parade’s purpose. These banners are present in towns and cities throughout New Jersey. Sergeant Basilone, born in Buffalo, New York, grew up here with these other servicemen.

Donald Basilone, youngest brother of John Basilone, poses below with US Marines and service members beneath the statue of his brother John, created by John’s boyhood friend Philip Orlando. Sergeant Basilone was the only enlisted US Marine to receive the Navy Cross and the Congressional Medal of Honor. “The Greatest Generation,” of which John Basilone was a part, was also a modest one. Our family friend, a fellow Marine who was in the first wave at Iwo Jima when Sergeant Basilone was killed after rescuing others, attended the parade annually until he became too ill. Like Sergeant Basilone, he would be the first to say that each generation that serves deserves our gratitude. A proud father attending the event shared that Sergeant Basilone had inspired his son, who had reenlisted in the Marines and come from a distance to participate in the parade and reenactment.

The ceremony included remarks by Donald Basilone and this year’s guest speaker Lt. General Richard Mills. The Basilone Parade Committee members, all volunteers, honored Herb Patullo, a US Navy veteran and lifelong Bound Brook resident, as Grand Marshall this year. Mr. Patullo, a dedicated supporter of the parade, attended the original one for Sergeant Basilone on September 19, 1943. The parade continues each September on the Sunday closet to the original John Basilone Day. Next year’s parade is on September 23rd.

The wreath-laying ceremony at Sergeant Basilone’s statute followed with the Marines’ reenactment of the flag raising at Mount Suribachi after the Battle of Iwo Jima was won. On the birthday of the US Marines yesterday, November 10th, the museum hosted @52Museums on Instagram. The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA near Quantico, which also honors Sergeant Basilone, has the original flag raised at Mount Suribachi, captured in the photograph by Joe Rosenthal. Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley is an incredible book on the subject.

The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh-Essex County marching in the John Basilone Parade, Raritan, New Jersey playing the “Marines’ Hymn,” part of the wonderful music in the parade.

St. Ann’s of Hampton

John Basilone Honor Platoon

Marine Corps League #1234, Manville/Somerville

Marine Corps bulldog mascot shielded from the heat

Along the Raritan riverbank, pictured below. The first annual Patriotic Art Show debuted nearby with tents and tables with concessions and music by Raritan musicians Tommy Grasso & the Spins. Artists interested in showing their work next year may contact: (908) 581-1917.

In updating information for posting, found articles about John Basilone’s impact as far away as San Diego, where the San Diego Tribune writes faithfully about him. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, John married his wife Lena Mae Riggi, a Marine sergeant in the Women’s Reserve, in Oceanside, California. The lovely “Piazza Basilone,” dedicated in 2003 with a bust of Sergeant Basilone, is at the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy. Both locals and tourists enjoy relaxing there daily.

Intermingled with the happy and the casual in the piazza are the grateful. One article noted that a man sitting on a bench had tears in his eyes and shared that John Basilone had saved his life. At the Battle of Guadalcanal alone, Sergeant Basilone’s bravery in holding the line was responsible for saving several thousand US servicemen, an incredible legacy of which New Jerseyans can be proud. If you have not attended the parade, think about going next year. The parade, which brings the warmth of John Basilone’s personality in his absence, has a wonderful atmosphere where everyone is welcome.

An added note that HBO is airing “The Pacific” this weekend with Clifton’s Jon Seda, a former parade grand marshal, as Sgt. Basilone.

Posted on Veterans Day with thanks to all veterans, active military, parade planners and participants who help the parade continue. For those who would like to support the parade with a donation, kindly mail a check to: John Basilone Memorial Parade Committee, c/o Borough of Raritan, 22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869. Thank you.

(Additional sources: John Basilone Parade (FB), Raritan-online.com, sandiegotribune.com, littleitalysd.com, Wiki)

Loyalty: John Basilone

By Kathleen Helen Levey

On November 10, 2017

In History, Lifestyle, US History

Sgt. Basilone statue by childhood friend Philip Orlando

On this Veterans Day and the birthday of the Marine Corps, we remember with gratitude service members like Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. He was the first US Marine to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military award given by Congress for valor and presented by the president. Ninety-six brave New Jerseyans have had the medal bestowed on them in appreciation. Congress honored Sergeant Basilone for holding the line, single-handedly, in the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II when his men were wounded. He later crossed enemy lines to get ammunition for those men, who without it would have been defenseless. Not only was this champion boxer’s valor remarkable, but so was his loyalty and strategic thinking under duress. The rallying of his troops also turned the six-month battle into a US victory.

A modest man, John Basilone declined an officer’s commission after Guadalcanal. Despite carrying the burden of memories of the harshest realities of life, he was generously light-hearted with family and friends. Uncomfortable with the public acclaim he received upon his return to the US, Sergeant Basilone deflected attention to his fellow Marines who were still fighting in the Pacific. At a time when he and his fellow Italian-Americans were referred to by some as being “without papers,” the son of an Italian-born father chose to leave his bride, family, homeland, and safety to rejoin those Marines in combat where he bravely led them, many only teenagers, in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Part of the first wave, Sergeant Basilone destroyed a blockhouse, one of the beach fortresses from which enemy machine gun fire was killing Marines, enabling his men to take an airfield. Minutes later, he gave his life for his country at the age of 27.

Word spread quickly across the beach that Sergeant Basilone was down. Those left living in the bloody wave fought harder in what became a six-week onslaught and a vital strategic victory for the United States in WWII. In the face of such an unexpected defense, some of the young men on the beach could see the commanders order more forward into what was a slaughter, but with the Marines’ loyalty to each other and the miracle of noble character, they still fought as had their hero US Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone.

“John Basilone remains the only soldier (non-officer) in U.S. history to be awarded both The Congressional Medal of Honor and The Navy Cross. He is also the only Medal of Honor winner to go back into combat and be killed in combat.” (Raritan-Online.com) Posthumously, Sergeant Basilone was honored with the Navy Cross, given to a member of the US Navy, US Marines, or US Coast Guard for heroism in combat, and the Purple Heart, the country’s oldest recurring military award created by President George Washington. The Purple Heart is given in the president’s name to any member of the Armed Forces wounded or killed in combat. He was one of 4,700 Marines who died in the Battle of Iwo Jima where 15,308 were also wounded, characteristic of the bravery and sacrifice of that generation. There was, however, respectful recognition noting a namesake bridge and a second battleship about to be named in his honor.

Statue with Veterans Park a few weeks before parade

…and the transformed corner on parade day.

Each September, his Raritan hometown honors him with a parade that ends at the statue created by his childhood friend, Philip Orlando. Philip, a sculptor, was a recipient of the Bronze Star, the award given after 1941 to anyone serving in the Armed Forces for “heroic or meritorious achievement” in non-air combat. Philip depicted Sergeant Basilone as he recalled him, not just as a war hero in battle from the heroic night commemorated at Guadalcanal, but as his larger-than-life childhood friend John who always won the neighborhood game of “King of the Hill”. The site of the statue, the busy corner of Somerset and Canal Streets, keeps the hometown hero a part of daily life, a perennial guardian of what he helped preserve.

Trailside at Watchung Stable

By Kathleen Helen Levey

On November 7, 2017

In Animals, Horseback Riding, Lifestyle, Travel

“Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch.” Walt Whitman, Camden, New Jersey resident, 1873-1892. Should we apply the words of the great American poet to animals? The sentiment does come to mind when encountering the gentle horses at Watchung Stable in Mountainside, New Jersey. Like people, horses have personalities and communicate their thoughts. Enjoy a trail ride on the beautiful, leafy grounds of the Watchung Reservation and find out which horse is sweet, outgoing, or independent, though “friendly” would describe them all.

The stable, part of the county parks since 1933, features English riding in a new, state-of-the-art, indoor riding ring, three outdoor rings, and six paddocks. Trail rides wend their way through 26 miles of the 2,000-acre reservation, which is stunning with fall colors right now. Rides are on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and are ideal for beginners as an introduction both to riding and the individual horses. Along the trail, you will also meet sociable people out enjoying the woodland paths with family, friends, and dogs

A trail ride at Watchung Stable is wonderful. Previously, my horse-riding experiences were like many of ours, mostly Western-style childhood pony rides with visits with horses at farms, zoos, or vicariously as a “Heartland” fan a few years back and now via some generous Instagrammers like Equestrian Canada, The West Coast Equestrian, and Horse-Training Resources who kindly follow on Instagram. On a trail ride last Saturday at Watchung, the guide was incredibly kind to two young equestrians in the group and shared some insights about horses when asked how best to approach them. When getting to know our state animal, let them smell your hand first so they may get your scent and then pet them. Though horses do not understand words as dogs do, they understand tone. Ears forward means that a horse is alert. If the ears go back while on the trail ride, they may be listening, though pinned back may indicate annoyance that another horse is getting too close. In competitions, however, ears back indicates focus. Ears turned to the side with a lowered head shows that horses are relaxed. A swishing tail means a good mood.

Unexpected fun is that the stable is a venue for birthday parties and festivities were in full swing in a beautiful setting. Parties with 30 minutes of a guided, or lead line, horse ride are for children ages 9 and younger. For those children who catch the riding bug, if they have not already, classes offer an opportunity to learn formally and are available for all ages, adults included. Riding troops and a summer riding camp are other fun options for young riders. The talented young equestrians in riding habits were an impressive sight in the outdoor riding ring.

The entire venue is striking with its modified Mission Revival Style architecture, serenely situated in the landscape. This began as the site for a US Army base during the Cold War and later segued into a peacetime role as a home to the horses, many bought at auction to start new lives. For those of you who wish to feed the horses apples, you may do so when the horses are in the paddocks and not ready to ride, but please check with staff beforehand to align your generous thoughts with theirs.

A practical note: Signing a waiver is required before riding. Riding helmets are not necessary on a trail ride. In retrospect, as a novice, though the trail ride was delightful and went smoothly with an excellent guide and a well-trained horse, my personal choice would be to wear one. If you find that you enjoy riding and want to invest in one, they may be purchased online, though it may be better to get one fitted at a saddle and tack store. (Look for an ASTM/SEI certified label.) Prices for trail rides, riding lessons, lead line rides, shows, parties, and boarding are on the website with a reduced rate for Union County residents: Watchung Stable. Groups may also schedule barn tours, not only to see the facility, but to learn about how to take care of horses.

If you want outdoor fun in this incredible weather, Watchung Stable is a great place to go. Fall hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In winter, the stable is closed on Mondays, but open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., then 1 p.m. till 4 p.m. More details are on the website or call: (908) 789-3665. Some enjoyable sleuthing is in order on my next visit for a lesson with the welcome hunch that there is “Sunshine” among the aptly named horses.

(Sources: ucnj.org, 4-H.org, equusmagazine.com, horsechannel.com, astm.org, Wiki)

“Edison” from “The Moral Quandary of Heels”

By Kathleen Helen Levey

On November 7, 2017

In Culture, Family, Lifestyle, Travel

…[Jay Reilly] dared to go bending round his accustomed comfort zone when he was a business exchange student at OP Jindal University. The stalwart wiffle ball player…found himself at the literature festival in the heart of the Pink City of Jaipur one weekend afternoon. Ducking into a matinee, he met “my Aishyrwara” from the Goa seaside and visual poetry became a permanent part of his life.

Keya and Rory grew up in the glow of possibilities under the gleaming “Eternal Light” atop the Thomas Alva Edison Memorial Tower, a beacon [commemorating] invention in the Menlo Park neighborhood of Edison, the site of Thomas Edison’s first research center where the light bulb was perfected for everyday use. Nearby they played soccer and went ice skating in the winter with Tata on the sloping green of Roosevelt Park and fished there at the lake in the spring with Pop Reilly. When Pop shared his increasingly incredible fishing tales, Tata joined the siblings in their refrain, “Oh, really, O’Reilly?”. Sometimes, the two grandfathers took them on outings together to argue politics and smoke cigars when no one was looking, a vice on which they wholeheartedly agreed.

In the secret, fun ways that siblings have while growing up, Keya and Rory formed their bond by stealing away quietly to shred the curves at Edison Skate Park. When school was out, the sister and brother loved summering at Island Beach State Park with its powdery dunes like mirroring Earthly clouds. They had acquired the penchant of Jersey Shore locals for collecting tee shirts from every fundraising walk, marathon, and shore event in which they participated. The both egalitarian and orderly duo characteristically enjoyed alphabetizing their growing collection, sharing their bounty and adventures via social media. Like Sundance Film Festival vendors who handed out swag to social media stars for instant free advertising, Shore promoters realized the value of the brother and sister’s nearly 300,000 followers. They began to shower the two with tees, but the siblings would vouch for only those events that they had experienced themselves, evidenced by enthusiastic selfies or more often photos of other participants. They [posted] about festival highlights culminating in an annual prose poem on September 30^th, the birthday of Union City and Princeton University boy, W.S. Merwin, former Poet Laureate and their spiritual twin in his love of poetry and ecology:

“Festivals” or #Downashore #Seeyoulateralligator

Swinging synergy, the Asbury Park & Red Bank jazz and country fests,
the Barnegat Bay Festival via Belmar’s Seafood Festival,
the Bradley Beach Lobster Fest and Brigantine Sand Castles,
car shows, classic and non, in Atlantic Highlands, Beach Haven, Cape May, Ocean City, Ocean Grove, Seaside Heights, Tuckerton, and Wildwood, all,
to follow summer…
Then taking in Fair Haven Day,
Keyport Jazz & Blues and Keansburg Gratitude,
the Lakewood Blue Claws annual tee shirt giveaway :),
Lavalette’s Christmas in July,
Long Branch’s 4th of July Oceanfest,
the Manasquan Classic Longboard Surfing Contest, and
Margate City’s Beachstock, celebrated.
The iconic Miss America and Miss New Jersey pageants,
North Wildwood blues and the NJ Devils Point Pleasant Beach Bash bands
and the harmony of Ocean’s Township’s Italian Festival
all synced with the rhythm of Ocean County Bluegrass and Sea Bright’s Dunesday.
Sea Isle City’s Irish Festival Weekend graced by the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh,
bringing smiles, while the Shadow of the City concert in Seaside Heights
rocks on to the Spring Lake South End Surf Contest and 5K,
and the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival.
Finally, the fall ProPlayer Football Camp and Charity Game in Toms River,
All forming the seasonal bouquet.

The college-bound siblings, serious sentinels who appreciated both the power and the beauty of the sea, guarded their fellow ocean lovers faithfully as substitute lifeguards in their most-prized tees with red crosses while working their way down the coast that year in a commemoration of the season. Serene blue skies enlivened with aerial banners like “Come n’ play with DJ Ray Thursday Nite” met summer’s lingering twilight along the coast. The twins’ sometime inland ventures included seeing the Quixotic balloonists at their fancied New Jersey Cappadocia, the Festival of Balloons at Solberg Airport in Hunterdon County. The sunset “balloon glow” like a horizon of celestial fireflies was an inspiring scene in the tradition of aviator Thor Solberg’s first solo flight to Norway after he practiced blindfolded to prepare for traversing the heavens.

Off duty, Keya and Rory crossed wide beaches and swam until in their dreams at night they still felt the lulling sensation of the waves, their bedroom windows cast wide open for there was never enough of the ocean air for the two. Theirs was a true love of the sea.

Margate Marvel, Lucy the Elephant

By Kathleen Helen Levey

On November 7, 2017

In Architecture, Culture, Lifestyle, Park, STEM, Travel

Charm as defined is “the power or quality of giving delight or causing admiration”. Margate City with its beautiful beaches, serene marinas, downtown shops, fun and fine dining, stunning and historic architecture is certainly elegant, but its charm is what makes it unique. The warm welcome to visitors is the delight that makes one return. A centerpiece of that charm is Lucy the Elephant.

Lucy the Elephant, the unique and “oldest roadside attraction in the US,” noted in People Magazine last summer, began as a real estate promotion, but became a beloved New Jersey and national icon. Lucy is the vision of Philadelphia entrepreneur James Lafferty, Jr.., son of parents from Dublin. In what was then South Atlantic City, comprised of undeveloped sandy land and shoreline, he envisioned this “novelty architecture” made of wood and tin, the result of his combined talents as an engineer and an inventor. To protect his idea, Mr. Lafferty applied for, and received a patent for Lucy, legally considered an invention. William Free, a Philadelphia architect, brought Mr. Lafferty’s vision to life in 1882.

Ingenuously, people can climb the stairs and peek through her eyes that are ship-like portholes, then ascend to the howdah and enjoy spectacular views of this year-round seaside city with its lively downtown. The remarkable central room was Mr. Lafferty’s office from where he sold the nearby real estate parcels, and the howdah served as an impressive podium for auctions.

Visitors may not know that Lucy was one sibling of triplets. After completing his work in Margate, Mr. Lafferty developed land similarly in Cape May, and then Coney Island. Lucy’s sister promotional elephants suffered demolishing and fire, making Lucy’s preservation all the more important. Over the years, Lucy had numerous roles including “…restaurant, ice cream parlor, tavern and private home”.

The name “Lucy” is from a little girl, the daughter of one of those subsequent owner who named her, affectionately, as children do. Lucy stands six-stories high in Josephine Harron Park, named after one of the local Save Lucy Committee members who kept the beloved icon from being demolished in the 1960’s after it had become “dilapidated”. The committee raised money to have her moved after The Elephant Hotel it was promoting was torn down. Lucy was restored, and in 1976, she became a National Historic Landmark in celebration of the Bicentennial.

Summer fun with Lucy includes watching the Fourth of July fireworks nearby on Huntington Beach as well as celebrating at her annual birthday party, the 136th being held today till 8 p.m. Though her actual birthday is July 20th, tradition has it that the celebration is the following Saturday, so more can join in events like playing miniature golf, climbing a Velcro wall, and of course, enjoying birthday cake.

Lucy is open year-round with no charge for the park, but her surprising interior, “Lucy movie,” and sky-high views are one-of-a-kind and not to be missed on an informative tour. Plus, you will help keep her looking runway ready. Admission and the tour are $8.50 for adults and $4.00 for children (3-12). Children under two may enter for free. US military with ID’s may receive complimentary tours. Summer hours are Monday-Saturday 10-8, Sunday 10-5. Guided tours for Lucy are every 30 minutes, and the last tour is 30 minutes before closing.

If you are planning a visit, Lucy the Elephant and her Margate home are minutes from Atlantic City, near a grille and a gift shop (with an online store) with adorable items. The proceeds also support her ongoing preservation as does an annual “Holiday in NYC Raffle” in early November . For anyone thinking outside the box for entertaining, the celebrity’s “people” note that she is available for events, which also support her upkeep. For inquires, please call: (267) 973-1938. After a visit, stay around for the friendly smiles, swimming and surfing, downtown fun, a farmer’s market, or Thrilling Thursday free family movies on the beach.

For more information about visiting, volunteering, or touring with a group, call: (609) 823-6473 or write: info@lucytheelephant.org and for Margate events Margate Has More. Too cute, Lucy has her own Facebook page and an Instagram account complete with “steppin’ out” pedicure photos @lucytheelephant, still trendy 136 years later.

Clicking at the Clark

By Kathleen Helen Levey

On November 7, 2017

In Art, Culture, Lifestyle, Museum, Travel

Original gallery by Daniel Deverell Perry

Our first trip together to the Clark Art Institute was like the soft-focus idyll of its Renoirs. We pulled into Williamstown, Massachusetts, resplendent on a fall day. Dressed for the occasion with blazer and sundress, respectively, we reviewed the guide, mapped out our route and dreamily strolled and sighed with admiration among the premiere artworks of the French Impressionists. We discussed each other’s favorites, which led to conversations about other trips, other art, and finally, the getting-to-know each other memories, which this visit would become much like Renoir’s depictions of families and friends.

The George Inness trip took us into the landscape of the world. Weekend excursions sometimes call for sightseeing selection and, on a trip the following summer, the focus was Mount Greylock, which is part of happy, boyhood camping memories for my friend and was indeed wonderful to visit. Wistful, however, at the thought of passing by incredible art without a nod of respect, somewhat like going through town without at least a call to a local friend, our usual easy give and take resulted in a compromise regarding The Clark – a twenty minute stop. In sneakers, shorts, and having adopted the Jersey Shore penchant for tee shirt collecting, a Stephen Crane House tee shirt, which in New England elicited the occasional thumbs up and playful shouts of “Denny Crane!” the William Shatner character from “Boston Legal,” I raced past works by Sargent, Remington, Turner, Hokusai, Madrazo, Cassatt, della Francesca, and Degas to find the New Jersey paintings by George Inness and Winslow Homer, undertaking with abandon the sacrilege of photographing paintings for social media when time for note-taking and creative photos was out of the question. Dashed out, returned to the car, and with a nod to my friend who was studying the map, noted, “Fifteen”.

The June return was our unrushed Alma-Tadema savoring of details having had a winter preview of his work by Clark curators at New York City’s The National Arts Club . Revisiting art museums allows us all to get off the bucket list treadmill, look around, and enjoy talking with people. Like taking in a Berkshire sunset on the beautiful Clark grounds, the art is different every time we view it. As a place of growth, The Clark literally changes with new artworks, buildings, and exhibitions. The cinematic painter Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema created a splendid music room for Gilded Age magnate Henry Marquand and the first-time restoration of its highlights is all about the exquisite design that created not only an impressive, but a serene space, much like the museum, for family and guests to enjoy.

Visitors can view the art of Alma-Tadema in “Orchestrating Elegance” this summer, as well as exhibits: “Picasso: Encounters,” Helen Frankenthaler “As in Nature” and “No Rules,” 17th century Dutch artists “An Inner World,” the Thomas Schutte Crystal, and Community Access to the Arts (CATA) “I Am Part of Art” with the Lunder Center at Stone Hill, art “drawing attention to the ability within disability”. If you have not been to The Clark think about wandering from the route this summer, or revisiting for a new view. The Clark (clarkart.org) is part of a consortium with The Williams College Museum of Art (wcma.williams.edu) and MASS MoCA (massmoca.org) in nearby North Adams, both of which we look forward to visiting.

Remembrance Meets Welcome: Captain Carranza Ceremony and Mount Holly

By Kathleen Helen Levey

On November 7, 2017

In Aviation, Family, History, Lifestyle, Travel, US History

The American Legion Mount Holly Post 11’s beautiful 89th ceremony honoring Captain Emilio Carranza took place last Saturday in Wharton State Forest. Members of Captain Carranza’s family, dignitaries from the Mexican Embassy in Washington, DC, the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, members of the Medford American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Civil Air Color Guard, local Scout troops, and rescue squad members joined in the remembrance of the Mexican aviator-hero. Elegant sashes adorned the floral wreaths with respects from the Carranza family, the ballet, other American Legion Posts, Sons of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Civil Air Patrol, and families, businesses, communities, and friends from Burlington County, the state, and beyond. Thanks to the dedication of Post 11 and long-term participants, it was wonderful to see more attendees this year.

Carranza Park with the monument to the captain and floral adornments has changed significantly since the American Legionnaires of Mount Holly Post 11 answered the call for aid in 1928. “In this desolate spot,” reads the Legion’s press release, ”was born the Post’s program of international amity.” (The New York Times, 2002) The occasion for the search was somber, but the Pinelands today has a distinct beauty that one appreciates more with each visit. Next year will be the 90th anniversary of Captain Carranza’s death and donations that directly support the ceremony and the preservation of the captain’s monument are most welcome. If you wish to support this commemoration, kindly send a check to: Mount Holly Post 11, PO Box 711, Mount Holly NJ 08060.

Members of the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York

Attendees were cordially invited to see the Ballet Folklorico of New York perform afterwards at a luncheon at where fundraising films, books, and materials commemorating the captain were available. (For commemorative items and more information about Captain Emilio Carranza, visit: www.post11.org.) The dancers delighted everyone by bringing audience members up to join them. The New York-based group announced that they will be performing dances from the annual Guelaguetza in Oaxaca on Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn, all day on July 30th to support the park. For more information about this event, visit the Facebook page of the Ballet Forklorico Mexicano de Nueva York facebook.com/BFMNY/.

La Legión Americana La 89 ceremonia hermosa del poste 11 del soporte Holly que honra al capitán Emilio Carranza ocurrió el sábado pasado en el bosque del estado de Wharton. Miembros de la familia del capitán Carranza, dignatarios de la Embajada de México en Washington, DC, el Ballet Folklórico de México, miembros de la Legión Americana Medford y Veteranos de Guerras Extranjeras, tropas Scouts locales y miembros del escuadrón de rescate se unieron al recuerdo del aviador mexicano -héroe. El próximo año será el 90 aniversario de la muerte del capitán Carranza y las donaciones que apoyan directamente la ceremonia y la preservación del monumento del capitán son bienvenidas. Si desea apoyar esta conmemoración, envíe un cheque a: Mount Holly Post 11, PO Box 711, Mount Holly NJ 08060.

Los asistentes fueron cordialmente invitados a ver el Ballet Folklorico de Nueva York realizar después en un almuerzo en donde las películas de recaudación de fondos, libros y materiales que conmemoraban al capitán estaban disponibles. (Para artículos conmemorativos y más información sobre el capitán Emilio Carranza en espanol, visite: www.post11.org.) Los bailarines deleitaron a todos reuniendo a los miembros de la audiencia para unirse a ellos. El grupo con sede en Nueva York anunció que presentará danzas de la Guelaguetza anual en Oaxaca en Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn, todo el día el 30 de julio para apoyar el parque. Para más información sobre este evento, visite la página de Facebook del Ballet Forklorico Mexicano de Nueva York facebook.com/BFMNY/. (Google translator.)

Mount Holly
As a means of a thank you, had the pleasure of returning to picturesque Mount Holly for a brief visit where visitors receive friendly hellos while walking around the town named for its holly trees. Town proud, new sidewalks, murals, and development are happening everywhere, and house proud, many people were out tending to their charming historic homes on the sunny afternoon in the seat of Burlington County, which our family first knew as the hometown of Franco Harris when we cheered for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mount Holly, site of the Battle of Iron Works Hill, two days before the Battle of Trenton, has points of interest ranging from historic Revolutionary War sites to the state-of-the-art campus of Rowan College at Burlington County. RCBC includes a culinary arts program, a student-run restaurant, and an art gallery right in the center of town. On this late Saturday afternoon, shoppers from both New Jersey and Philadelphia, the latter just a 40 minute drive, were finishing up in the Mill Race Village shops in the historic downtown district, which includes architectural styles from the early 1700’s through the late 1800’s. Shoppers were stepping out to go to the popular pizzeria on High Street and all the restaurants throughout the downtown.
If you will be attending the nearby Burlington County Farm Fair, July 18th-22nd, in Columbus, New Jersey, consider stopping by for a warm Mount Holly “hello”.

Mount Holly, New Jersey

Writing New Jersey Life

People and places of New Jersey…with some travels.

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