Crier Column 6/16: Farewell to class of 2025; WHS senior lunch debt cleared; Rocky Horror auditions; 'Elio' movie night; WHS runners honored for 4x800

    MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025

Woodstown High School runners Jacob Marino, Cole Lucas, Joshua Crawford, and Karson Chew were honored for this seasons achievements in the 4x800 at the SJCA Banquet. More about them in the SPORTS section below.

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

ORGAN: Your Town Crier will be at the organ this Sunday, June 22, 2025 at First Baptist Church on South Main Street. Hymns are "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," and "Trust and Obey," two of my favorites. Music Director Cindy Winters leads the congregation -- don't miss out!

SUMMER BEGINS: The first day of summer is Friday, June 20, 2025. We made it! Do you have a vacation planned? If my passport arrives in time and other factors fall into place, I'm hoping to vacation in France at the end of the summer -- but that's a long way off. I'm thinking 'tis high time to get to the boardwalk as quickly as I can. 

It's been a few years since I've made it over there -- I love Ocean City, N.J. My grandparents used to get a big house for a week during the 1990s and the entire extended family would stay over. I never cared much for the beach itself, no less the ocean except up to my ankles, but the boardwalk is glorious. The cotton candy, the roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, the trinkets, the hermit crabs, the pizza larger than the moon, the Polish water ice in every flavor.

COMMUNITY

LUNCH DEBT: UPDATE: As I was publishing this report, the fundraiser was still open, but the latest update indicates the fundraiser has closed and all WHS senior lunch debt has been cleared! This means seniors unable to walk at graduation due to outstanding lunch debt will now walk and graduate. AWESOME JOB WOODSTOWN AND AMBER RORRIS-CROW!!!

Original report:

There are, sadly, some seniors this year who won't be allowed to walk at graduation unless their cafeteria lunch debt is paid off before Wednesday. Nevertheless, Amber Rorris-Crow and the Greater Woodstown community are doing right by our seniors and fundraising to get these debts paid off. We love to see it! More than 50 kind community members have donated.

Here is their dispatch: 

Hi neighbors! As graduation day approaches, our seniors are preparing for one of the proudest moments of their young lives—walking across the stage and receiving their high school diploma.

Let's all work together to help pay off the lunch debts of our graduating seniors, so that they can start the next chapter of their lives debt free!

We love the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District, and we are grateful to them for supporting our kids as they grow and learn.

GRADUATION: The Woodstown High School class of 2025 graduates on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees must have a ticket. I am really going to miss this year's graduating seniors. They were a phenomenal group of young people -- I got to know many of them through the Drama Club over the past two years. What will we do without Lizzie Hitchner, Colin Schmidt, Brannagh Rattigan, Ginny Messick, Brandon Zukovsky and the many others who contributed so much to our school?! 

PROMO VIDEO: The WHS Communications Academy has released a special promotional video highlighting our school system. To view it, click here or view below:

MOVIE: Salem County In Recovery is hosting a movie night on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 6 p.m. Transportation departs from 184 Elm St in Woodstown (and travels to Regal Cinema in Washington Twp.) The movie will be "Elio" about the cosmic misadventure of Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. To register, contact Jackyln Treece at jacklyn.treece@salemcountynj.gov or call 856-935-7510 ext. 8105.

SOUND OFF!: The Oakwood Summer Theatre, which features tons of Woodstown and Pilesgrove talent, is raising funds to purchase microphones for their current season of summer shows at Salem Community College. Here is their dispatch:

If you missed your chance to support the children’s show, you still have a chance to support “Murder on the Orient Express” and our main stage musical “GREASE.” Every purchase gets us closer to our goal of having microphones! 

https://popup.doublegood.com/s/7klgx130 

ENTERTAINMENT

THANKS: Just wanted to send enormous thanks to everyone involved, especially our alumni, students, Curtain Call Board, student organizer Elizabeth Hitchner and co-host Brandon Zukovsky, and director Kahlil V. Gunther in the fourth annual "Night of Dream Roles" at Woodstown High School. The event raised more than $700 which will go directly to theatre education programs in Woodstown-Pilesgrove schools next year. For more information visit www.CurtainCallClub.org.

AUDITIONS: The Blue Moon Theatre is hosting audition for "The Rocky Horror Show," directed by Greg Hammell on Sunday, June 22 from 12 - 2 p.m. Performances run throughout September. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090548A4AB2CAAFB6-57302178-the#/

SPORTS

RUN WOODSTOWN: Many kudo and congrats go out to Karson Chew, Josh Crawford, Cole Lucas, and Jacob Marino (pictured at the top of this column) for taking home top honors at the SJCA All-South Jersey Awards Banquet. They were recognized for their their season best of 7:54.84 in the 4x800. Even more exciting, their names will be immortalized high up on the walls of our gymnasium.

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

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 85F. Low of 67F.

SATURDAY: Sunny. High of 90F. Low of 69F.

SUNDAY: Late night rain. High of 91F. Low of 73F.

FORECAST: Clouds and scattered evening or early morning showers throughout the week. High of only 69F on Monday, but jumping up to the 90sF later in the week. A sunny weekend abounds, but be careful of next week where temperatures will linger close to 100F throughout the entire week. Extreme heat and no rain (which could cause sudden serious storms out of nowhere). Wear that sunblock and hydrate!

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where we look to the fine words of Ralph Waldo Emerson to guide our 2025 graduating seniors: "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

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

Crier Column 6/6: Celebrating Woodstown 2025, remembering Woodstown 1925; WHS Student Alumni Concert; Woodstown runners advance to Nationals; Psycho Beach Party; Oakwood needs microphones; She Shelters Fundraiser

   FRIDAY, JUNE 06, 2025

The cast of PSYCHO BEACH PARTY at the Blue Moon Theatre. The summery play opens tonight and runs June 6, 7, 13, 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets below in the "Entertainment" section.

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

Feel like summer yet?! Personally, I'm loving this warm weather.

Last Thursday, I had the distinct honor of presenting scholarships to two outstanding Woodstown High School seniors. The first was the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society Scholarship which went to Jonathan Farrell. Farrell wrote his essay on the First National Bank of Woodstown, and also produced a short commercial for the Communications Academy at WHS highlighting Historic Woodstown. Watch the commercial here:

The Blue Moon Theatre (Woodstown Opera House) Scholarship went to Brandon Zukovsky, an exemplary musician and student. Zukovsky performed on the trumpet in the pit orchestra for 2024's BRIGADOON and on the electric bass in the pit band for 2025's FOOTLOOSE. Already an accomplished professional musician, he plans to study Music Education at Rutgers University (New Brunswick) this Fall 2025. Zukovsky wrote his essay on The Curtain Call Club of Woodstown (disclaimer: I was not part of the committees that judged the applicants).

During the ceremony, I was joined by fellow PWHS Trustee Kate Dilks-Bird. We brought two artifacts from our Museum on Main Street (open every Saturday morning 10-1) from a century ago -- the program for the 1924-25 WHS Operetta "Well, Well" and the 1925 WHS Yearbook. At one point during the ceremony, Mrs. Dilks-Bird turned the class photo of the 1925 seniors to the graduating class so both classes might transcend time and gaze back at each other. It was an inspiring moment. Here are some highlights from the WHS 1925 Yearbook:

The 1925 Senior Class of Woodstown High School

Cover of the WHS 1925 Yearbook

The WHS 1925 Class Officers were President Raymond 'Haley' Hale, Vice President Horace Christy, Secretary Mary Packer, and Treasurer Margaret Crispin

The WHS Football and Baseball Teams of 1925. When I showed this photo to WHS Principal Rich Senior, he was surprised to see a smaller football team than a baseball team!

The WHS Orchestra of 1925. This group used to accompany the annual operetta (precursor to the modern "musical.")

Portraits of some graduating seniors. Notice how the names are similar to those in Woodstown today!

CHAMBER CHOIR RECITAL: I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fantastic recital performed by the Woodstown High School Chamber Choir last week. The event featured WHS Alumna Abigail Hunt, now a professional actor in South Carolina, along with three of our stellar seniors: Leah Waterman, Virginia Messick, and Elizabeth Hitchner. 

Hunt was also joined onstage for two surprise duets with WHS's longtime drama director Paul Kranz. The evening ended with the traditional performance of "Jenny Rebecca" featuring the guest artist, the current choir, and the choir alumni, all under the direction of Mr. Kahlil V. Gunther.

Music Director Kahlil Gunther, joined by the 2025 seniors Elizabeth Hitchner, Colin Schmidt, Leah Waterman, and Virginia Messick, after the annual Chamber Choir Recital.

COMMUNITY

DATE NIGHT: A dispatch from the Field & Flock Lavender Farm:

Looking for a unique date night idea? Join us on Friday, June 13, 2025 for a special evening. Enjoy the tranquility of the farm at a table for two while sipping a spring inspired mocktail. Indulge in a seasonal graze box of artisanal cheeses, meats and fruit artfully created by Acts of Graze. You’ll also take in the beautiful landscape on a horse drawn wagon ride. Sign up on our website or copy and paste the direct link https://square.link/u/tAEYKyY8

Reservations close at the end of the day Sunday, June 8, so don’t delay!

SUPPORTING WOMEN: Two Woodstown students are fundraising to help women in need. Here is their dispatch and ways to donate:

Hi! We’re She Shelters Foundation; also known as Madison Newton and Colleen Bryceland, two high school students extremely involved in giving to their community and interested in expanding their help towards a variety of women. 

We aim at advocating for aid towards female sexual assault, homelessness, and domestic violence victims. Women who suffer these grueling issues very often do not receive the care and accommodations they need. Women should not need to suffer in silence and should have immediate accessibility to relief and recovery. By raising awareness and money towards help organizations, women will be easier able to receive benefits and support.

We are extremely passionate about helping women in these circumstances. To help victimized women and help us spread our passion, you can donate to Women Against Abuse through us! We would greatly appreciate it, as would so many others!

Donate here: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/she-shelters-aiding-towards-women-in-need 

SOUND OFF!: The Oakwood Summer Theatre, which features tons of Woodstown and Pilesgrove talent, is raising funds to purchase microphones for their current season of summer shows at Salem Community College. Here is their dispatch:

If you missed your chance to support the children’s show, you still have a chance to support “Murder on the Orient Express” and our main stage musical “GREASE.” Every purchase gets us closer to our goal of having microphones! 

https://popup.doublegood.com/s/7klgx130 

ENTERTAINMENT

CONCERT: Woodstown High School students AND alumni will perform their annual concert, "A NIGHT OF DREAM ROLES," on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. The event features selections from popular and classic Broadway musicals. Suggested donation is $10 adults, $5 for students and seniors. For more information visit www.CurtainCallClub.org.

A scene from PSYCHO BEACH PARTY, presented by the Blue Moon Theatre at the Woodstown Opera House this weekend and next.

THEATRE: The Blue Moon Theatre proudly presents "PSYCHO BEACH PARTY" at the Woodstown Opera House on June 6, 7, 13, 14 at 8 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m. The show takes place on the beaches of Malibu, California in 1962. Adult themed humor. BYOB. Click here for tickets.

SPORTS

Woodstown's fastest runners, scoring new records at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions. They'll advance to the New Balance Nationals.

RUN WOODSTOWN: Many kudo and congrats go out to Karson Chew, Josh Crawford, Cole Lucas, and Jacob Marino for bringing great pride to WHS in their 5th place finish at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions. This outstanding team recorded a new Group I record with a time of 7:54:84. Keep it up and stay motivated, as you head to the New Balance Nationals!!

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

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 83F. Low of 65F.

SATURDAY: Evening rain. High of 79F. Low of 65F.

SUNDAY: Late night rain. High of 75F. Low of 64F.

FORECAST: Possible scattered showers throughout the week during the overnight hours, but otherwise a mix of clouds and sun. Temps in the 80sF so don't forget your sunblock.

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where we'll be rooting for our WHS runners at Franklin Field in Philly, we'll be catching some fun in the sun at the Blue Moon, and we'll welcome back our Alumni Monday night for a grand concert. And maybe even catch a steer at the rodeo. 

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

Crier Column 5/25: Memorial Day Ceremony at Lake on Monday; Rodeo open; Chamber Choir Recital; Community Chat at Shoemaker; Night of Dream Roles concert

  SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025

Last week, the Mary S. Shoemaker Elementary School Choir (dir. Christine Nowmos) and Band (dir. Shannon Sheridan) dazzled their audiences at the annual spring concert.

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

Happy Memorial Day! 

Make sure you take a little time this weekend to remember why we have this weekend: the brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who never made it home. We have the great freedoms of our nation because of their ultimate sacrifice. 

In other news, the Cowtown Rodeo celebrated its opening weekend this past Saturday. If you'd like to attend, it runs every Saturday night until the Fall. Click here for tickets. Believe it or not, I've only ever been to the rodeo once (I was 7 years old), and I live but a mile from it. Perhaps this year I'll make my return! I'll need to turn in my big Crier Tricorn for a Cowboy hat. 

COMMUNITY

MEMORIAL DAY: Woodstown will honors its fallen hometown heroes in the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Lake on Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m.

COMMUNITY CHAT: The Woodstown Pilesgrove Regional School District is hosting a "Community Chat" open forum on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Mary Shoemaker School. Topics of discussion include the 5th Grade transition to Woodstown Middle School, School Regionalization Efficiency Program, and the 18th-Month Plan Achievements.

FIRE!: Woodstown's Reliance Fire Company will be hosting their annual coin drop fundraiser in the center of town on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

RAH RAH RAH!: The Woodstown Pirates Cheerleading Squad is seeking assistant coaches for the 2025 season. If you have experience cheerleading, sign-up online (click here).

Woodstown High School teachers receive their requested custom-built items for their classrooms as part of a donation commemorating last year's Class of 2024.

CLASS OF 2024: A dispatch from the High School:

At the June 14, 2024 graduation ceremony, the Class of 2024, along with advisors Mr. John Adams and Mrs. Janie Coleman, made a generous donation to the Advanced Woods Technology/Home Maintenance Program at Woodstown High School.

As a meaningful gesture, WHS staff members were given the opportunity to request custom-built items for their classrooms. These personalized pieces were crafted by our talented student artisans, serving as both functional gifts and lasting reminders of the class's generosity.

Each item includes a small plaque, commemorating the giving spirit of the Class of 2024. The attached photos highlight our staff members alongside the student craftsmen and the incredible items they created.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this special project—and an even bigger thanks to the Class of 2024 for leaving behind such a thoughtful legacy.

Pictured here, Woodstown's all-star achievers, celebrated at the Salem County 4A Academic All-Star Breakfast

ALL-STARS: A dispatch from the Salem County Administrators:

We are incredibly proud to recognize the following students who were honored at the Salem County 4A Academic All-Star Breakfast held at The Grove at Centerton this morning!

The Administrators Academic Achievement Awards go to ...

Woodstown High School

• Melissa Hassler
• Isabella Hutton
• Joseph Kurpis
• Ella Prinsen
• Aubrie Rennie

Woodstown High School -  Salem County Arts, Science, and Technology Academies

• Jonathan Farrell

Woodstown Middle School

• Molly Hood-McGinley

These students exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to their education. Your Wolverine family celebrates you and your accomplishments!

ENTERTAINMENT

CONCERT: The Woodstown High School Chamber Choir Recital will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This year's guest artist is WHS Alumni Abigail Hunt. The program features performances from our guest artist, senior solos and selections from the choir under the direction of Kahlil V. Gunther. In addition, Chamber Choir alumni are invited to join in singing Jenny Rebecca, our traditional closing piece. Copies of the music will be on hand. Suggested donation is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students, senior citizens and Chamber Choir alumni. Proceeds from this concert directly fund the choir's activities.

After the concert, complimentary refreshments will be served by our Woodstown Choir Boosters. Don't miss this wonderful event!

CONCERT: Woodstown High School students AND alumni will perform their annual concert, "A Night of Dream Roles," on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. The event features selections from popular and classic Broadway musicals. Suggested donation is $10 adults, $5 for students and seniors. For more information visit www.CurtainCallClub.org.

SPORTS

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

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

MEMORIAL DAY: Clouds and sun. High of 71F. Low of 49F.

FRIDAY: Clouds and sun. High of 75F. Low of 59F.

SATURDAY: Early morning rain. High of 73F. Low of 55F.

SUNDAY: Sunny. High of 71F. Low of 51F.

FORECAST: A dip in temperatures this week, expect it to only hit 65F on Wednesday. Rain and clouds most of the week clearing out over the weekend. Should be a clear night for the rodeo. Cooler. 

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where we'll take a moment away from the grill to remember what Memorial Day is all about, especially to remember SPC Richie Emmons and CPL Derek Kerns.

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

Crier Column 4/29: New Pilesgrove voting locations; Community Yard Sale and Car Wash this Saturday; Oak Singers this Sunday; WHS Jazz Cafe

 TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025

Woodstown's Water Tower got a fresh coat of paint and is clearly feeling some school spirit these days, decked out in its best Blue and Orange!

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

HOLIDAY: Easter was simply outstanding this year! A beautiful, temperate day, and I didn't make too many mistakes playing the organ at First Baptist Church ... a big win! On a personal note, kudos to my mother for gathering our entire family, near and far, together for a big celebration on Easter Sunday. 'Twas a fabulous time. We even hosted an Easter Egg hunt for three little ones with 100 brightly colored eggs peppered across our front lawn (and trees, and bushes). 

WEDDING: I had the honor of playing organ for the Wedding of Elinor Frank & Ethan Rucker on Saturday, April 26, 2025. It was a beautiful day (the rain mostly held off), a stunning ceremony, and a fabulous reception. Many thanks go out to the First Baptist Church staff and family of the couples who hosted the wedding and made it such a success. 

ORGAN: I'll be at the organ this Sunday, May 4, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Woodstown on Main Street. Come ready to sing! It'll be a nice way to welcome the month of May as we settle into the spring.

COMMUNITY

Pilesgrove residents: Districts 1 & 2 will vote in the Municipal Garage, and District 3 will vote in the Municipal Building.

VOTING: Pilesgrove residents will NO LONGER vote at Sharptown Church. All voting will be conducted in the vicinity of our Municipal building. Residents in District 1 and 2 will vote at the Municipal Garage (next to the building) and District 3 will vote inside the Municipal Building. For questions, call the township: 856-769-3222. Election day is Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (NJ Gubernatorial and General Assembly Primary Election).

YARDSALE: Woodstown is hosting its annual community-wide Yard Sale on Saturday, May 03, 2025. The event is rain or shine. There are no lists or maps of addresses participating. No permits are needed. Please do not attach signs to telephone poles or street signs.

JEWELRY: The Squirrel's Nest Studio is hosting "Berry Chic: A Resin Jewelry Workshop" on Saturday, May 03, 2025 at 10 a.m. Cost is $30 to sign up. From their dispatch:

Join Beth with BL Luxury for Berry Chic: A Resin Jewelry Workshop. Discover the art of resin jewelry in this fun and creative 2-hour workshop! You’ll learn how to preserve mini fruit slices in crystal-clear resin and transform them into eye-catching wearable pieces. From choosing materials and pouring resin to assembling a finished pendant or pair of earrings, this hands-on class is perfect for beginners and craft lovers. All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with your own handmade jewelry and the knowledge to keep creating at home!

*Reservations are required. Payment must be made to reserve your spot. You can pay in store or Venmo @Jennifer-Carll-Simon. Payments are not refundable or transferable if the class remains as scheduled. 

CARWASH: The WHS Men's and Women's Soccer teams will host a Car Wash at the WHS Horseshoe on Saturday, May 03, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $10/car. 

JAZZ & DINNER: Woodstown High & Middle School Jazz Bands are hosting a Chicken Dinner on Friday, May 09, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the WHS Cafeteria. The meals will be provided by Lapp's Dutch Market. For tickets, contact any Band member, or email woodstownbandboosters@gmail.com by May 02, 2025 to pre-order tickets. Cost is $20 for adults and takeout, and $15 for seniors and children under 12. Takeout option begins at 5 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT

CONCERT: The Salem Community College's Oak Singers will host "ON WITH THE SHOW!" a concert featuring choral selections from classic Broadway musicals. Admission is free. The event is Sunday, May 04, 2025 at 3 p.m. at Salem Community College Davidow Hall. Woodstown's own maestro, Kahlil Gunther, conducts the choir.

CONCERT: Laura Cheadle is performing at the Blue Moon Theatre on Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets here.

SPORTS

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 with a bit of evening rain. High of 83F. Low of 61F.

SATURDAY: Afternoon thunderstorms. High of 79F. Low of 63F.

SUNDAY: Clouds. High of 63F. Low of 53F.

FORECAST: Not the nicest weekend. Hot and likely humid. The sun should pop out occasionally in the morning and afternoons, but expect mostly clouds and showers Friday and Saturday. Cooler on Sunday. 

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where the WHS Seniors are in Florida this week celebrating the end of their journey through our schools. Seniors a century ago would visit Washington D.C. and Mount Vernon (Washington's Home). Now we have airplanes and Disney! We wish them fun in the sun (and wish we were there)!

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

Crier Column 3/24: Spring is here! Cream Valley opens Wednesday; Actors needed at Blue Moon Theatre; Music and History concerts at Friends in April; Woodie Ball returns

MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025

The Woodstown High School Home Maintenance & Basic Construction class performed much needed sprucing up of the baseball and softball fields in preparation for the upcoming Woodie Ball season. The bench and table sections for the scorekeepers/managers (hey, that was my job back in 2004 and 2005!) have been graciously repaired, painted, and ready to record big wins!

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

SPRING: The crocuses, daffodils, and forsythia are in bloom! Black and gray tree branches are suddenly peppered with speckles of red and green buds. The WHS spring musical is complete, the Woodstown Middle School musical, "THE NIFTY FIFTIES," is in rehearsal, Cream Valley opens this week, and Woodie Ball (WHS baseball and softball) is about to take its first at-bat this weekend!

COMMUNITY

ICE CREAM: The best ice cream stand in American (in my humble opinion) will reopen for the spring and summer season on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Of course, I'm talking about Cream Valley Custard on Rt. 40 next to Heritages, adjacent to the golf course. My diet starts NOW to earn these sweet treats!

WATER: Maintenance to our water tower is underway and will continue through May. Temporary water storage tanks have been placed in the Wulderk Way parking lot. Water pressure may intermittently be reduced throughout town. 

YARD SALE: Salem County's Largest Yard Sale returns on Saturday, April 19, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salem County Fairgrounds in Pilesgrove on Rt. 45. Last year brought more than 100 sellers and vendors, and this year is expected to exceed expectations! Contact Andy Ware to sign up for a vendor spot at wareandy13@gmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT

THEATRE: "STEEL MAGNOLIAS" at the Blue Moon Theatre. Directed by Mike Russell, join us in Truvy's salon for this heartfelt comedy of six women with underlying strength, love, and the realization of life's mortality. Performances April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 2025. Tickets here.

CONCERT: Music at Friends is hosting Ginger Coyle, a singer-songwriter and spiritual activist whose music blends soul, pop, and conscious lyricism. Ginger’s artistry is shaped by influences like Tori Amos, Stevie Wonder, and David Bowie. She will be at Woodstown Friends Meeting on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 3 p.m. Free admission.

HISTORY: The Pilesgrove Woodstown Historical Society is hosting the Curtain Call Club of Woodstown for a program of local history and music, featuring performances by students from Woodstown High School's drama club, and a history of theatre arts in Woodstown dating back more than a century. The program follows the Ginger Coyle concert and Woodstown Friends Meeting on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 7 p.m. The program is approximately 45 minutes and free to the public.

THEATRE: The Woodstown Middle School Drama Club proudly presents "THE NIFTY FIFTIES" an homage to the era of sock-hops and doo wop. Performances are April 9, 10, 11 at 7 p.m. and April 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the door. Family friendly!

*EDIT: The roles in "Psycho Beach Party" at the Blue Moon Theatre have been filled. The dispatch below reflects information published earlier.

ACTORS NEEDED: The Blue Moon Theatre is seeking actors for their upcoming production of "PSYCHO BEACH PARTY." Here is their dispatch:

1 ROLE REMAIN AVAILABLE for "Psycho Beach Party" by Charles Busch. Directors Cheryl Stark and Patrick Connelly are looking for actors over 18 to play characters aged 15-25. The show is set on a beach in the 1960s and takes homages from Gidget, Beach Blanket Bingo, and other surfer comedies of the era. 

Please email Cheryl Stark at Cherstark@hotmail.com

Rehearsals are Monday's & Wednesday's 7 pm - 10 pm

Show is Scheduled for 5 performances June 6-14

role open:

Nicky - Male - small role, a silly beach bum that enjoys flirting with girls on the beach and joking with his friends. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some roles require a level of intimacy and some require stage fighting. These scenes will be choreographed by our intimacy coordinator/fight choreographer. To ensure that you are comfortable with what the roles require, that information will be available upon audition or may be asked ahead of time.

SPORTS

KUDOS: A congratulatory dispatch from the WHS Athletics Department celebrates 100 career wins for Travis Balback and Mateo Vinciguerra in Woodstown men's wrestling.

WOODIE BALL: Everyone's favorite baseball team is back at it! We wish them luck with their scrimmages throughout the week and look forward to their first game of the season at Gateway High School, Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m.

First Woodie Ball home game of the season is against Penns Grove, Monday, March 31 at 4 p.m. for both JV and Varsity.

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 61F. Low of 38F.

SATURDAY: Afternoon thunderstorms. High of 69F. Low of 50F.

SUNDAY: Clouds. High of 70F. Low of 47F.

FORECAST: A warm, cloudy weekend, great for the flowers and trees and shrubs. Despite one of the coldest winters in our region since the late 1980s, March felt surprisingly pleasant. As we finish out the month, April showers are rolling in, hopefully not on Easter! 

♦

Woodstown Crier: Winter is over! We made it! Let's spend some time outdoors enjoying the warmer weather, the birds chirping, the flowers blooming, and let that cooped-up, cold-weather dread melt away. And, go Woodies!

_______________

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

Crier Column 3/6: Clocks forward Sunday! Cream Valley opens the 26th; Water tower out of service temporarily; Roast of Stark and Connelly

         THURSDAY, MARCH 06, 2025

Woodstown High School Freshman Matt Roser competing in the 2025 Meet of Champs, placing 34th in the state and 5th for competing freshmen. Roser swam a time of 1:47:36. Go Wolverines!!

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

SMALL TOWN: I'll be on the organ this Sunday, March 9, 2025 (if my alarm clocks don't fail me) at 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church on Main Street.

Earlier this week, while I was rehearsing my last song in the sanctuary, I heard a rustling. Was it in my head? I kept playing. I hear it again — a mouse? No. A ghost? No. Turns out it was none other than Paul Kranz painting the vestibule behind the alter. Talk about a small town! 

COMMUNITY

ICE CREAM: The best ice cream stand in American (in my humble opinion) will reopen for the spring and summer season on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Of course, I'm talking about Cream Valley Custard on Rt. 40 next to Heritages, adjacent to the golf course. My diet starts NOW to earn these sweet treats!

WATER: Maintenance to our tall water tower is underway and will continue through May. Temporary water storage tanks have been placed in the Wulderk Way parking lot. Water pressure may intermittently be reduced throughout town. 

DOG DAYS: The Salem County Human Society is hosting a fundraiser for "St. Paw-trick's Day" on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Farmers and Bankers Brewery on Main Street. No ticket necessary. Free entry. Donations accepted for animals. Leashed dogs are welcome. There will be a 50/50 raffle, a photo booth, and the B&B concessions food truck. 

YARD SALE: Salem County's Largest Yard Sale returns on Saturday, April 19, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salem County Fairgrounds in Pilesgrove on Rt. 45. Last year brought more than 100 sellers and vendors, and this year is expected to exceed expectations! Contact Andy Ware to sign up for a vendor spot at wareandy13@gmail.com

ADVERTISING: Need to advertise? Check out the new Woodstown-Pilesgrove Advertisements group over on Facebook. Click here!

ENTERTAINMENT

COMEDY: Open Mic night at the Blue Moon Theatre (Woodstown Opera House) on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Tickets here.

ROAST: Non-Celebrity Roast of Pat Connelly and Joe Stark on Saturday, March 15, 2025. k! Get ready for a night of laughs, jokes, and good times at the Blue Moon Theatre. This in-person event promises to be hilarious as friends and fans take the stage to poke fun at these two unsuspecting individuals. Don't miss out on the chance to witness the funniest roast of the year! Grab your tickets now and get ready to laugh until your sides hurt!

THEATRE: "STEEL MAGNOLIAS" at the Blue Moon Theatre. Directed by Mike Russell, join us in Truvy's salon for this heartfelt comedy of six women with underlying strength, love, and the realization of life's mortality. Performances April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 2025. Tickets here.

SPORTS

KUDOS: A congratulatory dispatch from the WHS Athletics Department:

Jaime Deal broke the school’s indoor 400 meter record for the 3rd time with a best of 59.89 placing her 18th overall at the MOC. Jaime finished as the 69th fastest 400 meter runner in the state for the indoor 24-25 season.

Josh Crawford also hit a personal best as well as a new indoor 800 meter school record with a time of 1:57:65. This placed Josh 14th overall. Josh is 27th fastest in 800 meters for all of New Jersey over the 2024-2025 indoor season. 

Matt Roser qualified and competed at the 2025 Meet of Champs in the 200 Freestyle, one of only 50 swimmers to do so. Matt swam a time of 1:47.36, placing 34th overall in the entire state, which was 5th best of any freshman.

This weekend at the NJSIAA Region 8 Wrestling Tournament Juniors Greyson Hyland and Mateo Vinciguerra qualified for the NJSIAA Individual State Championship Wrestling Tournament in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Greyson Hyland finished in 3rd place earning three wins over the course of the weekend. Mateo Vinciguerra went undefeated winning all three of his matches this weekend. Mateo is the 2025 Region 8 285 pound weight class CHAMPION!

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 with some wind. High of 51F. Low of 32F.

SATURDAY: Clouds and sun. High of 48F. Low of 33F.

SUNDAY: Sunny. High of 50F. Low of 29F.

FORECAST: A brisk weekend, not bad for a walk around Memorial Lake or the Marlton Rec Field (wear a coat and hat). Scattered clouds and sun next week with much WARMER temperatures, inching close to 70 by the end of the week. 

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where we're wishing Paul Kranz, known for his music with Unplugged Lights, directing the WHS musical for 26 years, teaching English and Communications for decades at WHS, and popping out of hidden doorways in local churches with a can of paint, a happy 60th birthday today!

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

Crier Column 2/24: FOOTLOOSE this weekend at WHS; Coach Hyland celebrates 300; WHS Track celebrates big wins; Music at Friends; Beer-tender needed at brewery

    MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Colleen Bryceland, performing as Ariel Moore singing the hit rock song "Holding Out for a Hero" during a scene from Woodstown High School's "FOOTLOOSE," performing this weekend only on Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. 

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

ALMOST SPRING: Is it too early to say it's almost spring? Our clocks eagerly jump forward on Sunday, March 9, 2025 setting our sun around 7 p.m., meanwhile the Phillies are in spring training, and our Woodstown Woodies will be reporting to practice in the coming month. We'll be slurping drippy ice cream at Cream Valley while white blossoms blanket our sunny Main Street in just a few weeks. We'll be swerving around cars parked for yard sales (be safe!); and, the temperatures will be up in the mid-50s all week, and in the 40s the first week of March. In fact, "meteorological spring" begins Saturday, March 1 — measuring the three-month season where temperatures go from cold to warm. It can't come soon enough.

The first sign of spring, however, in this town for more than a century is undoubtedly the premier of the annual Woodstown High School musical, this year being "FOOTLOOSE," based on the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon. Our students are doing such a phenomenal job, pouring their hearts and souls into this electric rock music. They're having a blast at every rehearsal (as so are the adults!). 

"FOOTLOOSE" will be performed this weekend only on Thursday, Feb. 27; Friday, Feb. 28; and, March 1 at 7 p.m. There will be a matinee on Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or online by clicking here.

ORGAN WORSHIP: I'll be kicking off the first day of meteorological spring at First Baptist Church on the organ, Sunday, March 2 at 9:30 a.m. It's communion Sunday so come ready to sing!

COMMUNITY

DOG DAYS: The Salem County Human Society is hosting a fundraiser for "St. Paw-trick's Day" on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Farmers and Bankers Brewery on Main Street. No ticket necessary. Free entry. Donations accepted for animals. Leashed dogs are welcome. There will be a 50/50 raffle, a photo booth, and the B&B concessions food truck. 

YARD SALE: Salem County's Largest Yard Sale returns on Saturday, April 19, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salem County Fairgrounds in Pilesgrove on Rt. 45. Last year brought more than 100 sellers and vendors, and this year is expected to exceed expectations! Contact Andy Ware to sign up for a vendor spot at wareandy13@gmail.com

BEERTENDER NEEDED: Farmers and Bankers Brewery in Woodstown is seeking a "Beer-tender" to join the brewery family. Position availability for weekdays, daytime and evening hours. Send resume and contact information to info@farmersandbankersbrewing.com

ADVERTISING: Need to advertise? Check out the new Woodstown-Pilesgrove Advertisements group over on Facebook. Click here!

ENTERTAINMENT

BACK TO THE 80s!: Woodstown High School Drama presents "FOOTLOOSE" on Feb. 27, 28, March 1 (7 p.m.) and March 2 at (2 p.m.). Based on the 1980s hit film, see our outstanding students relive that era of big hair, poofy sleeves, and fabulous dancing! Tickets here.

I am assistant directing this production and having a wild time. Our students are insanely talented and love this show. You won't be disappointed!

MUSIC AT FRIENDS: The Music at Friends free concert series at Friends Meeting House on North Main Street welcomes Jay Daniels, performing the timeless works of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein III, songs from "Oklahoma!," "South Pacific," The King and I" and many more. The event is open to the public at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. Click here for more info.

SPORTS

TRACK: The Woodstown High School Winter Track is nearing the end of its successful 2024-2025 season. Check out their recent achievements in the WHS Athletics department dispatch:

Girls

Jaime Deal

400m: 2nd place – 1:00.61 (New Indoor School Record!)

55m: 6th place – 7.69

Sammie Sterner

1600m: 4th place – 5:42

Abby Marino

1600m: 5th place – 5:46

3200m: 3rd place – 12:41

Anabel Schaal

3200m: 4th place – 12:41

Sarah Seiden

800m: 5th place – 2:30

4×400 Relay Team – 6th place 4:28

Sarah Seiden

Kayla Ayers

Jaime Deal

Lia Covely

Kami Casino

High Jump: 2nd place – 5’0”

Boys

Josh Crawford

400m: 1st place – 51.03 (Ranked #1 in NJ Group 1)

800m: 1st place – 2:01.51

Jacob Marino

1600m: 6th place – 4:42

3200m: 5th place – 10:18

Cole Lucas

800m: 2nd place – 2:01.72

Karson Chew

800m: 6th place – 2:06.26

4×400 Relay Team – 2nd place 3:32.34 (Just .2 seconds behind Woodbury)

Karson Chew

Anthony Costello

Cole Lucas

Josh Crawford 

Highlights & Congratulations!

• Jaime Deal broke her own Indoor School Record in the 400m and also qualified in the 55m dash!
• Josh Crawford is the Sectional Champion in both the 400m and 800m!
• The boys’ team finished as 1st Runner-Up for Sectionals!
• Congrats to all athletes who qualified for Group Finals!

WINNING: Adam Hyland, Woodstown High School men's wrestling coach since 2004-2005 academic year, celebrated his 300th win this season. Here is the celebratory dispatch from the proud WHS Athletics department:

Congratulations to Coach Adam Hyland on earning his 300th win as Woodstown High School’s Varsity Wrestling Coach! Since taking over the program in the 2004-2005 season, Coach Hyland has been a dedicated leader, guiding countless athletes to success on and off the mat. His commitment to excellence has helped produce state tournament placers, region champions, and collegiate wrestlers at all levels of the NCAA. This milestone is a testament to his hard work, passion, and impact on Woodstown Wrestling. Congratulations, Coach Hyland, on this incredible achievement!

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 and windy. High of 46F. Low of 33F.

SATURDAY: Cloudy. High of 57F. Low of 37F.

SUNDAY: Sun, scattered clouds, wind. High of 42F. Low of 23F.

FORECAST: Are we out of the woods on this super cold winter?! I sure hope so. Mid-50s this week. Rain and 60F on Thursday. C'mon spring!

♦

Woodstown Crier: Where we'll be cutting loose this weekend at FOOTLOOSE!!!

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