Opening Notes

This warbler's weekly musings and feathered observations

Tweet tweet, neighbors!

Tweet-worthy news, flock: WE’RE FAMOUS!!!

Last week Senator Andy Kim shared the Woodbury Farmer’s Market on Instagram!

LET’S GET MORE FAMOUS!!!

The 2025 America's Farmers Market Celebration™ by American Farmland Trust is soaring through September 30, and our beloved Woodbury Farmer's Market needs your help to wing their way to victory!

There's a $15,000 prize pool up for grabs, plus the winning markets get to peacock with pride thanks to national press coverage, complimentary American Farmland Trust memberships, and some tweet No Farms No Food® swag!

Don't just wing it – flutter over here to vote for our amazing farmer's market!

Now, there are several towns around the country named Woodbury who also have farmer's markets, so make sure you're voting for THE BEST Woodbury Farmer's Market (ours!). You know, the one where you can spot this warbler pecking around for the best local produce and chatting with our fantastic vendors!

Let's flock together and show them what our little nest can do! Every vote counts, so don't chicken out – cast that ballot and help our market soar to the top!

On that note, let's get into the good stuff happening in our nest!

This Week's Migration Pattern

Where the local flock is gathering

Wednesday, August 13

Senior Bingo

For Deptford residents ages 55 and up, ID required to win.

Books on Tap Book Club

Reading For You I’d Break, a Small Town, Second Chance Romance by Hannah Jordan. This book club is in partnership with Neck of the Wood Brewing.

Movie in the Park and Ice Cream Social

Come on out and watch Moana 2 and enjoy some ice cream at RiverWinds Community Center!

Thursday, August 14

Cowboy Vince’s Western Show - a family sing- and dance-along

Brought to you by Gloucester County Parks & Recreation

BINGO!

St. Michaels Mutual Club 90th Annual Celebration

Today kicks off the St. Michaels Mutual Club 90^th annual celebration, which runs through August 16! Porkette sandwiches, here I come! In addition to the food they’ll have entertainment, a live car raffle, games, and a chance to catch up with your friends, family, and neighbors over some delicious food. If you’ve never had one of their famous sandwiches, this is your sign to get over there pronto (call ahead, those lines can get long!).

Food Pantry

Free emergency food offered by The Greater Woodbury Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry

A slice of time and space to work on your projects. BYO supplies encouraged.

Friday, August 15

BINGO!

Woodbury Fresh for All

Free produce for the community!

Friday Night Music at Wenonah Lake

Kick off the weekend with local music by the lake brought to you by Wenonah Porch Fest. Check the schedule here.

Saturday, August 16

National Park Back Porch Farm Stand

Food Pantry

Free emergency food offered by The Greater Woodbury Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry

Victory Group Food Pantry

Drive-through food pantry every 3rd Saturday at the food pantry next to Victory in Christ Christian Center. Emergency food distribution is available, too, call 856-853-2688 ex. 327. Have enough to share? They’re always looking for food, clothing, personal care items, and volunteers.

Black Artisan Farmer’s Market

The Cultural Collective Cafe & BrickNKulture Event Space is back with its 4th Annual Black Artisan & Farmers’ Market. A gathering of local makers, creatives, and growers. Swing by for handmade wares and homegrown treats.

Sew Happy Friends

Gloucester County's public sewing group meets at the Deptford Public Library every 1^st and 3^rd Saturday. They also have a private Facebook group to stay in touch throughout the month.

Baseball Pinball

Baseball with the flashing chaos of pinball – players enter the box and hit as many balls as they can to rack up points based on precision, power, and pinball-style target zones. Brought to you by Woodbury Heights Little League. Ages 7-14.

Gloucester County Concert Series

Right Turn at 40 plays what we like to call "the soundtrack of your life". All the Top Party and Dance Rock cover songs and biggest hits from the past five decades, from all the favorite artists you know and love

Sunday, August 17

Find Waldo Local Party

Dress up like Waldo and celebrate with fellow Waldo fans!

BINGO

This game benefits Holy Angels Catholic School and the students who receive financial aid.

Bees in Your Backyard!

A Walk in the Wild Educational Program – learn about all the yellow stripey things flying around your yard with Denise from Doc Dee’s Bees, and enjoy a walk around Old Pine Farm to (safely!) visit some hives.

Softball Pinball

Softball with the flashing chaos of pinball – players enter the box and hit as many balls as they can to rack up points based on precision, power, and pinball-style target zones. Brought to you by Woodbury Heights Little League. Ages 7-14.

Monday, August 18

Mondays in Mantua

Meet up with the car enthusiast flock and enjoy some pizza from Sal’s and some ice cream from Dippy’s!

Tuesday, August 19

Food Pantry

Free emergency food offered by The Greater Woodbury Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry

Jeanette's Closet

Free clothing and footwear for those in need.

Ice Cream & Superhero Social

Sponsored by the West Deptford Junior Women’s Club

Booze Free Book Club

Reading Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair, this book club is in partnership with Gem Bar.

Wednesday, August 20

Cowboy Kevin - a family sing- and dance-along

Brought to you by Gloucester County Parks & Recreation

Back-to-School Body & Internet Safety Workshop

Presented by trauma therapist and author Amber Gonzalez, LPC for children and their parents and caregivers. Free school supplies will be provided to every child who attends.

Flock Stewardship

Keeping our nest tidy and our community thriving

Woodbury Mayor and Council Meeting

Woodbury Heights Borough Mayor and Council Meeting

Woodbury residents! 🚨

The Woodbury Fire Department with be conducting training exercises at the GCIA Pump House in the 100 block of Warren Street on August 12, 13, 15, and 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. No need to be alarmed about the increased presence of fire equipment and activity in that area.

Want to know when your town’s next counsel or planning/zoning board meeting is? Wondering whether you’re allowed to have backyard chickens? There’s a spot on the brand spankin’ new Woodbury Warbler website for that! Visit the Local Government & Elections page for meeting information, agenda and minutes links, and ordinances.

Crowing about our kids!

Supporting and celebrating our community's future leaders

Evergreen FSC is holding a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Wednesday, August 20 from 12 noon-3 p.m. There is a limited quantity, so first come, first served. The giveaway will be held at 21 Delaware Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096. Call 856-848-7150 ex 418.

Save the date for an End of Summer Bash presented by the Woodbury City Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office! On August 22 from 2-7 p.m. at the Woodbury Police Station, your kiddos can get fresh FREE haircuts for school, enjoy some snacks, play games, and receive some school supplies. They’re also looking for barbers who might like to get involved.

Free baseball and softball practice with Woodbury Little League. Learn the basics with Coach Katie and Coach Mike, meet new friends, and test the waters to see if baseball or softball is a sport you'd like to play! Open to girls and boys of all ages. Fri. August 15 from 6-8 p.m. At 425 Frances Avenue, Woodbury.

Pizza Fundraiser

Benefits the West Deptford High School Cheerleaders. Mention the fundraiser or put your receipt in the jar, and 20% of all donations will benefit the cheerleaders! This applies to all orders – dine in, pick up, or delivery!

RiverWinds just posted their Fall Kid’s activities! They offer all kinds of things to keep your fledglings entertained and off their glowing screens: arts & crafts, cooking, and a kid’s bootcamp!

Mommy’s Time Out Preschool at Kemble United Methodist Church has some openings for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. More information on their website or get in touch with Normajean at kemblepto@gmail.com or 856-845-1627.

Good Eggs and New Neighbors

Highlighting the wonderful humans who make our community soar

Habitat for Humanity of Gloucester County just announced that they have three homes available and are taking applications through September 26. You can pick up an application at the ReStore in Pitman, or you can see more information and download an application from their website.

VFW Post 2174 Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive

VFW Post 2174 is making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for individuals in need. They're looking for donations of peanut butter, jelly, sliced bread, and sandwich bags. Wanna help make sandwiches? Head on over there on August 18!

Got some good news? New in town? Just want to say hi to all your neighbors? Send a carrier pigeon to editor@woodburywarbler.com.

Our Animal Friends

Because every creature deserves a loving nest

I might have squeaked a little when I spotted Skylar and Snowball, a bonded pair of rats! They’re curious, social, and confident, and get along well with humans. No word on whether they have a good recipe for ratatouille but they’d be fun pets either way!

If you’re in the market for a dog that looks like he’s part wolf, Bon Bon is your doggo. He passed his behavioral evaluation with flying colors and has an adorably meme-worthy face! He tested positive for heartworms and needs a safe perch to rest during his recovery. The shelter is covering the cost of his heartworm treatment (that’s amazing!).

These sweethearts are waiting for their forever families at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter - don’t let them fly away to someone else!

Got a furry, scaly, floofy, or feathery friend you’d like to show off? Send us your photos! We love celebrating all of our community critters!

Bulletin Bird

Community announcements that'll make you chirp

Main Street Woodbury is hiring an Executive Director! Main Street Woodbury, Inc. is a nonprofit organization powered by dedicated volunteers and guided by professional leadership. Their mission is to promote the economic revitalization, cultural vibrancy, and historic preservation of downtown Woodbury. They do this by supporting small businesses, celebrating local identity, and strengthening community connections through strategic partnerships and the National Main Street Four-Point Approach®. Check out the full job posting here and get in touch with them at MainStreetWoodburyNJ@gmail.com with any questions. What an amazing opportunity to make a big difference in our community!

Woodbury Heart & Soul is seeking sponsors for this year’s Porch Fest!

Girl Scout/Daisy troops are forming in Woodbury Heights! Jessica Marchese is collecting email addresses now and will be sending out a registration link soon, so get in touch with her either on FB or via her post in Woodbury Heights Town Talk.

Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults, sponsored by the Gloucester County Division of Human and Special Services. This is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Attendees receive MHFA certification. Registration is required, class will be held at Riverwinds Restaurant. Register on their website.

​

Register now for the Woodbury Car Show (8/30)! Professionally judged with over 100 trophies! Enter your car for $20 before 8/27 or $25 day of registration. Register at woodburycarshow.org. Questions? Email info@woodburycarshow.org​

Tickets are on sale now for a day at Morey's Piers (August 17) to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey, sponsored by AtlantiCare. $80/person or $300/family of 4 includes admission to several parks and a barbecue lunch. Purchase tickets here.

American Legion Post 133 will be holding a yard sale on September 6, 2025. Do you have things to sell? Contact Donna at 609-500-9800. $15 donation with your own table, $20 if you use one of theirs. Setup at 7 a.m. And open to the public 9-5. Snacks will be available!

The Woodbury Heights Fire Department 2nd Annual Truck Raffle has been extended! - 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 will now take place on September 16. 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):

Zillow Snoop and Swoop

Dream nests near and far

Swoop

This almost-a-tiny-house in West Deptford is adorable – perfect for someone looking to downsize their nest or a single bird who works from home or needs studio space. The 720 sq. ft. is used very well, and I especially like the countertop built on top of the washer and dryer in the kitchen! The house is surrounded by mature trees which will help keep your utility costs down, and the large backyard has potential to be a gardener’s paradise!

Snoop

When I spotted this farm in Cheyenne, Oklahoma, my first thought was that it looked like the perfect spot to fly away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the great big wide open sky. And then I looked at all that came with it for so little money (in comparison to our expensive tiny houses in NJ): 10 acres, a 100 x 100 ft. covered arena, a 6 ft. tall, 50 ft. round pen, and a 130 x 170 ft. lighted outdoor arena. All this and a house, even! It’s marketed as a “horse property,” but you know what I’m thinking? CIRCUS.

One last warble...

Final chirps before I fly away until next week

As this newsletter is growing, some of you have asked if I could create hyperlinks to each section of the newsletter. Unfortunately, the email service provider I use doesn’t allow me to edit the code. BUT! I did that on the website for you! The weekly newsletters will appear here on the website, and you can click away to your heart’s content! When you want to jump back up to the top of the page, you can use the blue arrow button at the bottom right of your screen.

Isn’t technology amazing?!?

You’ll also see some empty categories on the website, including one for a community directory. Eventually I’d like to include every small business in our towns (ambitious!), but while I’m building it out I’m going to focus on our wonderful nonprofits first. If you’re involved with one and would like to be included, please send me:

1. An image, either your logo or from an event that shows your nonprofit in action
2. A link to your website
3. A link to where you typically share information (either an email signup page or social media)
4. A short paragraph on what your organization does

My goal is to create a resource that puts all our community information in one place. One of the biggest challenges in running this newsletter (::Homer Simpson voice:: one of the biggest challenges so far) is keeping track of all the various ways businesses, government, youth sports, and nonprofits share information. I can’t recreate the Yellow Pages, but I can sure try!

If there are any other features you’d like to see on the website, I’m all ears!

And on that note, I’ll see you all next week!

Have a great week, neighbors!

Singing the songs of our shared communities,

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

​

Thumbnail Image: "Cape May Warbler RWD3" by DickDaniels (http://theworldbirds.org/) is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

​

©️2025 Caged Bird Media, LLC

​