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April 15, 2005

Mayor cites importance of community involvement

Colonia volunteer and former Woodbridge Township Zoning Board chair Ernest A. Neal is the winner of the 2005 Jack Fay Civic Award, Mayor Frank G. Pelzman has announced.

The award, established in 2000, goes to a Woodbridge Township resident who embodies the best qualities of public service and civic involvement. The honoree must have lived in Woodbridge Township for at least ten years, have held elected or appointed office and served as a volunteer in community activities.

Ernest “Ernie” Neal was a member of the Township Planning Board from 1974-79 and the Zoning Board from 1993-2004, the last 10 years of that term as Zoning Board chair. He also served as chair of the Middlesex County Economic Development Corporation, chair of the Woodbridge Republican Party, vice-chair and secretary of the Woodbridge Zoning Board of Adjustment and as a member of the Woodbridge Township Environmental Commission and the Middlesex County Solid Waste Advisory Council

“Ernie is so deserving of this honor,” said Mayor Pelzman. “His passion for his community and involvement in community activities is a stellar example of what civic spirit is about.”

Mr. Neal’s lifelong involvement in community sports reflected his zeal in ensuring a sense of fair play and respect for due process. He served as past president of New Jersey Football Officials Association and held membership in the Amateur Softball Association of America Umpires, NCAA Football Officials Association, International Basketball Officials Association and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Track & Field Officials. He was the first coach of St. Cecelia’s Golden Knights Football Team and a coach for Woodbridge Little League.

Other civic roles have included serving as president, captain and trustee of the Woodbridge First Aid Squad, member of the Kiddie Keep Well Camp Board of Directors, trustee of the Middlesex County Economic Opportunities Corporation and the Woodbridge Economic Development Corporation and chair of the Port Reading Redevelopment Agency.

His social memberships include the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Perth Amboy Chapter, and Korean War Veterans Association, Union County Chapter.

The award is named after the late Jack Fay, who held numerous elected and appointed offices in Woodbridge Township and Middlesex County including Councilman, Freeholder, Assemblyman and State Senator and volunteered at a number of organizations including Center of Hope Hospice House, Emmaus House and the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research.

Councilwoman Brenda Yori Velasco came up with the idea for the Jack Fay Civic Award. “I felt it was important to recognize those who give unselfishly to this community,” said Councilwoman Velasco. “This award honors people to whom civic activity is a way of life.”

Ernie Neal will receive his award and a special proclamation from Mayor Pelzman at the Township Council meeting Tuesday, May 3, just before 7 p.m.