March 26, 2025
Building Bridges in South Amboy
A Community Coming Together
Staff Writer
SOUTH AMBOY, NJ – On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the South Amboy Community Engagement and Business Networking Event brought together elected officials, local businesses, nonprofits, and residents in an inspiring showcase of collaboration and community spirit at Station Bay.
The energy in the room was spirited as attendees gathered for the event. With the backdrop of Station Bay’s beautifully decorated venue, the event was more than just a networking opportunity—it was a celebration of connection, growth, and community spirit.
As guests settled in, Pat Craddick-Irwin and her husband, John Irwin, took center stage. A special thank-you was extended to the elected officials for their presence and dedication. Gratitude was also shared with the many nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders who came together to support this initiative. Station Bay was recognized for its generous support in hosting the event and providing catering through our beloved local business, Double Dyme Tavern.
As residents of South Amboy and founders of POP Social Enterprise, Pat Craddick-Irwin and John Irwin had a vision for South Amboy—a vision rooted in its potential and its people. They spoke about their journey from New York City to South Amboy, a move that led them to see firsthand the promise of this vibrant town. Their story, even making its way to the pages of The New York Times, highlighted what John had described as “Nice, Quaint, and Quiet.” But beyond its charm, they saw opportunity—the potential for South Amboy to flourish into a thriving hub, perhaps even the next Red Bank.
Pat Craddick-Irwin and John Irwin
With that vision in mind, they launched the South Amboy Community Engagement & Business Networking Initiative—a mission-driven effort to connect Station Bay residents with three essential pillars of the community:
City Government – Encouraging residents to understand the inner workings of the city and exercise their civic duty.
Nonprofit Organizations – Providing opportunities to engage in meaningful community work and give back.
Local Businesses – Creating pathways to support and strengthen South Amboy’s economic landscape.
This initiative was the driving force behind the day’s event, bringing together elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and business owners, all eager to forge new relationships and contribute to South Amboy’s continued growth and success.
As conversations flowed and new connections formed, the spirit of collaboration was evident. Residents engaged with local leaders, businesses showcased their services, and nonprofits gained new advocates. What began as an idea to foster engagement had become a movement—one that would continue to shape South Amboy’s bright future.
For Pat and John Irwin, this was just the beginning. As they looked around the room, they saw more than just attendees; they saw a community ready to grow together, uplift one another, and transform South Amboy into everything they believed it could be.
The huge success of the event was largely due to the incredible support of the elected officials, community leaders, local businesses, nonprofits and the South Amboy Business Association who came out to engage with Station Bay residents. The goal was to foster meaningful connections among residents, businesses, nonprofits, and elected officials—connections that will contribute to South Amboy’s growth and success. Thanks to their engagement and Station Bay’s generous support, the initiative was able to achieve just that.
[From left] John Irwin, Pat Craddick-Irwin, Mayor Fred Henry, Councilman Anthony Conrad
SPECIAL THANKS
Station Bay | Tracey Wilkinson & Staff
BNE | Stephanie Lyden
Double Dyme Tavern | Michelle Gadaleta
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www.popsocialenterprise.com/southamboynews
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