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WOODBRIDGE MAYOR JOHN E. MCCORMAC KICKS-OFF “TOOLING AROUND THE TOWNSHIP” |
March 2, 2007
April 28 Set for Annual Fix-Up Day… Volunteer Program Targets Free Home Repair for Senior & Disabled Residents…
“Tooling Around The Township”
Hotline @ 732-602-6020 or log-on to www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us.
WANTED… Community volunteers… skilled trades’ people – especially carpenters, electricians and plumbers… and Township businesses to sponsor the 2007 “Tooling Around The Township” (formerly Christmas in April) home repair program for Woodbridge Township senior and disabled residents.
Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac today launched “Tooling Around The Township” – the annual community-based program that organizes teams of volunteers, local trades’ persons and business sponsors to fix-up, repair and help maintain homes for senior and disabled Township residents.
“I’m excited to announce that ‘Tooling Around The Township’ is on target for April 28 and that it will be bigger and better than ever,” said Mayor McCormac. “I can think of no other project that brings together municipal government, the business community, and resident volunteers in a way that truly benefits senior and disabled residents. Therefore, I am today issuing the call to action – volunteer to be part of a team to fix-up a home for a senior or disabled resident.
Mayor McCormac announced that volunteering for “Tooling Around The Township” (formerly Christmas in April) is easier than ever before – simply log-on to the Woodbridge Township Web Page at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us or call the “Tooling Around the Township” Hotline: 732-602-6020 .
On behalf of the entire Township Council, President Brenda Yori-Velasco noted that “Tooling Around The Township” relies on community support to repair homes for elderly residents and homeowners with disabilities throughout Woodbridge Township. “On April 28, we expect hundreds of volunteers and sponsors to fan out across the Township with hammers, paint brushes and gardening equipment to repair and spruce-up dozens of homes,” Councilwoman Velasco said.
According to Donna Brightman, Director, Woodbridge Housing Authority, applications to nominate a home for repair or maintenance are now being accepted. Forms to nominate a home for repair, to sponsor a work team, or to volunteer are available by contacting the Housing Authority Hotline at 732-602-6020 or by logging-on to the Township Web Page at www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us.
“Tooling Around The Township” (formerly Christmas in April) got underway in Woodbridge Township in 2000. One of the first homes to be repaired was that of Woodbridge resident Anna Benyei – a remarkable senior resident who has become a de facto spokesperson for the home repair program. Since 2000, more than 100 families have benefited with home repairs through the efforts of the “Tooling Around The Township” program. Additionally, community volunteers have built 14 wheelchair ramps and made handicap modifications to more than 19 residences.
Mayor McCormac and Township officials said that the program could not be successful without the sponsorship of local businesses and corporations. So far this year, corporate and business sponsors include: The Norman Tanzman Foundation; Federal Express (FedEx); Unity Bank; Walmart; Yardville Bank; Hess Corporation; Woodbridge Center Mall; Bonefish Grill; Columbia Savings Bank; The Club at Woodbridge; The Siemens Corporation; The Colonia Corner Newspaper; The Township of Woodbridge; The Woodbridge Housing Authority; and the Woodbridge Board of Education.
“We believe that a home doesn’t just start at the doorstep. The entire community is also part of the home and we all have a responsibility to make sure it is safe, healthy, and beautiful,” said Mayor McCormac. “Tooling Around the Township helps build community spirit… maintain the value of our housing stock… and help residents unable to afford or manage repairs and maintenance.”
On April 28 “Tooling Around the Township” and scores of volunteers will come together to make… “Alterations in Avenel,”… “Caulking in Colonia,”… “Framing in Fords,”… “Handyman in Hopelawn,”… “Insulation in Iselin,”… “Kitchens in Keasbey,”… “Mowing in Menlo Park Terrace,”… “Painting in Port Reading,”… “Sawing in Sewaren,”… and “Woodworking in Woodbridge.”
“Tooling Around the Township” is easier than ever before – simply log-on to the Woodbridge Township Web Page at www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us or call the “Tooling Around the Township” Hotline at: 732-602-6020 .
John R. Hagerty
Mayor’s Office of Communications
732-602-6039
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©2000
MIS Department
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