Your Chamber E-News January 28, 2026 | | Please Join Us In Welcoming Our Newest Chamber Member | Welcoming Pursuit to Membership | Fulton Bank - Unlocking Funding for Small Businesses | New Local Author and Business Owner, Eden Kantrowitz's New Book | |
The Crystal Energy Journal is a 90-day guided journal designed to help readers slow down, reflect, and deepen their connection to both crystals and their own inner awareness. Each daily entry provides gentle prompts and open space to note which stones feel supportive, how their energy is experienced, and what subtle shifts or insights arise over time.
Accessible to beginners and meaningful for experienced crystal enthusiasts alike, this journal encourages mindfulness, self-trust, and intentional daily reflection, without pressure or rigid rules.
Created by Eden Kantrowitz of A Moment of Zen, this beautifully designed hardcover journal blends thoughtful structure with creative freedom, offering a grounding daily ritual for anyone seeking personal growth and clarity.
Here is the link to order: https://a.co/d/09kmDBG
| Princess Party Dates at Coombs Barnyard | |
January Storytime Dates at Salem Free Public Library
| Internship Grants Available Through Salem Community College | |
Hello Chamber Members,
I’m pleased to share an opportunity that may be of interest to your organization.
New Jersey employers—including small businesses, nonprofits, and not-for-profits—are eligible to apply for $4,000 internship grants to support paid summer 2026 internships for college students through the NJ Career Accelerator Internship Grant program.
These competitive grants are designed to help employers:
- Offset the cost of hosting a paid intern
- Build a strong talent pipeline with college students and recent graduates
- Provide meaningful, structured learning experiences tied to real workforce needs
I’ve attached a brief flyer with program details, eligibility requirements, and the application link. The application deadline is January 30, and funding is limited. I encourage eligible employers to consider applying: www.nj.gov/highereducation/caigp-employer.shtml
If you would like assistance with the application, we are hosting a mini-info. session on Jan. 21 at 11:30-12:30 at Salem Community College 460 Hollywood Ave. Carneys Point, NJ 08069 Tillis Hall Room 202. Please reply to rrivera@salemcc.edu if you plan to join us that day.
I will also be offering guidance on structuring an internship experience after the application process has closed – look for the update in early March.
Best regards,
Candice
Candice Racite, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean, Business & Workforce Development
Salem Community College
cracite@salemcc.edu
| January Red Cross Blood Drives | |
Upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives in Salem County – To sign up go to www.redcrossblood.org . In the home screen's red box in the upper right-hand corner, enter the zip code of the blood drive where you want to schedule your donation.
Wednesday 1/28/2026 2 - 7 p.m. at the Woodstown Masonic Lodge #138, 32 Auburn Road, Woodstown 08098
Thursday 2/12/2026 1 - 6 p.m. at the Salem County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 6, 693 South Broadway, Pennsville 08070
Sincerely,
Cindy McManus
American Red Cross - Community Volunteer Leader - Salem County
cell: 856 217-4986
| Together with Veterans Every Second Wednesday | | |
2026 Salem County Film & Arts Festival
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Salem County is happy to announce that on Saturday April 25, 2026, we will be having our first ever “Salem County Film and Arts Festival” right in the heart of Woodstown! Our aim for this event is to celebrate the arts and attract film and art enthusiasts from across the region to participate in a variety of activities throughout the day.
We invite you to get involved!
We will be hosting an information session on January 22 at 2:00 PM at Farmers and Bankers Brewery for local businesses and community stakeholders. During this meeting, we will share details about the Salem County Film and Arts Fest and explore opportunities to partner with you for this exciting event. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending this information session, and feel free to share this invitation with anyone who may also be interested.
What Economic Benefits goes the Film Industry on Local Communities?
“The film industry delivers significant economic benefits to small businesses and local communities by bringing direct spending, job creation, and long-term growth opportunities. Film and television productions rely heavily on local goods and services, including hotels, restaurants, catering companies, equipment rental houses, construction suppliers, transportation providers, and retail shops. This steady demand boosts revenue for small businesses, supports local jobs, and helps stabilize income during production periods. Filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, was in South Jersey last year filming in a Tuckahoe and Woodbine and spent around $600,000 on hotel costs alone. In addition, they spent around $150,000-$200,000 at local restaurants for a 6-day shoot.
Beyond immediate spending, the film industry strengthens local economies by fostering workforce development and encouraging investment in infrastructure such as studios, sound stages, and post-production facilities. Communities also benefit from increased visibility when featured on screen, which can drive tourism and attract new businesses. Together, these impacts make the film industry a valuable economic engine that supports small businesses, diversifies local economies, and contributes to sustainable community growth.”
Thank you,
Sean M. Sepsey
Director of Economic Development
County of Salem
174 East Broadway, Salem, NJ 08079
Phone: 856-935-7510 x8385
Website: https://choosesalem.com/
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From First National Bank of Elmer
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ACENDA Health Opportunities
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A relaxed, welcoming playgroup for expecting parents and families with children under age 3 to learn, connect, and feel supported during the early years.
Pennsville Public Library
10:30–11:30 AM
Third Tuesday of each month
Topics:
• January 20 – Foundations First
• February 17 – Tummy Time & Tiny Muscles
• March 17 – Books & Babbles
Families can expect guidance on bonding and early development, simple activities to try at home, and connections to local resources. Light refreshments are provided. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Registration:
Families can register here:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=J7FaA3Gt-k-8SQSjjJEnGhf1Q3XN0ftLgAPGCCAiWtFUQ0dUQjBIWU0xVkhYMTFOTVkyVlJaMlRJVCQlQCN0PWcu
This link also allows families to view other upcoming events across Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties.
Partner opportunity:
If your organization would be interested in presenting or co-facilitating a Baby & Me Connections session on any of the topics above (or a closely related topic), we’d love to hear from you. These sessions are informal, interactive, and designed to be accessible for parents.
Family Connects NJ in South Jersey (Virtual Community Education Panel)
We’re also hosting a virtual community education panel focused on Family Connects NJ in South Jersey.
Kiersten Connor
Team Lead & Community Alignment Specialist, Salem County
Connecting NJ | Family Connects NJ
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January 28 Salem Community College Mighty Oaks Football Kick Off Event
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January 31 1:30 pm Grand Opening at Bullhide Brewery
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January 31 Kokedama at Jynks Greenhouse
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What is Kokedama?
Kokedama is a Japanese plant art form that literally means “moss ball.” Instead of planting in a pot, the plant’s roots are wrapped in soil, shaped into a ball, and covered in moss. It can be displayed on a dish or hung with twine, making it a beautiful, modern, and low-maintenance way to enjoy houseplants. Each one is handmade and completely unique.
Join us for a fun, hands-on Kokedama Workshop and learn how to create your very own moss ball plant! This is a ticketed event and perfect for beginners — we’ll guide you step by step.
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Flexible event — come anytime between 10:30 AM & 5 PM
$45 per person
Only 25 tickets available
Plant choices include:
• Pothos
• Spider Plants
• Ferns
• Peace Lilies
• Philodendrons
You’ll learn the basics of kokedama, plant care tips, and leave with a beautiful handmade piece to enjoy at home or gift to someone special.
All supplies included
No experience necessary
Limited spots available — tickets required
Message us or stop in the shop to grab your ticket before they sell out!
| January 31 at 3pm SCC Screens the film 1776 to kick off America's 250th Anniversary | Squirrel's Nest Art Studio Presents Summer Art Camp 2026 | February Special Music Concerts at First Presbyterian Church of Salem - FREE - All Are Welcome | |
February 1, 2026 – MAC Concert – Juli Green, Soprano, Moses Possible, Brass Baritone and Joseph Krupa Pianist at 3:00 at our Church
February 8, 2026 – Violin Concert – Alex Covelli Violin and Joseph Krupa Pianist at 2:00 at our Church
February 18, 2026 – Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 p.m.
In the Sanctuary, located at
88 Market Street
Salem, NJ 08079
| February 1 Harmony & Heritage FREE Concert from Music Around the County | February 6 Galentine's Dinner Dance at Maria's by DiPaolo's | February 5 A Conversation on the State of the College - All Are Welcome! | February 7 Valentine's Day Tea Party at Harvest-Time Worship Center, Salem - All Are Welcome | |
February 12 Chamber Business After Hours Networking Sponsored & Hosted by Christopher's Organic Botanicals
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Please RSVP your intention to attend by calling The Chamber office at 856-351-2245 or via email at jennifer@salemcountychamber.com
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February 27 Annual State of the County Update Luncheon
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March 6 Salem County Chamber Economic Development Forum
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March 6 is our Salem County Chamber Economic Development Forum. The event takes place from 7:30 am to 11 am at Salem Community College’s Davidow Atrium and Performing Arts Theatre.
This year’s event will spotlight vacant/run down properties in County municipalities that welcome development. We’re hoping to encourage mid range and small investors to attend. A copy of the invitation is attached. The event agenda is included below:
7:30 am – Registration, Networking and Vendor Display visits
Program
Salem County Economic Development Overview – Sean Sepsey, Director
Salem County Development Opportunities & Projects– Jerry Valasquez, Director, The Authority
Round Table Panel Discussion including representatives from Carneys Point, Pittsgrove Twp, and Salem City
I’m hoping you will consider sending this along to developers and investors you work with. Admission is free. We also offer Sponsorship Opportunities and Vendor Display Exhibits, details below:
Event Sponsorship - $350
Includes:
Unlimited company representative tickets
Company logo in the event program
Company recognized as a Sponsor during event
Complimentary Vendor Table and 2 chairs (company brings table cover & give away items)
Thank you ad placed on Social Media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Alignable) for each Sponsor leading up to the event.
Vendor Display Space - $100
Includes table and 2 chairs
2 Event tickets
We hope you will also attend the event. If you have any questions or need additional information please reach out. You may register HERE
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March 8 Salem County Historical Society's Quarterly Meeting
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March Quarterly Meeting - Salem County Historical Society
Bennett Carlton will present John Hatton: King of the Tories at the Salem County Historical Society's March Quarterly Meeting. This event will be held on Sunday, March 8th, at Friends Village, 1 Friends Drive, Woodstown, NJ 08098, in the Fenwick Auditorium at 1:30 p.m.
Bennett Carlton is the author of several books. His nonfiction books include Have We Taken the Mountain?: The Civil War Battles of General Charles G. Harker; King of the Tories: The American Revolution in Swedesboro and Woolwich Township, New Jersey; “With Zeal and Intelligence”: Captain Jeffers Commands the Monitor, and a children’s version of the story of General Charles G. Harker titled, General Harker: Civil War Hero. Bennett then branched out to successfully write two engaging historical fiction books: The Professor: A Tale of Sabotage, Betrayal, and Unrequited Love During the Great War in America and The Return of the Professor: A Quest for Redemption. The author was previously a principal library assistant at the Logan Township Public Library of the Gloucester County Library System, an editor and proofreader for a major pharmaceutical company, and a history tour guide for Centipede Tours of Philadelphia, as well as a long-time Civil War reenactor. Currently, Bennett teaches history at Grace Christian Academy and continues to be a speaker at libraries, schools, historical societies, and Civil War roundtable meetings. He is a long-time resident and local historian of historic Swedesboro, NJ.
Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 1:30 PM
Historical Society Presentation
Speaker: Bennett Carlton
Topic: John Hatton: King of the Tories
Location: Friends Village, 1 Friends Drive, Woodstown, NJ 08098, in the Fenwick Auditorium
Time: 1:30 PM
Information: (856) 935-5004 or www.salemcountyhistoricalsociety.com
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An Artist Expo and Sale!
Invitation to a fundraiser event for Chapter One Farms Equine Retirement, Inc. A full-service rescue "50l(c)(3)" facility.
All Artists Welcome Bring your artwork, jewelry, yarn, and fabric,
pottery etc. finished work ready to sell! Looking for Artists. Call for details.
Date: May 16-17, 2026
This will be held at the same time as the SCAT tour.
$60 for table outside in tents-
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm both days
87 Pedricktown-Woodstown Rd., Pedricktown 08067 Please contact Helene Paxton, at 443-253-4135 or hpaxton@chapteronefarms.com ifyou want to participate. We are also looking for artist that might want to demo their art and have the public participate. Please contact Helene
www.ChapterOneFarms.com
An Open Invitation to the Public to Participate and Meet the Artists... Visit with the horses!
Wonderful Silent Auction Raffle items!! Food and music…
Information: (856) 935-5004 or www.salemcountyhistoricalsociety.com
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