28 March 2024

Crier Column 3/28: Happy Easter! Cream Valley reopens; WHS Bands rated Superior; Woodie Ball starts Monday

Woodstown Crier Column

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Woodstown High School Bands took top honors with a Superior rating at a festival last week. Students Karson Chew and Natalee Basile were awarded for their work as soloists. Woodstown is proud! (Facebook)

Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!

Notice anything special about Woodstown and Pilesgrove this week? Despite the brisk temperatures, wind, and Memorial Lake overflowing last weekend, our towns are full of hints that spring is here. Gardens are awakening with flowers, Main Street trees just beginning to bud, and church bells will be pealing with the sounds of Easter this Sunday.

A few other special local signals I observe personally to welcome the season of rebirth: first is the production of the high school musical which just wrapped earlier this month; then, we've got opening day of WOODIE BALL (Baseball and Softball) vs. Shalick on Monday, April 1 (4 p.m); and, most deliciously, we welcome back Cream Valley after a long winter on Tuesday, April 2.

Plus, Phillies open at Citizen's Bank Park at 3:05 p.m. Friday, March 29 (moved from Thursday due to rain). We face off against the Atlanta Braves. Opening night is Saturday, 4:05 p.m. Your Town Crier is a die-hard Phillies phan. I'd sign the Declaration of Independence and perform the wedding of the Phanatic and Gritty if I could.

I'll be watching in-between practicing hymns on the organ at First Baptist of Woodstown for this Sunday, and hosting auditions for "Charlotte's Web" at the Blue Moon Theatre (performances are in June).

Palm Sunday service at First Baptist was a fine occasion, and the children's music ensemble gave a rousing performance on the wind pipes.

EASTER SERVICES AROUND TOWN

in order of time

SUNRISE: Asbury Methodist & St. John's Methodist at Woodstown Memorial Lake; 6:30 a.m.

CATHOLIC: Woodstown Parish; 2 Lamplighter Drive, Woodstown; 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

BAPTIST: First Baptist of Woodstown; 117 S Main St, Woodstown; 9:30 a.m.

NONDENOM: Hope Community Church; 3 Point Airy Road, Pilesgrove; 9:30 a.m.

PRESBYTERIAN: Woodstown Church; 46 Auburn Road, Woodstown; 10 a.m.

EPISCOPAL: St. Luke's Episcopal Church; 37 E. Grant, Woodstown; 10 a.m.

QUAKER: Woodstown Meeting; 104 N. Main, Woodstown; 10:30 a.m.

BAPTIST: Morning Star Baptist; 410 Eldridge's Hill Road, Woodstown; 11 a.m.

METHODIST: Asbury Methodist Church; 149 S Main St, Woodstown; 11 a.m.

If, however, you're not Christian or you're not the church-going or religious type, I wish you a wonderful early spring and hope you enjoy the beautiful flowers, trees, and warmer weather!

COMMUNITY

ART LESSONS: The Squirrel's Nest Studio is hosting "School's Out, Art is In!" during the local spring break March 28 and 29, 2024, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Create and have fun with Miss Jennifer on the days off from school. Two sessions:

Ages 5-9 9AM-12PM
Ages 10-14 1PM-4PM
$40 per kid per session with snack included.

*These sessions fill up fast- Payment is the only way to guarantee your spot. Payment can be made in store or Venmo @Jennifer-Carll-Simon

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Bottle Caps from milk, cream, and buttermilk once sold at Cream Valley Dairy. Now, Cream Valley is known as the best spot in town to cool off on a hot spring or summer day with ice cream, water ice, or a snack. Photo shared on "What's Up Woodstown" (Facebook Group) by John Ledden.

ICE CREAM: Cream Valley Custard Stand re-opens for the season on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Head over to the "What's Up Woodstown" Facebook page for a great post by John Ledden about Cream Valley Dairy delivery. I reposted his bottle caps at the top of this column, but even better are the comments about the days when Cream Valley delivered milk and cream to homes in Woodstown and Pilesgrove.

A few great comments:

"I lived at Cream Valley. Worked there until I finished high school in 1956. Delivered milk my senior year. My father delivered milk for years." - James Pope

"I remember them! Had milk delivered with 2 inches of cream on top of the milk." - William Loper
In response to Loper: "Me too! With the insulated milk box on front steps. Cream was for Daddy's coffee ONLY." - Susan Green Mock

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WHS BAND: A dispatch on Facebook from the Woodstown High School Bands reads:

It was a busy weekend for our bands! Friday, our brass students attended a clinic with The Chestnut Brass Company. We followed that with a pep rally and a jazz festival that night at Schalick. We earned a Superior rating and Karson Chew and Natalee Basile received soloist awards.
Another day of jazz on Saturday when we attended Kingsway and both WMS and the Varsity Blues earned ratings of Silver. Torsten Duva and Collin Curtis received soloist awards for the WMS. Karson won another soloist award for the Varsity Blues.
[Monday], the [Salem] County Honors Band had their first combined rehearsal with other county schools.
[Also on Monday], Brandon Zukovsky auditioned for Regional Jazz and was accepted to the combo on bass.

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PIZZA NIGHT: If you'd like to support Woodstown's great bands, visit Joe's Pizza on Wednesday, April 10 and 17 from 3 p.m. until closing. Purchases benefit Woodstown High School Band programs. Never, in this town, has there been a better reason to buy one of Joe's cheesesteaks or pizzas.

ENTERTAINMENT

LIVE MUSIC: Creekside Inn will host Josh Copskey on Friday, March 29 and James Howell on Saturday, March 30. Highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time.

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TRIVIA: "QuizzHoe: Trivia Night" at Farmers and Bankers Brewery on Main Street. Your Farmers and Bankers Beertenders, Nan and Mike, have cultivated a flight of trivia questions to challenge your team. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team. Thursday, April 4, 7-8 p.m.

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TRIVIA: "Two Girls and a Quiz Trivia Night" at Farmers and Bankers Brewery on Main Street. Two Girls & a Quiz will host their popular trivia night. Free to play. Trivia continues on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. Wednesday, April 10, 7-9 p.m.

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OPERA HOUSE: "LA FAMIGLIA" at the Blue Moon Theatre. April 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., April 14 at 2 p.m. This is a series of one-act plays based on the humorous book "Gravy Wars: South Philly Foods, Fueds, & Attytudes" by Lorraine Ranalli. The play depicts Italian traditions, superstitions, and idiosyncrasies through one not-so-put-together family from South Philly. Supports the Woman's Club of Woodstown. Tickets here.

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OPERA HOUSE: "ARSENIC AND OLD LACE" at the Blue Moon Theatre. April 19, 20, 26, 27 at 8 p.m., April 28 at 2 p.m. A lot of great Woodstown talent in this one — Paul Kranz, Sammi Williams, Rick Thompson, Brady Thompson. Directed by Mike Russell. Tickets here.

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Golf: V/JV Match vs. AP Shalick @ Town & Country (Woodstown). 3:30 p.m.
Softball V/JV Scrimmage vs. Sterling @ Woodstown. 2 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Golf V/JV match vs. Delran @ Golden Pheasant Golf Club. 3:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Lacrosse Girls V/JV Scrimmages vs. Washington Township HS @ Woodstown. 9 a.m.
Baseball JV Scrimmage vs. Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) @ Atkinson Park. 10 a.m.
Baseball Varsity Scrimmage vs. GCIT @ Deptford Middle School. 10 a.m.
Lacrosse Boys V/JV scrimmages vs. Absegami @ Absegami. 10 a.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 1

OPENING DAY - WOODIE BALL!

Baseball V/JV vs. AP Shalick @ Woodstown. 4 p.m.
Softball V/JV vs. AP Shalick @ Woodstown. 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

Tennis Boys V/JV vs. Cumberland Regional @ Woodstown. 10 a.m.
Golf V/JV vs. Penns Grove. 3:45 p.m.
Softball V/JV vs. Clearview Regional @ Woodstown. 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

Lacrosse Boys V/JV vs. Paul VI @ Paul VI. Varsity at 3:45 p.m. JV at 5 p.m.
Lacrosse Girls V/JV vs. Clearview Regional @ Woodstown. Varsity 4 p.m. JV 5:15 p.m.
Softball V/JV vs. Ocean City @ Woodstown. 4 p.m.

More sports here.

GOVERNMENT

MEETING: Woodstown Borough Council, April 9, 7 p.m.

MEETING: Pilesgrove Twp Committee, April 9, 7 p.m.

Woodstown Borough Council and Pilesgrove Twp Committee meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

WEATHER

FRIDAY: Windy. High of 55F. Low of 37F.

SATURDAY: Clouds and Sun. High of 60F. Low of 35F.

SUNDAY: Cloudy. High of 64F. Low of 42F.

Forecast: Mid 50s next week. High of 67F on Tuesday. Clouds and some sun. Very April.

Woodstown Crier: Where I'll be repeating an old Beethoven quote at the Pipe Organ this Easter: "To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable." Same goes for strikes & errors.

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Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com

21 March 2024

Crier Column 3/21: Spring is here! Art classes at Squirrel's Nest; Hitchner and Messick will direct next season

Woodstown Crier Column

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Yellow Daffodils have sprung to life across Woodstown and Pilesgrove over the past two weeks. Here's a hearty sampling from my mother's garden. We have them all over our yard — a friendly reminder warmer days are on the horizon!

Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!

Happy Spring and belated Slainte!

E.B. White, the author of "Charlotte's Web" once wrote about New York City: "I sometimes think that the only event that hits every New Yorker on the head is the annual St. Patrick's Day parade, which is fairly penetrating — the Irish are a hard race to tune out, there are 500,000 of them in residence, and they have the police force right in the family."

Can't say I've been to the NYC parade, but my family celebrated by watching "The Banshees of Inisherin," a heartbreaking glimpse at Irish culture on a lonely island.

Easter in two weeks, folks. First Baptist in Woodstown has me at the organ this year.

COMMUNITY

MAKE-UP: Stage Make-Up Workshop on Saturday, March 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Blue Moon Theatre. Admission is $17. The artist and teacher is John Rattacasa, a well-known make-up artist and wig designer whose work has been widely enjoyed throughout the New Jersey theatre community. Hosted by Center Stage Kids NJ. Register by emailing centerstagekidsnj@gmail.com.

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EASTER EGGS: First Baptist Church of Woodstown is hosting their inaugural Easter Egg Hop on Saturday, March 23 from 2 - 3 p.m. From the event page: "Bring your kids to hop through our decorated car lane and fill their baskets! Each car will be decorated and will be handing out candy & prizes. We will also be sharing about Jesus’ last week on earth, His death, and His Resurrection! This event offers a safe environment for children to adventure into a silly egg trail while also hearing the Gospel story along with their friends, family, and community! If you’re interested in hosting a trunk or donating candy, contact Kate Dilks-Bird!"

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GIVE BLOOD: American Red Cross is hosting a Blood Drive at the First Baptist Church (Fellowship Hall) on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter "Woodstown" to schedule an appointment.

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Ages 5-9 9AM-12PM

Ages 10-14 1PM-4PM

$40 per kid per session with snack included.

*These sessions fill up fast- Payment is the only way to guarantee your spot. Payment can be made in store or Venmo @Jennifer-Carll-Simon

Jennifer Carll-Simon, husband Paul, and their children Mikaela and Andre are great friends of mine. We were involved with the Off Broad Street Players Theatre Company in Bridgeton back in the late 2000s and into the 2010s, performing and producing all sorts of great shows. What fun we had! Proud of have them in Woodstown.

ENTERTAINMENT

BIG NEWS — Woodstown High School Drama Club has announced the student directors for next year's Fall Play: Elizabeth (Lizzie) Hitchner and Virginia (Ginny) Messick. Click here for more coverage.

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LIVE MUSIC: Creekside Inn will host Dave Boucher on Friday, March 22 and Troy Kaiser on Saturday, March 23. Highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time.

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WOODSTOWN TRAIN: The Easter Bunny will be hosting excursions on the Woodstown Central Railroad train starting March 23. Click here for more.

SPORTS

WOODIE BALL: All scrimmages this week. Weekday games at 4 p.m. Weekend games at 10 a.m.

Thurs, March 21 — Varsity & JV vs. Clearview @ Clearview H.S.
Mon, March 25 — Varsity & JV vs. Cumberland Regional @ Woodstown

Wed, March 27 — Varsity & JV vs. Deptford @ Woodstown

GOLF: Matches at 4 p.m.

Thurs, March 21 — Varsity & JV vs. Triton Regional @ Valley Brook Country Club
Mon, March 25 — Varsity & JV vs. Burlington @ Burlington County Club

SOFTBALL: All scrimmages this week. Weekday games at 4 p.m. Weekend games at 10 a.m..

Thurs, March 21 -- Varsity & JV vs. Gloucester City Jr-Sr @ Gloucester
Friday, March 22 -- Varsity & JV vs. Kingsway Regional @ Woodstown

Wednesday, March 27 -- Varsity & JV vs. Deptford @ Woodstown

TENNIS: Scrimmages at 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 21 -- Boys Varsity & JV vs. Palmyra @ Palmyra
Monday, March 25 -- Boys Varsity & JV vs. St. Augustine Prep @ Woodstown
Wednesday, March 27 -- Boys V&JV vs. Millville @ Millville Senior High

LACROSSE: Scrimmages at 4 p.m.

Monday, March 25 - Boys V&JV vs. Millville @ Woodstown; Girls V&JV vs. Our Lady of Mercy Academy at Our Lady of Mercy (Newfield)

More sports here.

GOVERNMENT

MEETING: Woodstown Borough Council, Mar. 26, 7 p.m.

MEETING: Pilesgrove Twp Committee, Mar. 26, 7 p.m.

Woodstown Borough Council and Pilesgrove Twp Committee meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

WEEKEND WEATHER

FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. High of 50F (low 26F)

SATURDAY: 90% chance of rain, but clears by 6 p.m. when the winds roll in. High of 55F (low 38F)

SUNDAY: Sun and clouds. High of 49F (low of 33F)

Low to mid 50s next week and mostly cloudy— as expected for March.

Woodstown Crier: Where the daffodils and forsythia are in full bloom. Charles Dickens described it best: "It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." (Great Expectations)

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Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com

Woodstown selects student directors for 2024 fall play

Virginia (Ginny) Messick, a junior at Woodstown High School, performed as Meg Brockie in "Brigadoon" in March 2024. Messick will co-directed the annual Fall Play next season (her senior year) with Elizabeth (Lizzie) Hitchner.

WOODSTOWN — The Woodstown High School Drama Club has announced the student directors for next year's Fall Play: Elizabeth (Lizzie) Hitchner and Virginia (Ginny) Messick. This long-standing and time honored tradition, dating back more than a century, is a top honor for students in Woodstown's theatre department.

Hitchner and Messick were both last seen on stage in this season's "BRIGADOON" at Woodstown High. Hitchner played the scorned lover Jane Ashton who lost her man to the miracle-village of Brigadoon, and Messick played the fabulous Meg Brockie who had a big heart and could tell any story in song. They both received many ovations and great praise at this year's performances, and will surely bring great pride to our beloved high school.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Hitchner, a junior at Woodstown High School, pictured center, performed as Jane Ashton in "Brigadoon" in March 2024. She'll co-direct the annual Fall Play next season (her senior year) with Virginia (Ginny) Messick.

Messick and Hitchner will collaborate with Ms. Stephanie Hill, the school's advisor to the Fall Play, to choose next year's show. Now a faculty advisor, Hill is also an alumni of the Woodstown Drama Club, having performed there during the late 1990s.

Which show will they choose? We'll see! The selection is typically revealed over the summer. Performance dates have not yet been announced, but are usually around November or early December.

The tradition of student-directed plays at Woodstown High School dates back more than a century, with yearbook records indicating students directing their Junior and Senior plays as far back as the 1920s, and, though unconfirmed, the tradition may have started in the late mid-to-late 1800s with the founding of Woodstown Public School and the Woodstown Opera House.

Student direction of a play at Woodstown has been a tradition for many years. Pictured here: Dwayne Bell, Donna McAllister, and Bob Quattlebaum collaborate on the production of "GHOST OF A CHANCE" at Woodstown High School in 1968.

Interesting bit of history for the alumni: The last advisor to the student directed plays prior to English/Communications Instructor Paul Kranz reviving the tradition in the 2000s, was Ms. Barbara K. Ohmott. Ohmott was an English instructor at Woodstown High who went on to become the well-remembered and beloved principal at Mary S. Shoemaker Elementary School from 1986 to 1998. She was the advisor to the student-directed plays during the late 1970s until 1983, her last production being "The Curious Savage."

Student-directed plays were sporadic during the 1990s, but resumed in 2004 with "Harvey" directed by Corey Frank. The following year, I (Jim Cook) directed "A Christmas Carol," and it has become an annual tradition, providing students — some who many not want to be in a musical — an opportunity to explore diverse ranges of drama and comedy.

A list of every student-directed play, and all other past shows produced at Woodstown, can be found at The Great List.

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Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com

14 March 2024

Crier Column 3/14: Easter Craft Fair this weekend; July 4 moves to Fairgrounds; Brigadunion a success; Woodie Ball almost here

Woodstown Crier Column

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Brigadoon alumni from the casts of 1994 and 2009 returned home to see the new 2024 production at Woodstown High School. A reception was hosted by director and choreographer Paul and Claudia Kranz prior to the Friday and Saturday performances (group photo on top). The photo at the bottom shows all three casts and crews after the Saturday, March 8 performance.

Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!

Last weekend was incredible to say the least.

Woodstown High School alumni from the 1990s and late 2000s assembled at the North Main St. residence of Paul and Claudia Kranz for the "Brigadunion." After the reception, alumni had the opportunity to see the new 2024 production of the same musical they performed, "Brigadoon," at Woodstown High, and had a chance to celebrate with the students prior to and after their performances last Friday and Saturday. It was thrilling!

More Brigadunion coverage here!

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We lost a good one this week. David Mixner, a Woodstown High School alumni of 1964 who grew up in Elmer, died Monday, March 11, 2024. He was 77. Mixner is undoubtedly one of the most influential and nationally recognized figures to ever graduate Woodstown High School — and yet, we never learned about him. His activism helped in the fight for civil rights for African-Americans, LGBTQIA+ and marriage equality, and against war and HIV/AIDS. His work aided in the election of President Bill Clinton and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The White House statement read: "David Mixner was a trailblazer in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and deeply dedicated to mentoring the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders fighting to create a better world."

Woodstown is proud of him and we're a better place for the battles he fought. More coverage here.

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Happy Birthday, Dad!

COMMUNITY

EASTER CRAFT FAIR: Saturday, March 16, 2024. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Blue Moon Theatre. 13 West Ave. "Get in the spirit while shopping handmade goods at our Easter Craft Fair! Enter to win Squishmallows, collect eggs, craft away in our crafting room, or shop small." Event is Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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MAKE-UP: Stage Make-Up Workshop on Saturday, March 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Blue Moon Theatre. Admission is $17. The artist and teacher is John Rattacasa, a well-known make-up artist and wig designer whose work has been on display widely throughout the New Jersey theatre community. Hosted by Center Stage Kids NJ. Register by emailing centerstagekidsnj@gmail.com.

I know John and we've worked in the same circles, though not directly together. Saw him at "Brigadoon" during our first weekend. He's in demand; and, in this saturated theatre community, this is undoubtedly a busy stressful time of year for him — but he still made the time to show up for his friend Shannon Sheridan (our director) and our students. He's a good one, and it was good to see him!

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And stop by on Easter and say hi to your Town Crier. You'll find him behind the organ.

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JULY 4 CHANGE: Big news in town is the change in Independence Day activities.

They'll be held at the Salem County Fairgrounds this year — not Marlton Recreation Park. Understandable. Though, as someone who lives across the street from Marlton Park, I'll miss making the walk over for fireworks. But, that's ok! The fairgrounds are a larger space and will be open up more opportunities for celebration, not just a night-time fireworks event.

Schedule:

8AM: Firecracker 5K ($10 entry fee)
4 p.m.: Ground open ($10/car for parking)
Includes D.J., food trucks, bounce houses, carnival rides, games, concessions, local brewery & winery, vendors.
Dusk: Fireworks.

Vendors: contact Andy Ware: 609-472-0256 or email wareandy13@gmail.com

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YARD SALE: Salem County Community Yard Sale. Join us for Salem County’s Largest Yard Sale from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday April 27, 2024 at the Salem County Fairgrounds (735 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ). To reserve a spot contact Andy Ware (either message on Facebook, call 609-472-0256 or email at wareandy13@gmail.com)

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LAKE FEST: Crafters and Food Vendors needed. Only 10x spots left. Supports Disciples Pantry. Contact Linda Fritz at lafritz19@yahoo.com to sign up. Event is June 2, from 1 to 4 p.m.

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CHEER COACHING: Woodstown Pirates Youth Football League is seeking volunteer coaches for the cheerleading squad. Anyone with cheer coaching experience contact Coach Crystal at c9dav1es@gmail.com or call 215-900-5028

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FIRE VOLUNTEERS: Reliance Fire Company, one of the longest-standing institutions in Woodstown (since 1827), is seeking volunteers. Requirements are the candidate must be at least age 16. Comes with a service pension (LOSAP), free training and education opportunities, volunteer service qualifiers for resumes and college applications. Contact Reliance Fire Company at 856-769-2029

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WAREHOUSE: Lineage Logistics withdrew their proposal for a cold-storage warehouse on Vestry Road in Swedesboro. More coverage here.

ENTERTAINMENT

Angela Robb and Andrew Fralinger rehearse a scene from 'La Famiglia' opening in April at the Blue Moon Theatre.

OPERA HOUSE: "LA FAMIGLIA" at the Blue Moon Theatre. April 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., April 14 at 2 p.m. This is a series of one-act plays based on the humorous book "Gravy Wars: South Philly Foods, Fueds, & Attytudes" by Lorraine Ranalli. The play depicts Italian traditions, superstitions, and idiosyncrasies through one not-so-put-together family from South Philly. Supports the Woman's Club of Woodstown. Tickets here.

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AUDITIONS: "CHARLOTTE'S WEB" at the Blue Moon Theatre (Woodstown Opera House). I am directing! Auditions are Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30. Sign up here. If audition slots fill up and you want to audition, contact me and I'll fit you in. Everyone is welcome! Some pig :)

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WOODSTOWN TRAIN: The Easter Bunny will be hosting excursions on the Woodstown Central Railroad train starting March 23. Click here for more.

SPORTS

I kept score for this team. Woodstown Woodies. 2005. Yes, we had the Woodie-Blue uniforms back then under the days of the great Coach Lee Ware.

First game of Woodie ball is Monday, April 1, 2024 vs. Shalick at Woodstown High. A lot of scrimmages before then. Same for Golf, Softball, and Tennis.

It's still called "Woodie Ball," right? We don't play baseball, we play Woodie ball in Woodstown, right? For the love of Coach Ware (#44), somebody please chime in! Until I'm corrected, it's WOODIE BALL in The Crier. I wish I'd played. I kept scores (managed) my sophomore and junior years. My nickname was "Sprinkles" (a moniker derived from the "Jimmies" on ice cream, because I went by Jimmy back then). It turned into "Sprink."

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TENNIS: Boys Varsity & JV Scrimmage vs. Mainland Regional @ Woodstown High School. 4 p.m., Monday, March 18.

More sports here.

GOVERNMENT

WOODSTOWN: Woodstown Borough Council, Mar. 26, 7 p.m.

PILESGROVE: Pilesgrove Twp Committee, Mar. 26, 7 p.m.

SCHOOL BOARD: Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 6 p.m. Mary S. Shoemaker Elementary School Cafeteria.

Woodstown Council and Pilesgrove Twp Committee meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

WEEKEND WEATHER

FRIDAY: 45% chance of rain around 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Clouds all day. High of 71F.

SATURDAY: Sunny all day. High of 61F.

SUNDAY: Some clouds and wind. High of 61F

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Woodstown Crier: Where life is good because Spring is in the air, Woodie Ball is almost crackin', and David Mixner stood up to the bullies for all of us.

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Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com

Woodstown alumni from 1994 and 2009 reunite to celebrate the new class of Brigadoon

Brigadoon alumni from the casts of 1994 and 2009 returned home to see the new 2024 production at Woodstown High School. A reception was hosted by director and choreograph Paul and Claudia Kranz prior to the performance (group photo on top). The photo at the bottom shows all three casts after the Friday, March 8 performance.

It was a Brigadoon reunion for the ages.

Woodstown High School alumni from the 1990s and late 2000s assembled at the North Main St. residence of Paul and Claudia Kranz for the "Brigadunion," an event to commemorate the past productions of the musical "Brigadoon" on the Woodstown stage and celebrate the 2024 production by today's students.

For a little background, Woodstown High School Drama Club has produced the musical "Brigadoon" twice before 2024. It is produced in 15-year intervals. The casts and creative teams of the past "Brigadoons" assembled, had a wonderful time together, and spent the evening at the high school watching the current class of students perform the same musical.

The school repeats this musical for a variety of reasons: first and foremost, because the story follows two hunters who stumble upon a mystical village in Scotland that only appears for one day every 100 years. More so, the musical is full of universal, timeless themes of true love, being true to one's self, kindness, compassion, and pride and togetherness in a small community which resonate with any generation of students.

A massive thank you to Paul and Claudia Kranz for their hard work in reaching out to our alumni, arranging for their return to Woodstown, cooking a huge spread for Friday's dinner, then staying up after the Friday night show to prepare for Saturday's brunch.

Their home was decorated spectacularly with the tartans of the different family names featured in Brigadoon — the same names rapidly rattled off by Brannagh Rattigan and Virginia Messick as Meg Brockie in the second act, and enjoyed by our returning Meg Brockies — Amy Probasco-Kennedy (1994) and Mary Gismonde (2009) — who were both in the audience.

There was a Christmas tree of family tartans, a chandelier of family tartans, bushels of heather, and memorabilia and photos from the prior production

Alumni traveled from as far as Hawaii, Texas, Maine, Washington D.C., and many other places all over the United States to rejoin their fellow cast and crew-mates in Woodstown and Brigadoon.

Meeting and catching up with our alumni sent a true thrill backstage. When I told the students the alumni were pouring into the audience in droves, everyone was jolted with kinetic and contagious enthusiasm.

2024 Director Shannon Sheridan (who also music directed the 2009 production) and 1994/2009 Director Paul Kranz share an embrace during the pre-show ceremonies prior to Friday's performance, among the 2024 cast of Brigadoon and the Woodstown alumni who performed in the same show in 1994 and 2009.

Prior to each performance, the Drama Club assembles outdoors to warm-up their vocal chords and participate in certain pre-show traditions which have been passed down for decades.

At the Friday and Saturday performances, all alumni were invited outside to join the cast before the show to participate in their old traditions (and many of the news one). We've never had a more rousing "Modern Major General" — the lyrics of which are spoken by a senior, then repeated by the cast as a way to open up the vocal chords and practice good diction. Chris Tighe, our Charlie Dalrymple, led the tradition perfectly and all students, crew, staff, and alumni joined in.

Alumni and packed audiences gave the 2024 students a standing ovation for what will be remembered as one of the most enjoyable and riveting experiences in Woodstown Drama Club history. It was a tremendous honor as Town Crier to meet the 1990s alumni, catch-up with old friends from the 2000s, and welcome Woodstown home.

I'd go as far to write that it was even more special than, say, a high school reunion, because, instead of assembling to celebrate having simply graduated together, everyone assembled to celebrate what they made together and can still enjoy being made by the next generation of Woodstown students: good theatre.

Learn more about Woodstown's theatre department and efforts to enhance theatre education and production in Woodstown schools, at The Curtain Call Club of Woodstown.

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Do you have Woodstown-Pilesgrove news to share? Email your Town Crier, Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com

12 March 2024

Woodstown alum, LGBTQIA+ civil rights activist David Mixner dead at 77

DAVID MIXNER
(Getty Images)

We didn't learn about David Mixner at Woodstown High School.

His name was left out of our history books, our political science books, our lessons about diversity and inclusion.

But our lives are better because of him.

No graduate of Woodstown High School has likely had more of an impact on civil rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, ending wars abroad (especially Vietnam), nuclear disarmament, or had more influence on a U.S. president than our own David Mixner.

Mixner died of complications from long COVID-19 at his home in Manhattan on Monday, March 11, 2024.

"David Mixner was a trailblazer in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and deeply dedicated to mentoring the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders fighting to create a better world," said Karine Jean-Pierre, press secretary for the White House. "Those of us doing this work today, myself included, owe him a debt of gratitude."

Mixner was born Aug. 16, 1946 and grew up in Elmer, N.J., according to a short biography by Claude J. Summers from 2010 for GLBTQ, Inc. Mixner's father worked as a farmer and his mother worked at a glass factory. His family encouraged him and his siblings to discuss current events and politics; and, even at a young age, it was clear Mixner was passionate about making the world a better place.

N.J. Governor Phil Murphy remarked: "David Mixner was a trailblazer for the LGBTQIA+ community, and a son of Salem County, who dedicated his life to building a more equitable world for every American. He was an icon, a true champion for justice, and a close personal friend."

While a student at Woodstown High School in the early 1960s, Mixner discovered the Civil Rights Movement and became passionate about injustices against African-Americans. He even sent what little money he had to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and remarked that he would "live the history of my times."

He certainly did.

After graduating from Woodstown in 1964, he attended Arizona State University where he was unrestricted from participating in civil rights activism (as he was greatly restricted by his family while living in Woodstown). He participated in anti-Vietnam War protests, civil rights marches, and even got involved in local politics, supporting the rights of city garbage workers.

Former Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg remarked: "I was saddened to hear of the passing of [Mixner], a tireless champion of human rights throughout his life. I was honored to have him join our 2009 re-election campaign as co-chair of our LGBTQ+ outreach, and to stand with him in the fight for marriage equality. He leaves an extraordinary legacy."

Mixner was soon met with tragedy in Arizona. During his time in university, Mixner fell in love with a fellow student whom he later referred to only as "Kit." Only a year into their relationship, Kit was killed in an automobile accident, and, since Kit's parents were unaware their son was gay (at a time when homosexuality was widely condemned and being 'out' was considered a great danger to oneself and family), Mixner was unable to grieve openly or attend his boyfriend's funeral.

Mixner left Arizona State and transferred to University of Maryland. Being near Washington D.C. gave him greater leverage as an activist.

In the 1970s, he began to join LGBTQ communities in the D.C. area, and, with the aid of therapy, began to come out as a gay man. The first friend he came out to was actress Shirley Maclaine, according to the biography in GLBTQ. She offered to house him in California, where he became a political fundraiser in San Francisco.

As the AIDS pandemic of the 1980s took the lives of many of his friends, he organized a campaign against Proposition 64, which would have required mandatory quarantine of people with AIDS. His campaign was successful and the proposition only received 30% of the vote.

In the 1990s, then-Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton called on Mixner for mentorship over gay and lesbian rights. Mixner joined Clinton's campaign in 1992 to gain the LGBT vote, which proved successful, and aided in the election of the 42nd president.

Mixner's relationship with Clinton during the presidency soured, however, with the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" act of 1993. He protested the policy, but later praised Clinton for the Ryan White AIDS legislation that increased funding for people suffering from AIDS.

His later work in the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s is too numerous to mention here, but it is no secret that Mixner never stopped or wearied in his activism.

Mixner's brutally hard work and dedication to civil rights made it a bit easier for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ community to exist, not just in accepting metropolitan areas, but in small communities like Woodstown where the tides of public opinion are changing and acceptance of LGBT people is growing.

I don't know what kind of life he experienced at Woodstown High, but if it was anything like mine in the face of homophobic bullies, I wish I could tell him now that life has improved here. It's not perfect. We have a long way to go. But, his legacy is not erased. Just look to the Woodstown Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at Woodstown High School and Middle School as indication of something I wish existed when I was a student, and something I'm proud to see exists for today's generation.

His work, activism, and impact will be forever remembered throughout the United States.

His work, activism, and impact will be forever felt in towns like Elmer and Woodstown where he grew up.

His work, activism, and impact ought to be taught at Woodstown High.

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Click here for more coverage from NBC News.

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Do you have Woodstown-Pilesgrove news to share? Email your Town Crier, Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com

08 March 2024

Warehouse Update: Swedesboro hearing CANCELLED; company withdraws proposal

Vestry Road in South Harrison Township, Swedesboro, where a cold-storage warehouse was proposed. The proposal, by Lineage Logistics, has been retracted and the public hearing on the matter is cancelled.

SWEDESBORO — Lineage Logistics, the company associated with the proposed Swedesboro Warehouse on Vestry Road, which also names the mayor of South Harrison as one of the owners — has withdrawn their application for a cold-storage warehouse. The meeting for March 11, 2024 at South Harrison Elementary School is cancelled.

Does this mean the proposal is dead? I don't know. They could be researching another route to have it proposed and approved, or another property. Time will tell. Stay tuned.

A Change.org petition garnered over 1,000 signatures in support of stopping the warehouse.

07 March 2024

Crier Column, 3/8: Alumni celebration at Brigadoon; Swedesboro warehouse hearing; Humphreys Store remembered; Eldridge's Hill solider; Charlotte's Web auditions

Woodstown Crier Column

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Avery Newkirk (Jean) and Riley Smith (Charlie) in a scene from BRIGADOON at Woodstown High School, this Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets at CurtainCallClub.org

Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!

Clocks forward this Sunday, March 10. We'll adjust to the lost hour when we see the big beautiful sun not setting until 7 p.m.

~~Scratch that — we'll see it set Monday. 80% chance of rain all day Sunday~~.

11 p.m. Thursday -- Scratch THAT! As of 10:30 p.m. Thursday, forecasts have been adjusted and it looks like Sunday will be windy but clear. Here comes the sun, do-do-do-do!

Over at Woodstown High School, the cast and crew of "BRIGADOON" had a tremendous opening last weekend. This weekend, we'll be welcoming nearly 100 Woodstown High School Alumni from the first two productions of "BRIGADOON," 1994 and 2009. It is now a Woodstown tradition that "BRIGADOON" is revived every 15 years, a nod to a plot point in the story that the village of Brigadoon reappears once every 100 years in Scotland. Paul Kranz (who directed the first two productions) and wife Claudia (a long-time Drama Club choreographer) are hosting the alumni at their home on North Main Street prior to the Friday evening performance and Saturday matinee. They're calling it the "Brigadunion" and we love that!

COMMUNITY

WAREHOUSE UPDATE: Lineage Logistics — the company associated with the proposed Swedesboro Warehouse on Vestry Road, which also names the mayor of South Harrison as one of the owners — has withdrawn their application. The meeting for March 11, 2024 at South Harrison Elementary School is CANCELLED.

Does this mean the proposal is dead? I don't know. They could be researching another route to have it proposed and approved, or another property. Time will tell. Stay tuned.

WAREHOUSE HEARING: I am not a warehouse-friendly Town Crier.
It pains me to see the very ugly, boring, and impersonal warehouses popping up and encroaching on Woodstown and Pilesgrove. A major boom in warehouses across the United States was a result of pandemic-era buying, but some studies indicate Amazon warehouses could become obsolete or unfilled with changes in consumer culture. It is no mystery that these warehouses work their employees unethically, are terrible for the environment and local wildlife, and add little to nothing of value to a small area like Salem County. Not to mention, they attract burdensome traffic from delivery vehicles that our roads and infrastructure are not prepared for.
A cold-storage warehouse has been proposed on Vestry Road in Swedesboro (South Harrison Twp.). This would have significant impact on Woodstown and Pilesgrove, and would take up approximately 426,000 square feet of land, or about 10 football fields.
South Harrison Township Planning and Zoning Board will review the application at a hearing scheduled for March 11, 2024 at 7 p.m. at South Harrison Elementary School at 904 Mullica Hill Road, Harrisonville, N.J. 08039.

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OF NOTE: The mayor of South Harrison is listed on the warehouse application as one of the owners of the land. He also nominates members to the Planning/Zoning Board that will vote on the variance.

CBS first reported on this in November 2023. Click here for more. I just report the news, don't shoot the messenger.

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BOOKS AND HISTORY: I spent the rainy Saturday afternoon last weekend at Barney Loves Books in Woodstown. Purchased a copy of "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" by Mark Twain, which was a summer reading book I was assigned in high school and can't remember. I bought a few VHS tapes too because, yes, I still watch movies on VHS sometimes.

I also picked up a biography of Everett Shinn, a renowned painter who's murals still adorn the Belasco Theatre (originally the Stuyvesant Theatre) on Broadway in New York City. He was born and raised in Woodstown.

Additionally, there was a wooden crate in the back of the bookshop containing a reproduced almanac published by the First National Bank of Woodstown (they were published from 1901 to 1921) and a booklet detailing the 50th anniversary of Edward B. Humphrey's Department Store on the corner of Main Street and Route 40, now gone and replaced by a gas station. This beautiful large building made Woodstown a shopping center that rivaled Philadelphia. Everyone from Woodstown shopped there — and Humphreys had everything. I'll be writing more about it soon.

Here's a photo:

E.B. Humphreys & Co., a department store at the corner of Main Street and Route 40 in Woodstown, N.J. This photo came from a booklet detailing the history of the beloved department store that outfitted and fed Woodstown. The booklet commemorated the 50th anniversary of the store in 1912. It was torn down years later and replaced with a gas station.

Now, if instead of a warehouse we rebuilt this, I might oblige! Though, I don't know if a department store would have much of the same impact today as it did back in the late 1800s. Nice housing, however, would be welcomed, as we seem to have a shortage of it in town as of late. Something affordable for middle class singles and families who might pass on the mansions in Candlelight Village or the new development just off North Main going toward Eldridge's Hill.

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ELDRIDGE'S HILL HISTORY: Speaking of, did you know there's a Revolutionary War soldier buried on Eldridge's Hill? Major Christian Piercy (Continental Army) never lived in Woodstown. He was a Philadelphia man who worked in pottery.

At Valley Forge, he made a kiln, and his pottery was so popular, the soldiers cleaned him out of his creations leaving him none. After the war he returned to Philadelphia, started a family, and continued making pottery.

When the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 hit Philadelphia, he fled south but took ill. Fearing the illness, most people from whom he sought shelter would not take him in — except for Isaac Eldridge. Piercy was put up in an isolated, barn-type living space but died shortly thereafter.

His family was also stricken with the Yellow Fever and broken up; so, for fear of spreading the disease further, his body was promptly buried at Eldridge's Hill. Later, his wife placed a headstone at the site of his burial, and the Independence Hall Chapter of the D.A.R. has a marker there.

I am unsure if the grave is still maintained by the current property owner, or if the Historical Society maintains the grave, but I'll look into it. Does anybody know?

The burial site of Major Christian Piercy, a solider in the Revolutionary War, buried on Eldridge's Hill in Pilesgrove, N.J. He died as a result of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 in Philadelphia. (Photo taken from 'Visit Salem County' | Facebook)

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HEALTH: We've come a long way since MAJ Piercy. Yellow fever is now preventable through a one-time vaccine. It has been effective in the United States for 80 years. The disease is spread through mosquitos. Click here for more on Yellow Fever prevention.

ENTERTAINMENT

SPRING MUSICAL: BRIGADOON at Woodstown High School, 140 East Ave. March 1, 2, 7 , 8 at 7 p.m. March 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets click here. Directed by Shannon Sheridan. Choreography by Nicole Pries. Music direction and live orchestra conducted by Kahlil Gunther. Features students from grades 8 - 12.

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Principal Senor attended BRIGADOON for opening weekend, and his support speaks volumes to our students and staff. I hear the Vice Principal will be attending this weekend.

The many other administrators across the district stayed home. I don't know why.

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Alumni from Woodstown's 1994 and 2009 BRIGADOON productions are flying in from all over the country, some as far as Hawaii.

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TACO BAR: Odyssey of the Mind (OM) will host a Taco Bar Luncheon on Sunday, March 10 at 12:30 p.m. in the Woodstown High School Cafeteria. RSVP by March 5 for dinner tickets here. Tacos will be served while patrons get a sneak peak at the upcoming performances by OM. Any questions contact Karen Gerber at karengerber804@gmail.com.

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CREEKSIDE INN: Music at Creekside Inn with Greg Jones on Friday, March 8, and Ray McGeehan on Saturday, March 2. Jimmy Dunn on March 15, Peter McCarthy on March 16.

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AUDITIONS: "CHARLOTTE'S WEB" at the Blue Moon Theatre (Woodstown Opera House). I am directing! Auditions are Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30. Sign up here. If audition slots fill up and you want to audition, contact me and I'll fit you in. Everyone is welcome! Some pig :)

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OPERA HOUSE: "ARSENIC AND OLD LACE" at the Blue Moon Theatre. April 19, 20, 26, 27 at 8 p.m., April 28 at 2 p.m. A lot of great Woodstown talent in this one — Paul Kranz, Sammi Williams, Rick Thompson, Brady Thompson. Directed by Mike Russell. Tickets here.

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WOODSTOWN TRAIN: The Easter Bunny will be hosting excursions on the Woodstown Central Railroad train starting March 23. Click here for more.

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Easter is March 31. Stop by First Baptist Church in Woodstown. Your Town Crier might be there. If you don't see him, check behind the organ. I play piano but I haven't touched an organ in more than a decade. Bear with me through any wrong notes. The Lord says, "make a joyful noise" but doesn't specify skill level.

SPORTS

Nothing on the district calendar for the next few weeks. Opening day for Spring sports seems to be a string of away games on Thursday, March 21, listed below:

WOODIE BALL: (Varsity/JV) vs. Clearview

GOLF: (Varsity/JV) at Triton Regional.

SOFTBALL: (Varsity/JV)at Gloucester City.

TENNIS: (Boys Varsity/JV) at Palmyra.

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No word yet on a new Football coach. Adams is out next year and will be missed.

GOVERNMENT

MEETING: Woodstown Borough Council, Mar. 12, 7 p.m.

MEETING: Pilesgrove Twp Committee, Mar. 12, 7 p.m.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Updated: 10:30 p.m. 07 March 2024

FRIDAY: Partly sunny. High of 58F. Low of 40F.

SATURDAY: - 50% chance of rain. High of 54F. Low of 39F.

SUNDAY: - Windy but clear High of 56F. Low of 40F.

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Woodstown Crier: Where we welcome home Woodstown alumni to 'BRIGADOON,' then Spring Forward to 2039 when we'll do it again.

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Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com

01 March 2024

Crier Column, 3/1: Brigadoon opens tonight; Lindenmuth breaks glass ceiling; how to fix a pothole; Woodstown loves books

Woodstown Crier Column
Friday, March 1, 2024

A scene from "Brigadoon" performed by the Woodstown Drama Club at Woodstown High School, this weekend and next, Mar. 1, 2, 7, 8 at 7 p.m., Mar. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets at CurtainCallClub.org or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance. All performances at Woodstown High School.

Hear ye, hear ye! O yez, o yez!

What a week it has been! Woodstown may seem like a sleepy little town, but not much sleep was had this week at Woodstown High School where many students (and adults!) were hard at work late every night putting the finishing touches on this year's spring musical, "Brigadoon." I am assistant directing this year, of which I am overwhelmingly thankful to Mrs. Shannon Sheridan, the high school's drama director, for bringing me back to my old stomping ground and allowing this Town Crier to have a bit of fun. The students are doing a phenomenal job, whether it be onstage performing, backstage arranging each scene, or in the technical booth running lights and sound. It is no secret that for more than 40 years, the high school spring musical is the biggest event of the year in Woodstown, so don't miss out! Details below.

COMMUNITY

POTHOLE: You all know which one I'm talking about. Just between Dollar General and Dunkin'. It's evolved from pothole to crater and if it gets any bigger, we'll start charging admission and set up a gift shop. Since this section of Route 40 is an N.J. highway, there is little Woodstown Borough can do. In a recent Facebook post, Mayor Joe Hiles (Woodstown), urged residents to file a report through N.J. Department of Transportation.

"I encourage people to go to the NJ DOT website and report the potholes," wrote Mayor Hiles. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease ... or in this case, the asphalt. I reported it today [Tuesday, Mar. 27]. Took me 60 seconds. The more the merrier."

Luckily, it's very easy to file a report! Go to the website below and enter the following location (I used the nearest location, which is McDonalds): 400 West Ave 40 W, Woodstown, NJ 08098

Here is the statement I provided ... feel free to copy and paste as your own:

"There is a significant pothole near the McDonalds on NJ-40 in Woodstown, N.J. This pothole has caused damage to vehicles and is impairing ingress and egress through the center of Woodstown."

Go to this website to file the report: https://www.njdotproblemreporting.com/

A wise editor once told me: "Nothing happens if nothing happens."

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BOOKS: There is no bad time to read a book. Currently, I've got a few I'm working through: House of Leaves, The Autobiography of Ben Franklin, and The Shining. Make sure you go give Barney Loves Books a visit this weekend. It's the best bookstore around. Some bad actors (likely from a foreign troll farm) attempted to spread some disinformation about our beloved bookshop – but Woodstown knew better. Go buy books!!

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And while you're at it, go get a Library Card. I received one last month and now I can fulfill my 1980s/1990s nostalgia for renting DVDs (and, of course, checking out books).

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LAKE FEST: Crafters and Food Vendors needed. 30x spots available. Supports Disciples Pantry. Contact Linda Fritz at lafritz19@yahoo.com to sign up. Event is June 2, from 1 to 4 p.m.

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EASTER CRAFT FAIR: Blue Moon Theatre. 13 West Ave. "Get in the spirit while shopping handmade goods at our Easter Craft Fair! Enter to win Squishmallows, collect eggs, craft away in our crafting room, or shop small." Event is Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Can you believe it's almost Easter? Friday, March 1 marks the end of meteorological winter and the start of spring. The vernal equinox is Tuesday, March 19, 2024. But, more importantly, Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 10.

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JANE WESTWOOD NEEDS A SHOVEL. GO OVER TO WOODSTOWN-PILESGROVE NEEDS GROUP ON FACEBOOK AND HELP HER OUT, PLEASE. WE LOVE JANE!!! HEART EMOJI. - CRIER COOK

ENTERTAINMENT

SPRING MUSICAL: BRIGADOON at Woodstown High School, 140 East Ave. March 1, 2, 7 , 8 at 7 p.m. March 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets click here. Directed by Shannon Sheridan. Music direction and live orchestra conducted by Kahlil Gunther. Features students from grades 8 - 12.

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COMEDY SHOWCASE: Al Davis, Jay Yoder, Brandon Dunbar, and Paul Carson. March 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets at Blue Moon Theatre.

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DRAG SHOW: Divas Live! Tickets at Blue Moon Theatre March 2, 7 p.m. Tickets at Blue Moon Theatre.

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CREEKSIDE INN: Music at Creekside Inn with Camille Peruto on Friday, March 1, and Chris Lax on Saturday, March 2.

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I was at Creekside Inn to see Paul Kranz and Maggie DiPalma's Unplugged Lights last weekend (a wonderful performance — they played all the hits) but I made the mistake of not getting a reservation in advance. The place was packed to capacity. Sat at the bar, but that was nice too. Highly recommend the Sweet Thai Steak Salad. Get a reservation ASAP if you plan to dine in: 856-769-2222.

SPORTS

WINTER TRACK: Varsity & JV Meet Of Champions; vs. NJSIAA @ Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, 625 Father Capodanno Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305. Sunday, March 3. Time TBD.

Isabella Lindenmuth competing at the NJSIAA South Region Wrestling Tournament, the first female wrestler from Woodstown High School to represent the Wolverines!

YOU GO GIRL!: Isabella Lindenmuth became the first female wrestler in Woodstown High School wrestling history to compete in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Region Wrestling Tournament and now has the first pin as a female wrestler in an NJSIAA Female Wrestling Tournament. We call this "breaking a glass ceiling!"

GOVERNMENT

• MEETING: Woodstown Borough Council, Mar. 12, 7 p.m.

• MEETING: Pilesgrove Twp Committee, Mar. 12, 7 p.m.

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Woodstown Crier: Where Isabella Lindenmuth shines at NJSIAA and shatters the glass ceiling, where Woodstown's best pupils shine onstage in 'Brigadoon' and transport us back to a simpler time, where the sun is always shining but starting on the 10th it'll last until 7 p.m.

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Want to share your Woodstown-Pilesgrove news in the Crier Column? Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com

28 March 2024

21 March 2024

14 March 2024

12 March 2024

08 March 2024

07 March 2024

01 March 2024

Woodstown Crier ColumnFriday, March 1, 2024

COMMUNITY

Woodstown Crier Column
Friday, March 1, 2024