Home of the free…because of the brave. |
Happy Independence Day, Woodbury!
This is a time to reflect on the amazing accomplishments of our nation.
We are not perfect and can all admit that we are still a “work in progress.” However, I still, passionately believe, this is the greatest nation in the world.
Make it a goal of yours to strive to make this country a better place – starting in our own city of Woodbury.
There are so many opportunities to give back, through your house of worship, charitable organizations, and event committees.
Once again, Woodbury will be having a celebration of Independence Day.
NO TAXPAYER DOLLARS were spent on the event – all the proceeds were raised by private and corporate donations and fundraising from 4th of July fireworks committee.
See you, on July 3rd for the spectacular celebration!
Sincerely,
Mayor Peg Sickel
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Councilwoman O’Connor Woodbury History Lesson |
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Soldiers with the 1-114th Infantry Battalion, NJ Army National Guard, guard strategic points near the Lincoln Tunnel, Weehawken, NJ November 20, 2021. The soldiers were mobilized in support of Operation Noble Eagle to provide security at critical infrastructure locations in New Jersey. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark C. Olsen)
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TAKING COMMAND IN QATAR. Members of the 1ST Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, NJ Army National Guard, assume command for security at Cam As Sayliyah in Qatar on March 16, 2018, relieving a California Army National Guard unit.
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Coat of Arms 114th Infantry Regiment In Omnia Paratus
(In All Things Prepared)
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WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ARMORY?
Recognizing our Citizen Soldier’s this Independence
We are accustomed to seeing the brick-and-mortar Army National Guard building on Evergreen Avenue. But what is the FUNCTION of the ARMORY?
It is the home base of the 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment of the NJ Army National Guard.
These CITIZEN SOLIDERS (the men and woman have civilian jobs in addition to performing their military service) need to be ready at a moment’s notice to deploy where needed – in the state or around the world.
Less than one third of one percent of our U.S. citizens are members of the Armed Forces. The full-time military cannot achieve their missions without the support of our Citizen Soldiers. Forty percent of our military force comes from the National Guard and Reserve.
Imprinted in our collective memory are the tragic events of September 11, 2001, with the attacks of the World Trade Center.
Our Woodbury based unit, the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, were deployed to provide security for the critical infrastructure locations in New Jersey.
When not deployed on an overseas national mission, this unit, along with other units of the National Guard, are tasked with State readiness by having properly trained and equipped units.
The next time you see a man or woman of the 114th Infantry Regiment, take a moment to thank them for their service!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WOODBURY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS OF 2021!!! |
Woodbury High School held its commencement Thursday evening, June 17th on the football field for the 118th graduating class! Congratulations graduates and move forward in the world to accomplish your dreams!
Matthew Campo was named valedictorian and Olivia Dixon was named salutatorian. Both Campo and Dixon addressed the crowd, as well as class president Todd Hayes, vice president Ariyanna Wesley, Secretary Brady Shute and treasurer Leila Echevarria.
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WOODBURY TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES WIN STATE HONORS |
Brady Shute, runs to win a historic Group 1 distance triple!
Brady Shute is SERIOUS about his sport – and his accolades are testament to his commitment to the running.
On Saturday, June 12th, Shute ran his lifetime best at the State Group 1 meet to earn the historic Group triple.
It has been 22 years since a runner won the 800, 1600 and 3200. He is also the first athlete from South Jersey boy to triple at the states in any events since Maple Shade’s Kenneth Karcher won the 200, 400 and intermediate hurdles in Group 1 in 2017.
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Ja'Von Solomon, right, is a three-sport standout at Woodbury High. Solomon, seen here in action during the basketball season, won a state title in the 110-meter hurdles at the NJSIAA Group 1 Championships Saturday at Pennsauken High.Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Media |
Ja’von Solomon captures State medal for the 110m high hurdles!
Woodbury resident, Ja’von Solomon, is the new state champion in track and field, edging out his competitors in the 110m high hurdles.
This multi-faceted young man will be studying business at Chestnut Hill College this fall. In addition, he is marketing a clothing line called Rockstar lifestyle Apparel and is a photographer who captures images at parties and events as well as being commissioned for private photo shoots.
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Support the Woodbury High School Cheerleader's Krispy Krème Fundraiser …Just $10 a box. GO HERD!!! |
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Seven Woodbury Students Entered the New Jersey League of Municipalities Scholarship Competition |
Colleen Meagher was the City of Woodbury
Finalist and State Semi-Finalist
The NJ League of Municipalities, through the Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition, offered three $1000 scholarships statewide.
This year’s statewide scholarship competition centered on the theme of “How has local government played a role in your life regarding the ongoing pandemic?”
The scholarship competition seeks to advance the virtues of elected and volunteer members of the municipal government. It not only encourages our future municipal leaders but highlights joint efforts of everyone in the Woodbury community.
In addition to Colleen Meagher being named the city of Woodbury Finalist and State Semi-Finalist, Autumn Chambers, Theodore Lockhart III, Jayda Green, Haily Hartwyk, Matthew Campo and Arivanna Wesley also submitted essays.
Each applicant did personally receive a $50.00 gift card from the Mayor, Peg Sickel.
Wishing all our scholarship applicants and graduates a bright and successful future.
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A Shout Out to the Woodbury Cheerleaders!
Our Bison cheerleaders SHOW UP! Not just for the good times, but also for the hard work of cleaning up our city – one discarded bottle at a time!
These dedicated girls were active participants at both the Stewart Lake and Broad Street Lake Cleanups.
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Woodbury High School Cheerleaders help cleanup Broad Street Lake, Sunday July 13th!
Head Coach- Kelly Gehring; Volunteer Coach- Crystal Moore
Cheerleaders: Xiomara Bourgeois, Samiya Moore, Ja'niya Wiley, Devon Brennan, Karima Davis, Hailey Miller,Ariana Bourgeois, Rah-Ziah Abbott, Ja'naija Stewart, Tanayjah Moore-Toole
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INSPIRING COACHING STYLES IS SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT! |
Woodbury High School cheerleading, led by Head Coach Kelly Gehring and volunteer coaches Crystal Moore and Deschon Coyle, teach more than just cheerleading. These 3 first connected as cheerleading coaches with the Woodbury Steelers, and are re-creating that “family” style coaching at WHS.
When Kelly, Crystal, and Deschon took over last season the expectation was set!
There was an emphasis on school, community, and family. During the season, the girls are expected to meet up once a week for study hall, and if extra help is needed the coaches are there to lend a hand.
The girls wanted to change their image at WHS and that started with respecting themselves and their teammates. Team bonding events were a great way for them to build trust and respect. The last piece was community service, however COVID restrictions derailed their plans.
This season they are off and running. Volunteer coach Crystal Moore, who is also on City Council, led the way in the community service outreach, linking the cheerleaders with The Green Team Initiative. This allowed the cheerleaders to earn service-learning hours, while volunteering in their community.
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Photo courtesy of Penns Treaty Museum
To learn more about the history of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Nation, visit their website at https://nlltribe.com/.
The banner on their website, “WE ARE STILL HERE” is a testament to their survival, tenacity and their vision for the future.
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WOODBURY FIREWORKS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED JULY 3rd CELEBRATION! |
Celebrate Independence Day with your friends and neighbors!
Assemble your picnic blankets and chairs for a July 3rd celebration to be held at the Woodbury High School Stadium at the Francis Avenue field. The gates open at 6pm so come early to secure your location!
The band Deja Grooves will play high-energy renditions of today’s music as well as your favorite Top 40, Motown and old school hits from 7-8:30 p.m.
Fireworks, provided by the City of Woodbury, will begin immediately after the concert.
Vendors will be on hand if you want to purchase food and beverages.
Fireworks provided by the City of Woodbury immediately following the concert.
A special thanks to the Firework Committee who ensured that the proceeds were all secured from donations and no funds were taken from the taxpayers’ coffers.
The rain date is July 5th.
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Woodbury Soccer Club
Fall registration deadline is July 15th.
Additional information is available online or you can email wdbymicros@gmail.com
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Is Your Child Interested in Law Enforcement?
Sign up, today, to participate in the
2021 Junior Police Academy!
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Woodbury’s Progress Featured on “The Positive Perspective” Radio Show |
Our 2+ mile walkable city is getting some airtime! Mayor Peg Sickel was featured on their morning program, “The Positive Perspective” (FM 99.9 ) on Monday, June 14th.
She kept the hosts up- to -date on the new businesses that have set up shop in Woodbury as well as events such as Friday night concerts, free yoga and the upcoming July 3rd FIREWORKS CELEBRATION!
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Every town has a heart and soul that reflects
what residents love about their community
and why they choose to live there.
Communityheartandsoul.org
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WOODBURY’S “Heart and Soul” are in the Resident’s Hands
Under the leadership and vision of Woodbury’s Jared Hunter, the city of Woodbury is part of the national grant funded Community “Heart and Soul” – a resident driven process that engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it.
The Woodbury program began in 2020 with a program model that has been developed and field-tested over a decade in partnership with over 90 small cities and towns across America.
Jared Hunter is the perfect fit for this leadership position. His community activism began as a fifteen-year-old Woodbury High School student when he recognized a lack of voice for the younger residents of the town in the local government.
He currently holds a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Science in public affairs from Rutgers University (both with a concentration in community development) and is working on his PhD in Public Affairs and Community Development.
He has immersed himself into the community, introducing himself to as many residents, community influencers and businesspeople as he can. In addition, he has assembled an army of volunteers that share the desire to make Woodbury a great place to live and work.
To get involved or add your input to this ongoing program, reach out to Jared at jared@thefaf.net
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Main Street Woodbury Golf Outing
Friday, September 17th 2021
At the Riverwinds Golf Course
9am Shotgun Start
View the registration and sponsorship form here
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FRIDAY NIGHTS ARE FOR FREE MUSIC AND FRIENDSHIP!
The FAF Coalition (Fall Arts Festival) is enlivening Woodbury with a Friday Night FREE MUSIC series, located at Lot 323, 115 S. Broad Street. The event will be held from 6:30-9:30.
There will be vendors available. Check out the schedule and join your community for these great summer events!
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SUMMER IS FUN AT THE YMCA !!!
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Register your child, today, for the summer programs at the Gloucester County YMCA!
Spaces are limited but the fun is unlimited!!! Make this a memorable summer for your child by enrolling in a weekly program or for the entire summer session. There is a highly trained and caring staff that will guide your child through fun and adventure as well as teach them the invaluable lesson of safety around water while providing open swim time.
Lunch and a snack are provided daily.
Financial assistance is available, and Rutgers CCR&R are accepted.
For more information or to register contact the Gloucester County YMCA, located at 235 E. Red Bank Avenue, Woodbury, NJ 856-845-0720; korlich@ymcagloco.org
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Digital Yearbook Collection
The Library also unveiled its Woodbury High School Digital Yearbook Collection.
Funding for the Woodbury Project was made possible in part by the Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission of Rowan College of South Jersey, and the New Jersey Historical Commission.
To assist in the expansion of the Library's Local History Digitization Project, please consider making a donation directly to The Friends of the Woodbury Public Library via check with "History" notated in the memo line. Checks may be dropped off at the Library or mailed to The Woodbury Public Library, 33 Delaware Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096.
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Woodbury teacher’s students win award at the Philadelphia Flower Show! |
The EVERGREEN TEAM, a group of 3rd grade students from the Montessori Seeds of Education School, caught the attention of the judges at the Philadelphia Flower Show and earned a class commendation ribbon for their horticultural talents.
These future Garden Club leaders, led by their teacher and Woodbury resident Frank Burkhauser, entered the Public Garden Competition called the Heaven/Hell Zone.
They were challenged to transform a strip of grass between the street and the public sidewalk in front of “any given suburban home” (affectionately called the Hell Zone by landscapers) into a Haven Zone.
Taking over after a last-minute cancellation, the Evergreen Team chose native Evergreens as their theme (see pictures.) The young gardeners topped the whole thing off with layers of soil, sand, pine needles and stones to further “emulate the natural setting of New Jersey.”
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FIREFIGHTER’S TRAINING CAN GET “Hot!”
“A good firefighter knows how, an educated firefighter knows why.”
Did you ever hear the saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen?!”
Performing under pressure…and sometimes intense heat…are pre-requisites for being a firefighter.
New Jersey State firefighters are constantly honing their skills, renewing their certifications, and having training evaluations throughout the span of their career.
The State of New Jersey requires 12 Continuing Education classes a year that are held at various fire academies in the State. In addition, they conduct weekly in-house drills.
Fires can triple in size every minute, so a rapid response is critical in minimizing damage and saving lives. Being a condensed city, our firefighters can respond in town in under two minutes time. When they are answering an out-of-town call, the response time is under five minutes.
The department’s recent off-site training at the Salem Fire Academy hones their skills of hose line advancement, search and rescue and firefighting operations that mimic real-life scenarios.
Firefighters’ duties often overlap with the police and emergency medical services. It is not unusual for firefighters to be certified as paramedics as they may have to initiate advanced life support until ambulance transport arrives. Fortunately, four of Woodbury’s New Jersey State firefighters are also certified EMT’S. This license carries additional educational requirements as well as Saturday and Sunday classes.
Woodbury Fire Department has been serving the City of Woodbury for more than 200 years.
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Woodbury professional firefighters respond to a ‘controlled fire’ at the Salem County Fire Academy, June 8th. Their training was held in 90 degree weather. Firefighters are mandated to receive to take at least 12 Continuing Education classes a year to maintain their license.
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If you are putting a mattress out for trash pickup, make sure it is wrapped in plastic. That is the only way our public works employees can help you dispose of it. Free mattress bags are available at City Hall.
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As the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, please remember that lawns need to be maintained. If you see a property maintenance issue, you can report it on our website or call 856-845-1300
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TESTS CONFIRMS THE SAFETY OF OUR DRINKING WATER
Following the recent hydrant flushing, residents questioned whether this process was impacting the health of our drinking water. The great news is – WE ARE GOOD!
The flushing process was completed in three weeks and tests on the new filters at the water treatment plant reveal a “non-detect’ which confirms that the filtration system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do – removal of PFNA from the water.
STAY HYDRATED – DRINK MORE WATER!!!
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Contact Your Councilpersons
City Hall - 856-845-1300
Ward 1
Tracey Parker - tparker@woodbury.nj.us, or ext. 557
Danielle Carter - dcarter@woodbury.nj.us, or ext. 558
Donna Miller - dmiller@woodbury.nj.us, or ext. 555
Ward 2
Bill Fleming - bleming@woodbury.nj.us, or ext. 551
Karlene O'Connor - koconnor@woodbury.nj.us, or ext. 559
Crystal Moore - cmoore@woodbury.nj.us, or ext. 550
Ward 3
Phil Hagerty - phagerty@woodbury.nj.us, or ext. 554
Reed Merinuk - rmerinuk@woodbury.nj.us, or ext. 553
Kyle Miller - kmiller@woodbury.nj.us, or ext. 552
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Born and raised in Woodbury, Mayor Sickel is excited to give back to her community.
Contact Mayor Sickel by email at psickel@woodbury.nj.us or by ext. 137
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856-845-1300 | City Hall, 33 Delaware Street |www.Woodbury.nj.us |
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Follow the City of Woodbury |
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