Tweet tweet, neighbors!

Opening Notes

Something has been eating my tomato plants!

Because I don’t have a garden, this year I nested some seeds in pots and yogurt containers on my front porch, dreaming of the homegrown harvest I became accustomed to with my pandemic garden. But someone had other plans for my garden this year - talk about ruffling my feathers!

Early on, a mysterious visitor was digging up the bean and strawberry seeds. I put the containers up on a shelf, the seeds stopped being eaten, and I didn’t think about it again until last night, when I came home to discover that all of the leaves had been eaten off of two of my tomato plants.

What the heck? Who eats tomato leaves?!? I haven’t noticed any bugs. The leaves had been eaten all the way down to the stem, so it was definitely an animal. I didn’t have to wait long to find out, though.

This morning I caught the culprit red-handed. A fluffy brown creature scrambled away, tail flailing as he tried to squeeze his tomato leaf-stuffed self under the railing. The betrayal? It was my “pet” groundhog - the one I’ve been feeding carrots and lettuce to for years. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you!

It’s probably too late to start tomatoes over from seed, so instead of the colorful, wrinkly heirloom tomatoes I was looking forward to, I’ll grow whatever they offer at Lowes, construct a fortress around the porch, and next year set up shop in the Woodbury Community Garden. Sometimes you’ve got to migrate to greener pastures!

My only consolation is that The Woodbury Farmer’s Market opens on June 14. It can’t get here quickly enough - this bird is ready to flock there for some fresh produce!

(They’re still ISO volunteers to help with setup and breakdown! Come spread your wings and lend a helping feather!)

This Week’s Migration Pattern

Where the local flock is gathering

Wednesday, June 4

🤿 Dive into stories of underwater mysteries! A SCUBA pro shares tales of Jersey Shore shipwrecks - no fishy stories here, just the real deal! Deptford Public Library, 670 Ward Drive. 6 p.m. Free as a bird!

🧵 Crafty companions unite at “In Stitches” sewing club! Every other Wednesday, these creative birds gather to stitch and chat. Woodbury Public Library Board Room, 11 a.m. Come nest with the needlework enthusiasts!

Thursday, June 5

🎨 A Pop of Art with Loren Dann! This week Loren will explore Photography and artist Thandiwe Muriu. You’ll learn about the artist, soak up some inspiration like morning sunshine, and then make some art of your own! Woodbury Library, 33 Delaware Street, Woodbury. Free as flight!

🇺🇸 Stars, stripes, and crafts! Time to get your patriotic plumage on! Crafting Workshop sponsored by the Gloucester County Division of Senior Services. Greenfields Volunteer Fire Company, 31 Budd Boulevard, West Deptford. 10-11 a.m., Free, materials and instructions provided. Preregistration required, call 856-384-6900 to secure your perch!

🏳️‍🌈 Last call, creative souls! Submit your Pride T-Shirt designs to woodburyheartsoul@thefaf.net by today. Let those colors shine bright like a rainbow warbler! 🏳️‍⚧️

Friday, June 6

🎰 BINGO! At VFW Post 2174, 640 Tacoma Blvd., Westville Grove. Every Friday at 12 noon - lucky birds gather to play! Light beverages and food pay-as-you-go.

💃🏾The epic summer concert series brought to you by FAF at Lot 323 continues! Jem & The Vibe, A Tribute to Rich Quick, and Love? Said the Commander along with three live painters! Have you ever seen Jem & The Vibe perform? When I saw them on the roster this year I chirped with excitement! 115 S. Broad Street, Woodbury. Free, food trucks and local brews available pay-as-you-go. Come flock together for some fantastic tunes!

🖼️ While you’re enjoying the tunes, don’t fly the coop without checking out the Clothesline Art Sale at Lot 323! Flutter on back to Gather (fly away from the music toward Broad Street) and feast your eyes on offerings from our talented local artists and makers. (I’m one of the artists, come say hello and let’s chirp!)

🎨 Calling all little chicks! Join Miss Doris and Mr. Aaron in the Paint Playground at Lot 323! Bring some messy clothes and your creativity and have a nest-building blast! Grownups: got any items around the house that need a colorful makeover? Bring them along - kid paint makes everything more eggciting!

🚮 Lake and Trail Clean-Up at Woodbury Heights Lake (to spiffy things up for the fishing derby the next day!). Time to tidy up our nest! Email woodburyheightslakeassociation@gmail.com to confirm your attendance. 5-8 p.m., fuel for hardworking birds (pizza and drinks) provided for helpers!

Saturday, June 7

🌸 I’m so excited I wet my plants! Art in the Garden brought to you by The Greater Woodbury Garden Club and FAF Coalition. Tour local gardens, enjoy visual and performing artists while supporting a Gloucester County Scholarship Fund - now that’s what I call blooming wonderful! 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $20, can be purchased on the day of the event at 29 S. Woodland Avenue, Woodbury.

✊🏿 Commemorate Woodbury Juneteenth at Brick N Culture with a free African Drum Workshop - come make some joyful noise! 65 N Broad Street, Woodbury. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free as a songbird!

🏕️ Woodbury Public Library is celebrating National Camping Month with camp stories, crafts, and s’mores! Time to gather ‘round the nest for some outdoor fun! Free and open to the public, no registration required. Woodbury Public Library, Delaware Street, Woodbury. 11 a.m.

🎣 Woodbury Heights Annual Youth Fishing Derby. Registration 7:30 a.m., fish from 8 a.m.-12 noon - the early bird catches the fish! Glen Lake, Woodbury Heights. BYO poles and gear. Sweet prizes awarded by age group and the grand prize is a bike! You had me at “worms will be provided” (though this bird prefers seeds)! Reach out to DTruhan5775@gmail.com for more information.

🎣 Another chance to make a splash at the Fishing Derby presented by Premier Scout Family! Three age groups - 13 and under, 13-18, and 18+. Multiple prizes awarded. Derby starts at 10 a.m. Don’t be a late bird, you must be registered by the start time. Stewart Lake (behind the YMCA), Woodbury. Reach out to Jerry Bakanowsky at 856-364-3300 or Premscoutfam@gmail.com for more information or to register.

🌽 VFW Post 2174 Cornhole Tournament. 640 Tacoma Boulevard, Westville Grove. Warmups at 12 noon, bags fly at 1 p.m. Signups are closed but head over to cheer your friends on and enjoy some BBQ. (Rain date June 8 - hoping for sunny skies!).

🛍️ Sherwood Community Yard Sale! One bird’s trash is another bird’s treasure! Sherwood West & Sherwood on the Green, West Deptford. 8 a.m. Want to get on the map? Contact Meghan at 609-617-4515 or Brandi at 856-345-9388.

Sunday, June 8

🎸 South Jersey Arts Fest at Appel Farm - time to spread those artistic wings! Live music, food, wine, beer, craft vendors, and LOTS of family friendly arts activities. Featured bands: AFTYN (NJ’s cutest indie folk duo), Sharing Contest (Philly emo with riffage), and Danger Club (happy sounding sad songs). 458 Shirley Road, Elmer. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free!

🚨 First Responder Appreciation Service sponsored by New Beginnings BFC and Woodbury Heights/Wenonah Fire. Time to chirp our thanks to our community heroes! Veteran’s Park, W. Jersey Avenue, Woodbury Heights. Apparatus is welcome! Enjoy some refreshments at Station 15-1 (across the street) afterwards. 10:00 a.m.

🚜 I was today years old when I learned we still do Garden Tractor Pulls around here! If you have a stock lawnmower with no cut tires and a wheelie bar, get thee over to 275 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill (maybe call Bill first at 609-221-4690). Registration at 10 a.m., pull starts at 11 a.m. $5 for sled hook, $10 for adults. Ribbons for all first place winners in their class, but the real winner is your lawn!

Monday, June 9

Even busy birds need a day to rest their wings sometimes!

Tuesday, June 10

🗽VOTE in New Jersey’s Primary Election! 🗽If you were a procrastinating pelican and didn’t get to vote early, June 10 is the day! Not sure where to vote or what time they’re open? Type your address into this form and fly right to your polling place!

Flock Stewardship

Keeping our nest tidy and our community thriving

🗳️ Tuesday, June 3 to Sunday, June 8. Primary Elections Early Voting time! West Deptford: Riverwinds Community Center, 1000 Riverwinds Drive, West Deptford. Deptford: RCSJ Behavioral Science Center, 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell. Here’s the awesome part - you don’t need to live in these towns to vote early. Check your registration. Register to vote, if you haven’t already. 10 a.m-8 p.m. M-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Get to know the candidates here (Bergen County Record).

🧹 Heads up Westville, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: street sweeping time! Get ready to enjoy shiny, tidy roads again (if only they could hoover up all the water at the Brooklawn Circle - a bird can dream!). Wanna know when you’re gonna get a visit from the street-sweeping fairy? Check this map!

Our Animal Friends

Because every creature deserves a loving nest (even groundhogs who eat your tomato plants)

🐶 Meet Chanel, who has the most adorable snaggletooth I’ve ever seen! She’s a friendly and playful 4-year-old pit bull who was surrendered after her family lost their home in a fire. This sweet pup is ready to find her forever nest!

🐱 And Quartz, an adult male who is good with children but is also FIV+ so wouldn’t work out in a home with other cats. He sounds like a total snugglebug - perfect for a family looking for a solo feline friend!

🦆 Duckling rescue! A mama duck in Washington Township was all aflutter when her nine ducklings slipped into a storm drain in Washington Township. Not to worry! A Gloucester County Animal Control Officer and the Washington Township PD stepped in to save her babies! The rescue video is the CUTEST thing you’ll see today - guaranteed to make you chirp with joy!

🐕 There’s a new dog in town, and this warbler is absolutely over the moon! Meet Scooby, Woodbury’s Community Resource Canine!

Scooby was trained by The Hero Academy, a non-profit that trains service dogs for first responders, veterans, and communities! Scooby will be working with Sgt. Beckett every day, and his role will be offering emotional support and companionship to the officers around the office, offering peace and comfort to anyone who interacts with him, and acting as a dedicated Crisis Response Canine. Service dogs are magical when working with people who are under stress and they can make a huge difference in outcomes. Welcome to the flock, Scooby!

🐈 Love cats but can’t have pets at home? 🙋🏾‍♀️ This warbler feels your pain! Kitkat Playroom in Woodbury is looking for cat snugglers! You can sign up for any open morning, afternoon, or evening two hour shift — weekdays or weekends - whenever you’re available. This is a purr-fect volunteer opportunity for college students home for the summer, teachers on summer break, retired folks with some extra time! Kiddos can be snugglers too, with adult supervision. Come get your kitty cuddle fix!

Bulletin Bird

Community announcements that’ll make you tweet

🚒 Woodbury Heights Fire Department 2nd Annual Truck Raffle is on - and this prize will make you fly off your perch! Your $25 raffle ticket enters you into a drawing to win a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 (!!!), with second and third prizes of $3,000 and $2,000. The drawing is on July 1. You can drop off cash at the Woodbury Heights Fire House, 534 Elm Avenue or send them a Venmo here (put truck raffle and your phone number in the comments):

🎸 Ever heard of a local hardcore band called Seed? They played at the Harwan Theater in Mt. Ephraim, among other places, and recorded a demo at Wildfire Records in South Jersey back in the mid 90s. A Redditor is looking for a copy of their demo cassette. If you have it and are willing to part with it, let me know and I’ll put you in touch! Sometimes the most treasured finds are hiding in someone’s attic!

⚾ Tickets are on sale now for Woodbury Little League’s Annual Beef and Beer (June 27) - time to batter up for a good cause! Celebrate Woodbury Little League’s 75th Anniversary with a DJ, dancing, prizes, Phillies tickets giveaway, food, and beer, naturally! American Legion Post 133, 1018 Washington Avenue. 6:30 p.m. Tickets are 2 for $50 or $30 each, and can be purchased from your coach or get in touch with the Woodbury Little League on Facebook.

🚣🏾‍♀️ The Gloucester County Vixens dragon boat team is making waves - and this bird is cheering them on from the shoreline! Their mission? “To positively impact the local community through charity, and embody an inclusive environment of empowered women.” Right now they’re rowing toward their spring fundraiser goal, with proceeds supporting the Gloucester County Hero Scholarship Fund. For just $10, you could win some sweet prizes like Phillies tix + parking, Union tix + parking, or Broadway tix to see Wicked (wickedly awesome prizes!). Get in touch with my friendo Amanda on FB or hit reply to connect! The drawing goes live on Facebook on June 7 - may the odds be ever in your favor!

Zillow Snoop and Swoop

Snoop: The listing says epic bedroom-sized closet, but I see art studio - so much room for activities! And also? There’s a three-stall barn and an additional outbuilding! 2.5 acres in Thorofare means you’re close to all the fun stuff but have plenty of room to spread your wings and get the garage band back together without disturbing the neighbors. What a breathtaking property it is! Lots of light, lots of space, and don’t let the Kings Highway address fool you - this house is way back there so traffic sounds won’t be an annoyance to noise-sensitive birds.

Swoop: Say it with me: Tunkhannock. Isn’t that the most satisfying town name to say out loud ever? But where is it? When everyone else is heading down the shore, this warbler is heading to the Poconos because lakes and mountains are relaxing and seagulls steal my french fries which is not relaxing or enjoyable (learn to share, seagulls)! This very cute lakeside property is the perfect escape. It has a deck, so if you work from home you can enjoy coffee on the lake and also work there while enjoying the soothing sounds of ducks paddling around happily after you feed them some peas, but also there’s an office so if the weather is meh you can retreat indoors and still be productive. Am I talking myself into moving here? Maybe I am - this bird might need to migrate to lake life! Open house on Saturday if you want to go peck around.

Ant eye view

Last week the clue was:

If you guessed:

winner winner chicken dinner!

The mural on the Hunter Street bridge was painted by Doris Nogueira-Rogers, Narcissa Weatherbee, and Betty Justin.

Mapquest describes this bridge as “a simple yet functional structure that spans over Mantua Creek. It serves as a vital link for commuters and pedestrians traveling between different parts of the town. This bridge, with its unassuming design and sturdy construction, provides a safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians alike. It blends seamlessly into the surrounding urban landscape, offering a practical solution for crossing the creek.”

🤦🏾‍♀️

You can say a lot about this bridge, but it doesn’t span any kind of a creek — it crosses over the railroad — and it definitely doesn’t blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, which is one of the reasons this mural was controversial so many years ago. Now it’s become as much of a part of Woodbury’s history as all the rest and we’re so lucky to have it!

Crowing about our kids!

Supporting and celebrating our community’s future leaders

👗 I had the pleasure of meeting Noelle, one of the Young Entrepreneurs who will be at the Woodbury Farmer’s Market on June 28. Her work is brilliant! Noelle is multi-talented, an artist who makes the most amazing upcycled clothes, woodworking and rehabbed furniture. Follow the Woodbury Farmer’s Market socials to see Noelle show off her talents in a segment on PHL17 highlighting our Young Entrepreneurs and The Woodbury Farm Market.

🎸 Local artist Nexia just dropped their first album, and this mama bird is bursting with pride! If you’re into ambient shoegaze with big mood, you’ll enjoy it! Full disclosure: Nexia is my son’s band, and I’m gonna crow because I’m proud of all the dedication and hard work he put into bringing this project to life! CDs are available at On the Record or come see us at Lot 323 on Friday!

🎨 Calling all young artists and creative fledglings! The Art Studio of Deptford is hosting a Summer Art Camp for little ones aged 6-14 from June 30 to August 20. $20 for a half day, $40 for a full day, sessions are from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3:00 p.m. Your little Picassos will have a ball creating and exploring their artistic wings! Tweet to Maureen at letterworks@comcast.net or 609-509-5423.

🏀 Riverwinds also offers a ton of summer camps including basketball, volleyball, cheer, and a junior police academy (what?!? How cool is that?!). More information and links re: these camps are here. Summer boredom? Not on our watch! These little birds will be too busy having fun!

👶🏾 Need a helping wing with summer camp or childcare costs? Rutgers Childcare Assistance is a fantastic resource that could be just what your family needs. Every parent deserves support in helping their little ones spread their wings!

🐆 Did you know GCIT offers a Summer Exploration Program? If your middle schooler is thinking about attending GCIT for high school, this is a great test flight before the big migration! They offer programs for car painting, baking, microbiology, anatomy, computer science, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, cosmetology, etc. Programs run from July 7-July 31. $149 per session.

Good Eggs

🚗 SE4SK hosts wonderful free events for children with special needs, and they’re gearing up to host their yearly beginning of summer party at Fasola Park on June 24 - and it’s going to be absolutely egg-ceptional! They’re looking for interesting cars for their mini car show - do you have a sweet ride that would make kids’ faces light up brighter than sunshine? Get in touch with Jami at 856-264-9386. Sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest smiles, and this warbler believes that’s what community is all about!

One Last Warble…

Sometimes feathers get ruffled when neighbors don’t see wing-to-wing, especially when one of them is snacking on your tomato plants! But when I take a bird’s eye view, I understand that the groundhog is just out there doing groundhog things.

To be honest, I can’t be too puffed up about it. I’ve been feeding him carrots and lettuce for a couple of years. We’re all part of the same ecosystem. I don’t blame him for snarfing down the tasty treats I left out within easy reach. We’re cool. I want him to have a happy life as much as I want homegrown tomatoes. I’m sure we can figure it out.

Perhaps I’ll extend an olive branch (or a juicy tomato from the Farmer’s Market). We’ll perch on the porch together, enjoy some tea and berries, and listen to each other’s songs. I’m sure we’ll come away from that conversation singing in harmony.

On that note, Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

Thanks for being a part of the flock. I hope to see you at Lot 323 on Friday!

Singing the songs of our shared communities,

Jen Russell, your neighbor and Editor-in-Chief, The Woodbury Warbler

PS – Thank you again for being an early bird to The Woodbury Warbler. This is a pre-launch birdseed-sized newsletter while I’m organizing information and building the nest. Anything you’d like to see more of? Hate the format? Too many bird puns? Don’t want to hear about my ~~groundhog~~ skunk? (Yeah, I’m mad at them too.) Your feedback is helpful – send a carrier pigeon to editor@woodburywarbler.com with any suggestions, complaints, tips, celebrations or even just to say hi!

PPS - The Woodbury Warbler is brought to you by the letter W (obvs) and now, officially, Caged Bird Media, LLC.

Thumbnail image: "Golden-winged Warbler (male) Sabine Woods TX 2018-04-26 08-11-39 (27221201027)" by Bettina Arrigoni is licensed under CC BY 2.0.