Roz Johnson

Roz Johnson welcomed me into her home with an excitement reserved for a best friend’s long-awaited return. This was not someone who had agreed to an interview to tell her story, but someone who had agreed to an interview to share her passion for life with others.

Freshly baked orange scones were set on the kitchen table, garnished with strawberries and slices of lemon. A pitcher of iced tea with mint leaves waited nearby. Roz served the refreshments, insisting that I take home what we don’t finish.

Roz began to give me a tour of her home. Our first stop was a spacious multi-purpose room which served as a guest room, playroom for visiting grandchildren, and display area for keepsakes and collections.

In the middle of the floor was a true-to-size campfire crafted from felt. A red, an orange, and a yellow flame rose from felt logs. Arranged at the base of the plush blaze were wooden skewers, each holding a felt marshmallow. Roz explained that the fire is always ready to gather around for story time when her grandchildren are visiting.

Paintings, dried flower arrangements, crafts, and a box of 80-year-old love letters that her parents had written to each other while they were dating were just some of the memories and treasures the room held.

The most prominent feature in the room was an antique printer’s letterpress drawer. The drawer was displayed on its end, atop a bookcase and resting against the wall. In each of its many compartments were single scraps of paper. Roz told me that this was her collection of favorite quotes.

Would you read one for me?

Well, here’s one I just added. (Roz took a paper from the printer’s drawer and read.) “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone?” Have you ever heard that?

Sure, that’s Joni Mitchell. That’s from “Big Yellow Taxi.” Why does that particular saying resonate with you right now?

Because I think we need to protect the things we have. Like the environment and connection between people, which we are really losing nowadays. That’s why I love Cape May. It’s small enough that you get to know people.

Do you think the value of a small town is realized by everyone?

Well, you know we have a new library. On June 13th [we had] a book brigade where the books [were] passed from the old library to the new library. That’s a simple thing because it’s a simple concept. And just think of those books. I mean, if you have a book, how many people have searched for that book and held it and read it? How many people has that book spoken to or helped?

How long have you lived here in Cape May?

I grew up in Schenectady, New York as a child of Italian descent. Lots of food, lots of gardening, lots of family. I’ve been here since 2007. When I first came here, I went to work with Cape Resorts and worked there for 11 years. I managed Tommy’s Folly in Congress Hall. I was their first tour guide and portrayed Annie Knight. I was also their first Mrs. Claus. I worked at the Red Store after Cape Resorts and now I work at Chez Michel Bakery in West Cape May. Each job has to do with connecting with people. I love connecting with people and I love telling stories.

Can you read me another favorite quote?

Sure, let’s see, here’s one from Tolkien. “All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost. The old that is strong does not wither. And deep roots are not reached by the frost.” I don’t have to be fancy to make a difference or touch someone’s life. And I can’t look at people on a different path and assume they are lost. And finally, if you really have a love and a passion, it can never be taken from you. I love words!

Are any of them your quotes?

Oh, yes, I have many. But first I have to show you something. (Roz leads me to the front porch of her home which looks out onto the playground on Lafayette Street. Beyond the playground, just where the salt marsh begins, a tall wooden pole stands with an osprey nest at the top. Roz grabs binoculars by the front door. We stand on the front porch, sharing the binoculars as she shows me the osprey nest in the distance.)

During the pandemic, that osprey nest came alive. I was isolated and began to watch it. I saw three eggs at first and then saw the chicks and watched them each day until they finally left the nest. Sometimes with the osprey there is tragedy. One year the father didn’t bring enough food and the chicks starved. It’s the same osprey parents year after year. They migrate separately to South America, but they return and are back together. They mate for life. Now, come here. (I follow her back inside to a side table in her living room where beautifully hand-written cards are neatly stacked.) So, these are the words and quotes I wrote, inspired by the osprey. (She shuffles quickly through the stack, stopping to read selected quotes aloud.)

“Nature is like looking into the eyes of God.” “Parenting is a constant vigil of relentless sacrifice.” “Life can change at any moment, hold it close.” Here’s a good one, “When are we willing to sit on the edge to prevent others from falling?” This all had to do with what I was seeing in the osprey nest. Oh, here’s one. There’s always a runt among the chicks, you know. “Being the runt is a courageous journey. When you’re not being picked at, you’re waiting your turn to be fed. But somehow you convince yourself the peck will heal, you’re not that hungry — that makes you stronger to face the challenges ahead.” I’ll read this last one. The mother was not at the nest on the day her first little one got to leave the nest. “I knew the day would come when you would leave. I was not there. The emptiness was real.”

Would you read one more for me?

Okay, here’s a good one. “The air is crisp and cold. Mornings watching you feed your little ones have been replaced with the clicking sound of knitting needles. Through my tears I have to believe hope springs eternal for a safe return.”

What are some ways you’ve been able to make a difference for someone in your daily life?

When I was portraying Mrs. Claus at Congress Hall, there was a young boy whose family stayed there each December and he would join my gingerbread house workshop that I led for the children. He was mentally challenged. I never knew how much I was making a difference in his life, but his mother told me that my gingerbread house workshop was one of the few times that he would speak clearly. His mother told me that she couldn’t explain what it was about me and the workshop, but she knew it touched him deeply and brought him joy. Now, that was years ago. You’ll never guess what just happened recently while I was working at the bakery. A woman came in and looked at me and she said, “You’re Mrs. Claus! You don’t remember me, but my son used to make the gingerbread houses with you each year.” Then she showed me her phone where she still had a photo of me as Mrs. Claus with her son. It made me cry.

Working in a bakery ranks up there with working in an ice cream parlor or a candy shop. Everyone would love to work in one!

The aroma of the bakery puts people in such a good mood. They know what they are about to experience. I know they are going to leave happy. So many people say to me, “My day is going to be much better now.” It takes them back to childhood. Whether with words or aromas, I believe in the power of connection. If I can help someone make a connection, I can say it was a good day.

How do you make changes on a community level?

A little over a year ago I was feeling frustrated with environmental issues and with social issues in terms of race, income, and women’s rights. Someone said to me that if I wanted to make a difference and have my voice heard to start at a local level. So, I began attending the city council meetings. I listened and learned, and my favorite part was when residents can get up and speak. However, I think it’s important not to just go and request and complain but to give praise where it is due.

Is there a current issue you think should take priority in Cape May?

Yes, affordable housing. Cape May needs to keep a young spirit. Younger people and families are important in any community. We also need housing where our workers can live. Another issue of priority I recently spoke of at a council meeting was the removal of the kiosks for the parking meters. I knew it was going to take a toll on senior citizens coming into town. Many older people don’t have smartphones or are not knowledgeable about using them. I know that today, operating a smartphone is not considered unusual or even tech-savvy, but to older people it is. The council heard from other people, and they have made an effort to replace some kiosks.

Are you pleased with everyone who sits on the City Council?

Everyone there has something to offer. It’s a good collaborative council.

Would you ever consider running for a local office?

Nope. Because what I’ve learned is that I can be more effective with positive change by being a resident.

It sounds as if any positive changes you seek start on a one-to-one level with those you meet.

When people come into the bakery and I ask them how their day is going, sometimes they don’t open up, sometimes they just say, “Fine.” I never know, I may be the only person who someone speaks to that day. Isn’t it wonderful if I can make that a pleasant experience?

Any advice for someone older who no longer feels relevant or able to work for positive changes?

Everyone has touched someone else and has made a difference in the life of another. Whether they realize it or not. Which brings me to a question — Why do I have this honor of being featured in the magazine?

For everything that you just told me. You’re someone who everyone loves. Your outlook and approach to life can benefit so many people. And wouldn’t it be nice if someone reading this could change their perspective just slightly and see the world as you do?

Well, thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this. I saw your last issue and you interviewed Steve from Magic Brain, and he owns something! I said to myself, “I don’t own anything. I’m just Roz.”