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East Lynne Theater Hosts Red-Carpet Debut of Film Celebrating Cape May Artist Sydnei SmithJordan

Issue #645

April 03, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🦒East Lynne Theater Hosts Red-Carpet Debut of Film Celebrating Cape May Artist Sydnei SmithJordan

🎁West Cape May Weighs 12% Tax Hike as Expenses Surg

🪐2.5% Lodging Tax Plan Scaled Back Amid Tourism Concerns

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

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

 April 3

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East Lynne Theater Hosts Red-Carpet Debut of Film Celebrating Cape May Artist Sydnei SmithJordan

 The East Lynne Theater Company is continuing its evolution with the debut of a new installment in the documentary series Art Titans: Masters of a New Era, spotlighting Cape May artist Sydnei SmithJordan. The featured film, Pop Fusion and the Power of Legacy, will premiere at the Clemans Theater for the Arts inside the Allen AME Church, with screenings scheduled for the evening of April 11 and the afternoon of April 12. The documentary is part of an internationally recognized series produced by ArtTour International Magazine, which highlights influential contemporary artists and explores their lasting impact. Directed by Alan Grimandi and Viviana Puello, the series has featured more than a dozen artists worldwide and now turns its focus to SmithJordan, whose work blends layered storytelling with striking visual expression. SmithJordan is known for developing “Pop Fusion,” a distinctive artistic approach that merges graphic design elements, abstraction, and collage with traditional materials such as oil, fabric, and metal. Her work often centers on themes of African American history, resilience, identity, and overlooked narratives. Among her most recognized collections are pieces honoring Negro League baseball players, the Tuskegee Airmen, military veterans, and historically significant women. Her art has gained international acclaim and is included in collections owned by prominent figures in entertainment and the arts. She has also received the Top 60 Masters Award, a prestigious global honor recognizing excellence across multiple visual art disciplines. The East Lynne Theater Company views the event as a natural extension of its mission to celebrate storytelling and cultural preservation. By hosting the premiere and exhibition, the organization continues to expand its programming within its newly established home at the Clemans Theater for the Arts, offering audiences year-round access to diverse creative works. The April 11 premiere will feature a red-carpet experience with refreshments, an art exhibit, and an auction, while the April 12 matinee provides a more traditional viewing opportunity. Both events will allow attendees to experience SmithJordan’s work alongside the documentary.

West Cape May Weighs 12% Tax Hike as Expenses Surg

  West Cape May is confronting a difficult 2026 budget that includes a proposed 12% increase in municipal taxes, driven largely by rising costs for essential services. The most significant factor is a new agreement for police coverage with the neighboring city of Cape May, which has resulted in a sharp increase in expenses after shifting to a cost-based structure. In addition, the borough is dealing with higher solid waste disposal fees, further straining finances. To help offset these growing costs, officials are introducing new revenue sources, including a 2% tax on cannabis sales and funds from the liquor license trust. Despite these measures, the increase is still expected to impact residents and local businesses. While rising property values have provided some financial relief, they have not been enough to fully counterbalance the surge in expenditures. The proposed budget reflects broader financial pressures facing small municipalities, where the cost of maintaining essential services continues to outpace revenue growth. A public hearing and final vote on the budget and a related cap bank ordinance are scheduled for April 22.

2.5% Lodging Tax Plan Scaled Back Amid Tourism Concerns

 

A proposed 2.5% hotel tax in New Jersey tied to the World Cup is facing strong opposition over concerns it would hurt tourism statewide Opposition quickly grew among those in the tourism and event industries, who warned that higher lodging costs could discourage visitors planning weddings, vacations, and other trips. Concerns centered on the potential for travelers to choose destinations outside New Jersey, particularly in regions not directly benefiting from World Cup activity. Lawmakers also raised issues with how the proposal was structured, noting that exemptions for certain shore counties highlighted inconsistencies in how tourism is distributed statewide. Critics emphasized that many parts of New Jersey—including inland resorts and southern destinations—rely heavily on seasonal visitors unrelated to events at the Meadowlands. As pressure mounted, momentum behind the tax proposal began to shift, with indications that it may be scaled back or revised. The legislation, identified as S4111, has not yet been fully published for public review, and state officials have not outlined a definitive path forward.

Cape May is home to which historical estate, now a museum, that offers a glimpse into life during the Victorian era?

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 Answer to the April 2nd Trivia Question

Which Cape May hotel, originally dubbed "Tommy's Folly," was mocked for being too large but later became one of the city's most iconic buildings?

A) Congress Hall
B) The Chalfonte Hotel
C) Southern Mansion
D) The Virginia Hotel

Answer: A) Congress Hall​ Congress Hall, built in 1816, was originally called "Tommy's Folly" by locals who believed it was too large to succeed, but it later became one of Cape May's most famous and historic hotels.

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