Twp. shows appreciation to its volunteer groups
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK - The township has several reasons to celebrate as various volunteer organizations have been honored for their service to the community during Township Council meetings on May 21 and June 4.

The Celebrate North Brunswick Committee was created last year to acknowledge township residents who volunteer their time and effort to provide services to the township as a whole, which would otherwise not be possible without their assistance.

"The council proclaims that volunteers are the foundation that allow many programs, events and services to be offered to our residents and the participants of our community," reads the certificate of appreciation.

Last month, the Planning Board, Traffic Safety Committee and Soccer Organization were presented with a proclamation by the mayor and township council.

The Planning Board comprises nine members who are responsible for development and land use now and in the future in accordance with the township master plan. They review recreational and open space as well as sites designated for residential and business development. Each member is appointed by the mayor and serves a staggered four-year term.

Chairman Daniel DiStefano, who has spent 14 years on the board, said his members work very hard and that this group could "arguably be the best board" he has ever worked with.

The Traffic Safety Committee was created 24 years ago to review, analyze and make recommendations on traffic safety programs and improvements that will benefit the traveling public, and keep roadways safe for all residents. The seven members act in an advisory capacity and report to the mayor and council, and are assisted by the township engineer, a traffic safety officer and a traffic safety designee.

Chairman Damian Scialabba thanked committee liaisons Councilwoman Cathy Nicola and Police Lt. William Kloos, as well as secretary Ann Penson.

The North Brunswick Soccer Club is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, hosting 11 travel teams and 40 recreational league teams. The club is governed by a 14-member executive board and runs entirely on the efforts of over 200 volunteers. There mission is to implant the ideals of good sportsmanship and respect for authority, ultimately creating strong, healthy, responsible adults.

There are also 25 registered players in the Buddy Ball League, which pairs a teenager with a special-needs player. Buddy Ball is celebrating its 10th year and is 100 percent sponsored by the soccer club, including uniforms, equipment, trophies, transportation and an end-of-year party.

President Carlo DiLalla said that the executive board spends "countless hours on the field" and that the coaches practice for three hours a week in addition to their games.

This month, the Lions Club and the Youth Council were presented with plaques for their community service.

The Lions Club seeks to improve the quality of life in the township by aiding the visually and hearing impaired, offering diabetes information, paying for eye exams and glasses for children, providing financial assistance to families in need and handing out holiday gifts to local families. The 18 members meet on the third Wednesday of every month to discuss new ways to garner support for the community. Their main fundraiser is their annual pancake breakfast.

"They are a fantastic group of people with big hearts who give back to our community in many ways," said John Albert, the chairman of the Celebrate North Brunswick Committee.

The Youth Council is a group of 25 student representatives who try to bridge the gap between township government and the youth of the community. Their motto is, "The young people of our town, solving problems all around." They hold ice-cream socials, visit the Ronald McDonald House in New Brunswick, plant friendship gardens, collect items for the food bank, assist with township events and visit local senior citizens. They have also challenged the Township Council to sporting events at the Heritage Day Festival for the last two years.

"They are young people ... and they set an example for the youth of the future," Albert said.

"This is a tremendous group of students to work with and we are very [lucky] to have your talents, and we're very proud of each one," said Lou Ann Benson, who advises the students along with Larry Baldini.

All of the volunteer groups honored this year will be awarded once again at an appreciation dinner in December.

The Celebrate North Brunswick Committee will continue its program until all volunteer groups in town have been recognized for their commitment and dedication to the town. Any group wishing to reach out to the committee can contact Benson at (732) 247-0922, ext. 475.