The Woodbridge Township Municipal Council has unanimously named long-time Woodbridge Township resident and former State Assemblyman Ernest L. Oros as the recipient of the prestigious 2009 John J. Fay, Jr. Civic Award for dedicated public service.
The John J. Fay, Jr. Civic Award annually honors and recognizes 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, held elected or appointed office, and served as a volunteer in community and/or social activities.
"Ernie Oros represents the very best of Woodbridge Township,” said Mayor John E. McCormac. “His commitment and dedication to the public mission, long-time advocacy for the environment, and his community spirit stand as a model for all of us to emulate. Whether serving as a member of the Woodbridge Municipal Council, State Assemblyman, environmental activist, or volunteering time and energy to community and civic associations, Ernie Oros stands as a stellar example of what civic spirit is about. I congratulate the Council on selecting Assemblyman Oros as the recipient of the 2009 John J. Fay, Jr. Civic Award”
Councilwoman Brenda Yori Velasco, who established the John J. Fay, Jr. Civic Award in 2000, said, “it’s very important to recognize those individuals who give unselfishly to the Woodbridge Township community.
The John J. Fay, Jr. Civic Award honors people to whom civic activity is a way of life. On behalf of the entire Municipal Council, I am proud to present the 2009 John J. Fay, Jr. Civic Award to Assemblyman Ernest L. Oros for his life-long commitment to the betterment of Woodbridge Township.”
According to Councilwoman Velasco, Ernie Oros, a Woodbridge resident since 1942, achieved a stellar record of public and community service over a storied career. Mr. Oros served in the United States Marine Corp, 2nd Marine Division - Pacific Theatre in 1943. As a returning veteran, Mr. Oros established a retail tire business in Woodbridge and, as a successful businessman, undertook an active role in community activities and associations.
Mr. Oros was elected to the Woodbridge Municipal Council in 1985 and was subsequently
elected to the New Jersey State Assembly, serving as the elected Assemblyman from the 19th Legislative District from 1992 to 1996. Assemblyman Oros organized the Woodbridge River Watch in 1998 – an environmental association of state, county, and municipal residents and environmentalists dedicated to the preservation of Woodbridge waterways.
The Woodbridge River Watch has worked to preserve more than 200 acres of Woodbridge wetlands and wooded areas as open space and wildlife sanctuaries over the past
decade.
Assemblyman Oros’ other community activities include volunteering with various community, civic, and religious organizations, specifically as President and member of the Board of Directors of Camp Kiddie Keep Well. Mr. Oros is married to Betty Caton Oros and raised three children – Michael, Richard and Jay.
The John J. Fay, Jr. Civic Award is named after the late Jack Fay who held numerous elected and appointed offices in Woodbridge Township municipal government and Middlesex County, including Councilman, Freeholder, Assemblyman, and State Senator. Jack Fay also served as a volunteer with numerous civic and social organizations, including the Center of Hope Hospice House, Emmaus House and the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research.
The Municipal Council will officially present the 2009 John J. Fay, Jr. Civic Award to former Assemblyman Ernest Oros on Tues., May 12 at 6:00 p.m. prior to the regularly scheduled Council Meeting.
Past recipients of the John J. Fay, Jr. Civic Award include: John J. Fay, Jr. (2000), Terry Glinn (2001), Pastor Jack Dunlap (2002), Jack Hila (2003), Robert Sobieski (2004), Ernest Neal (2005), Diane Pitz (2006), Thomas Cornell (2007) and Philip Peck (2008).
