Tag: 2025

December has come roaring in with cold temps and even a little bit of snow. I love it. It’s rare around here to get the white flakes this early, never take ’em for granted. The other good thing about December is the usual holiday madness. I for one am a Christmas nut – decorations galore, the smell of pine throughout my home and car, and the good times with friends and family. Sure it’s hectic at times but I truly wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s time to get reflexive. In his final Presidential message, Jerome waxes poetic about the time he has spent as our fearless leader over the last 2 years. Cape rules dictate that he cannot serve more than 2 years in a row and so he must relinquish the spot to someone else. We thank him for his service to this great community. YOU should thank him too, he’s earned it, as someone who knows, it’s not an easy gig. Thank you, Jerome.

Frank reminds everyone that the annual maintenance fee renewal postcards will be mailed out in late December. Keep an eye on your mailbox for the yellow postcard. The maintenance fees are due March 1st. The next Annual Membership Meeting is set for January 13, 2026 at 7:30pm. Don’t miss it! Ballots for voting are available in this Caper. See page 14.

In Community News, the Garden Club’s first meeting will be Tuesday, January 27th. More information on their events for 2026 can be found on page 6.

Goshen Farm wishes everyone a Happy Holidays and wants to remind everyone that their 2026 Membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21st 2026 at 7:30 at the Cape St. Claire Clubhouse and online. Voting will be help online from January 1st through the 20th. More details can be found on page 7.

Cape Conservation Corps gives a great 2025 in review which is loaded with great information. There are too many things to list here – it wouldn’t do it justice anyway. Make sure you visit page 8 & 9 to get up to speed.

Page 14-17 contain the budget and biographies of those running to continue to serve on the board in 2026 and onward. Make sure you read about the financial direction of CSCIA and the biographies of those who will serve again.

This issue is always packed with goodies and this one is no different. We announced the winner of the Calendar Photo contest, there’s a history of the candy cane and a great word search and a great announcement of our newest Eagle Scout. Don’t miss it!

See you around the Cape and Happy Holidays to all of you.

Time to close the books on another amazing Halloween season. I posted on Facebook recently about how amazing it was simply driving around the Cape and experiencing the creativity. It’s truly amazing what folks have come up with for Halloween decorations. Scary – clever? All of the above. Let’s hope 2026 is even better!

Now that the new Caper has arrived, let’s dig into it. As usual, Jerome sets us up nicely with his Presidential Perspective. As we approach the holidays, we also approach the season of giving back. He offers some good ideas on how to do that. Also, keep in mind that pier repairs are underway at Deep Creek, so please be mindful of the workers and equipment in the area. There will also be some dredging activity going on at Little Magothy. There are a lot of residents who have an increase in desire to volunteer in the community. BRING IT ON!

In Frank’s Town Manager message, he reminds everyone that the November Caper is always filled to the brim with financials and budgets. This year is no different. Don’t forget to review the budget and be prepared to vote at the January General Membership Meeting on January 13th, 2026. The annual tree lighting is scheduled for Sunday, November 30th at 6pm so mark your calendars. More from Frank can be found on page 3.

The budget for 2027 is on page 6 & 7 so feel free to skip ahead!

In community news, Cape St. Claire Garden Club is teaming up with Annapolis Horticulture Society to welcome Karl Gercens, Conservatory Manager of Longwood Gardens to speak on The How of Wow on Tuesday November 4th. YES! Tomorrow night! In addition, their annual tradition of Evergreen Wreath workshop will be held on an amazing day, Tuesday December 2nd.

Goshen Farm gives a huge shoutout to their 2025 sponsors on page 9. Cape Conservation Corps is hosting their free speaker event on November 7th from 6-8:30pm at the clubhouse. Be prepared to hear from Joan Maloof to discuss “How to recognize old growth forests and how to keep them standing.” There’s also an auction. Check out page 10 for more details!

The holidays are coming, this is the November issue and so what does that mean? YUP – the sign up forms for Breakfast with Santa coming on Saturday December 13th from 8:30 – 10:30 am. Get your signups in early because these seats go quickly. Get all the information you need on page 18.

The holidays are coming!!! See you around the Cape.

Mother nature seems stuck. While the next few mornings will give us that cool Fall air, the daytimes will remain gorgeous and coat-less. I suppose I’m for it but now that it’s October, I like those chilly reminders that the season is changing. Will the leaves take note? Nothing beats driving down College Parkway in the fall with the orange and yellows. It’s spectacular.

With fall, comes the fall activities us Capers all love and enjoy. Before we get to those, Jerome waxes poetic again. Who knew our fearless leader was so adept with his pen? In his message, he asks everyone to take a moment and remember Fred Graul who passed away in August. Fred and his family have been a staple of the Cape St. Claire Community for almost 70 days. We were all sad to hear of his passing. He also takes a moment to remind everyone that with the beautiful temperatures and Halloween approaching, the roads are filled with the squeals and delights from the little ones. Be diligent and SLOW DOWN when out and about on the roads.

Don’t forget, the Board is always looking for nominations for future leaders to serve the community. To get your feet wet on what that process looks like, the October Quarterly meeting is on the 28th at 7:30pm at the Clubhouse.

In Community News, the Garden Club is hosting their first ever Pumpkin Centerpiece workshop on Tuesday October 7th. All guests are welcome! Also, on Sunday October 19th at 6pm, they will celebrate another year’s harvest with their Yard of the Month winners at the Annual Dinner Potluck. You can find more details on page 6.

It was a great summer for Goshen Farm with over 14 musicians attending their Summer Concert series. The next Goshen Goodies sale will be held on Saturday November 29th from 10am to 2pm at Goshen Farm.

Cape Conservation Corps will be hosting their Fall Planting Day at Little Magothy Beach Park from 9-3pm and on October 25th will be mulching the path at the Serene Ravine – 1038 Lake Claire Drive.

Don’t miss the Community Swap which will be held on Sunday October 12th from 10am – 2pm at the Cape Clubhouse field. Details on what you can bring are on page 14.

And then … BOOM – Halloween Happenings will be held on Saturday October 18th from 10am to 3pm. Admission to the event is $6.00 per child. It’s a must do family event here in the Cape. See page 18 for details and the sign up sheet. And don’t forget that on Thursday October 23rd, 2025 they will be Trick or Treating at the Cape St. Claire Shopping Center from 5:30pm to 6:30pm (or until the candy is gone)

See you around the Cape!

September is knocking on our door. Judging from the cool temps, you’d think it was late September already. It was a weird weather summer everyone. You know what September means … it is that magical time when the air says “fall,” your thermostat says “still summer,” and the pumpkin-spice economy opens up. School’s back, alarms are cruel again (sorry Teachers!), and backpacks remain suspiciously larger than the humans carrying them—so please take it slow around our bus stops and crosswalks. (Yes, that was also a friendly nudge from Jerome this month.) [see page 1]

Speaking of Jerome, in his Presidential Perspective message please drive carefully, budget season is underway and the shoreline work is top of mind. Don’t miss out onit this month.

Frank Tewey, The Town Manager, wraps summer with gratitude for our Beach Ambassadors and a timely yard-waste refresher (paper bags or marked rigid containers; no plastic; bundles <4′ and <4″ diameter; ≤40 lbs; collected year-round). [see page 3]

In community news, Goshen Farm’s Wine Down at the Farm was a sell-out—thanks to many local sponsors. Last FREE Summer Concert is Fri, Sep 5 with 24 Karat & Laura Brino (6:30–8:30 p.m.). [see page 7]

Cape Garden Club: Congratulations to July & August Yard of the Month winners! Meetings resume Tue, Sep 2, 7:30pm at the clubhouse; They will be going to Winterthur House & Garden on a bus trip on Saturday September 27th. There will be a 9am departure and a 7pm return. [see page 6]

Cape Conservation Corps’s Fall Native Plant Fest & Sale will be held on Saturday, Sep 20, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., field behind the clubhouse (1223 River Bay Rd). There’s a great lineup of plants here: milkweed, goldenrod, asters, beautyberry, witch hazel, oakleaf hydrangea, sedges, grasses, ferns, and more—low prices and expert advice on site. [see page 8]

It would be the September issue without the information for HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS on Saturday October 18th from 10am to 3pm at the clubhouse field. Admission to the event requires $6.00 per child. The registration information is on page 9! It’s a MUST do event with the kids!

Trick or treating will be held at the Cape St. Claire Shopping Center on Thursday October 23rd from 5:30 to 6:30pm (or until the candy is gone) Don’t miss this fun event!

See you around the Cape!

The 2025 Summer here in Maryland has really turned out to by a real stinker by Mother Nature. It’s either absurdly hot and humid or pouring buckets. I haven’t figured out which one is worse. Should we take a vote? Either way, the fact that the July/August Caper edition is now in your hands, that tells me that summer has reached its apex and is now on the way out of here. You either love or hate summer – I’m more in the 2nd camp on that one but I digress.

Speaking of which, this Caper is coming in hot. It’s full of the goodness you would expect from a double issue. Jerome waxes poetic, once again, about Independence Day, patriotism, and the glory of neighborhood beach strolls. He reminds us Cape St. Claire was basically born on Flag Day (June 14, 1949), which feels incredibly on-brand. Community pride runs high, and there’s even a shout-out to the local beach attendants. Be nice to them — for many, it’s their first job.

Frank Tewey, in his Town Manager message, has become the Cape’s hype man for activities. Strawberry Festival? A sticky, sweet success. July 4th? Red, white, and booming! He also reminds residents that Cape is more than just water access — it’s a lifestyle. You can fish, boat, hike, garden, or join 37 community orgs, each more charmingly specific than the last.

In Community news, Goshen Farm is throwing summer concerts and a “Wine Down at the Farm” event (come for the wine, stay for the Cold Brew 42 cover band). Also, turns out some of the farm’s former residents were part of the Underground Railroad. Cape’s got deep roots and deeper meaning.

Cape Conservation Corps are waging an all-out war against bushkiller vine (yes, that’s a real thing) and inviting you to join the “Mosquito Bucket Challenge.” It involves buckets, bacteria, and zero room for standing water. Meanwhile, the Garden Club is giving out Yard of the Month awards and planning a Secret Garden Tour that ends with a potluck BBQ. If there’s a more wholesome sentence than that, we haven’t found it.

This issue also shows off the two biggest events of the year – the Strawberry Festival and our July 4th parade and activities. Strawberry Festival and 4th of July photo spreads include hot dogs, tiaras (on both kids and dogs), patriotic golf carts, and enough red to blind a fire truck. If your kid wore face paint or rode a scooter, they’re probably in it.

See you around the Cape!

Spring has arrived in the Cape. Things are finally changing from brown to green, people are out walking around – it’s a most wonderful sight to see. As we move into May, Jerome, President of CSCIA, is again asking for volunteers to not only help with the Strawberry Festival coming in a few short weeks but around the Cape in general. Don’t forget that starting May 1st, all vehicles must display the CSCIA sticker in order to park in the community beaches and parks.

He also mentions the upcoming May calendar events! Beach Jams by Cape Vibes (check out the calendar right here to see when), the Cape St. Claire Volunteer Fire department Touch-a-Truck will be held on May 10th, the Garden Club’s plant sale will be on May 17th, Cape Conservation Corps “warrior” events are weekly and Goshen Farm is hosting their rescheduled open house on June 21st.

Frank Tewey’s message also reiterates that stickers are required now on your vehicles. Beach Attendants will also begin their duties this month – it’s essential that we treat those attendants with the respect they deserve. Next Quarterly Membership Meeting will be held on July 22nd at 7:30pm at the Clubhouse.

In community group news, Goshen Farm will have their first Free Friday Night Concert series starts on June 27th at 6:30pm. Don’t forget to get your Kayak Raffle tickets. Tickets are $5.

The Garden Club’s annual plant sale will be held on Saturday May 17th at the Clubhouse field from 8am – 2pm. They will have veggies, herbs, colorful annuals & perennials galore! More details in this month’s Caper.

Cape Conservation Corps has a great write-up on Mosquito control this month. As we head into mosquito season, it’s essential how you can help stem the mosquito population.

And then —- it’s nearly STRAWBERRY TIME! The 2025 Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival will be held on Saturday June 7th. Parade begins at 10:00am at the firehouse and will end at 6:00pm at the Cape St. Claire main beach. All the information you need can be found in this month’s Caper – starting on page 17. In addition, you can visit the Strawberry Festival website for more info as well. Want to find out the best way to get to the festival? Check out the berry stops page on the website or page 26 in this month’s Caper.

See you around the Cape!

New Caper has dropped – just in time for the weekend! In Jerome’s Presidential message, he waxes poetic about April and warmer temperatures knocking on our doorstep. He also stresses the need for volunteers in the community. He also reveals details on the major community changes coming on April 1st. Be sure you check out his message for details on this BIG CHANGE.

Frank Tewey reminds everyone to SLOW DOWN when driving through the community. As the warmer temperatures arrive, it also bring people outside and making those needed home improvements. Make sure you are reaching out to CSCIA to approval – visit here for details on the building codes. Remember that the next quarterly membership meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22nd 2025 at 7:30 at the clubhouse.

In community news, Goshen Farm has their spring open house on Saturday April 12th from 10am – 2pm. This FREE event is a wonderful opportunity to explore the last Colonial-era farm on the Broadneck Peninsula. Lots of great activities will be available. Check out this month’s Caper for more details.

Cape St. Claire Garden Club is celebrating 50 years this year! Now that it’s April, their Yard Of the Month teams will begin their judging, so get out there and spruce up your gardens. Also in April, they will be hosting 8 potting parties right here in the Cape. Feel free to email them at [email protected] or visit them at https://capegardenclub.wordpress.com/ for more details. Mark your calendars for Saturday May 17th from 8am to 2pm for their yearly Plant Sale being held at the Cape Clubhouse field.

In Cape Conservation Corps news, up to 25 homeowners can apply for FREE trees, to be available for planting this fall. Check out their write-up on page 8 for more details on this. Mark your calendars for some great upcoming events! April 5th is their Project Clean Stream – 9am at Graul’s Field. Also, April 9th from 6-8pm spring into CCC events Open House at Little Magothy Beach Park. More details are in this month’s Caper.

The Easter Bunny is coming to the Cape on Saturday April 12th at the main beach. The hunt will begin promptly at 11:15am. Admission to the egg hunt is by ticket only – tickets must be obtained from Whimsicality, in the CSC shopping center NOW. The cost of the tickets is 1 dozen plastic eggs and 1 bag of individually wrapped candies small enough to fit inside of the eggs. More details on this amazing community event are on page 17.

The STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL IS COMING — Saturday June 7th 2025. Parade begins at 10:00am. The princess entry form is on page 20 – now is your time to get your entries in!

See you around the Cape!

It’s that time of year all over again. I’m not sure about you the brown-ness of nature right now is an eye sore. Blah and boring and dull and [insert your adjective here]. We need some much needed green and flowery blooms. It’s nicer now because I don’t leave work in the pitch blackness of early evening and I can step outside without the wind and cold taking my breath away. It’s the little things. I’ve put the snow shovel away and started regularly cleaning up after the dogs, still need to watch where I step though but progress! Things are slowly returning – winter is slowly retreating. Onto Cape Business!

In Jerome “Wonka” Zadera’s Presidential-y message, he pleads with all of you to get those yellow cards paid so you can use your Golden Ticket to enjoy all of the Cape’s amenities, including our beaches, parks and other community spaces. If you don’t pay until after Saturday (March 1st), you’ll be forced to pay a $10 late fee. Why pay for 2 of them for the price of one? Come on ya’ll, that doesn’t make sense. Make it happen!

Piers contracts are due back by March 15th, so please make sure you get them turned in by then. Mr. Wonka explains much more in his Presidential message. The board is also working on the final stages of the beach replenishment planning to help protect and restore the shorelines.

In Frank Tewey, the Town Manager’s message, he reminds everyone that daylight savings time is Sunday March 9th – Spring ahead and Fall Back. Another reminder about paying for those Golden Tickets and to get those piers contracts in. The next Quarterly Membership Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday April 22nd, 2025 at 7:30pm. In March, Frank will be traveling to Turin, Italy with other police officers from around the globe to carry the Flame of Hope to the 2025 World Winter Games for the Special Olympics. It’s an amazing honor. For more information about what Frank is doing, you can check out the link here.

In community news, Goshen Farm is holding a free community event on March 10th from 3pm to 5pm at the Cape St. Claire Clubhouse. They are having live music, delectable treats, complimentary coffee and tea, specialty beverages, and all to support a worthy cause. More information can be found in this month’s Caper.

In March, the Garden Club will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the club’s founding and 50 years of service to their beloved Cape community. Together, members will savor a catered dinner, 2 new club t-shirts drawn by 2 artists and lots of flowers of course! Then on April 1st, their meeting will start early so they can work outside and feature a hands-on Dividing Perennial Workshop. Mark your calendars for the Cape St. Claire Garden Club plant sale being held on Saturday May 17th! Information can be found on page 7.

Cape Conservation Corps is doing their 2nd annual College Scholarship. They are offering $1,000 to one Broadneck High School 2025 graduating senior that is planning on pursuing a degree in environmental studies or related field. Page 10 has the application you will need to fill out. On March 5th, they will be hosting Dr. Ellen Prager and Dave Jones, authors, scientists and local Cape residents at 6:30pm at the Club house. More information on this great event and their recurring ones can be found in this month’s Caper.

EASTER is coming – well in April anyway but now is your chance to get your egg hunt tickets. Beginning March 17th, during regular business hours, stop by Whimsicality during normal business hours in the Cape St. Claire Shopping Center to get your tickets. The cost of the tickets is 1 dozen plastic eggs and 1 bag of individually wrapped candies small enough to fit inside of the eggs. Check page 20 for more information on this amazing family event. Also, the easter egg scavenger hunt will be returning this year and the Easter bunny will be here on Saturday April 12th.. more details inside!

See you around the Cape!

What a cold January. Whew. I say this as someone who frequently complains when there isn’t enough cold and snow. I leave this January pleased at nearly 3 weeks of snow cover and temps, at times, far below freezing. The current temps are Beau shorts weather, shirt optional. Speaking of shirt optional, congratulations to Jerome Zadera for his 2nd term as President of Cape St. Claire Improvement Association. Golf clap. Seriously though, I know how difficult of a job it can be. Let’s give him a resounding round of applause. During the Annual Meeting that took place on January 14th 2025, several recurring board members made it back on, namely Beau Breeden, Mary Lamb, and Joe Angel. Big congrats go to Blake Morris for volunteering to roll the sleeves up and do Cape’s work. An exciting season is ahead and the Board is laying the groundwork.

Frank Tewey, Town Manager, updates us on the new office hours (they are open until 3:30pm now). He also provides a friendly reminder about the YELLOW postcards in the mail. Dues are due March 1st!

It’s quiet season in the Cape; see my first paragraph, but that doesn’t mean that our great Community groups aren’t hard at work. Goshen Farm starts their Java & Jazz, Tea & Tunes on Sunday March 9th. Don’t forget to join them for all the great events and meaningful impact they make to the community. Details inside.

On Tuesday February 4th, the Garden Club will be enjoying a talk titled “A Cutting Garden’s Bounty; Planning for Succession” about creating a series of blooms throughout the season by garden designer Drew Asbury of Hillwood Estate Garden. On Tuesday, March 4th, they will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary with a dinner. More details in this month’s Caper.

Cape Conservations Corps is celebrating 10 years this year! Isn’t that awesome? In this month’s Caper, they announce their Habitat Hero of 2024 – it’s a surprise. Coming up on March 5th, they are having local authors, Ellan Pragar and Dave Jones at the clubhouse. Doors open at 6:30.

What would a February be without the YEAR IN REVIEW. Only in the online version do you get color photos so flip over to page 13 and soak in the memories from the past year.