American Irish Assoc. to hold St. Pat's parade

The 34th annual St. Patrick's Day parade, sponsored by the American Irish Association of Woodbridge, will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2007. The parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. at Woodbridge High School. More than 80 marching units will parade down Main Street, including eight traditional Irish Pipe Bands and marching bands from all the area high schools. Jim Kerins, the parade chairman, is pleased to announce special appearances this year by the Happy Days String Band, and by members of the Texas Bowl winning Rutgers University football team.

Leading off the parade is this year's Grand Marshal, James Patrick Durek of Colonia. Also, Sean Keaveney of Woodbridge and Joan Dias of Iselin are the Irish Persons of the Year. This year's Miss American Irish is Maggie Warn of Hazlet and her Lady-in-Waiting is Allyson Shea Frick of Freehold.

For those wishing to watch the parade, the line of march begins at Woodbridge High School, continues down Freeman Street to Linden Ave., to Route 35, making a left onto Main Street, and concluding in front of Woodbridge Town Hall. Anyone interested in further information on the parade can contact the Parade Chairperson, Jim Kerins, at 732-549-2234.

Habitat for Humanity now seeking applicants

Middlesex County Habitat for Humanity is seeking applicants to become homeowners of houses to be constructed by the organization and its volunteers. Plans are currently under way to construct two five-bedroom houses in Old Bridge for larger families, though families of all sizes are encouraged to apply in anticipation of future construction projects.

To qualify for consideration as Habitat homeowners, applicants must be low-income Middlesex County residents in need of decent, affordable housing, with adequate resources to repay a no-interest mortgage from Habitat. They also must be willing to invest "sweat equity," which involves working alongside volunteers in the construction of their homes or in other ways that support the organization. Sweat equity requires 250 hours per adult, with a maximum of 500 hours per family. To obtain an application, prospective homeowners may call Habitat for Humanity at (732) 634-5360 or visit its Web site, www.middlesexhabitat.org.