Welcome to Woodbury Wrap Weekly!

This week, we’re celebrating South Jersey’s incredible community spirit—from the heartwarming growth of the East Metro Miracle League to honoring the legacy of trailblazer Jackie Love, plus your guide to summer fun across Camden and Gloucester Counties.

What’s in this issue:

  • 🏟️ East Metro Miracle League triples in size with community support
  • 🌟 Remembering Jackie Love: A Gloucester County pioneer who changed South Jersey
  • 🎆 Your guide to Fourth of July celebrations and summer events
  • 🍔 Food trucks, World Cup festivities, and summer dining across the region
  • ⚾ Woodbury High School athlete commits to Alabama

💡 Quote of the Day

“The measure of a community is how it treats those who need it most, and how it comes together to create spaces where everyone belongs.”

— Inspired by Woodbury’s commitment to inclusive recreation

📰 Latest News

🔗 Play Ball! East Metro Miracle League Sees Growth On Opening Night (5 minute read)

Play Ball! East Metro Miracle League Sees Growth On Opening Night

The East Metro Miracle League celebrated its opening night on May 27 with remarkable growth that showcases the power of community collaboration. The adaptive softball league for children with special needs has grown from 40 to 170 players since its inception on the Woodbury Rotary Miracle Field—a facility built through a decade-long effort that raised over $250,000.

Key Points:

  • The league has more than quadrupled its participation, now serving 170 young athletes with special needs
  • Partnerships with Woodbury Community Foundation, Highland Bank, and Woodbury Rotary Club made the expansion possible
  • New improvements include shade structures and ADA-compliant amenities to better serve families

Why it matters: This is community pride at its finest. When local organizations come together with a shared vision, they create something truly special—a place where every child can experience the joy of playing ball, regardless of ability. The Miracle Field represents Woodbury’s commitment to inclusion and shows how grassroots fundraising and volunteer dedication can transform lives.

🔗 Jackie Love, Former Deptford Township Deputy Mayor and Champion of Disability Services, Has Died at 83 (7 minute read)

Jackie Love, Former Deptford Township Deputy Mayor and Champion of Disability Services, Has Died at 83

Jackie Love, a pioneering Black political leader and disability rights champion who shaped Gloucester County for four decades, passed away May 29 at age 83. Born in Philadelphia, Love broke barriers as the second Black female deputy mayor of Deptford Township and the first director of the Gloucester County Office for the Disabled.

Key Points:

  • Love served in government leadership across Deptford Township, Gloucester County, and New Jersey until her 2009 retirement
  • She championed accessibility improvements including sidewalk ramps and curb cuts throughout the state
  • A community park in Deptford Township was named in her honor, and she was inducted into the New Jersey Elected Officials Hall of Fame in 2010

Why it matters: Jackie Love’s legacy lives on in every accessible sidewalk, every curb cut, and every public space that welcomes people with disabilities in South Jersey. She didn’t just hold office—she used her position to fundamentally change how our communities serve all residents. Her work as a civil rights activist alongside Leon Sullivan and her decades of mentorship created ripple effects that continue to benefit Gloucester County today. This is a story of local leadership that made lasting, tangible differences in people’s daily lives.

🔗 Bat with Rabies Found in Cherry Hill Home (3 minute read)

Bat with Rabies Found in Cherry Hill Home

Camden County health officials are urging vigilance after a rabies-positive bat was discovered in a Cherry Hill home on June 4th. Four residents and the contractor who removed the bat have been advised to seek immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment.

Key Points:

  • Testing confirmed the bat carried rabies, triggering immediate health response protocols
  • Two household dogs, though vaccinated, must undergo four-month confinement and observation
  • Rabies is preventable with early treatment, but residents should avoid contact with all wild animals

Why it matters: This is a critical reminder that rabies isn’t just a rural concern—it can show up right in our South Jersey neighborhoods. The good news? Rabies is 100% preventable with prompt treatment. If you or your pets have contact with any wild animal, especially bats, contact the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services immediately. Don’t wait to see if symptoms develop—by then, it’s too late.

🔥 Trending

⚡ Quick Hits

🎯 Evesham Township’s Fourth of July Spectacular

Thanks to a $30,000 sponsorship from Burns-Kull Auto Group, Evesham Township is hosting a full day of Independence Day festivities. The parade kicks off July 4th at 11 a.m. from Main and Maple Streets, followed by fireworks at dusk at Savich Field. Gates open at 6 p.m. for DJ music, food vendors, and vehicle displays. (Read more)

🎯 Woodbury High School’s Anthony Averett Commits to Alabama

Local pride alert! Woodbury High School cornerback Anthony Averett has committed to play for Alabama. The 6-0, 185-pound senior defensive back chose the Crimson Tide over offers from South Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Penn State, and Rutgers. Rated 89.05 by ON3, Averett ranks 399th nationally and 44th at his position. (Read more)

🎯 Cherry Hill Schools Debate African American History Requirement

Cherry Hill schools are considering changes to their groundbreaking African American history requirement due to budget constraints. While officials promise the course will remain in the curriculum, the debate highlights ongoing tensions between educational priorities and fiscal realities in South Jersey schools. (Read more)

🎯 New Funding Stream Proposed for NJ Local News

New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation to support struggling public and local media by using unused film tax credits. The bill would allow the NJ Public Broadcasting Authority to auction tax credits to fund hyperlocal news outlets—potentially strengthening community journalism coverage across South Jersey. (Read more)

🎓 Industry Insight

Building Inclusive Communities: Lessons from the Miracle League

The East Metro Miracle League’s growth from 40 to 170 players offers powerful lessons about community building. This wasn’t an overnight success—it took a decade of fundraising, partnerships between nonprofits and businesses, and sustained volunteer commitment to create the Woodbury Rotary Miracle Field.

What made the difference? Three key ingredients: First, a clear vision that resonated with community values. Second, diverse partnerships that brought together the Woodbury Rotary Club, Community Foundation, and Highland Bank—each contributing unique resources. Third, continuous improvement based on user needs, evidenced by the recent addition of shade structures and ADA-compliant amenities.

The result? More than just a ball field. The Miracle League created a space where families connect, children build confidence, and the entire community demonstrates its commitment to inclusion. When you’re thinking about community projects or nonprofit work, remember: big impact often starts with patient, persistent partnership-building and a willingness to adapt as you grow.

❓ Question of the Day

Which summer activity are you most excited about in South Jersey?

👋 Wrap Up

This week’s stories remind us what makes South Jersey special: communities that come together to create opportunities for everyone, leaders who dedicate their lives to making our region more accessible and equitable, and neighbors who celebrate together through summer festivals, concerts, and sporting events.

From the Miracle League’s inspiring growth to Jackie Love’s enduring legacy, these stories show that positive change happens when people commit to making their communities better. As we head into summer, take advantage of the many free events, food truck gatherings, and celebrations happening across Gloucester and Camden Counties—these are the moments that build the connections that make our region strong.

Stay safe, stay connected, and we’ll see you next week,

Woodbury Wrap Weekly Editor

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