Crier Column 8/30: Back to books! WHS Car Wash on Saturday; Spencer UAME School Supplies; RIP Johnny Hockey Gaudreau and brother Matthew; Smoke Free Marlton Park

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024

A special moment from the Art Showcase at Squirrel’s Nest Studio. The artwork featured in this part of the showcase was enhanced by the illumination of black light!

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

GOOD NEWS

Woodstown's historic halls will be buzzing with the excitement of its bright pupils once again this Thursday. School is back in session! Be wary of children crossing streets. Plan your commutes to accommodate delays due to school buses. 

♦

ORGAN: I had the distinct honor of playing classic hymns at First Baptist Church on South Main Street last Sunday, Aug. 25. The congregation showed their overwhelming kindness in singing to me "Happy Birthday." It was a great birthday spent at the organ! 'Twas an honor! My family, later in the day, took me to historic New Castle, Delaware to Jessop's Tavern. It's one of my favorite restaurants, and it's just over the bridge!

WEIRD NEWS

WAFFLE HOUSE: In case you haven't already heard — the rumors are not true. A weird anonymous trolling account in the Woodstown Facebook groups drummed up quite a stir with poorly drawn, unsubstantiated reports that a Waffle House would be built where the old Acme once stood. The account also alleged a Culver's Restaurant was in development by Wendy's in Pilesgrove. Click here to read more. 

CRIME LOG

JOHNNY HOCKEY: John "Johnny Hockey" Gaudreau, 31, and brother Matthew, 29, were struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver Thursday night in Oldman's Township.

Johnny was a National Hockey League (NHL) star who, at the time of his death, played for the Columbia Blue Jackets. He spent most of his professional career with the Calgary Flames. Matthew played in the American Hockey League, and later returned home to coach at Hollydell Ice Arena in Washington Township, according to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Police arrested Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown in connection with the deaths and charged him with two counts of death by auto and driving under the influence. 

Witnesses reported Higgins driving his Jeep Grand Cherokee at high speeds while attempting to pass another vehicle on County Route 551. During the maneuver, Higgins reportedly hit and killed the two brothers.

Gaudreau was drafted 104th overall in 2011 to the Calgary Flames and played professionally for the past decade as a left wing. His honors included winning silver in the 2010 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Czech Republic and Slovakia, gold in the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship in Russia, and bronze in the 2018 IIHF World Championship in Denmark. 

The Gaudreaus were born in Salem, N.J., and attended high school at Gloucester Catholic before moving to Iowa. 

The brothers travelled to Oldman's Township to attend their sister's wedding which had been scheduled for this weekend.

COMPLAINTS

MORE SMOKING: Last week I echoed some community concerns about smoking at the Marlton Recreation Field during the Woodstown Pirates and Cheerleading practices. I go for a run there every day and always smell the cigarettes or marijuana during the sporting events. 

Last weekend was the kick-off of the Woodstown Pirates 8th Annual Pre-Season Jamboree. It was packed with parents and players and family members — and, no doubt, it was a resounding success. I caught a glimpse of it while on one of my nightly runs through the park.

During my run, however, I passed a young woman pushing a newborn in a stroller around the track while finishing off a joint of weed. Now, I gladly support its legalization and decriminalization, and feel there should be no shame in using the stuff if it's your preference. But, with a baby? I caught a puff of it in my lungs as I was finishing my run, as I am sure the baby did, too. My first thought was god-forbid she's breast-feeding and the child is ingesting the THC. 

Now, I don't know her situation at all, and she may not have even been the mother, so I'm no one to cast judgement. But, she was hardly the only one. I saw cigarettes, cigars, marijuana vapes, and a colorful assortment other smoking accoutrements. 

Nevertheless, YOU CAN GO AN HOUR WITHOUT A SMOKE, PEOPLE! This is not the example we should be setting for our children. 

COMMUNITY

CAR WASH: The WHS Bands will host a Car Wash at the WHS Horseshoe (parking lot at the main entrance of the school) on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 beginning at 9 a.m. Cost is $10 per car and $15 per SUV. 

♦

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: The Spencer UAME Church Food Pantry is hosting a Back to School Supply Drive until Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. Items should be dropped off to the church at 314 Bailey St. in Woodstown. Monetary donations are welcome on Cash App to "Spencer Church Food Pantry." Items needed include pencils, pens, paper, crayons, markers, color pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, tape, glue, erasers, staplers, calculators, backpacks, Clorox wipes, sanitizer tissues, dry erase markers, highlighters, and other assorted school supplies.

♦

TRACTOR FUN: Tapas, Taps, Tractors Event at Friends Village on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature:

• Tractor Show

• Complimentary Food, Beer & Wine Samplings featuring Farmers & Bankers Brewery and Wagonhouse Winery

• Live Music

• Pick Your Own Sunflowers in our Sunflower Field and more!

Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.

This is a free event, no tickets required!

Click here for more information.

♦

FALL FESTIVAL: The 20th Annual Woodstown Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be kicked off with a W-P School District 5K Run and Kids Dash at 8 a.m. at Marlton Park. Vendors, click here to sign up (deadline is Sept. 20, cost is $50/vendor). Admission is free to the public. Here is a dispatch from the organizers: 

"Each year in September, Woodstown's historic downtown shopping district comes alive; scarecrows by the dozens keep watch along the streets; historic houses are decorated in their fall best; and vendors, crafters and local shops line their food and wares along Main Street eager to greet the thousands of tourists and towns people who come out to celebrate fall during Woodstown's Annual Fall Festival"

♦

INTERGENERATIONAL: Woodstown Friends Meeting will host Intergenerational Family activities throughout the fall. See the list below:

• September 29, 2024 – 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.. -Let’s celebrate the coming of fall with the game “As the Wind Blows” and decorate and bake cookies to take home.
• October 27, 2024 – 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Join Teacher Kate, the popular music teacher at Friends School Mullica Hill, for an interactive hour of music making and dance. We will sing both new and familiar songs, enjoy some interactive folk dancing and play percussion instruments as a group.
• December 8, 2024 – 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM—We will celebrate the holidays with holiday-themed story and craft time. You won’t walk away empty-handed!

♦

FARMER'S MARKET: There will be a Farmer's Market held on Oct. 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The organizers are seeking vendors with vegetables/fruits, pumpkins/plants, cornstalks/flowers, breads, honey, crafters, and quilters. Contact Linda Fritz at LAFritz19@Yahoo.com.

♦

FLU CLINIC: The Salem County Department of Health and Human Services will host the following Flu Clinics for residents ages 3 and older. No appointment necessary.

• Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Salem County Fair Grounds, Rt. 40, Pilesgrove. Drive-Thru. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 1, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Salem County Dept. of Health. 110 5th St., Salem. Walk-in.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Lower Alloway's Creek Fire & Rescue. 15 New St, Hancock's Bridge. Drive Thru.
• Thursday, Oct. 17, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Salem Community College, Davidow Hall. 460 Hollywood Ave, Carneys Point. Walk-in.
• Tuesday, Oct. 22, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Shalick High School, 718 Centerton Rd., Pittsgrove. Walk-in.
• Wednesday, Oct. 30, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Oldmans Municipal Building, 40 Freed Rd., Pedricktown. Walk-in.
• Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Carney's Point Municipal Building, 303 Harding Hwy, Carneys Point. Walk-in.

ENTERTAINMENT

ACTORS NEEDED: A dispatch from Salem Main Street and the Blue Moon Theatre:

The 37th Annual historic Yuletide tour of Salem County is looking for reenactors to participate in their event on December 7th from 1-6 rain or shine. This is a Paid position (with donations from those involved in the event).  Currently they are looking for:

Fredrick Douglas (1st lawyer) and Fredrick's daughter a teacher, Hetty Reckless a slave who went on to help free other slaves. Her owner was the governor in Salem and his wife was very hateful to Hetty., Harriet Tubman, and a Father Christmas who could also be like a town crier, Decreeing the day dedicated to the many people celebrating the upcoming holiday season.

If you are unfamiliar with any of the characters, please research them.  You will find them to be amazing individuals. 

If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Stark at Cherstark@hotmail.com or call at 856-905-5840.

♦

OPEN MIC: The Blue Moon Theatre will host an Open Mic Comedy night on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sign up when you arrive for performing. Tickets are $5.

♦

THEATRE: The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Little Shop of Horrors" on Sept. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. The cast was just announced and features Nicholas Renna, Rachel Grodek, Greg Hanmell, Tyler Kulik, Taye Hopkins, Aimee Ferenz, Celeste Daesy Moon, Shabria Moore, and Andrew Fralinger. Click here for tickets.

♦

AUDITIONS: The Blue Moon Theatre will host auditions for "RUMORS" by Neil Simon on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with callbacks on Monday, Sept. 30. Director Dominic Spadaccini is seeking four men, four women, and three actors of any gender for the comedy. Sign up here.

♦

CAST ANNOUNCED: The Blue Moon Theatre announced the cast of their upcoming November production, "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams. The cast is led by Gian Vanderose as Tom, Cheryl Stark as Amanda, Angela Robb as Laura, and Andrew Fralinger as Jim. Performances run Nov. 15-24.

SPORTS

First Football scrimmage scheduled for this past Thursday was cancelled. 

First home game is Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.

The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.

SCORES

SCHEDULE

WATCH LIVE EVENTS HERE

GOVERNMENT

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

WEEKEND WEATHER

FRIDAY: Clouds and rain, 70 percent chance. High of 77F. Low of 66F.

SATURDAY: Sun and clouds. High of 85F. Low of 66F.

SUNDAY: Rain, 40 percent chance. High of 84F. Low of 70F.

LABOR DAY: Sunny. High of 77F. Low of 61F.

Forecast: Sunny with warm but moderate temperatures next week, highs in the 70s and up to 80F on Thursday and Friday, but no higher. Not like the scorcher we endured the past week. Heck of a way to finish off the summer. Autumn can't get here soon enough.

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, children used to play on their lunch break by the fountain in the center of Woodstown. Then, the school bell would ring, and the shouts from teachers would echo down the street: "Back to books! Back to books!" The fountain is dried up and replaced with pavement, but the books on our school shelves are eternal. And, so, it's back to books this Thursday!

_______________

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

No, we are not getting a Waffle House or Culver's Restaurant

A screenshot of the fake proposed Waffle House. It should be noted that this location is not even in Pilesgrove, but in Woodstown. According to local sources, it is fake.

PILESGROVE — Over the weekend, residents of Woodstown and Pilesgrove may have been alarmed or intrigued to read recurring claims from an anonymous Facebook account that a Waffle House would be built where the old Acme once stood in Woodstown on Route 40, and a Culver's Restaurant would be built on not-yet-developed land adjacent to the Pilesgrove Shopping Center.

Admins of the Facebook groups where these rumors began circulating removed the poorly drawn development sketches (which appear to have been made in Microsoft Paint, and incorrectly identified the former Acme location as Pilesgrove). And while most people were smart enough to recognize a fake account, it begged the question: Is there any truth to the rumors?

No. It's fake.

Saturday evening, just to be sure, I reached out to a source connected with the Pilesgrove Planning Board and they confirmed they've received no notice of development, nor has the planning board reviewed any developments concerning a Culver's Restaurant.

The Waffle House would be in Woodstown territory despite the graphic claiming the old Acme being in Pilesgrove — but if one is untrue, it's safe to bet the other is too. 

I cannot confirm if this was the case, but often times organizations called "Troll Farms" or "Troll Factories" will create fake Facebook (or other social media) profiles, infiltrate local community groups, and purposely cause chaos. When the arguments are sparked, whoever is controlling the account will harvest the data of the people arguing, confirming who among them are actual residents of that community. Then, the operator of the fake account will sell that data to tech companies for huge sums of money. Those companies will ceaselessly advertise to those residents, create trend analysis of those residents, and attempt to influence their elections. 

Russia and China will often weaponize troll farms to conduct information and psychological operations against their populations. Think of it as the Orwellian "Big Brother," except that Big Brother isn't just watching — it's collecting and subliminally controlling.

Apart from population control, why do the operators of these accounts harvest and sell the data? Likely because, in recent years, data has eclipsed oil as the most valuable resource on Earth. A 2017 report in The Economist confirms the shift.

Now, I'm not trying to scare anyone. It's just the truth of the times in which we're living. Best to stay vigilant online, my friends. Click here for a helpful resource on the history of troll farms. Click here for a refresher on how to secure and protect your personal and family's online data.

Luckily, Woodstown and Pilesgrove residents weren't fooled.

__________________

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

Crier Column 8/23: Woodstown Students Honored! Senior Art Showcase; Back to School Block Party; Football and Band first scrimmage; Actors needed for Yuletide Tour; Flu Clinic; Crime Log

 THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2024

Woodstown Odyssey of the Mind team: Kaitlyn Crane, Torsten Duva, Annabelle Lafond, Bella Lucas, Bianca Martell, Milaeha Watts, Amy Wilson. This team took place second in the State Finals (with a first in Style) on April 13. They were honored this week along with many other Wolverines who distinguished themselves during the 2023-2024 academic year.

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

GOOD NEWS

Buckle up — we've got a lot to cover! Who was in love with the weather this week? Can it be like that every day, please?! Let's start with the good news.

GHOST TOUR: I had the distinct opportunity to visit Old City Philadelphia by way of my good friends Lance Bird and Kate Dilks, of Woodstown, and my sister Heather. Lance Bird gave us, and a crowd of about 20 spectators, a Ghost Tour of the historic district. What I loved most about it, however, was his emphasis on history. Bird, an elementary school teacher for South Harrison and church musician at First Baptist in Woodstown, moonlights as a well-read historian and exceptional storyteller. The tour impressed us all, learning about the founders of our country, the impact of the Yellow Fever pandemic in the 1790s on medical science, the First and Second National Banks, and the fascinating lore of Old City.

IT GOT US THINKING: What if we did the same in Woodstown? A Woodstown Ghost Tour with an emphasis on well-researched local history? It may happen in the coming months so stay tuned. In the meantime, book your Philly tour by Lance Bird by clicking here.

Lance and I will be making music at First Baptist this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Don't miss us!

♦

RUMOR: Sunshine Nutrition is moving and the location will be replaced by a Taco Shop. I love tacos but I have no more information on that. 

COMPLAINTS AND CRIMES

There's been quite a bit of chatter this week in the local Facebook groups and I think some of it bears repeating here:

SMOKING: This week, young athletes filled Marlton Park to hone their new skills in cheerleading and football. There's a lot of positive energy! One resident complained (and I agree with her) of the smoking from parents. 

"I am breathing it on the sidelines and so are the kids. The park is smoke free," the resident wrote. She's right. You can survive your kid's football practice or cheer meet without a cigarette or a hit on the weed pen. Click here to quit!

SPEEDING: "When is the road double-lining going to be completed on the racetrack otherwise known as Marlton Road?" one resident asked this week. "Children are present too." Those of us who live on or near Marlton Rd. would appreciate everyone go 35 mph — the posted speed limit.

GRAND THEFT AUTO: Two vehicles were stolen overnight on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2024, according to the Woodstown Police Department. Both vehicles were unlocked with the keys inside. "We would like to remind residents to remove valuables and secure your vehicles every night." Woodstown is the type of place where you may feel like you don't have to do that, but you do. Crime-ridden, we are not, but the occasional loon who thinks he can make off with a car, we've got a few. One vehicle was located. No word on the thieves.

ASSAULT: Earlier this month, a woman was reportedly assaulted on South Main Street by a man who has a history of violent behavior and once served a prison sentence in 2017 for attempted murder.

Police arrested Edward Carter, 44, of Woodstown, and charged him with aggravated assault and criminal restraint. Carter was transported to Salem County Correctional Facility. The investigation remains ongoing.

Carter has a history of arrests in Woodstown. In March 2017, he was charged with stabbing a 62-year-old Cape May County resident Richard Hawthorne at Carter's home on South Main Street. Carter pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted murder. The incident occurred two years prior on May 27, 2015. He was sentenced to seven years in state prison and, as part of the plea deal, was required to serve 85 percent of the time before being eligible for parole. 

Authorities reported Carter stabbed Hawthorne in the neck, chest, and stomach. Hawthorne survived the attack, but Carter fled the scene and was arrested by police on West Grant Street. At the time of the arrest, Carter was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. 

OPINION: Here's my two-cents: The assault and the auto theft were rare, isolated incidents. Yes, lock your cars and take your keys in the house. Yes, lock your doors, garage, windows, gate, shed. Don't leave valuables outdoors. 

But also don't fear — Woodstown and Pilesgrove are both safe, wonderful communities with very little crime. I've been writing this column for seven months now and never reported a single crime because there truly were none to report. Do not panic. 

COMMUNITY

WOLVERINES HONORED: The best and brightest Wolverines were honored by their school district earlier this month for going above and beyond outside of the classroom and distinguishing themselves with great honors. Here are photos and descriptions of their accomplishments:

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND: WMS Odyssey of the Mind team took place second in the State Finals (with a first in Style) on April 13. Though Woodstown did not place at the World Finals (May 21-24), it beat out the Saddle River Team, who had won the State Finals. Way to go!!!

Pictured here: Savannah Hiles, who represented Woodstown in the South Jersey Elementary Chorus.

SJ CHOIR: Congratulations to 5th graders Joseph Eggers, Savannah Hiles, and Kaylin Reese and 4th graders Helen Guerriero and Chloe Smith who represented the Shoemaker School in the South Jersey Elementary Chorus Festival. They participated in an all-day rehearsal and concert at Washington Township High School along with other outstanding music students from schools around South Jersey. We are proud of their accomplishments!

ALL STATE CHOIR:  Each year, Woodstown students practice and audition for membership in the New Jersey All State Chorus where they have the opportunity to rehearse with the finest singers from across the state under the leadership of a distinguished guest conductor. It’s an extremely competitive selection process and these five WHS students were accepted for the 2023-2024 season. Students honored were Natalee Basile, Jessie Bittle, Danielle Hannah, Elizabeth Hitchner and Brianna Iocona.

AMERICAN INSPIRATION: Carter Smith, a sophomore at Woodstown, won First Place in the Regional Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Essay contents and took Third Place for the state of N.J. His essay "How America Inspires Me" opened with this paragraph:

“I am inspired by America from the dreams that are made true and the dreams that are yet to come. I am inspired by the individuals who dedicate everything they have to create something that was never thought to be possible. I am inspired by the ones who uplift others putting their lives at risk for the greater good. I am inspired when I see one with the faith to continue what they are doing even when they are in the depths of despair.”

TRACK HONORS: 4 x 800 Relay Track Team; Coach-Reggie Teemer, Asst Coach-Alex Dominy, Athletes-Karson Chew, Joshua Crawford, Jacob Marino, Cole Lucas. These hardworking young men brought home the NJSIAA Group I State Champions with a time of 8:11.67.

A hearty congratulations to our outstanding Wolverines!!

♦

ART: Salem County Senior Art Show at First Baptist Church on Friday, Aug. 23, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

♦

ELEMENTARY: Mary S. Shoemaker School New Family Orientation event will be held Wed., Aug. 28 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shoemaker School.

♦

BLOCK PARTY: The Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District is hosting a Back to School Block Party on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mary S. Shoemaker Activity Fields (201 E. Millbrooke Ave). Free admission. There will be food, giveaways, games, music/karaoke, school bus safety, community opportunities, a bouncy house, and the WHS Football team will host a scrimmage at 6 p.m. on the WHS Clint Ware Field. For more info, call the main offices at 856-769-0144.

♦

CAR WASH: The WHS Bands will be hosting a Car Wash at the WHS Horseshoe (parking lot at the main entrance of the school) on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 beginning at 9 a.m. Cost is $10 per car and $15 per SUV. 

♦

TRACTOR FUN: Tapas, Taps, Tractors Event at Friends Village on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature:

• Tractor Show

• Complimentary Food, Beer & Wine Samplings featuring Farmers & Bankers Brewery and Wagonhouse Winery

• Live Music

• Pick Your Own Sunflowers in our Sunflower Field and more!

Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.

This is a free event, no tickets required!

Click here for more information.

♦

RUN: Healthy Kids Running Series starts Sept. 15. Early bird pricing ends Aug. 25. More details and sign-up click here.

♦

FALL FESTIVAL: The 20th Annual Woodstown Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be kicked off with a W-P School District 5K Run and Kids Dash at 8 a.m. at Marlton Park. Vendors, click here to sign up (deadline is Sept. 20, cost is $50/vendor). Admission is free to the public. Here is a dispatch from the organizers: 

"Each year in September, Woodstown's historic downtown shopping district comes alive; scarecrows by the dozens keep watch along the streets; historic houses are decorated in their fall best; and vendors, crafters and local shops line their food and wares along Main Street eager to greet the thousands of tourists and towns people who come out to celebrate fall during Woodstown's Annual Fall Festival"

♦

INTERGENERATIONAL: Woodstown Friends Meeting will host Intergenerational Family activities throughout the fall. See the list below:

• September 29, 2024 – 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.. -Let’s celebrate the coming of fall with the game “As the Wind Blows” and decorate and bake cookies to take home.
• October 27, 2024 – 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Join Teacher Kate, the popular music teacher at Friends School Mullica Hill, for an interactive hour of music making and dance. We will sing both new and familiar songs, enjoy some interactive folk dancing and play percussion instruments as a group.
• December 8, 2024 – 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM—We will celebrate the holidays with holiday-themed story and craft time. You won’t walk away empty-handed!

♦

FARMER'S MARKET: There will be a Farmer's Market held on Oct. 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The organizers are seeking vendors with vegetables/fruits, pumpkins/plants, cornstalks/flowers, breads, honey, crafters, and quilters. Contact Linda Fritz at LAFritz19@Yahoo.com.

♦

FLU CLINIC: The Salem County Department of Health and Human Services will host the following Flu Clinics for residents ages 3 and older. No appointment necessary.

• Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Salem County Fair Grounds, Rt. 40, Pilesgrove. Drive-Thru. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 1, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Salem County Dept. of Health. 110 5th St., Salem. Walk-in.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Lower Alloway's Creek Fire & Rescue. 15 New St, Hancock's Bridge. Drive Thru.
• Thursday, Oct. 17, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Salem Community College, Davidow Hall. 460 Hollywood Ave, Carneys Point. Walk-in.
• Tuesday, Oct. 22, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Shalick High School, 718 Centerton Rd., Pittsgrove. Walk-in.
• Wednesday, Oct. 30, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Oldmans Municipal Building, 40 Freed Rd., Pedricktown. Walk-in.
• Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Carney's Point Municipal Building, 303 Harding Hwy, Carneys Point. Walk-in.

ENTERTAINMENT

ACTORS NEEDED: A dispatch from Salem Main Street and the Blue Moon Theatre:

The 37th Annual historic Yuletide tour of Salem County is looking for reenactors to participate in their event on December 7th from 1-6 rain or shine. This is a Paid position (with donations from those involved in the event).  Currently they are looking for:

Fredrick Douglas (1st lawyer) and Fredrick's daughter a teacher, Hetty Reckless a slave who went on to help free other slaves. Her owner was the governor in Salem and his wife was very hateful to Hetty., Harriet Tubman, and a Father Christmas who could also be like a town crier, Decreeing the day dedicated to the many people celebrating the upcoming holiday season.

If you are unfamiliar with any of the characters, please research them.  You will find them to be amazing individuals. 

If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Stark at Cherstark@hotmail.com or call at 856-905-5840.

♦

OPEN MIC: The Blue Moon Theatre will host an Open Mic Comedy night on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sign up when you arrive for performing. Tickets are $5.

♦

THEATRE: The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Little Shop of Horrors" on September 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. The cast was just announced and features Nicholas Renna, Rachel Grodek, Greg Hanmell, Tyler Kulik, Taye Hopkins, Aimee Ferenz, Celeste Daesy Moon, Shabria Moore, and Andrew Fralinger. Click here for tickets.

♦

AUDITIONS: The Blue Moon Theatre will host auditions for "RUMORS" by Neil Simon on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with callbacks on Monday, Sept. 30. Director Dominic Spadaccini is seeking four men, four women, and three actors of any gender for the comedy. Sign up here.

SPORTS

First Football scrimmage is Thurs. Aug 29.

The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.

SCORES

SCHEDULE

WATCH LIVE EVENTS HERE

GOVERNMENT

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

WEEKEND WEATHER

FRIDAY: Sunny. High of 82F. Low of 54F.

SATURDAY: Mostly sunny. High of 84F. Low of 58F.

SUNDAY: Sunny. High of 86F. Low of 60F.

Forecast: Wasn't the cooler weather wonderful this week? I bet our electric bills feel eased. That was what we call False Fall -- a break in the summer. Expect temperatures to climb into the upper 80s throughout the week. Lows in the high 60s. Mostly sunny. 

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where the last week of a strange Summer is days away, but the best Autumn is yet to come. I can already taste the Apple Cider!

_______________

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

Crier Column 8/15: My dinner recipe; Route 40 lane closures; Concert in the Park; Senior Art Show; Vote for Jake Ware; Clothing give-a-way at Lake

THURSDAY, AUG 15, 2024

I've been spending a lot of late nights outside of Woodstown, but this is one of my favorite views when returning home.

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

Another busy week! 

The impromptu teen production of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" that the Blue Moon Theatre very graciously allowed to be performed in their space with about 24 hours notice, was a great success.

I'll be down at the Levoy Theatre this weekend assisting with "Wizard of Oz" (I'm the standby for the Cowardly Lion). 

Otherwise, it's been a quiet and temperate week so far. Monday night I had nothing going on (which is rare) so I made a really delicious dinner. Here's the recipe:

SHEET PAN SAUSAGE:

Needs: 5-7 Sweet Italian Sausages; 6-7 apples; 1 white onion; Olive Oil, Salt/Pepper/Garlic Powder (not salt). 

Serves: 3-4 adults

1. Arrange 5 or 6 (or more) sweet Italian sausages (not breakfast sausages!) on a sheet pan. My favorite are Botto's. Lightly coat sausages with Yellow Mustard. Preheat oven to 400F

2.  Cut up 7 apples into thick slices (about 12 slices per apple). Cut up half a white onion into long, thin slices.

3. Mix the apples and onion in Olive Oil, a dash of salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Place the apples and onions on the sheet pan with the sausages. Douse everything in olive oil.

4. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven. Cook for 15 minutes. Then, flip the sausages after 15 mins and cook for another 20 minutes or until sausages are cooked through.

5. Serve and enjoy! Along with this dish, I cook French potatoes. Here's how:

- Slice about 5 or 6 small yellow potatoes. The slices should be thin and the potato slices should be no larger than a silver dollar or half dollar coin. Wash and dry the potatoes in cold water.

- In a non-stick pan, add the potatoes with a large knob of butter. Approximately 2x tablespoons.

- Add salt and pepper generously, and a sprig of rosemary.

- On medium heat, roast those potatoes until they're cooked through with brown edges.

Bon appetite!

COMMUNITY

ART: Salem County Senior Art Show at First Baptist Church on Friday, Aug. 23, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

♦

TRAFFIC: Route 40 eastbound is scheduled to close and be detoured overnight for the next several weeks beginning at 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Thursdays in Carneys Point Township.

♦

RUN: Healthy Kids Running Series starts Sept. 15. Early bird pricing ends Aug. 25. More details and sign-up click here.

♦

CLOTHING: A clothing give-a-way will be held at Woodstown Memorial Lake on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 at 9 a.m.  Leslie Gunnett and Santana Dang are taking donations. Click here for the Facebook event page to contact them.

♦

ELEMENTARY: Mary S. Shoemaker School New Family Orientation event will be held Wed., Aug. 28 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shoemaker School.

♦

BLOCK PARTY: The Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District is hosting a Back to School Block Party on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mary S. Shoemaker Activity Fields (201 E. Millbrooke Ave). Free admission. There will be food, giveaways, games, music/karaoke, school bus safety, community opportunities, a bouncy house, and the WHS Football team will host a scrimmage at 6 p.m. on the WHS Clint Ware Field. For more info, call the main offices at 856-769-0144.

♦

CAR WASH: The WHS Bands will be hosting a Car Wash at the WHS Horseshoe (parking lot at the main entrance of the school) on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 beginning at 9 a.m. Cost is $10 per car and $15 per SUV. 

♦

TRACTOR FUN: Tapas, Taps, Tractors Event at Friends Village on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature:

• Tractor Show

• Complimentary Food, Beer & Wine Samplings featuring Farmers & Bankers Brewery and Wagonhouse Winery

• Live Music

• Pick Your Own Sunflowers in our Sunflower Field and more!

Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.

This is a free event, no tickets required!

Click here for more information.

♦

FALL FESTIVAL: The 20th Annual Woodstown Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be kicked off with a W-P School District 5K Run and Kids Dash at 8 a.m. at Marlton Park. Vendors, click here to sign up (deadline is Sept. 20, cost is $50/vendor). Admission is free to the public. Here is a dispatch from the organizers: 

"Each year in September, Woodstown's historic downtown shopping district comes alive; scarecrows by the dozens keep watch along the streets; historic houses are decorated in their fall best; and vendors, crafters and local shops line their food and wares along Main Street eager to greet the thousands of tourists and towns people who come out to celebrate fall during Woodstown's Annual Fall Festival"

♦

FARMER'S MARKET: There will be a Farmer's Market held on October 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The organizers are seeking vendors with vegetables/fruits, pumpkins/plants, cornstalks/flowers, breads, honey, crafters, and quilters. Contact Linda Fritz at LAFritz19@Yahoo.com.

♦

DANCING & DRINKS: The new Woodstown Pub Off Main (formerly Theo's Tavern attached to the Woodstown Diner) is hosting Line Dancing every Wednesday at 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Happy Hour is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with drink specials. No cover charge for dancing or happy hour.

ENTERTAINMENT

THEATRE: The Oakwood Summer Theatre presents "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at Salem Community College at Davidow Hall on Aug. 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Say "hi!" to Tom Mason before the show, he's been keeping this great Salem County tradition alive for decades.

♦

LIVE MUSIC: The Concert in the Park Series at Marlton Park will feature live music by The Carrolls. Also, it's kids night! There will be food trucks, kids shows, sweet treats, arts and crafts, and more. Admission is free to the public. The event is Thursday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. under the Rotary Pavilion (by Marlton Rd. entrance)

♦

OPEN MIC: The Blue Moon Theatre will host an Open Mic Comedy night on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sign up when you arrive for performing. Tickets are $5.

♦

THEATRE: The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Little Shop of Horrors" on September 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. The cast was just announced and features Nicholas Renna, Rachel Grodek, Greg Hanmell, Tyler Kulik, Taye Hopkins, Aimee Ferenz, Celeste Daesy Moon, Shabria Moore, and Andrew Fralinger. Click here for tickets.

SPORTS

A dispatch from Mayor Joe Hiles:

Let's kick it for Woodstown's  own Jake Ware. Ware has a familiar name and a familiar brand of excellence for the Woodies. Ware made 40-of-42 extra points and kicked four field goals playing in the stadium named for his grandfather Clint Ware. Vote Today!

Click here to vote in the Courier-Post's survey of the best kickers and punters in South Jersey (and vote for Ware!)

♦

First Football scrimmage is two weeks from today (Thurs. Aug 29).

The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.

SCORES

SCHEDULE

WATCH LIVE EVENTS HERE

GOVERNMENT

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

WEEKEND WEATHER

FRIDAY: Sunny. High of 88F. Low of 64F.

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy. High of 84F. Low of 68F.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with a chance of showers in the late evening 60%. High of 82F. Low of 69F.

Forecast: Slightly cooler next week. Mostly cloudy with temps in the 70s and low 80s. A sign of late August.

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where it's starting to finally feel like summer ... and not the fiery depths of the underworld. Stay cool either way!

_______________

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

Crier Column 8/9: Shakespeare at the Blue Moon; Sending Watermelon to the White House; Electricity comes to Woodstown; Clothing drive at Lake; Shredding in Salem; Unplugged Lights at Creekside

    FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2024

The Salem County Fair Ribbon Cutting and Opening Ceremony.

Congratulations to our 2024 Little Miss Salem County Fair Queen Reese Matlack and our new 2024 Salem County Fair Queen Annabelle Cobb!

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

It's been a wild week, folks. Despite some truly insane weather, the Salem County Fair went off without a hitch (from what I hear, sadly I was unable to attend). Here's a phenomenal moment I hope to see in the future:

Started in 2021 the lineman climbing the pole and raising the flag for the singing of the National Anthem has know become a integral part of the Opening Ceremonies for the Salem County Fair.

This week, I've been outside the best town in America (Woodstown, obviously) spending my nights in Millville at the lead-up to opening night of "The Wizard of Oz" at the Levoy Theatre. I am the understudy for the Cowardly Lion. Courage! The show is wonderful and magical, but I don't get to rehearse so I spend my nights in the audience carefully watching every move on stage, committing it all to memory in case I have to perform one night. It's a fun challenge!

In the meantime, I received a panicked phone call from some of my talented former theatre students at WHS who banned together this summer to put on a Shakespeare play. They intended to perform at an amphitheater in a park in Gloucester County, but, as fate would have it, the park didn't work out.

They called me to see if I could find them a theater at the last minute -- their show is this Sunday at 7 p.m. and they couldn't move the date because many of them are shipping off to college next week. So, I called our hometown Blue Moon Theatre (Woodstown Opera House) owner Cheryl Stark, and by the grace of God, the theater was available and through her endless kindness, will allow the teens to move their show to Woodstown this weekend.

They'll perform "Much Ado About Nothing" on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. Indoors! 

COMMUNITY

WEATHER: A dispatch from Mayor Joe Hiles:

"As the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby move through our region, Atlantic City Electric's full emergency response organization is ready. They encourage  customers to also prepare and stay safe during severe weather. To report a downed wire, customers should call 800-833-7476 and report and track their outage through the mobile app or the website. You can also text "OUT" to 20661 to report an outage." 

♦

SHREDDING: St. John's Episcopal Church on Market Street in Salem will host a paper shredding event on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 from 9 a.m. to noon. Attendees are allowed to bring up to three (3) grocery bags of paper for free. Additional bags are $1/bag. All proceeds benefit the Lighthouse Ministries. Enter the church parking lot from Grant Street.

♦

CLOTHING: A clothing give-a-way will be held at Woodstown Memorial Lake on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 at 9 a.m.  Leslie Gunnett and Santana Dang are taking donations. Click here for the Facebook event page to contact them.

♦

FAIR HISTORY: I'm curious: who won the biggest watermelon at the Salem County Fair this week and did they send it to the White House? It wouldn't be the first time.

In 1887, the watermelon winner Thomas J. and Richard Corson of the Thomas Weatherby Farm, near Pedricktown, sent their large melon (the largest in the state) to the People's House.

They received this correspondence:

EXECUTIVE MANSION

WASHINGTON, SEPT. 28, 1887

MR. T. J. CORSON,

PEDRICKTOWN, Salem Co. N. J.

DEAR SIR: -- The monster watermelon which took the premium at your Fair and which you were good enough to send me, arrived here without injury and was regarded with much curiosity. It proved to be quite palatable and I thank you for your courtesy in sending it.

Very truly yours,

GROVER CLEVELAND, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

♦ 

ELECTRIC HISTORY: Don't believe what you see on Google or Facebook. Woodstown Ice & Coal is not "Permanently Closed" (as it read this week). They're open for business! Did you know WI&C was the location of the first electrical grid in Woodstown? Here's an excerpt from "The South Jerseyman" newspaper, March 11, 1902:

"The most notable event in the history of Woodstown since the first arrival of the locomotive nineteen years ago was the illuminating of its streets on Saturday night by electric lights. Over two hundred neatly printed invitations were distributed through the community worded as follows: OPENING OF THE ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT AT THE WOODSTOWN ICE AND COAL STORAGE PLANT, SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 08, 1902. YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED.

"The time fixed for turning on the light was 7:30 o'clock, at which hour, in the presence of a large gathering, Mayor Allen pressed the button and in the twinkling of an eye every street in the borough was illuminated beyond the expectations of the most hearty supporters of the electric system.

"Soon after darkness had set in, visitors began to arrive at the plant where many of them for the first time beheld a dynamo driven by a rapidly running engine making 12,000 revolutions per minute.

"From the engine room the visitors ascended a short stairway into the large tank room. Here upon an elevated platform, Prof. Treen, with two other musicians, delighted the audience with exhilarating music after which Mayor Allen stepped forward and delivered a brief but very interesting address on the achievements of science and useful discoveries in recent years, closing his remarks by introducing Mr. Benjamin Patterson as the speaker of the evening.

"Mr. Patterson said, among other good things on behalf of Woodstown's present prospects and future possibilities, that the introduction of electric lights was the open door to the institution of more industries in the community which could not be hoped for without the present system of lighting facilities just inaugurated. He strongly denounced adverse criticism of the new enterprise. It was the bounded duty of every patriotic citizen to speak encouragingly for the projectors of any industry which may be started in the near future."

Thanks to newspapers, we have these historic records.

♦

BLOCK PARTY: The Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District is hosting a Back to School Block Party on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mary S. Shoemaker Activity Fields (201 E. Millbrooke Ave). Free admission. There will be food, giveaways, games, music/karaoke, school bus safety, community opportunities, a bouncy house, and the WHS Football team will host a scrimmage at 6 p.m. on the WHS Clint Ware Field. For more info, call the main offices at 856-769-0144.

♦

CAR WASH: The WHS Bands will be hosting a Car Wash at the WHS Horseshoe (parking lot at the main entrance of the school) on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 beginning at 9 a.m. Cost is $10 per car and $15 per SUV. 

♦

FALL FESTIVAL: The 20th Annual Woodstown Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be kicked off with a W-P School District 5K Run and Kids Dash at 8 a.m. at Marlton Park. Vendors, click here to sign up (deadline is Sept. 20, cost is $50/vendor). Admission is free to the public. Here is a dispatch from the organizers: 

"Each year in September, Woodstown's historic downtown shopping district comes alive; scarecrows by the dozens keep watch along the streets; historic houses are decorated in their fall best; and vendors, crafters and local shops line their food and wares along Main Street eager to greet the thousands of tourists and towns people who come out to celebrate fall during Woodstown's Annual Fall Festival"

♦

FARMER'S MARKET: There will be a Farmer's Market held on October 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The organizers are seeking vendors with vegetables/fruits, pumpkins/plants, cornstalks/flowers, breads, honey, crafters, and quilters. Contact Linda Fritz at LAFritz19@Yahoo.com.

♦

DANCING & DRINKS: The new Woodstown Pub Off Main (formerly Theo's Tavern attached to the Woodstown Diner) is hosting Line Dancing every Wednesday at 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Happy Hour is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with drink specials. No cover charge for dancing or happy hour.

ENTERTAINMENT

SHAKESPEARE: The group of talented teens from the area will present "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Blue Moon Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. Free admission.

♦

MUSIC: Unplugged Lights, the duo of Paul Kranz and Maggie DiPalma, will perform live music this Saturday, Aug 10 beginning at 6 p.m. at Creekside Inn.

♦

THEATRE: The Oakwood Summer Theatre presents "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at Salem Community College at Davidow Hall on Aug. 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Say "hi!" to Tom Mason before the show, he's been keeping this great Salem County tradition alive for decades.

♦ 

THEATRE: The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Little Shop of Horrors" on September 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. The cast was just announced and features Nicholas Renna, Rachel Grodek, Greg Hanmell, Tyler Kulik, Taye Hopkins, Aimee Ferenz, Celeste Daesy Moon, Shabria Moore, and Andrew Fralinger. Click here for tickets.

SPORTS

We're less than a month out from the first Varsity Wolverine Football Scrimmage (vs. St. Joe's in Hammonton). First home scrimmage in Thursday, Aug. 29. Fall sports registration is in effect until Thursday.

The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.

SCORES

SCHEDULE

WATCH LIVE EVENTS HERE

GOVERNMENT

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

WEEKEND WEATHER

FRIDAY: Tornado Watch in effect. Flood Watch in effect. Wind advisory. Clouds, wind, and rain. High of 85F, low of 76F.

SATURDAY: Sunny. High of 85F. Low of 70F.

SUNDAY: Sunny. High of 83F. Low of 66F.

Forecast: Sun and clouds through the week. Highs in the low 80s (F). Lows in the low-to-mid 60s. I do believe that means cooler nights in August! We love love love it! Possible showers rolling in next weekend.

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where it's unclear if future generations of Woodstown in a century from today will learn about our way of life and our achievements (like we learned about Woodstown's 1902 introduction to electricity, or the White House Watermelon) without newspapers to record it. Do I write a book?

_______________

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

Crier Column 8/2: Happy August! WHS Marching Band prepares for season; Community Yard Sale this Saturday; Salem County Fair starts Monday

   FRIDAY, AUGUST 02, 2024

Mayor Joe Hiles presided over the Oath for Woodstown's newest law enforcement office, Ptl. Joel Seabo. Congrats to the new Patrolman!

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

We made it to August! Pay your Town Crier a visit at First Baptist on Main Street this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. I'll be at the organ. It's Communion Sunday so you'll be getting plenty of that old time religion! (aka. classic hymns!)

Last night, in preparation for the launch and return of The Curtain Call Club of Woodstown, I spent the evening with many parents of the Woodstown High School Bands, as they held their first Woodstown Band Boosters meeting of the season. I had the opportunity to learn how the group functions, how they raise money, their many successes of the previous academic year, and the exciting events ahead. 

Of note, the band is hosting a Car Wash at the WHS horseshoe in front of the main entrance at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. $10/car, $15/SUVs.

Expect to see the WHS Marching Band performing the half-time shows at all Woodstown Football home games this year, beginning Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. You Town Crier will be there! Will I break out my old clarinet to play along? Stay tuned ...

Thanks, Bob & Michelle Williams, for inviting me to learn more about how Boosters support WHS. Can't wait for a great Marching Band season!!

COMMUNITY

WELCOME: Woodstown has a new Patrolman! Welcome Ptl. Joel Seabo to the force. A dispatch from Mayor Joe Hiles:

What an honor it was to preside over the Oath for Woodstown's newst law enforcement officer. Patrolman Seabo comes to us with energy & experience to protect & serve his hometown.  Patrolman Seabo joins a top notch police department. May God bless & protect Patrolman Seabo & his fellow officers. Please grant them wisdom, strength, skill, professionalism & a just heart as they perform their duties. 

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”~ Matthew 5:9

♦

SALEM COUNTY FAIR: The Salem County Fair Association has announced its full schedule of activities. Click here for see the full schedule. The annual fair will be held beginning Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 and conclude Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Opening ceremonies will be Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Stage Arena, followed by the Salem County Fair Queen and Little Miss Contests. The women vying for Fair Queen are: Miss Cheyenne Hoffman, Miss Peyton Mayhew, Miss Trisha Casady, and Miss Annabelle Cobb. Best of luck, ladies!

♦

YARD SALE: Community Yard Sale, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. From Mayor Hiles: "No yard sale permit required on the fist Saturday in August. There is no rain date and there is no list or map of participants. This is a great way to do a lil summer sprucing up and clean out to earn a lil cash for ice cream or the shore."

♦

BLOCK PARTY: The Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District is hosting a Back to School Block Party on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mary S. Shoemaker Activity Fields (201 E. Millbrooke Ave). Free admission. There will be food, giveaways, games, music/karaoke, school bus safety, community opportunities, a bouncy house, and the WHS Football team will host a scrimmage at 6 p.m. on the WHS Clint Ware Field. For more info, call the main offices at 856-769-0144.

♦

CAR WASH: The WHS Bands will be hosting a Car Wash at the WHS Horseshoe (parking lot at the main entrance of the school) on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 beginning at 9 a.m. Cost is $10 per car and $15 per SUV. 

♦

FALL FESTIVAL: The 20th Annual Woodstown Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be kicked off with a W-P School District 5K Run and Kids Dash at 8 a.m. at Marlton Park. Vendors, click here to sign up (deadline is Sept. 20, cost is $50/vendor). Admission is free to the public. Here is a dispatch from the organizers: 

"Each year in September, Woodstown's historic downtown shopping district comes alive; scarecrows by the dozens keep watch along the streets; historic houses are decorated in their fall best; and vendors, crafters and local shops line their food and wares along Main Street eager to greet the thousands of tourists and towns people who come out to celebrate fall during Woodstown's Annual Fall Festival"

♦

FARMER'S MARKET: There will be a Farmer's Market held on October 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The organizers are seeking vendors with vegetables/fruits, pumpkins/plants, cornstalks/flowers, breads, honey, crafters, and quilters. Contact Linda Fritz at LAFritz19@Yahoo.com.

♦

DANCING & DRINKS: The new Woodstown Pub Off Main (formerly Theo's Tavern attached to the Woodstown Diner) is hosting Line Dancing every Wednesday at 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Happy Hour is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with drink specials. No cover charge for dancing or happy hour.

ENTERTAINMENT

THEATRE: The Oakwood Summer Theatre presents "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at Salem Community College at Davidow Hall on Aug. 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Say "hi!" to Tom Mason before the show, he's been keeping this great Salem County tradition alive for decades.

♦ 

THEATRE: The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Little Shop of Horrors" on September 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. The cast was just announced and features Nicholas Renna, Rachel Grodek, Greg Hanmell, Tyler Kulik, Taye Hopkins, Aimee Ferenz, Celeste Daesy Moon, Shabria Moore, and Andrew Fralinger. Click here for tickets.

♦

RUMOR: Some great Woodstown talent will be performing this November down in Millville, N.J. at the Levoy Theatre in Irving Berlin's "WHITE CHRISTMAS" ... I can't say who will be up on the big stage just yet, so stay tuned. Click here for tickets!

SPORTS

We're less than a month out from the first Varsity Wolverine Football Scrimmage (vs. St. Joe's in Hammonton). First home scrimmage in Thursday, Aug. 29. Fall sports registration is in effect until Thursday.

♦

LET STUDENTS PLAY SPORTS & INSTRUMENTS:

One of the discussion points of the Band Boosters is that we're all one team — the Wolverines. But, reliable sources are telling me there are some (not all) Coaches making it extra challenging for students to participate in a sport AND the Band. They'll be disqualified from playing in a game if they're a few minutes late to practice due to a Band commitment, or they'll find another way to discourage participation in one over the other.

C'mon now. Let's do right by our students and accommodate the one time in their lives they'll get to do this. When I was a student at WHS we were encouraged to do both and somewhere that may have been lost. Let's get it back.

♦

The Woodstown Athletic Department website, a hub for all things Woodstown High School sports, can be found here.

SCORES

SCHEDULE

WATCH LIVE EVENTS HERE

GOVERNMENT

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

WEEKEND WEATHER

FRIDAY: Excessive Heat Warning in effect beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Sunny with a chance of thunderstorms and rain around 5 p.m. High of 94F, low of 76F.

SATURDAY: Clouds and Sun with a chance of Thunderstorms early evening. High of 90F, low of 74F.

SUNDAY: Intermittent storms clearing out early evening. High of 86F, low of 73F.

Forecast: Hot and sunny Monday and Tuesday. Clouds roll in Wednesday with a chance of storms until Friday. Temps back in the low 80s mid-week.

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where, in 1989, Town Crier Ron LeHew said of the Salem County Fair: "Going to the County Fair is a real spiritual state-of-mind type of experience. Your degree of fun and entertainment is in direct proportion to how receptive you are to the gleam of shiny new farm equipment, the beauty of cows, the bustle of pigs, old friends, fair queens and funnel cake." (Today's Sunbeam)

_______________

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