Newsletter
October 2025
NEW!
2025 Self-Guided Salem County Road Trip!
🍁 Discover Salem County’s Golden Trails This Fall 🍁
We’re thrilled to share our new Fall Foliage Road Trip guide - a curated weekend itinerary through the heart of Salem County. Meander through rural backroads bursting with autumn color, stop at cozy cafés, local farm stands, historic parks, and charming small businesses. Whether you’re a hiker, foodie, shopper, or just out for a scenic drive, this route delivers peaceful landscapes, memorable detours, and hidden gems around every bend.
The peak foliage window here typically runs from late October to mid-November - so grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and let our guide lead you through the county’s golden moments.
To learn more about the Road Trip and explore Salem County:
Salem County’s 250th Photo Contest Winners!!!
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First Place Winner Photo by Rich Romano; Finn's Point National Cemetery, Pennsville, NJ
📸 Winners Announced for the Celebrate Salem County’s 250th Anniversary Photo Contest!
Salem County Preservation & Development is thrilled to announce the winners of our 250th Anniversary Photo Contest, honoring the county’s early colonial roots and Revolutionary War legacy. Over the past months, photographers from across the region captured the beauty and history of our local landmarks - from centuries-old homes and monuments to scenic landscapes that tell the story of America’s beginnings right here in Salem County.
With over 140 submittals, thirteen winning photos have been selected by county officials and commissioners to be featured in a special 12-month “Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary” calendar, including one standout cover image. Winners include:
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Rich Romano
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Denise Stevens
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Amber Ayars
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Melissa Becker
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Jocelyn Deubert
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Jeff Deubert
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Carly Petitdemange
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Linda Barbara
A huge thank you and congratulations to all photographers for your artistic submittals over the past 6 weeks! It was so fun to see your historic pictures - your love and appreciation of Salem County truly shines through.
A shout out and thank you to our esteemed Salem County Judges for your support and partnership of this contest - it may have been fun, but it sure wasn't easy!
Judges include:
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Amber Austin, Human Resources Generalist, wife, mother, napping enthusiast, and creative office decorator.
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Jake Buganski, Tourism Director, husband, father, and snappy dresser.
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John Cuzzupe, Warden, husband, father, classic car enthusiast, and always beautifully coiffed.
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Jenna Hogate, Social Service Assistant for Health & Human Services, wife, mother, professional photographer, and Karaoke Queen.
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Ben Laury, Commissioner Director, husband, father, grandfather, avid golfer, and teller of bad dad jokes.
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Mickey Ostrum, Commissioner Deputy Director, husband, father, grandfather, physician, and cowboy.
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Ellen Woolman, IT Analyst, wife, mother, lover of all things creative and beautiful, and chef extraordinaire.
Winning photos will be shared on our Facebook page throughout the next few weeks - be sure to follow us to receive updates!
Calendars will be available for Pre-Order starting November 1, 2025, with all proceeds supporting ongoing preservation and thoughtful development efforts across Salem County. Join us in celebrating the artists who help keep our history alive - one photo at a time!
UPDATE: 2026 South Jersey Farm Summit
🌾 South Jersey Farm Summit 2026: Building Momentum for Our Farming Future 🌾
Exciting progress is underway for the 2026 South Jersey Farm Summit, hosted by Salem County Preservation & Development in partnership with our local farmers and Agricultural leaders, the NJ Farm Bureau, and Salem County government!
This landmark event will bring together farmers, ag-business professionals, educators, and community leaders from across the region to strengthen South Jersey’s agricultural future.
The Summit will feature three dynamic segments - celebrating farm culture and community, exploring business growth and technology, and offering hands-on education and certification workshops. Expect open discussions , and interactive panels that tackle the challenges and opportunities facing today’s farmers.
Proceeds from our Support Salem County Farmers merchandise line are helping fund the event, and local sponsors are already stepping up to make it a success. Sponsorship opportunities remain open at every level - from Seed to Barn - for those who want to invest in the growth of South Jersey agriculture.
📅 Save the Date: February 5, 2026
📍 Location: Coombs Barnyard Reception Hall
💰 Budget: This event is 100% community-funded through donations, in-kind sponsorships, and proceeds from our merchandise sales. Every contribution helps make the 2026 South Jersey Farm Summit possible. To get involved or support the cause, please contact us directly or visit our Sponsorship Page for more information.
📝 Note: The South Jersey Farm Summit is an event intended only for farmers (currently not open to the general public). This format fosters a supportive environment for candid and productive discussions on advancing our agricultural community. Rather than prescribing actions for land or business management, the summit focuses on collaborative exploration of ways we can collectively enhance farmers’ success and build a resilient future for agriculture in South Jersey.
Stay tuned for registration details, speaker spotlights, and finalized agenda coming this winter - and join us as we work hand-in-hand with farmers to help remove obstacles and provide opportunities for the success of farming in South Jersey!
NEW!
Your Farm-to-Table Thanksgiving Guide to Salem County!
🌾 This Thanksgiving, Let’s Eat Local! 🌾
Your Farm-to-Table Guide for Thanksgiving in Salem County
Something super special about Salem County is that we have some of the best farms at our fingertips for high-quality food. This is why we are pulling together a comprehensive Guide for local food-shopping in our county!
Part 1 : First up is the turkey - typically preordered and reserved by November.
Part 2: The seasonal and local fixin’s for your table.
🦃 How to Order:
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Pick a local farm from the list below.
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Order early! Supplies are limited and often sell out by early November.
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Schedule your pickup (or ask about shipping options).
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Spread the word - share with friends and family to help build a strong local food movement.
🏡 Local Farms Offering Turkeys:
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Brook Bound Farm - 60 Stretch Rd, Bridgeton, NJ | brookboundfarmnj.com
Raises turkeys onsite - check website for order details -
Sickler’s Circle View Farm - 450 Bridgeton Pike, Monroeville, NJ | shopsicklerscircleview.com
*Proudly sells turkeys from Brook Bound Farm, supporting local farmers. -
Triple C Angus - 110 Old Salem Rd, Pilesgrove, NJ | triplecangus.com
Raises turkeys onsite -pre-order opening soon! Check website/Facebook -
Willow Oak Farmstead, LLC - 574 S Main St, Pilesgrove, NJ |Raises turkeys onsite | Order Form Here (Ordering now open)
🌱 Why Buy Local?
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Know where your food comes from and how it’s raised
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Enjoy better flavor and quality
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Support local farms and keep money in our community
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Reduce your environmental footprint with fewer food miles
📅 Order Early: Small farms often sell out by early November.
💬 Are you a farm raising or selling turkeys? Submit your info and we’ll add you to our Farm-to-Table list!
Announcement:
NEW! Salem County Fam Merch
(Proceeds Support 2026 Farm Summit)
🌾 Support Salem County Farmers with Style! 🌾
Show your local pride with our exclusive Support Salem County Farmers merchandise - now available in the SCPD online shop! Every shirt, hoodie, and tumbler proudly celebrates our farming community and the people who keep Salem County growing. Even better, 100% of proceeds directly support the 2026 South Jersey Farm Summit, helping us bring farmers, educators, and local businesses together for a landmark event dedicated to agriculture, innovation, and community. Wear your support, spread the word, and help us invest in the future of South Jersey farming!
Who’s Who in Salem County:
Your Government Insider
Commissioner Cordy Taylor: Driving Change Through Community and Connection
Salem County Commissioner Cordy Taylor is a committed public servant dedicated to advancing Salem County’s growth and enhancing community well-being. He values his family - his wife, Melinda, and their two children, Alex and Sarah - and effectively balances personal responsibilities with a deep commitment to public service. Mr. Taylor is regularly engaged in community initiatives, participating in events such as the Disability Awareness & Caregiver Resource Fair, the Woodstown Fall Festival, and celebrating developments like the opening of Rowan University’s Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine.
Mr. Taylor is recognized for his ability to foster strong relationships across industries and at all levels of government, which enables him to achieve meaningful results for Salem County. He exemplifies principles of commitment, compassion, resilience, empathy, and continuous personal development, actively pursuing lifelong learning and community engagement. Holding a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Utah and numerous certificates in technology and risk management, Taylor has built a successful career in finance, holding roles such as Auditor, Commercial Real Estate Lender, Chief Information Officer, and Senior Compliance Manager. His diverse professional background also includes being a small business owner, working on offshore drilling rigs, and serving as a union stagehand building theater sets.
Community service is at the core of Taylor’s mission. He has contributed as a Salem County Commissioner, Chairman of the Improvement Authority, township committee/planning board member, and school board member. Additionally, he has served as a board member on Salem County’s Habitat for Humanity, and was a long-time member of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) committee for Camp Pedricktown. As a mentor, Taylor encourages civic engagement, inspiring others to contribute to the county’s progress.
Taylor’s leadership is evident in transformative projects like the countywide broadband expansion, where he partnered with Commissioner Ostrum to secure one of only thirty federal grants awarded nationwide. This ongoing initiative, involving design, licensing, and construction, aims to provide reliable internet to schools, hospitals, and homes, significantly enhancing Salem County’s infrastructure. Taylor is also responsible for leading the Animal Shelter working group, and he was involved in improving local recreational spaces though grant funding for repairs and upgrades to the Gaudreau park in Oldmans Township.
He actively serves on the Salem County Economic Advisory Council, and on Tourism and Agriculture boards, supporting the county’s economic and cultural development and both county educational boards; Vo-Tech and Salem Community College.
Beyond his professional and civic achievements, Taylor pursues challenging hobbies that reflect his adventurous nature, including holding a private pilot’s license, advanced scuba diving certification, and skydiving. An avid cyclist, he proudly claims to have ridden his bike on every road in Salem County.
This November, Commissioner Cordy Taylor is running for reelection as Salem County Commissioner, reaffirming his dedication to delivering impactful outcomes for the community.
Small Biz Spotlight
Mayor Joe Hiles: Tackling Challenges, Serving Woodstown, Aiming for Surrogate
Joe Hiles, Mayor of Woodstown is a lifelong resident who values the close community ties of his small town. Committed to transparency, he prioritizes open communication with constituents. A dedicated family man, Joe lives in Woodstown with his wife and daughter.
With 30 years as a volunteer firefighter, 25 years as a 911 dispatcher, 6 years in the Army Reserves, and 13 years on the Woodstown Borough Council, Mayor Hiles has extensive experience in public service. This background informs his practical approach to addressing local challenges.
Mayor Hiles is concerned about increased commuting and truck traffic due to nearby industrialization. To reduce congestion in Woodstown’s downtown, he is exploring options like a bypass with a greenbelt; a strip of undeveloped land for recreation or environmental protection.
He supports Woodstown’s small business community by promoting an environment where businesses can thrive. Mayor Hiles also advocates for sustainable energy, having supported a proposed Windport near PSEG’s nuclear site in Lower Alloways Creek for its potential to create jobs and diversify energy sources. He was disappointed by its cancellation but remains focused on sustainable solutions.
To maintain services while controlling taxes in Salem County, Mayor Hiles promotes shared services and collaboration between municipalities, ensuring efficient use of resources.
Now running for County Surrogate, Joe is driven by a sense of service instilled by his mother. His compassion makes him well-suited for the role, which involves serving as judge of the Surrogate’s Court, handling uncontested probate, estates, adoptions, and guardianships, and acting as Deputy Clerk to the Superior Court to manage estates, protect funds for minors, and maintain court records.
Joe Hiles’ experience and commitment to Woodstown and Salem County led him to run for County Surrogate, ready to serve with integrity and care.
ICYMI
The Battle of Quinton’s Bridge: A Deadly Ambush in the Revolutionary War
On March 18, 1778, during the British occupation of Philadelphia, a small but fierce battle erupted at Quinton’s Bridge in Salem County. British Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood tricked New Jersey militia guarding a bridge over Alloway Creek into a trap, leading to heavy losses.
In late 1777, British General William Howe captured Philadelphia, the center of the American rebellion. The occupation was rough, with Patriot militia and Continental Army units constantly attacking British supply lines. The brutal winter of 1777–78 made things worse, as both sides sent troops to gather supplies and sabotage each other.
In February 1778, with the Continental Army low on supplies, Brigadier General Anthony Wayne led a mission to collect food and resources in southern New Jersey.
Howe sent 4,000 troops to stop him, but Wayne moved fast, gathering supplies, hiding what he couldn’t take, and avoiding big fights. By March, Howe sent Mawhood with 1,200 soldiers including British regulars, Loyalist New Jersey Volunteers, and John Graves Simcoe’s Queen’s Rangers to hunt Wayne and gather supplies. Wayne, nearly done, was in Burlington, ready to head back to Valley Forge.
The militia knew the British were coming and secured two key bridges over Alloway Creek: Quinton’s Bridge and Hancock’s Bridge. Colonel Benjamin Holme, with 300 militia, guarded Quinton’s Bridge, removing its planks to block the British. Before dawn on March 18, Mawhood set up his troops across the creek and pretended to retreat. Captain William Smith, leading 200 militia, put the planks back and chased after them, straight into an ambush. British soldiers, hidden behind a fence and in a nearby house, attacked, cutting off the militia’s escape. As Smith’s men tried to flee across the creek, the British pushed forward, but Colonel Elijah Hand arrived with two cannons, preventing a total disaster. Still, the militia lost 30–40 men, mostly to drowning.
Despite the losses, Hand’s militia held Quinton’s Bridge. Mawhood tried to push them out the next day but failed. He then sent Simcoe’s Rangers to Hancock’s Bridge. Moving through rough terrain, they surprised 20–30 militia at Judge William Hancock’s house, killing everyone, including Hancock, who they didn’t know was there. Mawhood sent a letter to Hand, threatening to burn homes and ruin families if the militia didn’t surrender. Hand boldly refused, calling Mawhood’s threats cruel and ungentlemanly.
Wayne’s mission created tension between General Washington and New Jersey leaders, who felt left to fend for themselves. After Wayne left, Washington sent a small group of soldiers to help, but it wasn’t enough to strengthen the struggling local militia.
Just a hundred yards from Quinton’s Bridge, a memorial stands on the site of Captain William Smith’s homestead. It honors Smith and the militiamen who fought bravely in the Battle of Quinton’s Bridge on March 18, 1778, during the Revolutionary War.
Captain Smith’s farmland stretched south from the bridge. About three miles down Jericho Road, he and several militiamen killed in the battle are buried in a small cemetery on what was once his land. The memorial and cemetery serve as lasting tributes to their courage and sacrifice.
Salem County in Action - Make Your Mark
From Rural Roots to Resilient Future: Why Salem County Needs Stronger MLULs Now and How Lower Alloways Creek is Leading the Way
Municipal land use laws (MLULs) are regulations established by local governments to guide land development and usage within a community. These rules aim to maintain order, safeguard public health and safety, preserve environmental and historic resources, and foster community well-being and economic growth. Enforcement occurs through a variety of tools, with zoning being the most prevalent. Zoning divides land into distinct districts, each with tailored rules for construction and permitted activities.
Weak land use regulations often trigger uncontrolled urban sprawl, placing undue strain on infrastructure such as roads and utilities, eroding property values, and causing serious environmental damage. In addition, the lack of clear and consistent guidelines breeds social and economic uncertainty, along with a development process that remains unpredictable and hinders effective planning for sustainable progress.
Weak land use regulations in Salem County have sparked concerns about uncontrolled development, strained infrastructure, environmental harm, and social and economic challenges, particularly given the county’s rural character. For example, in Carneys Point, lax zoning laws have allowed rapid warehouse development along Route 40, overwhelming roads with construction traffic and delaying commutes. And, in Quinton Township, several large properties have been at risk of unsuitable industrial development, sparking community protests and a costly lawsuit.
In Salem County, a predominantly rural area with vast farmlands and low population density compared to the rest of the state, weak MLULs stem from a combination of limited resources and capacity in small-town governments. These governments often struggle with underfunded planning boards and volunteer-led boards that are ill-equipped for comprehensive zoning management.
Lower Alloways Creek Planning Board, Mayor Paul Collier, and solicitors are aware of these issues and are actively drafting comprehensive MLULs that can serve as a template for every Salem County municipality. These model laws will help protect communities from inappropriate development and equip them with the authority to determine the size, location, and type of industries, businesses, and housing developments entering their area. The proposed MLULs will not limit a community’s economic options; instead, they will enable communities to grow in ways that honor their unique needs and culture. These laws will give communities the time to decide what is best for them, rather than allowing outside interests to impose their needs on the community, regardless of the impact on residents.
Once Lower Alloways Creek has completed the model MLULs, we will publicly share them across all 15 municipalities of Salem County. We will call upon the residents of Salem County to correspond with their respective municipal governments to adopt these updated MLULs. We will provide template letters for you to copy, paste, and send, along with the appropriate email addresses for each municipality. These MLULs will be effective at protecting your community’s environment and economic future, and because the costly work has already been completed, adopting them will result in minimal financial cost to your local government.
Times are changing, and our MLULs must evolve with them if we want to preserve the quality and character of our unique communities. To stay informed, follow our Facebook group and page, check out our website, subscribe to our newsletter!
Salem County Preservation & Development Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/16rVHeiwrT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Salem County Preservation & Development Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GQruWLWeK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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