Press Release, WOODBRIDGE – This year’s Grand Marshal, George Aston, is no stranger to the Woodbridge American Irish’s St. Patrick’s Parade. In fact, he grew up in the association & has been head marshal for 33 years. It is the head marshal’s job to develop the line-up & coordinate the massive job of getting each unit out of the staging area & on to the route in a smooth way.
Two constants have always been at the forefront in both the American Irish Assn & George’s life: Family and Community. “My family’s Irish roots, which can be traced back to County Cork, mirror my roots to Woodbridge in that they have both been an inseparable part of life, linked together through service to the community and dedication to my family,” said Aston.
George has also held several administrative roles in the association including President & Parade Chair. It’s no surprise that his sister Mary has been by his side over the years. This year the hard work will be done by Mary as her brother takes on the honorary role & leads the parade. George’s late parents, George and Mary Aston, were long-time members and his wife Kathy and sons (Ryan, Connor, and Sean) have been around the parade for years. George was an Eagle Scout & a proud UA Local 855 member – retired from PSE&G after 40 years. He was a Township Planning Board and Environmental Committee member. George also coached basketball, baseball, football, and was wrestling director for various leagues and teams throughout Woodbridge over the years.
This year’s Irish Lady of the Year is Karen McCrory. She won a scholarship to Upsala College & worked at the Whole Theater Co. in Montclair, with Olympia Dukakis, in the costume department. After college, Karen worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Metuchen and U.P.S. for 34 years. She enjoys history and visiting historic places with her husband, John Marsicano. They are Civil War Re-enactors with the 69th Pennsylvania Regiment U.S. Volunteers. Since joining the American Irish Association, Karen has worked on many projects. They include the Coin Collection, Parade Committee, Shaughnessy Park Cleanup, Veteran’s Picnic & Parade, and the St. James Street Fair. Karen currently Chairs the Hospitality Committee bringing fun themes, refreshments & enjoyment to our members.
Ed Wehrenberg is our Irish Man of the Year. He served two years in the army, including Vietnam. He was in the artillery division. When discharged from the army, he worked for Shop-Rite as a switcher for 30 years and retired in 2000. Ed’s wife of 54 years is Sharon. They have two children, Sheila & Eddie. Ed’s grandchildren are Malcolm, Cole, Carmella & Declan. Ed finds volunteering very rewarding. Starting in 2001 with “Christmas in April” (now called “Tooling around Town”). That effort led Ed to volunteering to build handicap ramps for the Township and American Irish Association. He also helped refurbish the newly acquired American Irish Pub, clean-up of Shaughnessy Park, put up Christmas Trees at St. James Church & is a member of the Rahway American Legion Post #5 & a life member of VFW post 2636.
Our Miss American Irish is Brittany Bader, a sophomore at The College of New Jersey, majoring in Elementary Education & Art. She is Fundraising Chair for Sigma Kappa & a member of Colleges Against Cancer. Brittany plays intramural soccer and volleyball. She graduated from WHS & was a senior class officer, captain – varsity soccer team & a member – varsity track team. Brittany also received the GMC Sportsmanship Award. She has helped during the Thanksgiving Food Drive & with the Arm in Arm Foundation. She has volunteered during park cleanups, with the American Irish at past parades and at the veteran’s home. Her parents are John and Patti Bader along with brothers, Christian & Matthew.
Alesandra McFadden is our Lady-in-Waiting. She is a freshman at Johnson HS in Clark. She is also the Public Relations Officer of her class & Secretary of the Science Olympiad Team. Alesandra is part of the Speech and Debate Team, the Student Movement Against Cancer, Key Club and Active Minds (changing the stigma about mental health). Aly runs cross country & winter track. Her parents are Jim and Nikki McFadden, sister Gabriella & her grandparents Kathy and Jim McFadden are active American Irish Assoc. members.
The Woodbridge American Irish Association is a civic organization that meets monthly, sponsors the Justin McCarthy Scholarship, maintains the Charlie Shaughnessy Park, visits our Menlo Park Veterans Home, Tools Around Town, puts up handicap ramps, etc. We recently furnished our Club Pub at 95 Port Reading Ave. Woodbridge.
Our Parade Chair for 2024 is Sean R. Daly. “I am proud of the work our committee is doing to put on this milestone 50th parade. We will be sharing our Irish heritage & entertainment for the entire community to enjoy. Everyone loves a parade,” said Daly.
The parade is funded with ads from local businesses & donations. To participate or contribute please go to Amerirish.com. Like us on Facebook at American Irish Association of Woodbridge.
This year’s parade is March 10th at 1:30 pm. It starts at Woodbridge High School & ends at Town Hall.
– Ken Gardner, Publicity Chair, Woodbridge American Irish Assn.
