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Ian Durand and April Cormaci:
Grassroots Community Building

If there's no such thing as a quick errand into town for Ian Durand or April Cormaci, his wife, they have only themselves to blame. As founders of The Center for Community Renewal in Edison, New Jersey, they have become two of its better known citizens.

Of course, this didn't happen overnight. After 32 years at AT&T Bell Laboratories as an engineer and manager, Ian Durand took the "bronze parachute" offered by the company and, at age 52, set up a management consulting business. His wife, April Cormaci, who also worked at Bell Laboratories soon joined him. Their new business prospered. For 8 years, the couple consulted with companies here and around the world, participated in international standards conferences, developed training courses, and created and produced video-training packages that were translated into Spanish and Mandarin.

"We had a great time, learned a great deal, and had a positive impact on many of our clients" said Ian, "but there was a major piece of our lives that was missing." Although each had long time associations with Edison, they felt disconnected from the community. They decided to do something about that and in 1997, after six months of brainstorming with family and friends, they launched The Center for Community Renewal. Its goals include providing financial, consulting and educational support to community activists, both individuals and local grassroots groups.

The Center sponsors Mini-Grants of up to $500 for projects such as a Hunger Banquet organized by a group of teachers and students at a local high school. Other recent activities include a Celebration of Community to honor community activists, an environmental education grant for a teacher from the Peruvian Amazon rain forest, and support for an inner-city group which pursues entrepreneurial opportunities for youthful offenders.

Ian is also President of the Board of Trustees of Edison Wetlands Association, member of the Board of Healthy Neighbors, Chair of the Woodbrook-Stephensville Neighborhood Preservation Committee, and serves on the Open Space Advisory Committee. As President of the Friends of the Edison Public Library, April organized the First Annual Edison Book & Arts Fair. She also had a key role in organizing the Silent Auction at the 7th Annual Events to End Helplessness Gala.

Ian and April are more involved in the community of Edison than they might have anticipated. They wouldn't have it any other way. More about Ian and April.

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