Brick Township, NJ - The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is proud to announce that Paul Barlo has been chosen to serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s Columbus Day Parade to be held on Sunday, October 13, 2013. This year marks the Twenty-second edition of this popular event.

"Every year we are faced with the difficult task of selecting one person from the many deserving candidates to serve as the ceremonial leader of our Parade and Italian Festival," said Parade Chairman Michael Blandina. "After thoroughly reviewing and considering all the candidates I am proud to say that we have chosen Paul Barlo as the Grand Marshal for this years Twenty-second Annual Event. His community involvement and his current use of his professional experience since Super Storm Sandy, stood out among this years nominees," Blandina added.

Paul Barlo was born on May 22, 1949 in Newark, NJ. He was raised in Hillside, NJ. where he attended Christ the King Grammar School. Continuing his education at Seton Hall Prep, for High School. Paul then went onto the University of Notre Dame and was a Graduate Magna Cum Laud in 1972. During his fourth year of the five year program at Notre Dame he studied architecture in Rome, Italy. As an architect for more than 30 years he has designed residential, commercial and governmental projects. Being at the shore he has designed many projects with a nautical theme. This should be beneficial to those looking to rebuild after Super Storm Sandy.

Paul Barlo is a member and has served the American Institute of Architects as a chair of all their committees. During his tenure as President he organized a sand castle competition at Brick Township Founders Day, to promote exposure for architects in a fun and interactive way. He is currently assisting in the redesign of Camp Osborn, a Brick Township ocean front community devastated by Super Storm Sandy.

Paul is involved and an active member of several local organizations. As a member and Past President of the Brick Township Rotary Club, he used his professional background to design, raise funds and construct a Bandshell at Windward Beach, in Brick Township. It has been the home of the annual Summerfest concert series for more than a decade. Because of his and the firms efforts Paul Barlo was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary. He is also a member of the Spring Lake / Brielle Rotary Club.

Paul is a member and Past President of the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce, a trustee of the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties where he chairs the facilities committee. He is also co-founder of Dottie’s House and has served as its President and is a trustee of Chambers Bridge Residence. The Monmouth Ocean Development Council in 2006, honored Mr Barlo with the Silver Gull Award for his community service. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County holds a special place in Paul’s heart. He is a Past President and founding member of the 16 year old child mentoring agency. Additionally he is a trustee of the Jersey Shore Council Boy Scouts of America and in 2007 received the Good Turn Award, serves on the Mayor’s Council for Renewable Energy and the Brick Township Historical Commission.

"Paul Barlo stood out among this year’s nominees because of the excellence he has achieved in his career and his lifelong service to his community." said Screening Committee Chairwoman Carol Tramutola. "We are confident that this extraordinary man will uphold the fine tradition established by his predecessors. I am looking forward to having Paul lead our Twenty-second Parade and serve as our representative this year."

Paul Barlo’s selection as Grand Marshal will be celebrated at the Annual Grand Marshal Dinner Dance at the Crystal Point Yacht Club on Thursday, June 20, 2013. We will also be presenting Lisa Oliveri with our service award. Lisa Oliveri is the committee’s long time Corresponding Secretary. She works closely with the Chairman through-out the year updating all correspondence, needed for the Parade and Italian Festival. She also assists at the festival during the weekend each year. "Our annual Dinner Dance is traditionally the highlight of our pre-parade festivities," said Chairman Blandina. "I encourage anyone who wants to have a good time and honor these two fine individuals from Ocean County to attend this Dinner Dance."

Anyone interested in attending the Dinner Dance, placing and ad in the ad journal, sponsoring the event, joining the Parade Committee or wishing any other information regarding this year’s Parade and Italian Festival and accompanying events may contact Michael Blandina at 732-477-6507.