Since 1931, the Haddonfield Civic Association has recognized individuals or organizations that have made a lasting, positive impact on the town in a volunteer capacity. Each year, the HCA presents the Alfred E. Driscoll Award honoring the late Gov. Driscoll, a distinguished citizen of Haddonfield. The award acknowledges an uncommon effort made on behalf of the community, with the intention that those who receive it will inspire others, and that it will encourage broader participation in civic activities in the Haddonfield community.
This year, Maureen Lynn Eyles was chosen as the 2015 recipient of the award. Eyles will be presented the award at the HCA’s Annual Meeting and Town Dinner on April 23 at Tavistock Country Club.
“The Board of Governors is very impressed with Maureen’s deep commitment to our community and involvement in so many organizations and campaigns as a volunteer. The Driscoll Award was created to recognize the role models in our community with the hope that others will be inspired to do the same. Maureen has been a perfect example of the ‘uncommon’ volunteer the Driscoll Award seeks to honor,” HCA President Lee Albright said.
“I was very surprised. Over the years, 84 individuals have been honored with the award, and they are such an incredible list of people who have improved others’ daily life. I can’t even express how honored I am. There are so many people in the community who give back; I was just really surprised,” Eyles said.
Eyles was born and raised in Haddonfield, her family having lived in the area for generations. Eyles went away for a bit, but she and her husband Jim wanted to move back to Haddonfield and raise their family in the close-knit, big-hearted community. They did so in 2000, now with their sons Matt and Jack.
“This is a very special place. Jim and I both realized that. When we wanted to settle down and have kids, there wasn’t a choice; we had to live here. Growing up, I was influenced by watching the good deeds of others in Haddonfield. Any opportunity for our kids to participate in that, seeing that this is special to know our neighbors and check in with each other, and knowing that their actions can make a difference, is important,” Eyles said.
Eyles has actively volunteered for various educational, youth and civic organizations for more than 20 years. Over the years, she has enjoyed giving her time to dozens of borough committees, events and organizations, as a board member, organizer and volunteer.
“I can’t help myself. I’m a sucker for a sign-up sheet. Volunteering is an outlet for me. And through volunteering, I have met many great people along the way. Serving together is a great shortcut to friendship,” Eyles said. “There is just such a culture of giving here, I wanted to be a part of that. Growing up watching other volunteers, I’ve been inspired by their actions.”
Eyles is developing “The Link,” a collaborative database and communications program linking the Haddonfield Educational Trust and Haddonfield Foundation. Though still in the preliminary stages, the plan is to create a database of residents, former residents and alumni to whom The Link will send a newsletter with different events spotlighted on an every-other-month schedule.
She is also coach and advisor of the Odyssey of the Mind program at Central School. This year, Eyles’ teams made it to the tournament, which was held at Haddonfield Memorial High School on April 11. According to Eyles, it is amazing to see what those children can accomplish in seven minutes with the different tasks they are given.
Other organizations to which she has given her time and energy include: The Cure Colin’s Cancer Block Party, a grassroots effort to raise more than $30,000 for a local family fighting cancer; The Chicken Runs at Midnight, the Canuso Foundation’s Annual town event to benefit families afflicted by cancer; board member and Ways & Means chairperson of The Junior Women’s Club of the Haddon Fortnightly (2004 -2009); and member of the Haddonfield Board of Education since 2012.
“One of my favorite events is the Chicken Runs At Midnight, which is on May 1 this year. I love it because not only does it support local families that are battling serious illnesses, but also it helps to get the children involved. It is important to help the children get engaged and learn to give back,” Eyles said.
Eyles has been involved in educational organizations ranging from Haddonfield United Methodist Nursery School, Central School PTA member and committee chairperson (2007–2015), as well as running her HMHS class reunions.
Professionally, Eyles specializes in event planning and sponsorship sales, and was hired by the Haddonfield Cultural Events Commission to serve as the executive director of First Night Haddonfield 2011–2013 and the 300th Anniversary of the Settlement of Haddonfield in 2013.
The community is welcome to attend the HCA’s Annual Meeting and Town Hall on April 23 at Tavistock Country Club. In addition to honoring Eyles as the Driscoll Award winner, the HCA will also recognize the Bradshaw Essay Contest Winners and the Kaufmann Award Performing Arts Recipient from Haddonfield Memorial High School. The evening will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner will commence at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $45 each and may be ordered at haddonfieldcivic.com.
