Crier Column 9/20: Little Shop of Horrors at Blue Moon; Wolverines home game tonight; Unplugged Lights at Marlton; Fall Festival next Saturday

  FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

A sign of Autumn! The Woodstown FFA is selling Mums and Pumpkins at the Agriculture Center, 188 E. Millbrooke.

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

This Fall is shaping up to be a busy one! Soon we'll see Scarecrows popping up around town in preparation for the annual Fall Festival.

This past Thursday, I received my 2024 General Election Ballot in the mail and proudly voted. Make sure you do the same! Whether you've received a mail-in ballot, or you go to the ballot box on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 — it's your civic duty. I've put together a list (click here) of all the candidates in the local elections. Register to vote here. Deadline is Oct. 15, 2024.

Also, I finally got around to uploading the wonderful photos from the Double Rainbow that occurred on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. What a splendid way to highlight the beauty of our community, and how lucky we are that we live in an age where we can simply pop open our phones and capture the memory. No more waiting for film to develop (though, I do miss the aesthetic of 35mm film photos ... nothing beats those colors).

It's been a quiet week for me — I came down with a case of COVID so I was housebound. Luckily, it was very mild and I feel fine now. Sadly, had to miss a wedding in North Carolina, and numerous important rehearsals for the two shows I'm in: "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "White Christmas" both in Millville at the Levoy Theatre this Fall.

COMMUNITY

FALL VIBES: The Woodstown FFA is selling Mums and Pumpkins at the Woodstown Agriculture Education Center (188 E. Millbrooke). Cost is $8 or 4 for $28. Self-service. Here is a dispatch from their Facebook:

We still have a great selection of yellow and red mums with some assorted pumpkins and corn stalks (188 East Millbrooke)  We will be restocking our sold out mum colors and additional pumpkins the end of next week just in time for the Woodstown Fall Festival! We can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support of our program and its students through the sales at our Ag Education Center. 💙  💛 🧡

♦

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"

Make sure to say "hi" and grab a selfie with your Town Crier. I'll be spending time some time at the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society and many other locations around town. 

♦

PARK: While at the Fall Festival, head over to the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Recreation Association. The association is seeking community input and donations for the betterment and future of the park. This year, 20 percent of their budget will come from donations, and they are seeking to raise $15,000. I'll be paying them a visit!

♦

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!

♦

COMMUNITY CHAT: The Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District is hosting a special "Community Chat" to discuss the school district. Chats will be help Monday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at Mary S. Shoemaker School, and Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. at William Roper School. Community members are encouraged to attend. Sign up here.

♦

FARMER'S MARKET: There will be a Farmer's Market held at Memorial Lake 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

Nicholas Renna stars as Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Blue Moon Theatre (Woodstown Opera House) this weekend and next.

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.

♦

TRIVIA: Trivia Night hosted by QUIZZ HOE at Farmers & Bankers Brewery on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team. Enjoy $5 burgers from the Woodstown Tavern & Hotel if you order from the brewery. 

♦

CONCERT: Unplugged Lights, the duo of Paul Kranz and Maggie DiPalma, will perform at  Marlton Recreation Park as part of the Concert in the Park series, on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. The vent is free to the public. Bring a camping chair, blankets, and friends! Concession stand will be open for food and beverages.

♦

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.

♦

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

WHS Men's Cross Country Team (2024-2025). Photo courtesy WPRSD.

CROSS COUNTRY: A dispatch from the WHS Athletic Department:

The Woodstown Boys Cross Country Team opened their season with victories over Schalick and Overbrook. Woodstown's top finisher was Cole Lucas in 5th, Karson Chew and Jake Marino in 7th and 8th. The top 7 was rounded out by David Farrell, Jon Farrell, Michael Turner, and Pacey Hutton.

FOOTBALL: Home game Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Woodbury!

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: Sun. High of 81F. Low of 62F.

SATURDAY: Sun during the day, scattered clouds and showers at night. High of 81F. Low of 60F.

SUNDAY: Sunny with some wind. . High of 76F. Low of 57F.

Forecast: Temperatures cool off next week with rain Tuesday through Thursday. Sun returns on Friday. Highs from 70F to 75F.

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where the colors are changing earlier. Some say it was due to the lack of rain over the summer. Others say Woodstown knows what looks best. 

_______________

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

Meet the Candidates: Salem County Elections 2024

This image was AI-generated with DALL-E.

REGISTER TO VOTE CLICK HERE

DEADLINE IN NJ: TUESDAY, OCT. 15, 2024

ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOV. 5, 2024

MAIL-IN BALLOTS CURRENTLY DISTRIBUTED

We're all probably sick of hearing the names Trump, Harris, Vance, and Walz — but some may not know the candidates closer to home. 

I received my mail-in ballot on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, and some of the names I knew, some I did not. So, here is a helpful guide to who is running in our local elections in 2024. 

FULL DISCLOSURE: The Woodstown Crier publication, and the Town Crier, are nonpartisan, apolitical entities in the Woodstown-Pilesgrove community. The Town Crier does not appear at political events or fundraisers, and the Woodstown Crier makes no political endorsements. Equal measure is given to all candidates and elected officials who wish to have their voice in the Woodstown Crier Column. Respectful and dignified civic discourse is encouraged and will never be used as a tool of division in the Woodstown Crier unlike many news publications and blogs today.

SALEM COUNTY SHERIFF

Chuck Miller, Republican 

Leroy Pierce, Democrat 

Notes: Vote for one. Chuck Miller is the current incumbent.

SALEM COUNTY CLERK

Dale Cross, Republican

Charlyn Martin, Republican

Notes: Vote for one. Dale Cross is the current incumbent.

SALEM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Ben H. Laury, Republican

Gordon "Mickey" Ostrum, Republican

Nelson Carney Jr., Democrat

Germer Y. Ledford, Democrat

Notes: Vote for two. Ben Laury is the current director of the commission, Mickey Ostrum is the deputy directory.

PILESGROVE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

Kevin Eachus, Republican

No nomination made for Democrat

Notes: Vote for one. Kevin Eachus is the current Mayor of Pilesgrove Twp.

WOODSTOWN BUROUGH COUNCIL

Tara Mazer, Democrat

Jesse Stemberger, Democrat

Stacy Shorter-Carney, Democrat

Glenn Merkle, Republican

Trudy Spence-Parker, Republican

Noah Tighe, Republican

Notes: Vote for three. Glenn Merkle is the current Council President. Stacy Shorter-Carney is also an incumbent. The third open seat is currently held by Kristin Nixon. She is not running for re-election.

WOODSTOWN-PILESGROVE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Alice Wofsy

Kristina Johnston

Erin Hitchner

Carey Italiano

Notes: Vote for two. This race is considered nonpartisan, as the candidates do not declare a political party. Italiano and Hitchner are the current incumbents.

Photos: Rainbow over Woodstown and beyond; Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024

Who saw that gorgeous double rainbow over the South Jersey region on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024? Wasn't it extraordinary?!

We're still dreaming about it. Check out the photos below from friends on Facebook who submitted their best shots of the rainbow to the Woodstown Crier.

From: George Lipari

Lipari's two daughters in the foreground point to the sky as the rainbow arches over the center of Woodstown

From: Brielle Caitlyn

A fantastic wide-angle shot of the rainbow capping the Saturday Cowtown Rodeo, one of Pilesgrove's most famous attractions.

From: Claudia Jacobs Kranz

Looks like there may be pots of gold at the gold course in town!

From: Mayor Joseph Hiles

The rainbow was just as vibrant and welcoming for Woodstown's favorite Democrat ...

From: Carey Marie Italiano

... as it was for Pilesgrove's favorite Republican! 

Which reminds me ...

Whether Republican or Democrat or somewhere in between,
it's important to get out and vote!
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Click here to register!

From: Asia Jones

A friend and former classmate captured this great angle. Look at the orange reflection in those clouds!

From: Christine Heck Nowmos

Woodstown's long-time elementary school music instructor captured our athletic fields under the rainbow and its lysergic lavender sky.

From: Kate Deegan

Is that bright yellow light reflecting a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow?! I'm sure Brett was investigating!

From: Katie Oliver Korbel

One of South Jersey's finest musicians captured her son under the rainbow — a memory to last a lifetime!

From: Matt Jordan

The colors of the rainbow were especially stunning in Pennsville ...

From: Amber Nichole Baratz

... make that TWO rainbows in Penns Grove-Carney's Point!

From: Rebekah Zoe Mulford

A rainbow photo gallery of Salem County wouldn't be complete without a tribute to our stunning farmland.

From: Molly Carpenter

No late-summer rainbow was about to miss out on a stop at Hudocks in Salem. The question remains: did the rainbow order custard or a footlong hot dog? Were it me ... both.

From: Jennifer Elizabeth

A heart-warming view over the lake.

From Ken Bullwinkle

We expected a pot of gold at the end of each rainbow ... instead we got upgraded to Ken!

From: Richard Earl Hinchman III

A view from Freedom Mortgage Pavilion ... hope it was a good show!

From: Nikoleta Barboni

Nikoleta, a friend of Woodstown and member of the Blue Moon Theatre (Opera House), captured this great shot across the river in Yardley, P.A.

From: Kris Forsman

Enjoying the rainbow and checking in from the Manor!

From: Carole Battle

First Baptist Church of Woodstown. The steeple is nearly as tall as the rainbow itself!

From: Brenda Powell

The rainbow certainly did not shy away from Oldman's Township.

From: Jenn Herrmann

She captured the rainbow while running errands in Mantua. Plenty of parking and plenty of rainbows!

From: Your Town Crier

I couldn't leave out this fantastic moment of my parents under the rainbow at our home in Pilesgrove.

Yours Truly,

~Crier Cookie

Crier Column 9/13: Get a Woodie Burger; Tapas, Tractors Saturday; Bike Safety Law Discussed; Homecoming Court; Mums and Pumpkins from FFA; Wolverine football home game tonight

 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

The Woodstown High School 2024 Homecoming Court has been announced! The Homecoming game is slated for Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. Go see the King, Queen, and Court! More about these young royals in the Community section below.

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

Happy Friday the 13th!

Where did the superstitions come from? Difficult to pinpoint exactly. Some say the the numerology is connected with the Last Supper and Good Friday (Judas being the 13th disciple), others blame the arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, Oct. 13, 1307. Still, others blame the death of Italian composer Gioachino Rossini on Friday, Nov. 13, 1868, or the 1907 superstitious Wall Street novel Friday the Thirteenth by T. W. Lawson. But, we all know the true reasons for the season: Jason Vorhees slashing naughty teenagers. Hahaha!

Nevertheless, avoid hockey masks tonight but do enjoy a good horror film!

♦

Who saw that extraordinary rainbow last Saturday? My sister and I were getting ready to leave for dinner when she rushed in the house and called for us to run outside and see the rainbow. We got plenty of pictures. I doubt I've ever seen one so vibrant.

The massive rainbow above Woodstown on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. Photo courtesy George Lipari.

I put a request out on Facebook for photos from the Double Rainbow on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 and received an overwhelming response. I'll be featuring those photos in another post this week!

♦

Woodstown's own Sneakers & Spokes Bicycle Shop is leading an effort to tighten safety laws for cyclists on NJ roadways in light of the death of hockey players Johnny and Michael Gaudreau who were killed in Oldman's Township late last month. They are selling the above signage for local lawns for $10.

The Sneakers and Spokes bicycle store on Main Street hosted a town hall meeting earlier this week to address local concerns following the tragic cycling deaths of hockey players Johnny and Michael Gaudreau. They are selling lawn signed that state "STATE LAW | GET OFF THE GAS | FOUR FEET TO PASS" for $10 (cash). Proceeds will go toward safety awareness. Here is a dispatch from their Facebook concerning the meeting: 

"Thank you to all who came out to our town hall meeting last night. It was well attended by our community members and local officials. There was a lot of good information presented by several speakers including Karen & Aaron Gerber, Kenny Smith, Chris & John from the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia, and many residents of surrounding communities which will all help towards safer streets for all of us. We have several community members who signed up to be on the committee to work towards this goal. There is much to be done. Small steps toward safety starts now. If you would like more information on how to get involved in our committee, email us at sneakersandspokes@yahoo.com"

♦

"The Woodie" a new, fantastic menu item from the Band Boosters. It may not be the prettiest sandwich, but the flavors leave nothing to be desired. Go get one at the home games!! This user submitted photo is from Jesse Stemberger. I give it a 10/10!

Should you have the pleasure of attending a Woodstown Football home game this season, run (don't walk) to the WHS Band Boosters concessions. They are debuting a new item on their menu: THE WOODIE. It's a char-grilled cheeseburger atop slow-roasted, gently seasoned pulled pork.

I'll admit, I had my doubts. That's a lot of meat. But, being an eternal lover of the WHS Marching Band ever since they welcomed me into their ranks when I had an extra period to fill during my senior year of high school (and ended up making some of the best memories of my life, I bravely ordered The Woodie. There's also a nearby table with assorted condiments — especially BBQ sauce. I went with ketchup (I don't have a taste for BBQ sauce, myself).

To my shock and awe, this sandwich is one of the best I've had. In fact, it is the reason I may return to every home game I can this season. I wish the Football players the best, and the Marching Band itself sounds outstanding, and the cheerleaders are tremendous, but wow. This sandwich. The combination of flavors is something I've never had before. 

I'm a picky eater, but The Woodie gets an absolute 10/10 from the Town Crier. Go get yourself a Woodie Sandwich, enjoy the rousing performance by the Marching Band, rave over the talented cheerleaders who reach new heights, and MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE WOLVERINES!!!

Home game tonight, LET'S GO!

COMMUNITY

HOMECOMING: Congrats to the 2024 WHS Homecoming Court! They are, as pictured above:

Top row (left to right): Bryce Belinfanti, Jake Ware, Sebastian Smith, Cole Lucas, Joe Kurpis

Front Row (left to right): Talia Battavio, Megan Donelson, Shelby Foote, Hannah Hitchner, Ty'Onna Husser

    - Congrats to the court, from a WHS homecoming king of long ago! (2005)

♦

FLOWERS The Woodstown FFA is selling Mums at the Woodstown Agriculture Education Center (188 E. Millbrooke). Pumpkins, too! Cost is $8 or 4 for $28. Self-service.

♦

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.

♦

CONNECTION: Join the W-P, Alloway, and Upper Pittsgrove school districts for Community Connection Day on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 at Marlton Park beginning at 5 p.m. Rain location is WHS Gym. Contact Diane Cioffi at Cioffi.d@woodstown.org for more details. The dispatch states:

"Grab a blanket or lawn chair! McKinney-Vento for Homeless Children & Youth is excited to host Devin Wyman from the Youth Alliance Network! Join us at 6 p.m. to hear from our hero and mentor speaker, the former NFL New England Patriots player #72 as he delivers a motivating message to our families."

♦

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"

♦

PARK: While at the Fall Festival, head over to the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Recreation Association. The association is seeking community input and donations for the betterment and future of the park. This year, 20 percent of their budget will come from donations, and they are seeking to raise $15,000. I'll be paying them a visit!

♦

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

The WHS Band visited youngsters at Mary S. Shoemaker School. This is a special first step for future generations of musicians in our school and community!

YOUNG BAND: A dispatch from Mary S. Shoemaker School:

"On Friday, our 4th-grade students at Mary Shoemaker School had a special treat! Woodstown high school band members visited and shared their love of music.

"The students got to see and hear the instruments up close, and it was amazing to witness their excitement! Mrs. Sheridan will be providing band interest forms to current 4th and 5th grade Shoemaker students."

 ♦

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.

♦

WHITE CHRISTMAS: I'll be starring alongside fellow Woodstown actors Lori and Rick Thompson in WHITE CHRISTMAS at the Levoy Theatre in Millville this November! I love to see Woodstown talent on the big stage! Get your tickets here.

SPORTS

The Wolverines had an outstanding debut at their home game last Friday vs. Delsea, winning in overtime thanks to Bryce Belinfante, Jake Ware, and an incredible amount of teamwork all around. More coverage here.

Home game tonight — play hard, sweat orange, bleed blue!

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: Sun. High of 84F. Low of 59F.

SATURDAY: Sun. High of 86F. Low of 58F.

SUNDAY: Sun. High of 83F. Low of 59F.

Forecast: Sun and scattered clouds to start the week, highs in the upper 70s to 80. Clouds and rain starting Wednesday into next weekend. 

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where there's always a rainbow above Woodstown & Pilesgrove — above our schools, above our students, above our artists, above our churches, above our shops, above our theater, above our parks, above our diner, above our cemeteries, above our laundromat, above our bookstore, above our banks, above our lakes, above our ponds, above our wildlife, above our farms, above our rodeo, above our livestock, above our pets, above our trees, above our bugs, above our flowers, above our Veterans, above our first responders, above our hometown heroes, above our government, above our yards, above our homes, above our families, and above our colossal water tower emblazoned across with the name of the greatest town in America, welcoming us home.

_______________

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

Wolverines wins first home football game of 2024-25 season

The Woodstown Wolverines kickoff their first home game of the 2024-2025 season, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The home team won against Delsea, 14-13.

WOODSTOWN — We won!

The Wolverines beat Delsea in a hard-fought game Friday night, 14-13.

The match marked the first win and home game for Woodstown and the debut of Woodstown’s new head coach Frank Trautz, a social studies instructor at Woodstown Middle School.

The game was won in overtime with a 25-yard touchdown by Bryce Belinfanti, and a tie-breaking point after attempt by Jake Ware.

An interesting bit of family history: Ware is the grandson of the late Clint Ware, Woodstown’s head football coach for nearly four decades. Coach Ware’s last season was in 1999. The field is named in his honor.

This game also marked the debut of this year’s unique and hilarious WHS Marching Band theme “Rubbish,” where all of the selected music references garbage, and some of the numbers are played on non-traditional instruments.

Though the theme may have been littered with “trash,” the performances were anything but.

Prior to the kickoff, the band played a rousing and patriotic rendition of the National Anthem, led by Director Shannon Sheridan.

The WHS Cheerleading Squad also provided much-appreciated energy to the exciting game. One of their finest moments was lining the field and welcoming the players debuting on their home turf just prior to kick-off.

Pro-tip: Next game, head over to the Band concessions and order “The Woodie.” One of the tastiest sandwiches I’ve ever had — right here at home. Many thanks to Band Boosters for sending me home with t-shirts to rep the team at the next game!

Crier Column 9/6: Wolverine Football vs. Delsea kick-off at 7 p.m.; FFA Chicken Sale; Community Connection Day; Tapas, Tractors, ect.; Flu Clinic; Open Mic at Blue Moon

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2024

William Roper School students adjust to life in the classroom as school bells rings and classes are back in session. Welcome back to our students, teachers, custodians, staff, and administrators!

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

    Welcome back, students!

As you embark on your new school year — whether it be the beginning of your journey in Mary S. Shoemaker School, or your mid-way point at Woodstown Middle School, or your senior year at Woodstown High School, know that you are the pride and future of our great town (or wherever you go)!

Keep studying, keep reading, keep working hard, keep hustling, and keep creating. 

Friday night (tonight) is our first home football game, and in just a few weeks, we'll see the premier of the Fall Play: "THE WIZARD OF OZ" directed by seniors Elizabeth Hitchner and Virginia Messick.

Let's go, Wolverines!!

♦

Today is National Read a Book Day! What are you reading? I just started "Chesapeake" by James Michener. I'm also working through a litany of other books because that's my toxic trait: I read too many books at the same time and rarely finish any.

♦

Pay your Town Crier a visit this Sunday at First Baptist in Woodstown. I'll be at the organ. Hymns are "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and "Be Thou My Vision" — two of my favorite classics.

♦

Rite Aid announced it has successfully emerged from bankruptcy. We didn't lose our pharmacy. Let's hope those shelves are re-stocked soon.

COMMUNITY

CHICKENS: The Woodstown High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) is hosting its fall Chicken Sale. Chickens can be purchased from Sept. 4 - 13 by clicking here. Pick up at Sept. 15 at Elmer Grange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cluck cluck!

♦

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.

♦

CONNECTION: Join the W-P, Alloway, and Upper Pittsgrove school districts for Community Connection Day on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 at Marlton Park beginning at 5 p.m. Rain location is WHS Gym. Contact Diane Cioffi at Cioffi.d@woodstown.org for more details. The dispatch states:

"Grab a blanket or lawn chair! McKinney-Vento for Homeless Children & Youth is excited to host Devin Wyman from the Youth Alliance Network! Join us at 6 p.m. to hear from our hero and mentor speaker, the former NFL New England Patriots player #72 as he delivers a motivating message to our families."

♦

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

WHITE CHRISTMAS: I'll be starring alongside fellow Woodstown actors Lori and Rick Thompson in WHITE CHRISTMAS at the Levoy Theatre in Millville this November! I love to see Woodstown talent on the big stage! Get your tickets here.

♦

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

WOLVERINES VS. DELSEA, KICKOFF TONIGHT AT 7 P.M.

A dispatch from the Athletic Department:

Woodstown High School Fall Sports are underway. The Girls Tennis Team and Girls Soccer Team have opened their seasons. Football will open their season tonight at home against Delsea. Kickoff is 7 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m..  All students and spectators are encouraged to review the Tri County Conference Spectator Code of Conduct. 

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. High of 79F. Low of 57F.

SATURDAY: Clouds with a 35% chance of rain. High of 79F. Low of 60F.

SUNDAY: Sun. High of 72F. Low of 51F.

Forecast: Sunny in the low to mid-80s next week. Lows in the upper 50s. Warm days but cooler nights. Love it!

♦

Woodstown Crier: WHERE THE WOLVERINES ARE BACK!

_______________

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