Two groups a big hit with Celebrate N.B. Committee
Education Foundation, Baseball & Softball Association honored
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK - The township celebrated well-rounded residents as the Celebrate North Brunswick Committee honored the Baseball & Softball Association and the Educational Foundation at the Township Council meeting on Monday.

The Baseball & Softball Association offers recreational games, travel teams and tournaments for children ages 5 to 16. The baseball league begins at the T-ball level and continues through American Legion teams for boys ages 5-16. The girls play softball from the rookie level at age 5 and up until the senior league at age 15. They are coached by parent volunteers who join the members of the executive board in fostering a safe, productive athletic environment.

According to the proclamation read for the executive board, the objective of the association is to implant the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect into each of its players in order to create decent, trustworthy adults.

"These fine people have a monumental interest in the development of fine boys and girls participating in their sports," said John Albert, the chairman of Celebrate North Brunswick. "We're thankful for organizations like this because they take the time ... [and show] winning is not everything, although winning is nice, but they're really teaching the kids about being responsible children and responsible adults."

Baseball President Rodney Reinson thanked the mayor, the council, Director Lou Ann Benson of the Parks & Recreation Department and the staff of the Parks Department for their continued support of the children and their programs.

"The Baseball & Softball Association thanks you for pushing forward and giving us a beautiful complex over at the Community Park. It's been a blessing," he said. "That's what we're here for. We hope we get more volunteers to come out and keep pushing kids in their sport because that's what it's all about."

The Educational Foundation was founded in 1996 after a Board of Education member visited a convention in Atlantic City and decided North Brunswick needed a way to sponsor programs not funded by the school district.

The five primary funds are for technology and learning, scholastic enhancement, arts and education, professional development and cultural enrichment. According to member Gail DiPane, the foundation has given out $100,000 in grant money to teachers over the past 10 years, including money to Linwood Middle School for a theater program in New Brunswick, $15,000 to start the video studio at the North Brunswick Township High School and a matching grant to the high school's Raider Robotix team for their travels.

According to the proclamation, these programs serve to facilitate student development, create community-school partnerships, provide facilities and equipment, supplement educational activities, provide venture capital, increase community awareness, enrich programs, continue alumni relations and act as a vehicle to share resources within the community at large.

"We continue to raise money to give to teachers who deserve it instead of them reaching into their pockets," she said.

The 15 members of the Board of Trustees volunteer their time, organizing casino nights, holiday mixers and a Mr. Ray concert to raise funds. The non-profit, tax-exempt organization is independent of the school board and acts as financial support for educational opportunities not able to be funded by the district.

"Honoring these volunteers is such an important thing," said Mayor Francis "Mac" Womack.

Celebrate North Brunswick was created last year as part of Womack's Quality of Life Initiative and serves to heighten the theme of volunteerism throughout the year. The committee will continue its mission until all volunteer groups in the township are honored for their dedication and commitment to the community member. To suggest an organization, contact Benson at (732) 247-0922 ext. 475.

The second annual volunteer appreciation dinner will be held Dec. 8.