^Jersey Cape NATURALLY By Joan Galli Here at The Wetlands Institute we often receive calls from curious residents asking for identification on some rare of unusual creature ( found along the coastal area. Without seeing the liye animal, identification can be difficult. What would you say, for example, if you were asked to'identify’ r ...a curious, fish-like creature about 6 inches long, which swims standing upright, wears an armour-plated skeleton on the outside, has a monkey’s tail, a pouch like a kangaroo, little fins where its ears should be, eyes luce a chameleon, a mouth like a soda straw attached to a horse’s head, and was found in Scotch Bonnet Creek?” While the bay waters of the countv are filled with a vast .array of strange and wonderful creatures, you ma. very well conclude that this mini-monster was the result of too much noon-time sun and a vivid imagination. Actually, should you see one of these creatures in the tank at Wetlandia — our natural history exhibit — you would recognise it instantly as a

seahorse.

These fascinating animals are popular with visitors, not only for their unique appearance, but because of their unusual habits

,and behavior.

Did you know, for instance, that it is the male seahorses' responsibility to care for the young which are carried around in - a pouch on the front of his body? This peculiar behavior is also shared by the pipefish, a close relative. One male seahorse studied in captivity was reported to have released more than

100 young over a several hour period.

Few people realize these fish occur right here in Cape May

i— i ~ „rr :««

County. They appear to be resident year-round, moving off into

ital waters in the winter. They f '

' ith i

deeper coast;

feed on miniature

s by sucking them up, with a popping noise, into

their straw-shaped mouth just like you would sip a soda. They

use their tails like a hand to hold themselves attached to seaweed and grasses on thfe creek and bays bottoms. They are occasionally catched in trawls and seines by our fisheries scientists studying Cape May County wildlife. A professional biologist, Joan Galli is a trustee of the Wetlands Institute. Illustration by Polly Perkins.

Another ‘Annie’ For Cape

W. CAPE MAY-It mast be something in the water. Or maybe the air. Cape May County has produced another young actress to belt out "Tomorrow” in the indestructible musical "Annie”. Pert 11-year-old Becky Snyder, who lives here, recently began a five-week stint in Washington, D.C., with the first national touring company of "Annie", to be followed by two months in Chicago and other engagements throughout the country. WHEN NOT on tour, Becky is at home with her mother, Virginia, brothers Robert, 14, Timothy, 10, sisters Jessica,'13, and Cassie, 7. Plus four cats, one dog, a tankful of fish, and a turtle. It is the first professional engagement for Becky—a straight-A, 7th grade student at Our Lady Star of the Sea School-but she , come to it well prepared. 1 SHE HAS DANCED with the Joanne Reagan Mini Co. seven years, does gymnastics, and has been a member of the Cape May

Becky Snyder

swimming team three years. ^

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Publi*h«d by »h« S*owov* Corp-. P-O-Box 484, Cope May, N.J. 08204. o» the second tection of the Cope May County Herald and the Lower Township Lantern.

ConfrlbuMons 8 (deoi ore welcome and may be arranged by calling (609) 9673312.'

Editor John H. Andrut II Gonoral Manager Bonnlo Rolna Advert I liny Dlroctor William J. Adornt

r ’ INI ImovnrA Corp. AN rtfM* r—rwd. AN pro***, rlptot ter it* entire content* ot »M* pubiketton tholl be the property of the lew^e Corp. Mo part hereof

Ewryfiing iS'lreshly homemade

Brunch Daily |Tom 9 am to 2 pm Dinner Daily from 6 pm to 10 pm Early Bird Dinner Spdckal* Served 6 pm to 7 pm Mon, to Thurt. >

23rd & Dune Drive, Avalon, N J Phone (609) 967-8228

Mrs. Snyder credits voice teacher Sal Amorello, with the help of the Edie Robb Talent Works, with getting Becky to the New York auditions at which she captured the role. Mrs. Snyder works at the county library. Kristy Coombs, of North Cape May, has been "Annie" in another touring company for the past year, after playing thelittlest orphan for some time.

ATTENTION

SENIOR

CITIZENS

Now You Can Dine Out Affordably! . W* ot Pompoo't hov# prpporod o limited mono with pOrtipnt ond pric#* tailored to th# »moll«r opp#tft«» and budgets of senior cittiens. This menu will be offered in addition to our full regular toenu from 4:90 to St JO daUy.^Speclal dinners include

e. 2 vegetables, bread and butter, coffee or tea.

salad bar, small main coursev

Baked Virginia Ham. . .

. .J $3.60

N.Y. Strip Steak (6 oil. . .

. $6.95

Roast Beef w/Gravy . .

. . $3.95

fried Flounder.

. $3.95

Chopped Steak (6 m) .

... $3.36

Fried Shrimp (31

. $4.25

Roast Leg of Lamb..

... $3.95

Spaghetti8 Meatball. . .

{One meofboll, n6 veg.)

. $3.25

And mml kmcmadt Halim fi«h«i w/muttall lor $J.M POMPEOS ks_ N TK MMIW1U IT ITHl ST, R. WILIWtM • 122-712* mtHMIM

The Perfect Nightcap Your Favorite Drink THE CARL GRANIERI TRIO

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DJ "Ted Steinmete” will play your favorite songs Reduced prices on all drinks for the ladies!

IN THE OCEAN TERRACE LOUNGE Dine and Dance to Muelc By . “THE MAGIC TOUCH”

78th & Dune Dr. Avalon 368-5155

ON THI MACH AT Mth STRUT AVALON MOTS STONIHARSOR • Mt-SITJ

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