Opening Notes

This warbler's weekly musings and feathered observations

Tweet tweet, neighbors!

This summer bird didn't know it was possible to have the wintertime weather blues in June until this year. Not to worry, though! NorEaster Nick has forecasted oppressive heat and humidity swooping in to our area in a couple of days. 🫠 If you need somewhere to chill, here's a list of cooling centers in the area.

Besides the most chirped-about question in our local Facebook groups this month –- the ever-popular “is there a fire nearby? There’s a very strong smoke smell!” inquiry -- the most popular question soaring through our groups has been:

🧨 When are the fireworks set to take flight?

Looks like folks are already gathering their flocks in search of the perfect perch to watch the skies sparkle and crackle! Here’s where you can catch those sky blooms:

​Woodbury: Saturday, June 28 from 5-9 p.m. at Woodbury High School Stadium, 25 N. Broad Street [FB]

If you want to see fireworks closer to the holiday, you have options!

​Cherry Hill’s fireworks are on July 3 from 8-10 p.m. (gates open at 7) at Michael J. Santarpio Field, 2101 Chapel Avenue, Cherry Hill (behind Cherry Hill West)

The Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival is on July 4. Music starts at 6 p.m. and the fireworks begin at 9:30 at Wiggins Waterfront Park, Riverside Drive and MLK Boulevard, Camden

This Week's Migration Pattern

Where the local flock is gathering

Thursday, June 19

✊🏿Juneteenth

Juneteenth is an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Even though Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, at the end of the Civil War, “[i]t was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, and were able to enforce the edict that the state’s residents finally experienced freedom. For some—enslavers and the enslaved alike—it was through Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger’s General Order No. 3 that they first learned that slavery had been abolished in the Confederate states.” [Britannica] This holiday has been celebrated since 1866, and finally became a national holiday in 2021. There are many celebrations across South Jersey included in this article from Front Runner New Jersey, this one from the Courier Post, and this one from NJ.com.

​More about Juneteenth from the Gloucester County Historical Society.

🎰 BINGO!

More chances to yell BINGO! than feathers on a blue jay.

📍 VFW Post 679, 275 Wilmer Street, Glassboro

🕒️ Every Thursday, doors open at 7:30 a.m., book sales begin 9 a.m., games start at 10 a.m.

💵 Games, bagels, donuts, pretzels, and beverages pay-as-you-go.

Friday, June 20

🎰 BINGO!

📍 VFW Post 2174, 640 Tacoma Blvd., Westville Grove

🕒️ Every Friday at 12 noon

💵 Games, light beverages, and food pay-as-you-go.

🎸 Free summer concert series at Lot 323!

Even though the weather has been aggressively March-like, we’re partying like it’s the Dog Days of Summer with Valley Lodge, Jersey Calling, Full Blown Cherry and DJ J. Sharp! Live mural paintings during the concert by Carole Henell, Cassidy Colgan, and Jenn Bates. Food trucks this week are Weenie Genie, Red’s Rolling Restaurant, Las Olas, and Crave Pitman. Swoop by the beer hut for brews from Eight & Sand Beer Co., Tonewood Brewing, Core3 Brewery, and Farmers & Bankers Brewing. I’ll be there peeping IDs, come say hi and I’ll hand you a zine (I’m the one with purple hair)!

📍 Lot 323, 115 S. Broad Street, Woodbury

🕒️ 6-9:30 p.m.

💵 Free, food trucks and local brews available pay-as-you-go.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBT+ Movie Night Hosted by Whole & Grounded

Screening The Birdcage (R-Comedy). Armond - a gay nightclub owner - and Albert - a drag queen - need to try to look like a typical hetero family when their son announces that he’s engaged to the daughter of a republican senator!

📍 Whole & Grounded, 5 Delaware Street, Woodbury

🕒️ 6:00 p.m.

💵 $10, includes popcorn and snacks

🦪 Bayshore Seafood Broil Fundraiser

If you’ve ever wanted to kiss the sea on the lips (French poet Leon-Paul Fargue’s words, not mine!), this is your chance. It might surprise you to know that Port Norris was once known as the Oyster Capital of the World! Bayshore Center keeps this history alive by offering educational programs, a schooner you can tour, and other fun events like this one! Fly on down to the bay and enjoy your own personal seafood boil bag filled with steamers, mussels, shrimp, corn, and potatoes. And if you’re not as stuffed as a clam, there’s also a buffet with sides and desserts. Live music, cash bar for beer, wine, and oysters. All proceeds benefit Bayshore Center at Bivalve.

📍Bayshore Center at Bivalve, 2800 High Street, Port Norris

🕒 5-8 p.m.

💵 $50/person, tables of 6-10 may be reserved in advance for $10/table

Saturday, June 21

🌽 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.

📍 Cultural Collective & BrickNKulture , 65 N Broad St, Woodbury

🕒️ 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

💵 Pay-as-you-go

🐽 Blues, Wine & BBQ

It’s time to pig out at Blues, Wine & BBQ! If you like smoky meats, bold wines, and live blues, this event was made for you! Enjoy ribs, brisket, and pulled pork from pit masters Slabhouse, Big Pappa Jais, and Garner’s Craft BBQ, then grab dessert from Dan’s Waffles (can attest their chicken and waffles is the best!) and House of Cupcakes. Winerys swooping in for the day include Wagonhouse Winery, Terra Nonno Winery, Valenzano Winery, Villari Vineyards, Autumn Lake Winery, Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery, Plagido’s Winery, DiMatteo Vineyards, Tomasello Winery, Angelico Winery, and Salem Oak Vineyards & Winery. Peter V & The Blues Train will be there to entertain you on Saturday, and Fish Eyed Blue will be there on Sunday. Feel free to bring your blankets/lawn chairs - you’re gonna need a place to perch after visiting all of these wineries!

📍 Glassboro Town Square, 1 High Street W, Glassboro

🕒️ June 21-22, 12 noon-5 p.m. both days

💵 $20 Advance Wine Sampling Ticket (purchase before 6/20); $25 Wine Sampling Ticket (cash only on event day at the gate). Free parking! 21+

🏳️‍🌈 PrideFest [FB]​

Chase the Rainbow Trail Run/Walk followed by a LOT of music on the Peace, Love, and Pride Stage: Frank the Rabbit, Shark Earrings, School of Rock, Name Blessings with Reverend Patterson, Kahn-McKinnon Duo, and Laura Cheadle + The Girls. Feel free to bring lawn chairs and blankets, but please leave your furbabies at home since this is a working farm.

📍 Safe Haven at Keneva Farm, 1657 Commissioners Road, Mullica Hill

🕒️ 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

💵 Free parking and admission, food, vendors, and activities pay-as-you-go

🍎 Victory Group Food Pantry.

Drive-through food pantry every 3rd Saturday. 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 to stock shelves, sort donations, and deliver food.

📍 Next to Victory in Christ Christian Center, 1055 Delsea Drive, Westville

🕒️ 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

💵 Free

🥪 Woodbury Heights Fire Department Hoagie Sale

American and Italian hoagies available!

📍 Woodbury Heights Fire Department, 524 Elm Avenue, Woodbury Heights

🕒️ 9 a.m.

💵 $7, cash or Venmo

🏡 Gloucester County Summer Concert Series

This week you get to rock out with Camo Pants Band, a group that has serious range covering everything from Bill Haley to the Beach Boys to Weezer to Cake! This concert series runs all summer and visits many different corners of Gloucester County. Check the list to see if your town is next! BYOB (blankets & beach chairs)

📍James G. Atkinson Park, 138 Bethel Mill Road, Sewell

🕒7 p.m.

💵 Free!

🌧️ For rainout information you can call 856-251-6738 after 4pm

🌭 That Kid the Hot Dog King

More on who the Hot Dog King is in Crowing About Our Kids - he’s making waves!

📍 National Park Back Porch Farm Stand, 7 S. Grove Avenue, National Park

🕒️ 9 a.m.

💵 Snacks and beverages (no hot dogs yet!) pay-as-you-go, proceeds go toward the purchase price of an official hot dog cart!

Sunday, June 22

🎰 BINGO!

A reader tipped me off to a weekly BINGO game that happens right up the street that I didn't know about - what a birdbrain I am! This game benefits Holy Angels Catholic School and the students who receive financial aid.

📍 Holy Angels Parish Center, 96 Green Avenue, Woodbury

🕒️ Every Sunday, doors at 12 noon, games begin at 2 p.m.

💵 Games and concession stand pay-as-you-go, free parking!

Monday, June 23

🤝 365 Live United Small Business Circle Networking Event

Sponsored by United Way of Gloucester County and TD Bank. Guest speakers Danielle DuVerney and Ptah Bowen. TD Safe will briefly present information on the latest scams targeting customers and businesses.

📍 TD Bank Regional Office, 201 W. High Street, Glassboro

🕒️ 8:30-10:30 a.m.

💵 Free, light refreshments provided.

🚗 Mondays in Mantua

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

📍Old K-Mart Parking lot across from Dippy’s, 245 Bridgeton Pike, Mantua

🕒 Every Monday from around 4 p.m. to around 7:30 p.m.

💵 Free (food and beverages from the various shops are pay-as-you-go), all makes and models welcome, and as the flyer says “No BS!” (no doing donuts in the parking lot, racing, etc.)

Tuesday, June 24

🧘‍♀️ Yoga in the Park

Stretch your wings at Red Bank Battlefield at an outdoor yoga practice offered by the Gloucester County Department of Health. [FB]

📍 Red Bank Battlefield Park, 100 Hessian Avenue, Red Bank

🕒️ 10-11 a.m.

💵 Free, preregistration required by contacting Carla at ckephart@co.gloucester.nj.us, 856-218-4106, or by scanning the QR Code in the link above.

Wednesday, June 25

🍎 Food Pantry

​Woodbury City Public Schools partners with Hello Fresh to bring a Community Fresh Market in addition to proteins, fruits, veggies, and other foods provided by the South Jersey Food Bank.

📍 Woodbury Junior-Senior High School, 25 N. Broad Street

🕒️ 9 - 11 a.m.

💵 Free! Please bring valid ID and proof of income.

Flock Stewardship

Keeping our nest tidy and our community thriving

📝 Woodbury Heights Borough Mayor and Council Meeting

📍 500 Elm Avenue, Woodbury Heights

🕒️ Wednesday, June 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

📒 [Agenda not yet posted, this is where it should be]

📝 Woodbury City Council Meeting

📍 City Hall, 33 Delaware Street, Woodbury

🕒️ Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 p.m.

📒 [Agenda link will be in next week’s newsletter]

🦺 West Deptford Safety Town

Registration is open for West Deptford’s FREE summer safety education program for children entering Kindergarten in Fall 2025. Your nestlings will learn safety around fire, poisons, strangers, playgrounds, animals, traffic, etc. They’re also looking for teen volunteers who will receive community service hours for being involved!

📍 Red Bank Elementary School, 192 Philadelphia Avenue, West Deptford

🕒️ Four sessions throughout the summer as listed on the registration page

💵 Free! Register here.

Crowing about our kids!

Supporting and celebrating our community's future leaders

🦅 Connor Becker (‘26) presented a Eagle Scout project at the most recent Deptford Township Board of Education Meeting. This summer, Conner will be renovating a section of Lake Tract to create a garden learning space that dovetails with the elementary school curriculum!

🌭 When I first caught wind of 11-year-old Jamison’s mom posting on Facebook about his dream of opening a hot dog stand, I figured it’d be your classic neighborhood lemonade stand situation — you know, a few folding chairs, a scribbled sign, maybe a rogue wasp or two. WHOA, did I ever underestimate that kid’s wingspan! In just a matter of weeks, Jamison’s idea took flight in a big way. We’re talking full-fledged business licenses, a commercial kitchen, and even corporate sponsorships from Joe Tea & Chips and Sabrett Hot Dogs (!!!). This has been one heck of a peck-tacular thing to watch hatch right here in our neck of the woods! You can keep up with Jamison’s adventures in hot dog cart land over at his Facebook page: That Kid The Hot Dog King And because we at The Woodbury Warbler love to get our beaks into community fun, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be sponsoring FREE hot dogs from Jamison’s cart on National Hot Dog Day (July 16)! Stay tuned for all the juicy details — it’s going to be a real tweet! 🌭✨

Good Eggs and New Neighbors

Highlighting the wonderful humans who make our community soar

🏅 Congratulations to ShopRite of West Deptford team members Michael Herbst and Mike Nicolosi for their participation in the Special Olympics! Michael Herbst won three medals: Gold for 50 Butterfly, Silver for 200 Freestyle, and Bronze for Relay and Freestyle Relay! Mike Nicolosi also won three medals: Gold for Shot Put, Silver for 400 M Relay, and Silver for 400 M Walk.

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

🐶 Ghost is fond of dogs, cats, children, and snoring, and has the most boopable snoot I’ve ever seen! He’s a young, male, American Bully who enjoys body scratches and will reward you with a giant smile!

🐱 Holly is an “extra large” adult tabby who was surrendered by her previous owner due to litterbox issues. Turns out she just needed a larger litterbox! Since making that switch, there have been no issues. So, if you have room for a litter box fit for a queen, Holly would like to meet you!

Both of 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

🚒 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):

​South Jersey NABA is currently accepting free agents to play in its 18+ adult wood bat league. Games are played on Sundays.

Save the date for the National Park Boat Club Rubber Ducky Regatta [FB] benefitting Make-A-Wish on June 28 at 2 p.m.

⚾ 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.

🏈 Are you ready to be an Eagle? Registration for West Deptford Youth Football is open now! Open to boys and girls aged 5-14, no experience necessary. If you register by July 1 you get to choose your own jersey number! The final registration deadline is September 1. Sign up and additional details are here.

Zillow Snoop and Swoop

Dream nests near and far

🪶 Snoop:

Grab your binoculars and settle in with the fish crows and bald eagles — this Westville waterfront nest comes with a second-floor perch boasting dazzling views of Philly! It’s a real entertainer’s roost with a gorgeous yard, roomy kitchen, game room/in-law suite, and not one, not two, but four fireplaces to warm your feathers by. After the party, sink into a dreamy claw foot tub soak. At 3,300 square feet, this former triplex-turned-single-family home has plenty of space for your whole flock to spread their wings!

🪶 Swoop:

Let’s migrate north, friends! I spotted the perfect little entry-level cottage on South Toad Lake Road (best street name ever, no notes). Nestled in the Limberlost cottage community — Canada’s answer to going down the shore but without the traffic or shoobies — this cozy lakeside nest has tons of windows, a giant deck, and comes fully furnished. There’s only one other cottage past this one, so your nearest neighbors are likely to be of the bear, porcupine, or chatty loon variety. Fly up for the summer, or winterize it and stay forever!

One last warble...

Final chirps before I fly away until next week

Well neighbor, sometimes in the hustle of lawnmowers humming, kids chasing the ice cream truck, and fireflies lighting up these summer nights, it does a bird good to pause and reflect. If I had one of those old-timey message boards at the end of my driveway, this is what I'd post on it in big felt letters. Consider it a list of reminders from me to you — feathered with care and neighborly affection.

1️⃣ We Belong to Each Other.​
Whether you’ve got feathers, fur, or just a fondness for a good porch swing chat, we’re in this together. Kindness isn’t optional, it’s the whole point.

2️⃣ Nature Isn’t a Resource, it’s a Relative.​
The trees wave at us every morning, the robins sing us awake, and the rivers carry our stories. Treat nature well, and in return it will treat us well. Who knows, maybe the fish crow you say good morning to each day will start leaving presents on your porch!

3️⃣ Every Story Matters.​
Everyone’s got a story worth hearing. Be the neighbor who makes time to listen.

4️⃣ Kindness is Never Wasted.​
A wave, a compliment, a pie left on a doorstep (covered in a box to protect it from hungry groundhogs!). You never know when your small gesture is the sunshine in someone else’s cloudy day.

5️⃣ We Are Temporary, and That’s What Makes It Beautiful.​
The peonies bloom, the fireflies flicker, the sun makes an appearance between weeks of rain. Nothing lasts forever, and that’s why it's all worth noticing.

6️⃣ Questions Are Better Than Answers.​
"Why’s the sky blue?" "Who left a flamingo in my yard?" The curious birds live the fullest lives. Ask, wonder, explore.

7️⃣ Money Is a Tool, Not a Meaning.​
You can’t take it with you, but you can make someone’s day while you’re here. Spend it on delicious tacos from El Manatial, porch repairs, art, and good books.

8️⃣ The Future Isn’t Written Yet.​
Hope is a scrappy little bird that refuses to quit singing. Keep making good things, planting seeds, investing in your community, and believing in better.

9️⃣ Your Body Is Your First and Last Home.​
Stretch it, feed it, rest it, and let it dance badly at Lot 323. It’s carried you this far and deserves your care.

🔟 Love, In All Its Forms, Is the Point.​
From Hallmark romances to buddy cop movies to a basket of fries "shared" with a seagull, love is the gravy on life’s mashed potatoes.

See you again at Lot 323 on Friday. Last week was a blast and it was nice to meet so many of you in person!

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 new metal band The Milkshake Nightmare? Your feedback is helpful and I love hearing from you! Send a carrier pigeon to editor@woodburywarbler.com with any suggestions, complaints, tips, celebrations or even just to say hi!

Thumbnail Image: "Tennessee Warbler" by Kaaren Perry is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

©️2025 Caged Bird Media, LLC

​