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Cape May Zoo’s Hedgehog Forecaster Elsa Has Died, Groundhog Day Forecast in Doubt

Issue #245

February 01, 2025

 

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🦏 Cape May Zoo’s Hedgehog Forecaster Elsa Has Died, Groundhog Day Forecast in Doubt

 🏪North Wildwood’s Ivanhoe Motel Being Demolished After 50+ Years

💰Big Savings for Seniors: NJ Rolls Out New Property Tax Relief Application

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

 

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

 February 1  

OUR NEW EVENT SUBMISSION FORM

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Cape May Zoo’s Hedgehog Forecaster Elsa Has Died, Groundhog Day Forecast in Doubt

 New Jersey’s Cape May County Park & Zoo will be without its usual Groundhog Day forecaster this year after the passing of Elsa, a hedgehog who participated in the event for the past three years. The zoo has not announced whether a new animal will take her place in 2025. Meanwhile, Milltown Mel’s former Groundhog Day celebration remains canceled for a third consecutive year due to difficulties finding a replacement under state regulations. With no clear successor for either event, New Jersey’s Groundhog Day traditions face an uncertain future.

North Wildwood’s Ivanhoe Motel Being Demolished After 50+ Years

The Ivanhoe Motel, a North Wildwood landmark since 1969, is being demolished following its $4 million sale in 2022. Originally inspired by the novel "Ivanhoe," the motel expanded from 16 to 32 units. The site is being redeveloped by Beachside Resort, LLC, officially closing the chapter on one of the island’s most recognizable motels. The Ivanhoe shared a close connection with the Panoramic Motel, a neighboring property that operated as its sister site. The two motels maintained a similar aesthetic and worked together to serve guests for decades—until the family decided to sell in 2022. As the Ivanhoe Motel vanishes from North Wildwood’s skyline, its legacy remains a cherished memory for those who vacationed there over the past five decades.

Big Savings for Seniors: NJ Rolls Out New Property Tax Relief Application

 New Jersey is making it easier for seniors to apply for property tax relief by introducing a single application covering three programs: ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and StayNJ. The PAS-1 application will be mailed to over a million households in the coming weeks, with an online version launching in mid-February. The application is specifically for seniors aged 65 and older, as well as disabled homeowners. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2025, but benefits will begin rolling out in July 2025 for early applicants.

Which U.S. figure composed a march specifically for Cape May's Congress Hall?

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Answer to the January 31st Trivia Question

Which significant natural feature near Cape May is known for being a critical location for bird migration, attracting birdwatchers from around the world?

A) Cape May Point
B) Cape May State Park
C) Cape May Bird Observatory
D) Sunset Beach

Answer: C) Cape May Bird Observatory​

The Cape May Bird Observatory is famous for its strategic location along the Atlantic Flyway, making it one of the best places in North America for birdwatching during migration seasons.

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