Two residents, civic group honored for volunteer efforts

EAST BRUNSWICK — Township officials recently recognized this year’s winners of the Friends of Recreation, Parks and Community Services Award.

The award has been given each July for 19 years to honor dedicated individuals and organizations and to recognize their outstanding service to the community.

The 2010 recipients of the award in the Individual category are Ward Byrne and Mary McArdle.

McArdle has been a coach and board member of the St. Bart’s Buffaloes Pop Warner Football organization for approximately 11 years. During her tenure, she has dedicated countless hours and energy for the betterment of the organization and the children of East Brunswick, according to a township press release.

In 2004 McArdle spearheaded an effort to begin a Buddy cheerleader program. She arranged for student demonstrators and coaches, and sought and acquired the ap- proval of the Pop Warner organization. Once the program was established, she pushed the participants into presenting an exhibition prior to the competitions at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton. The Buddy cheerleaders performed to a standing ovation. In 2007 McArdle sought approval to allow her Buddy squad to perform during the national competition. The trip became a reality, and the girls in the program, most of whom had never traveled by airplane nor had the opportunity to visit Disney Land, engaged in fundraising activities, and with the support of the Buffalo organization, raised the funds necessary to participate.

Byrne’s vision, leadership and love for special-needs children led to the establishment of a Buddy Ball division in the Fast Break Basketball Association four years ago. With the advent of the Buddy Ball program, Byrne is credited with enriching the lives of those with special needs, their families, and the volunteers who work with the players. Ward has dedicated time every week for five years to working with and teaching special-needs children and young adults the game of basketball. Byrne has a complete and thorough knowledge of the kids’ needs, and helps the town anticipate the steps to take to ensure a positive experience for all. The Buddy Ball program for Fast Break thrives because of Byrne, according to the press release.

The 2010 recipient in the Civic Organization category is the Lap Tapestry Project Plus. In 1997 the project was introduced as the East Brunswick Arts Commission’s contribution to Make a Difference Day. That first year, Lap Tapestry participants knitted, crocheted, and wove over 1,000 6-inch squares that were stitched together to form “lap tapestries” and distributed through the community to residents with disabilities, seniors or those in need of a warm touch.

Based on the success of this project, the Arts Commission has continued each year with Make a Difference Day and its Lap Tapestry program. The project has been expanded to include hand-knit or crocheted hats, scarves, toys, wheelchair bags, shrugs and other items, resulting in the renaming of the committee to Lap Tapestry Plus.

In 2003 a new component was added. After receiving a donation of more than 50 bears, the volunteer Lap Tapestry Plus members then knitted and crocheted designer outfits for each of the bears in preparation for “Lap Tap Teddy Bears Picnic.” Specifically for children with disabilities, their friends and families, each child was given their choice of bear to take home. Included in the event were songs, entertainment and an honor “bearing” ceremony. Today, the Lap Tapestry Plus Committee consists of approximately 25 volunteers, currently all females, ages 13-70, who create the works in celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month and Make a Difference Day. Completed items are dropped off at the East Brunswick Public Library or the Division of Recreation. The lap tapestries and other items are then distributed to over 100 community residents.