Newsletter
August 2025
Announcement:
Salem County Preservation & Development Store Now OPEN!
We love Salem County - and we want to show it! Our products are designed by our team to represent the things we adore most about our County. All proceeds from purchases go directly back to our organization to fund operating costs and help us bring you all the news and representation that you have been asking for!
Whether it's legislative research, land development support, or support of our county through communication and newsletter - we are here to help Salem County!
From funky shirts to our unique stickers and mugs, you can shop our collection today!
As an opening special - we are offering free shipping on orders $120+
Landmarks of Liberty:
Salem County’s 250th Photo Contest
To celebrate the sestercentennial, the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in 2026, Salem County Preservation & Development is hosting a photo contest to highlight Salem County’s early colonial history and its significance in the Revolutionary War. To enter, submit a photo of one of the many historical sites, monuments, or buildings in Salem County. Get creative with lighting, perspective, and techniques. Photo editing should be limited to cropping and minor lighting adjustments.
For consideration, photos must be submitted by September 30, 2025. 13 winners will be selected by Salem County government employees and the Salem County Commissioners. The top 13 submissions will be featured in a 12-month calendar and its cover. Winners will receive a free calendar and will be cited as the artist both on the calendar and in any media posts. The 2026 Salem County Preservation & Development “Celebrate Salem County’s 250th Anniversary” calendars will be sold on our website (www.salemcountypreservation.com) to support our preservation and smart development efforts across the county.
Rules and instructions for submission:
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Photo for submission should be high quality.
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Watermarked photos will be accepted as long as the picture integrity is not impacted.
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Photo contest winners will be notified by October 20, 2025.
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Calendar will be available for purchase by November 15, 2025.
Bluegrass Festival Welcome Party
One of the largest and longest running bluegrass festivals is coming back to Pilesgrove and we are kicking off the event in style with a Bluegrass Festival Welcome Party! Come on our to Farmers & Bankers Brewing on Thursday, August 28 at 7pm for an open mic night, drink specials, kids bluegrass festival coloring contest, and more! Bring your favorite instrument along to jam for the crowd or just attend and listen to the awesome live music!
Let's welcome our out-of-town visitors in style with a true Salem County Party!
Late-Summer Road-trips in Salem County
At the end of August, the 53rd Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival will be taking place at the Salem County Fairgrounds and THOUSANDS of out-of-town-string-pluckin'-friends will be in attendance!
What better way to greet them than with a Late-Summer Road-trip Tour Guide of Salem County! From sunflower fields, country drives through farmland to rodeos and breweries, we've outlined some great highlights of the area for out-of-town visitors to explore!
Small Biz Spotlight
Black Feather Farmhouse:
Curated Treasures for Every Shopper
Discover a charming shop offering handmade candles, soaps, bath blends, body products, and natural home goods. You’ll also find original art, photography, vintage music posters, vinyl records, antiques, and unique home decor. It’s the kind of store where you uncover treasures you didn’t know you needed until you step inside—a perfect place to find a gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend on their birthday. Visit this magical gem at 6 S. Main in the heart of Woodstown.
Owner and operator Melissa has been crafting high-quality personal care and home products, including laser-engraved wood items, since 2019. Originally from Camden County, Melissa and her husband relocated to Salem County seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle after overdevelopment in their former hometown. Since settling in Salem County, they have loved connecting with the community through their business and are thrilled to be part of Woodstown’s vibrant small business scene.
On August 8, Salem County Preservation & Development attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of Black Feather Farmhouse’s new location. We were impressed by the diverse and high-quality selection of beautiful items available for purchase. Melissa and her team are warm, engaging, and eager to share the stories behind the carefully curated products, ensuring a delightful shopping experience.
The next time you need a gift, handmade, chemical-free bath and body products, a pick-me-up, or a surprise for someone special, visit Black Feather Farmhouse—they’ve got you covered!
Visit Black Feather Collective on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/blackfeathersignco/
Achievement All-Star of the Month:
Coach Bohl’s Winning Formula: Dinobots’ Robotics Feats and Community Good
Russ Bohl, known as Coach Bohl to his robotics students, is an exceptional FIRST LEGO League robotics coach whose dedication to community volunteering invests in future generations and inspires those within his circle of influence. Since 2018, Coach Bohl has led the Dinobots, a team of students aged 9–14 in Salem County.
As a trustee at Faith Orthodox Presbyterian Church and a board member of the largest homeschool co-op in Salem County, hosted by the church, Russ Bohl is uniquely positioned to benefit students throughout the region. Faith Church generously provides weekly space for the Dinobots’ meetings. At the end of each season, the team donates the previous season’s mission mats and models to the homeschool co-op, enabling it to offer robotics classes to homeschool students.
Coach Bohl and the Dinobots have earned numerous awards, including the Southern NJ District Mentor of the Year award, which recognizes coaches who go above and beyond to advance robotics education in the region. The Dinobots have repeatedly won the Core Values Award, given to teams that best embody the FIRST LEGO League’s values of discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun. They have also secured an Innovation Project Award and a Champion Award. In one notable season, Congressman Van Drew honored the Dinobots with Special Congressional Proclamations and hosted them for a day at the Capitol to celebrate their project aimed at reducing thermal pollution in rivers. Additionally, the team has competed at the WAFFLE event in Massachusetts, where 100 teams from the United States and 43 other countries gather for three days to learn and compete for the National Award.
As a robotics coach, Russ teaches students to program using block coding, build robot components to complete tasks known as missions, and troubleshoot challenges throughout the season. Students also complete an innovation project and adhere to the league’s core values as they prepare for a Qualifier competition. At the Qualifier, teams showcase their robot game, deliver a project presentation, and connect with other robotics students. Successful teams advance to State Competitions, WAFFLE, and the FIRST LEGO League World Championship. Russ expertly balances providing guidance with fostering independence, cultivating confidence, grit, and teamwork in a way unique to robotics.
The Dinobots are gearing up for another robotics season starting in September, with Coach Bohl at the helm, leading his team on a journey of discovery, learning, testing, problem-solving, and teamwork. We are grateful for achievement all-stars like Coach Bohl, and Salem County is richer for people like him who give back so generously to our community.
If you want to start a robotics team in your community or school, you can find all the necessary resources and support at https://www.firstlegoleague.org/. It’s a significant effort but well worth it for the many ways it helps students reach their full potential!
County Event Roundup
We have a busy month of fun events ahead! Highlights of Salem County include:
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One of the longest running Bluegrass Festivals on the eastern seaboard, the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, is coming to the Salem County Fairgrounds Labor Day weekend!
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Cowtown Rodeo, Americas longest-running professional rodeo, continues to run their highly-attended Saturday-night rodeos through September with additional events during the week!
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Fall Festivals begin in September throughout Salem County!
Check out our Calendar of Events for more information on things to do in your area!
Salem County Samaritan
Jimmy Smith - A Pillar of Service in Quinton’s Community
Jimmy Smith has spent decades making a positive impact through his service to our community, and he continues to do so with vigor. His understated nature and humility mask a determined, resourceful leader.
His career as an EMT, a critical care technician in a demanding emergency room, and a volunteer firefighter reflects Jimmy’s unwavering commitment to helping others, as well as his courage, calmness, and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
Jimmy views his 11 years of delivering Meals on Wheels to his Quinton-Alloway neighbors as a privilege, drawing inspiration from the many people he has met and connected with through this meaningful opportunity to serve others tangibly. Additionally, he has volunteered for 19 years with the Salem Little League, including 17 years as a coach and 10 as president. The Salem Little League provides baseball and softball opportunities for boys and girls in Quinton, Lower Alloways Creek, Mannington, Elsinboro, and Salem.
Always seeking more ways to serve, Jimmy is deeply proud to work with Gallant Heart, a Salem County-based nonprofit operated by military veterans and civilians that offers outdoor hunting and fishing experiences for veterans. One of its most well-known offerings is the Wounded Veteran Pheasant Hunt, a three-day, two-night weekend of hunting, bonding, campfires, shared meals, and memory-making. One veteran shared, “I personally witnessed a buddy I brought with me open up to people for the first time in years, and he is now very interested in hunting.”
Jimmy Smith is as passionate about his hometown of Quinton as he is about serving others. He is seeking a seat on the Quinton Township Committee to preserve the small, rural character of his community while fostering economic development that aligns with the culture and values of a close-knit community. Public safety, quality of life, economic prosperity, government transparency, and encouraging civic engagement from residents are among his top priorities.
To learn more about Jimmy and the exciting organizations Jimmy volunteers and serves with, check out the links below:
More about Jimmy Smith:
Meals on Wheels of Salem County:
https://www.scmealsonwheels.org/
Facebook: Salem Little League:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16yzV9HvRj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Who’s Who in Salem County:
Your Government Insider
Stacy Pennington
Stacy Pennington is central to the activities of Salem County Government. Salem County Preservation & Development first connected with Stacy when submitting Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests to investigate countywide issues concerning a development plan in an environmentally sensitive area of Salem City. Since then, Stacy has consistently supported our efforts to gain insight into Salem County Government operations and connect with various individuals and departments as needs arise.
Stacy’s extensive knowledge of Salem County’s government stems from her numerous roles and responsibilities across nearly every governmental domain. She serves as Salem County’s personnel director, which includes payroll, contract negotiations, civil service, workers compensation, health insurance, and discipline while also acting as Clerk of the Board for the County Commissioners, deputy administrator, public information officer, and handles liability and employment law insurance.
It quickly became evident that Stacy’s support in helping us understand Salem County Government results from her background as an educator and her passion for teaching. (Fifteen years as an early childhood/elementary school teacher at St. James and Bishop Guilfoyle Elementary Schools.) Stacy went on to teach various courses including development English, resume writing and interviewing techniques, ethics, and communications and public speaking at Salem Community College and Rowan University.
Stacy is committed to educating and encouraging Salem County residents to actively participate in government, guiding them on accessing information and advocating for issues important to constituents. She prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and strict adherence to the complex rules and laws governing government operations. We have greatly benefited from the guidance and transparency of Salem County Government, gaining insight into the challenges facing our county and advocating for residents across various development and preservation initiatives.
As a lifelong resident of Salem County and an avid boater affectionately known as “Captain Stacy,” Stacy deeply cares about the environment, her community, and the future of Salem County. Her commitment to serving her community is evident in her consistent dedication. Earlier this year, she received the NJ Association of Counties County Service Award and was formally recognized by the Salem County Commissioners at their May meeting
Stacy fosters a responsive and approachable culture in Salem County government offices by encouraging her staff and colleagues to engage openly with residents. If you have questions or concerns within the purview of Salem County government, you can contact their offices through various methods. They will be glad to hear from you!
Salem County Government Offices
110 Fifth Street
Salem, NJ 08079
(856) 935-7510
Website:https://www.salemcountynj.gov/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGQU2XZr5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
County Highlights
The 53rd Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
The heat of summer fades and dusk seem to come a little quicker these days. August just has a different feel in southern Jersey. The busy hustle and bustle of early summer is gone. No more scorching days or packed parade crowds. The fireworks have burnt out, and the County Fair has passed. The flavors of summer disappear as strawberries and (lets be honest) funnel cake are now out of season.
But one event still awaits as its campers get ready for one last hurrah. A crowd of loyal music-lovers prepare for one of the longest running Bluegrass Festivals on the eastern seaboard - and this event is here in our backyard during Labor Day weekend.
The 53rd Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival!
Founded in 1972 by the Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music, a nonprofit dedicated to traditional American folk music, the festival began in Bear, Delaware, sparked by a request from bluegrass legends Ralph Stanley and Bill Monroe to host the Northeast’s first bluegrass festival. Since moving to the Salem County Fairgrounds (735 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ) in 1990, it has grown into one of the nation’s premier bluegrass events, drawing thousands of music lovers from across the country.
Throughout the festival grounds you'll find campers having jam sessions around their campfire, old friends catching up and new friendships beginning, and kids playing among the campsites. Wander out away from the campers and you'll find local food trucks and vendors stocked with graphic tee's and music-related crafts.
Once Friday afternoon hits, the fun really begins - bluegrass headliners (such as the Lonesome River Band and Del McCoury Band) take the stage! In addition to three days of live music, the festival also offers activities and classes for attendees of all ages, including:
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Songwriting workshop
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Clogging class
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Kids Academy: Professional musicians teach students of all musical abilities to play a few songs and later perform a show on Sunday afternoon on our Children's Stage.
Whether you camp out or just come for the day, the Bluegrass Festival is the place to be this Labor Day weekend! Grab your friends, family, and favorite whiskey and head on over to the fairgrounds for this long standing and epic event - tickets are still available!
See you there!
Event Information
Gates for campers open: Wednesday, August 27 at 8am
Event date: August 29-31 (Friday-Sunday)
Discounted early tickets are available online until 8/24
Location: Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Highway, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098
For more information or to purchase tickets online: https://delawarevalleybluegrass.org/
Salem County in Action - Make Your Mark
State of the County - Summary
According to reports, we’re in a solid position, and it’s time to take a closer look at how we measure up across the board. The story of Salem County isn’t one of crisis. It’s one of quiet strength, steady potential, and untapped opportunity. With so much discussion around outside development, it’s important to understand where we actually stand when it comes to affordability, stability, and quality of life.
Let’s start with farmland. Salem County has preserved 43,341 acres of farmland. That’s 8.9 percent of the county’s total land area. By comparison, New Jersey as a whole has preserved just 5.2 percent of its acreage, and the national percentage of preserved farmland is only 0.19 percent out of 2.26 billion total U.S. acres. That puts us ahead of the curve and shows that we are serious about protecting our agricultural identity. We don’t just have farms here. We preserve them, protect them, and make them part of our future. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and American Farmland Trust, these preservation efforts place Salem among the national leaders in farmland protection.
Homeownership in Salem County stands at 72.4 percent (see below graph for reference). That is higher than both New Jersey’s average of 62.9 percent and the national average of 65.1 percent. When homeownership is high, it’s a sign that people are committed to where they live. They put down roots. They invest in their neighborhoods. This is not a transient county. It’s a place where people raise families and retire in the same community. Homeownership figures are based on 2024–2025 data from the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Salem County offers a different kind of value. The 2025 median household income in Salem County is $87,294, according to county economic data. That places us within striking distance of the national median, which is about $83,680 according to Motio Research. And while we fall below New Jersey’s state median of $99,781 as reported by SmartAsset, that number is heavily influenced by North Jersey’s proximity to the New York metro area, where both incomes and expenses are inflated. In contrast, Salem County offers a more balanced cost of living, where families can build wealth without being priced out.
These numbers are more than just comparisons. They demonstrate that Salem County delivers affordability, community stability, and room to grow without overbuilding or overburdening our infrastructure. In contrast to the financial pressures of more urbanized areas, families here are building equity, not debt.
While many communities in Salem County have demonstrated stability and resilience, it’s clear that outside oversight and top-down investment have not always delivered meaningful results in the areas where they were most needed.
Take a look at the crime data and per capita social spending in a few areas of focus (see below graph for reference). Most of Salem County remains safe and stable. The concerns that exist are concentrated in a few municipalities where the state has already stepped in with oversight and special funding. Despite those interventions, the same problems persist. This tells us that the solution isn’t more bureaucracy or outside control. It’s smart, local leadership and community-based investment. It’s support for what’s already working in the majority of the county.
We also have the potential to grow without losing who we are. We have riverfront areas in Pennsville, Salem City, and Elsinboro that could support recreation, dining, and commerce. We have a working port. We have Fort Mott, Hancock House, and a network of historic sites that could anchor heritage tourism. With a few rangers, some marketing, and minor infrastructure upgrades, we could offer tours, and educational programs to serve schools and attract visitors.
In terms of the arts, we’re not lacking. We’re overlooked. Appel Farm is here. So are dozens of artists who have participated in Salem County Art Tour events. We could easily reinvest in local arts by using historic buildings as galleries or studio spaces, hosting weekend walks, and highlighting the creative identity that’s already here. Arts and agriculture are not separate in Salem. They both tell our story.
Technology is another area where we have room to grow. Bringing high-speed internet access and updated infrastructure to our rural areas will allow more people to work remotely, start small businesses, and stay connected. That’s the kind of development that makes sense. It supports who we are, rather than trying to turn us into something we’re not. According to Broadband Now, parts of Salem County still lag behind in broadband access compared to state averages, limiting both educational and economic opportunities.
While Salem County has all the ingredients of a thriving, family-oriented community, we’re still seeing unnecessary friction for small business owners and entrepreneurs. In too many cases, starting a business here means navigating a tangle of red tape and inflated requirements that often seem out of step with what’s expected elsewhere in the state. Instead of encouraging innovation and supporting local enterprise, the current process can discourage exactly the kind of investment we need to attract and retain young professionals and working families.
Streamlining small business licensing, permitting, and approvals isn’t just good policy, it’s essential for building the kinds of communities that younger generations want to be part of. With the right approach, we can preserve what makes Salem County special and make it easier to grow small-scale, community-rooted businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, overly complex local regulations are among the top five reasons startups fail to launch in smaller municipalities.
Salem County doesn’t need to be reinvented. It needs to be seen clearly. The data is on our side. We are affordable. We are stable. We are culturally rich. And we’re preserving what other places are paving over. Growth will come, but it should come from within. Let’s strengthen what’s already working, fill the gaps that exist, and build a future rooted in the identity we already have.
Do you have a story you'd like to tell us!