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Woodbridge News
Pipe Bands, Flag Raising Highlight Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Parade |
Feb. 22, 2006
Mayor Pelzman cites Irish contribution to America past and present
Mayor Frank G. Pelzman will preside over the raising of the Irish flag, which begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 1 Main Street. The parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. at Woodbridge High School and travels down Freeman Street to Linden Avenue, heading west to Route 35 and proceeding to Main Street and concluding at Town Hall. For information call (732) 548-0835.
“This is the day we honor our Irish residents and celebrate everything Irish,” said the Mayor. “We look forward to a great turnout.”
Seven Irish bagpipe bands, seven school bands and over 100 marching units will be led through the Township by Parade Grand Marshal John McCormac of Colonia.
“I am thrilled to have been named Grand Marshal and to show pride in my heritage by being part of this terrific event,” said Mr. McCormac.
Other 2006 St. Patrick’s Day honorees include: Marge Crofford of Iselin and Rose Smith of Perth Amboy (Irish Persons of the Year), Julie Gollas of Edison ( Miss American Irish) and Maggie Warn of Hopelawn (Lady in Waiting).
By honoring individuals with extensive commitment to community aid projects, the Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade emphasizes the longstanding American Irish legacy of social service.
Grand MarshalJohn McCormac is the son of John and Mary McCormac of Menlo Park Terrace. Mr. McCormac, Sr. grew up in a large family in County Roscommon, Ireland, before immigrating to the United States in 1948, earning his bachelor’s degree at night and working as a foreman in steel plants for Westinghouse and Ryerson. His mother is the daughter of Irish immigrants, her parents having come to the United States from County Cork, Ireland. Both his parents were members of the American Irish Association of Woodbridge in the early days of the organization. John is the oldest of 5 children, and has 22 first cousins, most of them still living in Ireland.
Former Woodbridge Township CFO, John is presently owner and operator of The McCormac Group, a business development consulting practice in Woodbridge. His other community activities include membership with St. Cecelia’s Knights of Columbus in Iselin, where he is a past Grand Knight.
Irish Persons of the YearMarge Crofford and Rose Smith have served their church and community for many years. Marge was born in Jersey City, the daughter of Irish immigrant parents Susan Vaughan of County Clare and John Sullivan of County Cork. She was married to the late Arthur Crofford. Together they moved to Iselin where they raised six children. Marge is a member of St. Cecelia’s Church in Iselin, where she is also a member of the Rosary Society. She is a charter member of the American Irish Association of Woodbridge, having attended the first meeting of the Association 40 years ago. Over the years, she has chaired many organization activities including the picnics, dances, and auctions as well as the 10 th anniversary dinner. She was also active on the building fund and ad-book committee. She was a member of the Association’s choir and active in supporting the Tin Whistle band.
Rose Smith was born and raised in Perth Amboy, the daughter of Helen Francy and David Lucas who emigrated from Ireland to Jersey City and raised 14 children. Rose graduated from Perth Amboy High School in 1936 and married the now deceased John Smith two years later. They lived in Fords for many years where they raised their two sons. Rose has been an active member with San Salvador Court 275 of the Catholic Daughters of America, Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Mercedes, Rosary Society of St. Mary’s Church in Perth Amboy and Woodbridge American Irish Association. She also volunteers with the Perth Amboy chapter of Deborah Hospital.
Miss American Irish Julie Gollas of Edison is a f reshman at Caldwell College, majoring in Psychology . As a high school student, Julie was active in student clubs promoting community leadership, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and international diplomacy. As part of People to People Student Ambassadors she traveled to Australia and Europe as a conference delegate representing the United States.
Lady-in-Waiting Maggie Warn of Hopelawn is a freshman in Bishop Ahr High School, member of the Italian Club and active in her Church, Holy Spirit Parish in Perth Amboy. An accomplished Irish step dancer, she has danced with the Marie Moore School of Irish Dancing in Scotch Plains and has won several first place medals.
“This parade is ultimately for the children,” said Parade ChairpersonDiane Donovan. “It’s a great way to pass along the Irish heritage and keep our traditions of culture, country and religion active and alive.”
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MIS Department
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