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East Lynne Brings Back Cape May’s Own Jim Plousis, Celebrated in Stage Adaptation of Memoir

Issue #502

November 02, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎭East Lynne Brings Back Cape May’s Own Jim Plousis, Celebrated in Stage Adaptation of Memoir

🦦Remembering Ariel: Cape May Zoo's Cherished Otter Dies After Stroke

🛒Local Favorite Arnold’s Market to Close After 60+ Years at Shore Location

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

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

 November 2 

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East Lynne Brings Back Cape May’s Own Jim Plousis, Celebrated in Stage Adaptation of Memoir

East Lynne Theater Company will present a one-night-only encore performance of “Jersey Lawman: A Life on the Right Side of Crime” on Saturday, November 15 at 7 p.m. at the Clemans Theater for the Arts in Cape May. This compelling staged reading, adapted and directed by Thomas Raniszewski, is based on the memoir by Cape May County native Jim Plousis and the late George Ingram. The production traces the remarkable 40-year career of Plousis in law enforcement, beginning with his early days as a patrolman in Ocean City. His journey included serving as the youngest county sheriff in the nation at age 32, and later as the U.S. Marshal for New Jersey—an appointment made by President George W. Bush. Today, Plousis serves as chairman of the Casino Control Commission. The memoir captures the high-stakes and deeply human moments of his career, from notorious cases and public figures—including Donald Trump, Bernie Madoff, and Nicky Scarfo—to major national events like Hurricane Katrina and 9/11. Encouraged by Ingram, a friend and neighbor, Plousis agreed to share his story, with all book proceeds benefiting the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund. Raniszewski, a longtime family friend whose father worked with Plousis, envisioned bringing the story to the stage. Since debuting in April 2024, the reading has been performed at various benefit events, drawing strong community interest. The November 15 performance will feature actors Eddie Castagnetta, Alisa Cooper, Ken Hornbeck, Mat Labotka, Thomas Raniszewski, and Brendan Schaffer. Admission is pay-what-you-will, and no reservations are required. Proceeds from the event will support Garden State Concerns for Police Survivors and East Lynne Theater Company.

 

Remembering Ariel: Cape May Zoo's Cherished Otter Dies After Stroke

  Ariel, a female river otter at the Cape May Zoo, has died following complications from a second stroke. She had spent two years at the zoo, where she became a favorite among visitors and staff for her playful spirit and strong personality. Throughout her time at the zoo, Ariel was known for her curious nature and clever behavior. Whether she was gliding through the water on her back, crunching on leaves, or napping in her favorite hollow log, she brought a sense of joy to those who watched her. Keepers often noted her intelligence during training sessions and her knack for charming her way into extra treats or attention. Ariel’s bond with Mork, her otter companion, was another special part of her story. She often took the lead in their interactions and was known to keep him in check with her playful assertiveness. After initially showing signs of recovery from a stroke in late 2024, her unexpected passing has left the community mourning the loss of a beloved animal friend.

Local Favorite Arnold’s Market to Close After 60+ Years at Shore Location

 Arnold’s Family Market in Wildwood will permanently close this winter, ending decades of business at its 24th Street and New Jersey Avenue location. The market, known for its hoagies and free delivery across The Wildwoods, has not disclosed a reason for the closure. This follows a statewide trend, with over 33,000 New Jersey businesses having shut down since March 2023. Arnold’s is set to close after December 13th, with no word yet on future plans for the site.

 

What unique feature of Cape May's Sunset Beach is a popular attraction where visitors can witness the remnants of a World War I-era concrete ship?

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Answer to the November 1st Trivia Question

What former borough of Cape May County was dissolved after being severely damaged by the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944?

A) Cold Spring
B) South Cape May
C) West Cape May
D) North Cape May

Answer: B) South Cape May

South Cape May was a borough that existed from 1894 until 1945 when it was officially dissolved due to the extensive damage caused by the 1944 hurricane​​​​.​

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