Crowds packed Main Street in Woodstown at the annual Fall Festival this September.
Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!
ORGAN: Your Town Crier will be at the organ on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at First Baptist Church on South Main Street. Hymns this Sunday are "I'd Rather Have Jesus," "Teach Me," "Oh the Deep, Deep Love," and "Here I Am, Lord." It's Communion Sunday so come ready to sing!
FALL FESTIVAL: This year's Fall Festival was another rousing success. The streets were mobbed with happy residents and visitors while South Main Street was lined from tip to tail with vendors. Our Historical Society Museum also saw a lot of traffic -- I even had the opportunity to teach some WHS students a "cheer" from the 1940s, which they brought to their Band Competition after the festival. It's called "RIP RAP"
MUSEUM: I'll be manning the P-W Historical Society Museum on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. Swing by from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and I'll teach you the "cheer" from the 1940s that I taught our current students at the Fall Festival.
CINDERELLA: This November, I'll be starring in Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA at the Levoy Theatre in Millville, N.J. Initially, I was cast as Sebastian, the villainous advisor to the Prince who seeks to control the throne. But as fate would have it, the actor playing the Prince unfortunately had to exit the production. So, I will now be playing Prince Topher (aka. Prince Charming). The production also features plenty of outstanding talent from the Woodstown-Pilesgrove community, including Cadey Laning, Rick Thompson, Lori Thompson, Brady Thompson, myself, and many others ... Click here for tickets.
COMMUNITY
The Town Crier of Woodstown with the Mayor of Woodstown at the 2025 Fall Festival!
MARLTON PARK: The districts of Woodstown, Upper Pittsgrove, and Alloway are teaming up for "COW-MUNITY CONNECTION DAY," a special event connecting school staff and community members, featuring Carnival rides, raffles, food, games, music, and more. The event will be held over three days: Thursday, Oct. 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Marlton Recreation Fields. $5 donation for parking recommended. For questions about the event, contact Diane Cioffi at Cioffi.d@woodstown.org.
GHOST TOUR: The Woodstown Haunted History Walking Tour, hosted by my arch nemesis, the DARK CRIER LANCE BIRD (not to be confused with the Town Crier), will begin Saturday, Oct. 4. Tickets are sold out, but keep an eye on the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society Facebook for new dates!
MOVIE NIGHT: Calling all WPRSD Families and Youth Community Sports Teams! There will be a Movie Night held at the WHS Ron Udy Soccer Complex at 201 E. Millbrooke Ave. on Friday, Oct. 10 beginning at 5:30 p.m. with lawn games hosted by WHS Athletes The film (which is TBA) begins at 6:30 p.m. Entry fee is $5 per person. Bring a lawn chair and blanket. The event is sponsored by the Salem County Sheriff's Department. For more, contact Darren Huck at Huck.d@woodstown.org or Dianne Cioffi at Cioffi.d@woodstown.org
CANDY!: The First Baptist Church of Woodstown is hosting a TRUNK OR TREAT in their parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at 6 p.m. Children are invited to wear costumes and trick or treat while viewing decorated cars. The Board of Mission is also collecting non-perishable food items.
HALLOWEEN: In just a short month, Woodstown will be full of Fall colors, vibrant oranges and reds and ochres while children young and young-at-heart will be out and about trick or treating. The Town Crier of Woodstown will be walking around, too! I'll also be helping give out candy and hot dogs at the home of the Dark Crier Lance Bird and Kate Dilks -- the Woodstown White House next to the Baptist Church on South Main. See you there!
VENDORS NEEDED: The Woodstown by Candlelight committee is seeking street vendors for South Main Street for the annual tour on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. The event is expected to draw huge crowds -- like scenes from a Christmas Hallmark Movie! To sign up, click here for the Google Form.
ENTERTAINMENT
L to R: Tyler Kulik, Shabria Moore, and Taye Hopkins attended the NJ Perry Awards in September, representing Woodstown's Blue Moon Theatre and the nominations for "Little Shop of Horrors." Kulik took home the award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Orin the Dentist. The production also received the award for Best Props in the Musical, awarded to Greg Murphy.
THEATRE: GHOST the Musical premieres Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. at the Blue Moon Theatre. Additional performances Oct. 4, 10, 11, and 12. Based on the hit 1990 romantic fantasy thriller film of the same name, it centres on lovers Sam (Nick Renna) and Molly (Aimee Renna), who are attacked as they are returning to their apartment. When Sam dies he becomes caught between the real world and the next. Click here for tickets!
HOMECOMING CONCERT: The Curtain Call Club of Woodstown is hosting the fifth annual "NIGHT OF DREAM ROLES" concert on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. This event features WHS students and alumni of our historic theatre program singing their favorite musical theatre classics.
Join us as we welcome home our Alumni for Homecoming Weekend (the night before the big Football game where we CRUSH SALEM!!!) for an evening of the finest music in town. Click here for more information.
CONCERT: Asbury United Methodist Church recently conducted a massive renovation of their 1935 pipe organ, funded by donations from the residents and businesses in the community. They'll be showing off the new organ in a concert on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Check their Facebook page for updates in the future.
SPORTS
Woodstown took home a win against Penns Grove High last weekend 9-0. The annual homecoming vs. Salem will be held Friday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
HOMECOMING: Our 2025 Homecoming Game is Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. vs. Salem High School. Expect a big win by the Wolverines and a spectacular halftime showcase by our WHS Marching Band! Watch the game live here.
WINS: Congrats to all our Athletic Teams on a strong start to the Fall season. We saw some phenomenal wins from our Varsity and JV Football, Soccer, Running, and Field Hockey teams. Outstanding job!
The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.
The Curtain Call Club of Woodstown annual membership meeting will be held in January 2026.
WEEKEND WEATHER
FRIDAY: Clouds and sun.. High of 70F. Low of 50F.
SATURDAY: Sunny. High of 76F. Low of 52F.
SUNDAY: Sunny. High of 78F. Low of 60F.
FORECAST: A warm and sunny first weekend of October! Still in not quite out of the woods on the warm weather yet, but out of the 80s finally. Temps will hover in the 70s with clouds and overnight showers mid-week.
♦
Woodstown Crier: Where Fall has arrived, with temperatures cooling and colors changing. We'll see everyone at the Homecoming Concert (Thursday the 16th) and Game (Friday the 18th), then Halloween!
_______________
Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com
Looks like "Lunch time" is their favorite class of the day! Children and teenagers from across Woodstown and Pilesgrove returned to classrooms (and cafeterias) this week to begin the 2025-2026 Academic Year. This school season is sure to bring tons of excitement with sporting events, Homecoming, the Fall Play, Choir and Band concerts, and many of exciting events. (Photo courtesy WPRSD Facebook)
Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!
BACK TO SCHOOL: Just wanted to wish a bounty of luck to the students and staff in the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District as the bells ring once more and another great school year begins. More than a hundred years ago, when our roads were dirt, there was a large iron swan fountain outside the Woodstown National Bank. Children would scamper over on their lunch break to see the turtles in the fountain. But when the hour drew nigh, the children were drawn back to their studies by the the echoing voices of teachers shouting, "Back to books! Back to books!" That sound is lost these days (especially with the roar of trucks through our small roads) but the sentiment and spirit remains.
GHOST STORIES: The Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society is seeking ghost stories about Woodstown -- especially any that occurred around or near Main Street. These stories will be featured in an upcoming Haunted History walking tour of Woodstown hosted by members of the historical society. Lance Bird, who also hosts history and haunted walking tours in Philadelphia is leading the effort. Send your ghost stories to Lance at lancebird116@gmail.com.
ORGAN: Your Town Crier will be at the organ on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 at First Baptist Church on South Main Street.
COMMUNITY
NEW BUSINESS: A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new JYNX GREENHOUSE will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 12 p.m. The new business is located at 17B North Main St (next to the Woodstown Tavern).
PICNIC: The First Baptist Church of Woodstown is hosting its annual Church Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. Here is their dispatch:
You're invited to a special Sunday! Join us outside under the tent for worship, a delicious picnic lunch, great fellowship, and to discover more about our Connect Groups as we launch into the fall season.
HARVEST MOON: Auburn Road Winery in Pilesgrove is hosting their "Harvest Moon Festival" on Saturday, Sept. 20 beginning at 12 p.m. Here is their dispatch:
Come sip and shop in the vines at our Harvest Moon Festival held in the Garden House Lawn.
Kick off fall and join us for an afternoon of local artisans, music, and of course wine!
FALL FESTIVAL: The Woodstown Fall Festival returns! The annual block-party will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendor registration is open (click here to register) with a set-up time of 8 a.m. and a vendor fee of $50. The deadline for vendors is Sept. 19, 2025.
FESTIVAL EVENTS: The Fall Festival will begin with a W-P School District 5K Run and Kids Dash at Marlton Park beginning at 8 a.m. (rain or shine). The festival will commence at 10 a.m. on Main Street. In addition, the Woodstown Central Railroad Train will be hosting rides with fares starting at $33. To sign up for a Fall Festival Railroad ride, click here.
SCARECROWS: The Fall Festival Scarecrow Competition will be held Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. on the day of the festival. To sign up, contact Rebekah Mulford at 856-491-0067 or email her at beeinspiredyoga@gmail.com.
GHOST TOUR: The Woodstown Haunted History Tour will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. Stay tuned for more information on how to purchase tickets! The event will likely begin at Woodstown Friends Meeting, and continue as a walking tour through the center of Woodstown, then back around. I just attended a "rehearsal" for the event and it's going to be AWESOME!!!
ENTERTAINMENT
COMMUNITY CHOIR: The Oak Singers, under the direction of Woodstown's Kahlil Gunther, is hosting an information meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Davidow Hall (Salem Community College). Here is their dispatch:
Would you like to find out more about the Oak Singers? Join us on Tuesday, September 9 at 6:30 pm in Davidow Hall at Salem Community College. It's not a formal meeting .. just a meet & greet with our director as well as some of the choir members and a chance to learn about the choir.
Our first rehearsal for the season is also that night at 7 p.m., so you can come to the meeting and stay for the rehearsal to see if it is right for you!
HOMECOMING CONCERT: The Curtain Call Club of Woodstown is hosting the fifth annual "NIGHT OF DREAM ROLES" concert on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. This event features WHS students and alumni of our historic theatre program singing their favorite musical theatre classics. Join us as we welcome home our Alumni for Homecoming Weekend (the night before the big Football game where we CRUSH SALEM) for an evening of the finest music in town!
SPORTS
Woodstown won their first game vs. Pitman High, 34-14 on Thurs. Aug. 28. They face off at 7 p.m. tonight (Friday, Sep 5) against Delsea High.
FOOTBALL: Next home game is Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 at 7 p.m. vs. Penns Grove High School. Expect a big win by the Wolverines and a spectacular halftime showcase by our WHS Marching Band! Watch the game live here.
The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.
The Woodstown Pilesgrove Joint Environmental Commission meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in Woodstown Borough Hall on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025
The Curtain Call Club of Woodstown general meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.
WEEKEND WEATHER
FRIDAY: Sunny with some showers overnight. High of 85F. Low of 66F.
SATURDAY: Sunny. High of 87F. Low of 68F.
SUNDAY: Clouds and sun. High of 76F. Low of 59F.
FORECAST: Scattered shows throughout the evenings. I do believe we call this weekend "Second Summer" It'll be hot, for sure, but temperatures won't go above 75F next week, with lows all in the upper 50s. Don't be fooled, we're cooling off soon. It's a perfect weekend to get in those summery things you missed in June, July, and August. Or grab a pumpkin spice latte and resist!
♦
Woodstown Crier: Where Fall is right around the corner! Sept. 22 is the official equinox. But we're already eyeing our pumpkins, preparing for the next WHS Football game & Marching Band showcase, and assembling our Fall Festival Scarecrows, as we welcome Woodstown and Pilesgrove's finest season.
_______________
Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com
Photo by Brian Pokrzywa I had the distinct honor of riding in the Independence Day Parade on July 4th on behalf of the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society in support of Woodstown By Candlelight (our December event!)
Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!
GHOST STORIES: The Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society is seeking ghost stories about Woodstown -- especially any that occurred around or near Main Street. These stories will be featured in an upcoming Haunted History walking tour of Woodstown hosted by members of the historical society. Lance Bird, who also hosts history and haunted walking tours in Philadelphia is leading the effort. Send your ghost stories to Lance at lancebird116@gmail.com.
ORGAN: Your Town Crier will be at the organ this Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 at First Baptist Church on South Main Street. Hymns are "Sweet Hour of Prayer," and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," -- but more importantly, my Dad, Jim Cook Sr., is leading the hymn singing!
JULY: Accept my sincerest apologies for not posting in July. This year has been busy, and July was a bit of a respite. I took the month off. But, we're back at it! The highlight of the July, for me at least, was the honor of riding in our July 4th Independence Day Parade on behalf of the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society. I was joined by Trudy Spence-Parker (the phenomenal organizer of Woodstown By Candlelight), her husband Steve who kindly drove the sports car I sat atop (a silver convertible courtesy Tim Reilly). But, most notably, I was joined by the legend himself, SANTA CLAUS!! Yes, it was Christmas in July for us (and the weather cooperated this year!). It was a great honor to celebrate July 4th and our community's spirit. I will never forget the hyper kinetic energy of the thousands of onlookers cheering their hearts out every time I rang my bell. It was inspiring and humbling. Here are a few special moments:
Town Crier and Santa Claus flank Trudy Spence-Parker who's busy getting Woodstown ready for Woodstown by Candlelight this December!
Town Crier, Steve Parker (in the vehicle) and Santa Claus!
COMMUNITY
FAIR: The Salem County Fair is in full swing! The annual gathering will be held Monday Aug. 4 - Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. Parking is $20 for all five days (or $10 per day). Of note, the Fireworks will be held at 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7. (rain date is same time Friday, Aug. 8). The fair begins at 5 p.m. on Monday and continues Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
BACK TO SCHOOL: Is it really that time already? Heck no! It's summer! But looking ahead, the school district is hosting the annual Back to School Block Party on Tuesday, Aug. 19 from 5 p.m .to 6 p.m. at the Shoemaker School Activity Fields on Millbrooke Ave. Families are invited for a night of food, games, music, presentations, and the first Woodstown High School Football Scrimmage of the year after the event.
ENTERTAINMENT
Ben Tatam of Woodstown stars at Danny Zuko in GREASE at Oakwood Summer Theatre this weekend and next, Fridays and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10
THEATRE: The Oakwood Summer Theatre proudly presents "GREASE" Aug. 8, 9, 15, 16 at 7 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. All performances are at Davidow Hall, Salem Community College. The show features many Woodstown performers! Click here to buy tickets. Tickets are also available at the door for $10.
CREEKSIDE: Live music by Acoustic Soul at Creekside Inn on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Buffet is open for $45/person, reservations highly recommended. No ticket required. Regular menu also available.
BLUEGRASS: The 53rd annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival will be held in Woodstown at the Fair Grounds over Labor day weekend, Aug. 29 - 31. Click here for more information.
WEIRD NEWS
PEACHES: Who stole Brian Foote's peaches? Look, it's one thing to snag a peach off a tree (which is still wrong), but to steal every single peach off his tree is downright criminal. Foote wrote in Woodstown/Pilesgrove Rants and Raves:
To the person who thought it was ok to come into our yard and pick all of the peaches off of our tree. You should have looked around for cameras. Bring them all back and all will be forgiven.
The post has elicited some interesting comments:
When we first moved we had someone just ride their 4-wheeler up on our property and helped themselves. Broad daylight. So sadly doesn’t shock me. No consideration for anyone property! (Anonymous)
We used to have a peach tree and the groundhogs that live under our shed climbed the tree and ate them all (we saw them trying to climb the tree and are 100% sure they got the fruit overnight) (Christine Heck Nowmos)
My uncle caught people stealing peach’s out of his orchard, they insisted they weren’t stealing and said they were going to by them. When he charged them $100 each they refused and he told fine put them back the way you found them. (Jay Hoffman)
PAINTINGS: In even stranger news, I picked up a new little hobby last week: painting. I've been taking an online class called "Modern Art & Idea" through the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and was inspired to pick up drawing and painting, something in which I've never had ANY talent! But, it's been fun! We'll see what I cook up next. Here are the paintings I made over the weekend:
"The Swing Set" Based on the swing set in my parents' backyard at my siblings and I grew up playing on and now our little nephew enjoys.
"Summer Flowers" Based on the view of our garage from the house, and a look at my mother's fabulous summer flower garden. Notice, though now out of season, I put our Prom Rhododendron in bloom. We use the name Prom because it's only ever in season for one week, which usually falls on the weekend of Woodstown High's prom -- making for great photos over the years.
"Christmas Eve" I wanted to capture the eerie, breezy vibe of the evening Christmas Eve candlelight service at my church. I play organ there, and I'll be at the organ again this Christmas Eve, both evening and midnight services.
SPORTS
FOOTBALL: First Scrimmage on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at the WHS Football fields.
The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.
FORECAST: I'll say it: July was awful! Tsunamis of storms and unbearably scorching heat marred the weather for the month. But, like a moment from Camelot, everything changed on the first day of August, and we're enjoying the warm breezes and easy sun shine. Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid to low 80s for the weekend, hotter next week with a chance of showers.
♦
Woodstown Crier: Where a beautiful and temperate August follows a scorching July, just in time for the cows and sheep and horses and funnel cakes and sodas and Lapps BBQ and tractor pull and fireworks at our Salem County Fair. See you there! (and break-a-leg, Oakwood!)
_______________
Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com
Woodstown High School runners Jacob Marino, Cole Lucas, Joshua Crawford, and Karson Chew were honored for this seasons achievements in the 4x800 at the SJCA Banquet. More about them in the SPORTS section below.
Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!
ORGAN: Your Town Crier will be at the organ this Sunday, June 22, 2025 at First Baptist Church on South Main Street. Hymns are "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," and "Trust and Obey," two of my favorites. Music Director Cindy Winters leads the congregation -- don't miss out!
SUMMER BEGINS: The first day of summer is Friday, June 20, 2025. We made it! Do you have a vacation planned? If my passport arrives in time and other factors fall into place, I'm hoping to vacation in France at the end of the summer -- but that's a long way off. I'm thinking 'tis high time to get to the boardwalk as quickly as I can.
It's been a few years since I've made it over there -- I love Ocean City, N.J. My grandparents used to get a big house for a week during the 1990s and the entire extended family would stay over. I never cared much for the beach itself, no less the ocean except up to my ankles, but the boardwalk is glorious. The cotton candy, the roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, the trinkets, the hermit crabs, the pizza larger than the moon, the Polish water ice in every flavor.
COMMUNITY
LUNCH DEBT: UPDATE: As I was publishing this report, the fundraiser was still open, but the latest update indicates the fundraiser has closed and all WHS senior lunch debt has been cleared! This means seniors unable to walk at graduation due to outstanding lunch debt will now walk and graduate. AWESOME JOB WOODSTOWN AND AMBER RORRIS-CROW!!!
Original report:
There are, sadly, some seniors this year who won't be allowed to walk at graduation unless their cafeteria lunch debt is paid off before Wednesday. Nevertheless, Amber Rorris-Crow and the Greater Woodstown community are doing right by our seniors and fundraising to get these debts paid off. We love to see it! More than 50 kind community members have donated.
Here is their dispatch:
Hi neighbors! As graduation day approaches, our seniors are preparing for one of the proudest moments of their young lives—walking across the stage and receiving their high school diploma.
Let's all work together to help pay off the lunch debts of our graduating seniors, so that they can start the next chapter of their lives debt free!
We love the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District, and we are grateful to them for supporting our kids as they grow and learn.
GRADUATION: The Woodstown High School class of 2025 graduates on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees must have a ticket. I am really going to miss this year's graduating seniors. They were a phenomenal group of young people -- I got to know many of them through the Drama Club over the past two years. What will we do without Lizzie Hitchner, Colin Schmidt, Brannagh Rattigan, Ginny Messick, Brandon Zukovsky and the many others who contributed so much to our school?!
PROMO VIDEO: The WHS Communications Academy has released a special promotional video highlighting our school system. To view it, click here or view below:
MOVIE: Salem County In Recovery is hosting a movie night on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 6 p.m. Transportation departs from 184 Elm St in Woodstown (and travels to Regal Cinema in Washington Twp.) The movie will be "Elio" about the cosmic misadventure of Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. To register, contact Jackyln Treece at jacklyn.treece@salemcountynj.gov or call 856-935-7510 ext. 8105.
SOUND OFF!: The Oakwood Summer Theatre, which features tons of Woodstown and Pilesgrove talent, is raising funds to purchase microphones for their current season of summer shows at Salem Community College. Here is their dispatch:
If you missed your chance to support the children’s show, you still have a chance to support “Murder on the Orient Express” and our main stage musical “GREASE.” Every purchase gets us closer to our goal of having microphones!
THANKS: Just wanted to send enormous thanks to everyone involved, especially our alumni, students, Curtain Call Board, student organizer Elizabeth Hitchner and co-host Brandon Zukovsky, and director Kahlil V. Gunther in the fourth annual "Night of Dream Roles" at Woodstown High School. The event raised more than $700 which will go directly to theatre education programs in Woodstown-Pilesgrove schools next year. For more information visit www.CurtainCallClub.org.
AUDITIONS: The Blue Moon Theatre is hosting audition for "The Rocky Horror Show," directed by Greg Hammell on Sunday, June 22 from 12 - 2 p.m. Performances run throughout September. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090548A4AB2CAAFB6-57302178-the#/
SPORTS
RUN WOODSTOWN: Many kudo and congrats go out to Karson Chew, Josh Crawford, Cole Lucas, and Jacob Marino (pictured at the top of this column) for taking home top honors at the SJCA All-South Jersey Awards Banquet. They were recognized for their their season best of 7:54.84 in the 4x800. Even more exciting, their names will be immortalized high up on the walls of our gymnasium.
The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.
FORECAST: Clouds and scattered evening or early morning showers throughout the week. High of only 69F on Monday, but jumping up to the 90sF later in the week. A sunny weekend abounds, but be careful of next week where temperatures will linger close to 100F throughout the entire week. Extreme heat and no rain (which could cause sudden serious storms out of nowhere). Wear that sunblock and hydrate!
♦
Woodstown Crier: Where we look to the fine words of Ralph Waldo Emerson to guide our 2025 graduating seniors: "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
_______________
Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com
The cast of PSYCHO BEACH PARTY at the Blue Moon Theatre. The summery play opens tonight and runs June 6, 7, 13, 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets below in the "Entertainment" section.
Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!
Feel like summer yet?! Personally, I'm loving this warm weather.
Last Thursday, I had the distinct honor of presenting scholarships to two outstanding Woodstown High School seniors. The first was the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society Scholarship which went to Jonathan Farrell. Farrell wrote his essay on the First National Bank of Woodstown, and also produced a short commercial for the Communications Academy at WHS highlighting Historic Woodstown. Watch the commercial here:
The Blue Moon Theatre (Woodstown Opera House) Scholarship went to Brandon Zukovsky, an exemplary musician and student. Zukovsky performed on the trumpet in the pit orchestra for 2024's BRIGADOON and on the electric bass in the pit band for 2025's FOOTLOOSE. Already an accomplished professional musician, he plans to study Music Education at Rutgers University (New Brunswick) this Fall 2025. Zukovsky wrote his essay on The Curtain Call Club of Woodstown (disclaimer: I was not part of the committees that judged the applicants).
During the ceremony, I was joined by fellow PWHS Trustee Kate Dilks-Bird. We brought two artifacts from our Museum on Main Street (open every Saturday morning 10-1) from a century ago -- the program for the 1924-25 WHS Operetta "Well, Well" and the 1925 WHS Yearbook. At one point during the ceremony, Mrs. Dilks-Bird turned the class photo of the 1925 seniors to the graduating class so both classes might transcend time and gaze back at each other. It was an inspiring moment. Here are some highlights from the WHS 1925 Yearbook:
The 1925 Senior Class of Woodstown High School
Cover of the WHS 1925 Yearbook
The WHS 1925 Class Officers were President Raymond 'Haley' Hale, Vice President Horace Christy, Secretary Mary Packer, and Treasurer Margaret Crispin
The WHS Football and Baseball Teams of 1925. When I showed this photo to WHS Principal Rich Senior, he was surprised to see a smaller football team than a baseball team!
The WHS Orchestra of 1925. This group used to accompany the annual operetta (precursor to the modern "musical.")
Portraits of some graduating seniors. Notice how the names are similar to those in Woodstown today!
CHAMBER CHOIR RECITAL: I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fantastic recital performed by the Woodstown High School Chamber Choir last week. The event featured WHS Alumna Abigail Hunt, now a professional actor in South Carolina, along with three of our stellar seniors: Leah Waterman, Virginia Messick, and Elizabeth Hitchner.
Hunt was also joined onstage for two surprise duets with WHS's longtime drama director Paul Kranz. The evening ended with the traditional performance of "Jenny Rebecca" featuring the guest artist, the current choir, and the choir alumni, all under the direction of Mr. Kahlil V. Gunther.
Music Director Kahlil Gunther, joined by the 2025 seniors Elizabeth Hitchner, Colin Schmidt, Leah Waterman, and Virginia Messick, after the annual Chamber Choir Recital.
COMMUNITY
DATE NIGHT: A dispatch from the Field & Flock Lavender Farm:
Looking for a unique date night idea? Join us on Friday, June 13, 2025 for a special evening. Enjoy the tranquility of the farm at a table for two while sipping a spring inspired mocktail. Indulge in a seasonal graze box of artisanal cheeses, meats and fruit artfully created by Acts of Graze. You’ll also take in the beautiful landscape on a horse drawn wagon ride. Sign up on our website or copy and paste the direct link https://square.link/u/tAEYKyY8
Reservations close at the end of the day Sunday, June 8, so don’t delay!
SUPPORTING WOMEN: Two Woodstown students are fundraising to help women in need. Here is their dispatch and ways to donate:
Hi! We’re She Shelters Foundation; also known as Madison Newton and Colleen Bryceland, two high school students extremely involved in giving to their community and interested in expanding their help towards a variety of women.
We aim at advocating for aid towards female sexual assault, homelessness, and domestic violence victims. Women who suffer these grueling issues very often do not receive the care and accommodations they need. Women should not need to suffer in silence and should have immediate accessibility to relief and recovery. By raising awareness and money towards help organizations, women will be easier able to receive benefits and support.
We are extremely passionate about helping women in these circumstances. To help victimized women and help us spread our passion, you can donate to Women Against Abuse through us! We would greatly appreciate it, as would so many others!
SOUND OFF!: The Oakwood Summer Theatre, which features tons of Woodstown and Pilesgrove talent, is raising funds to purchase microphones for their current season of summer shows at Salem Community College. Here is their dispatch:
If you missed your chance to support the children’s show, you still have a chance to support “Murder on the Orient Express” and our main stage musical “GREASE.” Every purchase gets us closer to our goal of having microphones!
CONCERT: Woodstown High School students AND alumni will perform their annual concert, "A NIGHT OF DREAM ROLES," on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. The event features selections from popular and classic Broadway musicals. Suggested donation is $10 adults, $5 for students and seniors. For more information visit www.CurtainCallClub.org.
A scene from PSYCHO BEACH PARTY, presented by the Blue Moon Theatre at the Woodstown Opera House this weekend and next.
THEATRE: The Blue Moon Theatre proudly presents "PSYCHO BEACH PARTY" at the Woodstown Opera House on June 6, 7, 13, 14 at 8 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m. The show takes place on the beaches of Malibu, California in 1962. Adult themed humor. BYOB. Click here for tickets.
SPORTS
Woodstown's fastest runners, scoring new records at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions. They'll advance to the New Balance Nationals.
RUN WOODSTOWN: Many kudo and congrats go out to Karson Chew, Josh Crawford, Cole Lucas, and Jacob Marino for bringing great pride to WHS in their 5th place finish at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions. This outstanding team recorded a new Group I record with a time of 7:54:84. Keep it up and stay motivated, as you head to the New Balance Nationals!!
The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.
FORECAST: Possible scattered showers throughout the week during the overnight hours, but otherwise a mix of clouds and sun. Temps in the 80sF so don't forget your sunblock.
♦
Woodstown Crier: Where we'll be rooting for our WHS runners at Franklin Field in Philly, we'll be catching some fun in the sun at the Blue Moon, and we'll welcome back our Alumni Monday night for a grand concert. And maybe even catch a steer at the rodeo.
_______________
Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com
Last week, the Mary S. Shoemaker Elementary School Choir (dir. Christine Nowmos) and Band (dir. Shannon Sheridan) dazzled their audiences at the annual spring concert.
Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!
Happy Memorial Day!
Make sure you take a little time this weekend to remember why we have this weekend: the brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who never made it home. We have the great freedoms of our nation because of their ultimate sacrifice.
In other news, the Cowtown Rodeo celebrated its opening weekend this past Saturday. If you'd like to attend, it runs every Saturday night until the Fall. Click here for tickets. Believe it or not, I've only ever been to the rodeo once (I was 7 years old), and I live but a mile from it. Perhaps this year I'll make my return! I'll need to turn in my big Crier Tricorn for a Cowboy hat.
COMMUNITY
MEMORIAL DAY: Woodstown will honors its fallen hometown heroes in the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Lake on Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m.
COMMUNITY CHAT: The Woodstown Pilesgrove Regional School District is hosting a "Community Chat" open forum on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Mary Shoemaker School. Topics of discussion include the 5th Grade transition to Woodstown Middle School, School Regionalization Efficiency Program, and the 18th-Month Plan Achievements.
FIRE!: Woodstown's Reliance Fire Company will be hosting their annual coin drop fundraiser in the center of town on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
RAH RAH RAH!: The Woodstown Pirates Cheerleading Squad is seeking assistant coaches for the 2025 season. If you have experience cheerleading, sign-up online (click here).
Woodstown High School teachers receive their requested custom-built items for their classrooms as part of a donation commemorating last year's Class of 2024.
CLASS OF 2024: A dispatch from the High School:
At the June 14, 2024 graduation ceremony, the Class of 2024, along with advisors Mr. John Adams and Mrs. Janie Coleman, made a generous donation to the Advanced Woods Technology/Home Maintenance Program at Woodstown High School.
As a meaningful gesture, WHS staff members were given the opportunity to request custom-built items for their classrooms. These personalized pieces were crafted by our talented student artisans, serving as both functional gifts and lasting reminders of the class's generosity.
Each item includes a small plaque, commemorating the giving spirit of the Class of 2024. The attached photos highlight our staff members alongside the student craftsmen and the incredible items they created.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this special project—and an even bigger thanks to the Class of 2024 for leaving behind such a thoughtful legacy.
Pictured here, Woodstown's all-star achievers, celebrated at the Salem County 4A Academic All-Star Breakfast
ALL-STARS: A dispatch from the Salem County Administrators:
We are incredibly proud to recognize the following students who were honored at the Salem County 4A Academic All-Star Breakfast held at The Grove at Centerton this morning!
The Administrators Academic Achievement Awards go to ...
Woodstown High School
Melissa Hassler
Isabella Hutton
Joseph Kurpis
Ella Prinsen
Aubrie Rennie
Woodstown High School - Salem County Arts, Science, and Technology Academies
Jonathan Farrell
Woodstown Middle School
Molly Hood-McGinley
These students exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to their education. Your Wolverine family celebrates you and your accomplishments!
ENTERTAINMENT
CONCERT: The Woodstown High School Chamber Choir Recital will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This year's guest artist is WHS Alumni Abigail Hunt. The program features performances from our guest artist, senior solos and selections from the choir under the direction of Kahlil V. Gunther. In addition, Chamber Choir alumni are invited to join in singing Jenny Rebecca, our traditional closing piece. Copies of the music will be on hand. Suggested donation is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students, senior citizens and Chamber Choir alumni. Proceeds from this concert directly fund the choir's activities.
After the concert, complimentary refreshments will be served by our Woodstown Choir Boosters. Don't miss this wonderful event!
CONCERT: Woodstown High School students AND alumni will perform their annual concert, "A Night of Dream Roles," on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. The event features selections from popular and classic Broadway musicals. Suggested donation is $10 adults, $5 for students and seniors. For more information visit www.CurtainCallClub.org.
SPORTS
The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.
MEMORIAL DAY: Clouds and sun. High of 71F. Low of 49F.
FRIDAY: Clouds and sun. High of 75F. Low of 59F.
SATURDAY: Early morning rain. High of 73F. Low of 55F.
SUNDAY: Sunny. High of 71F. Low of 51F.
FORECAST: A dip in temperatures this week, expect it to only hit 65F on Wednesday. Rain and clouds most of the week clearing out over the weekend. Should be a clear night for the rodeo. Cooler.
♦
Woodstown Crier: Where we'll take a moment away from the grill to remember what Memorial Day is all about, especially to remember SPC Richie Emmons and CPL Derek Kerns.
_______________
Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com
