THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2024
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| 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!
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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
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| 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!
“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.”
• 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!
"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"
- 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!
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
GOVERNMENT
Woodstown Borough Council and Pilesgrove Twp Committee meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
WEEKEND WEATHER
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.
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