of South Jersey: ChIcKeN lAdY The

Gwenne Baile and All Things Chicken

BY ELLEN KERSHNER

As a child growing up in Mt. Ephraim, Gwenne Baile had no experience with live chickens; she was a nurse for 40 years and a certified nurse-midwife for 28.

Far from live chickens.

Now, she is the CEO and Chief Coop Cleaner for Camden County Chickens. For her efforts and devotion, Baile has earned the title “Chicken Lady of South Jersey.”

When did Baile start showing an affinity for these friendly, finefeathered friends?

She was inspired by Martha Stewart, who handles live hens on TV. But after Baile discovered that having backyard hens was illegal in her hometown of Haddon Township, she took action. It took five years of studying local laws and working with the local mayor and environmental commission to get things moving; the ordinance she helped create is designed to prevent environmental injustice and encourage food sovereignty. She has helped more than 28 communities update existing ordinances that restricted the number of chickens on residential properties – and she’s not done yet.

Camden County Chickens was created in 2015 and Baile continues to head the efforts. She also runs a therapy chicken program. That’s right: Not dogs, not cats, chickens.

“Chickens are very smart, she said. “I love working with them as therapy hens, particularly with special needs individuals.”

How do people act when they first meet a chicken, though? Scared? Curious? Excited?

“Everyone reacts differently,” Baile stated. “But most are curious and want to pet and hold the chickens.”

Gwenne’s therapy hens do not peck people, and are incredibly soft: each one has between 6,000 and 8,000 feathers. Kids love to feed them with the sunflower sprouts that she provides.

The Camden County Chickens program doesn’t require resi- please see page 5 dents to take a class before being licensed to raise hens (roosters are too loud), but certain towns do. Classes and training help communities, because well-cared-for chickens contribute to sustainability and don’t wander into neighbors’ yards. They also provide free organic eggs.

Donna Moffett chairs the Haddonfield Backyard Chicken Program and has worked with Baile.

“Just like cats and dogs, chickens have individual personalities,” she explained, adding that chickens also eat insects and provide companionship.

One of Moffett’s hens even plays a game with her dog. Moffett initially faced opposition to getting a backyard chicken ordinance passed in Haddonfield. It eventually passed in 2021.

This “Chicken Lady” points out that these programs “create a sense of community among hen owners, provide regulations and safety for the hens, and less fear and concern for residents.”

Emily Morgan is the chair of Voorhees Backyard Chickens. She started the program in 2020 and “was able to pass it easily with Gwenne’s help.”

Morgan is still trying to get one passed in Gibbsboro but has encountered roadblocks that “don’t seem to make sense.”

“We have had zero issues in Voorhees since we started the program and people love it,” she emphasized. “Unfortunately, the false narratives that surround a backyard hen program due to lack of education or personal interest keep it out of reach for some towns.”

The Chicken Lady of South Jersey’s Haddon Township program has gotten some publicity from local newspapers and TV stations and Baile hopes this might pave the way for more towns to pass chicken laws.

“I would love for it to be a true county program where all towns in Camden County, under county regulations, would allow backyard hens based on our program,” she said.

Moffett hopes that the Haddonfield program provides a positive experience for hen owners and residents. Participants have enjoyed it and are very grateful, she said.

“It provides an educational experience for children, and shows them that bonds can be created between humans and other kinds of animals,” she said.

Morgan said she hopes “our proven strategy, leadership, and town support will make it an option for everyone in the area.”

“The great thing about this model is that we self-manage,” she said. “There’s no burden on the town and it becomes a small revenue stream for them. We perform inspections, require training before licensing, and handle any issues to ensure our program remains operational.”

Morgan adds that Baile does amazing work with therapy hens, and creates expo- sure and training for the best practices. And fortunately, Baile’s not ready to stop doing what she loves yet – “all things chicken.” Baile is 74 years old and is “thrilled to have several younger protégés to continue the fight.”

She’s dedicated, passionate, and confident that her work will go on.

For more information visit https://www. camdencountychickens.org/ 

BY DANTE LONG

Owning an electric car is a growing trend among Americans.

This new eco-friendly mode of transportation has driven up registrations by 60% in the first quarter of 2022, according to Experian data. Over the last five years, there has been a 250% increase of electric cars cruising around the country, making up 4.6% of total car purchases in the United States. It may not sound like much, but there’s a clear indication of a growing demand for electric cars. Regardless of the reason for one’s purchase, it is good to know there is an option.

Collingswood residents who own or wish to own one of these vehicles can now charge up at one of the two new electric charging vehicle stations at the public parking garage at the lumberyard, located at West Collings and North Atlantic avenues.

While electric vehicles may still be a mystery to some, residents of Collingswood have a chance to learn about not only the future of green-friendly transportation, but how the charging process works for those vehicles.

Gov. Phil Murphy’s vision of 330,000 electric vehicles hitting Jersey streets by 2025 is in full swing. The green initiative, par- please see CHARGE, page 15