Stand up paddleboard at Branchport Park, 9/26, National Women’s Day 9/30

 

 

 

Arnone Report

I would like to take the time to reflect upon and recognize the 19th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks our nation endured on September 11th, 2001. Though the years have passed, we will never forget the lives and legacies of those who lost their lives or the first responders who bravely did their jobs.

It is our duty to always remember the horrific events that took place on that day, as well as, to never forget those we lost and how that day changed our lives forever. However, in order to never forget, our youth must be taught about 9/11 and the events that transpired that day and how it changed the course of American history forever.

The current generation of high school students were almost all born after this defining moment, so while the attacks may seem like yesterday to those old enough to remember, to most of our students, it’s part of history. In order to teach them, we must first talk about the events that took place that day and how the repercussions are still felt today.

In honor of the promise to never forget, I spent Friday, September 11th throughout the County at memorial services to remember, commemorate, and reflect on the lives of our fellow Americans, especially the 147 Monmouth County residents who tragically lost their lives that day.

In the morning, Monmouth County held a 9/11 Memorial Service at the Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook in Atlantic Highlands. Following our memorial, my fellow Freeholders and I, along with Sheriff Shaun Golden and Clerk Christine Hanlon sponsored a “Tribute in Lights” at our county park, Mount Mitchell, for three nights that began on Friday, Sept. 11, to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the tragic attacks that occurred on 9/11.

On the last night of the tribute lights, we decided to honor all of our first responders and military for their courageous efforts and sacrifice, not only on that solemn day, but every day. The tribute lights lit four different colors, rotating every 15 minutes for four hours; red for our firefighters, blue for our police officers, white for our EMS and hospital workers and green for our military. As we remember all those who perished on that dreadful day, it is important for us to also remember and thank those heroes who risked their lives to help save and protect others.

On another note, last week I had the honor of speaking about the importance of open space in Monmouth County at a Press Conference held by Middletown Mayor Tony Perry and the Township Committee at Poricy Park. It is vital that we preserve our open space, not only in Middletown, but throughout the entire County. Open space serves many essential purposes for our residents and community and we must continue to do whatever we can to preserve it. I am urging all Middletown residents to vote yes for open space on November 3rd!

Additionally, I attended the dedication for the Count Basie Center’s East Side Campus. It is always great to support Count Basie and our arts community, especially during these difficult times. This expansion will be an amazing addition to the Basie once we are fully back open.

I also I want to update you of the Monmouth County CARES Act Small Business Grants. I am pleased to announce that as of today, Monmouth County has processed 1,562 of the 2172 grant applications that have been received and dispersed almost $12 million since August.

My fellow Freeholders and I stand strong in our decision to control and operate the program with the assistance of an outside consulting firm and will continue to support and assist our small business community.

For specific questions or concerns pertaining to the grant and the application process, please call the toll free number on the monnmouthcountycares.com website. The number is 732-375-2196, and you can call Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Speaking of small businesses, I want to commend all out small business owners for the great job they are doing in complying with the State mandates. Reopening our businesses indoors at 25% capacity has proven to be successful and our business owners have proven that they can safely open and operate their businesses. I am hoping that the State will, at the very least, give a time line of when these businesses can open at 50% capacity.

I see no reason for our restaurant and small businesses to not be able to open indoors at 50% capacity. While 25% capacity is a start, it is an extremely low number that for most of our small businesses will not bring enough revenue to pay the bills.

As I am sure everyone is aware, I have been extremely vocal in calling on our State to allow increased indoor capacity weeks now and will continue to be vocal on this issue until all our businesses are allowed to reopen at normal capacities. I have always had the utmost faith in our restaurant owners – and all business owners – that they would do the right thing, follow all social-distancing policies and do everything else required and more to keep their customers and employees safe.

I hope the State will continue in the right path in allowing these businesses, and others, to reopen to their normal capacities in the coming weeks and get more people back to work.

Lastly, as you may be aware, we have decided to turn our annual Pound the Pavement for Pancreatic Cancer run into a virtual race this year. We know our friends and loved ones fighting this disease need us now more than ever so we have decided to go virtual instead of cancelling.

For more detail and to register online visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Neptune/PoundthePavementforPurple.

Please join in helping us continue to raise awareness of and raise funds for research of pancreatic cancer!

As always, it is an honor to serve as your Freeholder Director.

Sincerely,

Tom Arnone

Freeholder Director, Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders

 

 

Kortney’s Challenge event has raised over $632,000 for research

YOU, Our Supporters, are responsible for making The Kortney Rose Foundation’s (KRF) 15th annual Kortney’s Challenge 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk successful again this year. While the pandemic forced us to go virtual, we were still able to raise an impressive $81,000. Generous matching donors really helped with a $20,000 match.
Virtual participation is here to stay and will make an incredible addition to our live event next year.
Fun Facts for 2020:
  • 501 total participants,
  • 70% team members, an increase of 23% over last year
  • 36 total teams, from 36 U.S. States & 6 countries raised close to $35,000
  • The largest team for both fundraising and members = Team Run #BFE, (Best Family Ever) with 70 participants
  • Largest Individual Fundraiser: Pete McQuaid – Charity Heroes for Brain Cancer Research = $7,700

 

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Names InauguralKortney Rose Foundation Clinical Research Position

On June 25, 2020 The Kortney Rose Foundation was excited to announce that Dr. Cassie Kline has been named the inaugural Kortney Rose Foundation Clinical Researcher in Neuro-Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

“It is unacceptable to me that after decades of research, we are still forced to give our patients and families news of incurable brain tumors with no standard of care therapy. In joining the Brain Tumor Center within the Division of Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and representing KRF as the first-ever KRF Clinical Research in Neuro-Oncology, I look forward to growing treatment options for children and young adults with central nervous system tumors.

Within the rich environment of CHOP, I am excited to expand KRF’s impact by bringing together basic scientists, neurosurgeons, collaborators within the Children’s Brain Tumor Network, colleagues within our Brain Tumor Center, and across consortia to expand novel therapies and create rapid pipelines to bring them to patients. I am confident that by building such robust collaborations, we will make great advances towards finding new cures,”  said Cassie Kline, MD, MAS Attending Physician, Director, Neuro-Oncology Clinical Research, Kortney Rose Foundation Clinical Researcher, Division of Oncology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Director of Data Quality and Integration, Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (www.pnoc.us)

 

Gopal, Beach bills to promote shared services advance

Trenton – In an effort to further consolidate local government services, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee approved two bills to promote shared services within the state.

“Shared services are a valuable tool to reduce costs for local governments and streamline services for residents,” said Senator Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth). “Especially as we work to address current budget shortfalls, we should be doing all that we can to increase efficiencies in local government and facilitate the sharing of services between municipalities.”

The first bill, S-1252, would authorize the sharing of a municipal court administrator between municipalities located in Atlantic, Camden, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Sussex and Warren counties under the “Common Sense Shared Service Pilot Program Act.” In the case of a shared service agreement, a tenured municipal court administrator could be dismissed to implement the agreement.

“The Shared Service Pilot Program has been incredibly beneficial for Camden County, allowing municipalities to consolidate offices and spend money more efficiently,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “I am grateful we are expanding the program and look forward to seeing how this new shift will benefit municipalities around the state.”

The second bill, S-2527, would revise processes related to the assessment of real property in counties that operate under “Real Property Assessment Demonstration Program.” Monmouth, Gloucester, and Burlington counties are currently part of the demonstration program.

The bill would improve the property assessment functions and allow for more services to be delivered remotely, including internal inspections and appeal hearing services.

Both bills were released from committee by votes of 5-0.

Riverside Music Sessions announced in Red Bank

Red Bank, NJ —Red Bank RiverCenter has announced a socially-distant concert series, the Riverside Music Sessions presented by the Asbury Park Press on Saturday, September 26 and Saturday, October 3 at Riverside Gardens Park.

The Sept. 26 Riverside Music Sessions line-up is: Almost U2, at 11 a.m.; Decade “Neil Young Tribute” at 2 p.m.; and “Heat Wave” a Linda Ronstadt Tribute featuring Sharon Lasher at 5 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 27.

The Oct. 3 Riverside Music Sessions line-up is: The Haven w/Special Guest Carl Gentry at 11 a.m.; The Weeklings – Music of the Beatles & More at 2 p.m.; and The Nerds at 5 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 4.

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Tickets to the six performances by musicians and vocalists known locally and internationally are available for purchase online at eventbite.org. A total of 396 tickets will be sold for each session. Tickets are $39.95 each and are being sold exclusively in blocks of four tickets.

“In creating the Riverside Music Sessions, RiverCenter plans to reintroduce live music in the parks in a socially-distant and safe environment,” RiverCenter Executive Director Laura Kirkpatrick said. “We are working with the Borough of Red Bank and our event producer, Rue Events, to be in compliance with all current state and local guidelines now and on event day.”

Concert goers will be required wear masks as they enter the park and are escorted to their assigned, physically distanced seats, and unless they are enjoying food and beverages. Chairs will be provided and cleaned between sessions; no outside chairs will be allowed. No outside food or beverages allowed. Additional safety precautions are listed with the ticket purchase. Other safeguards may be announced on or before the event day.

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“RiverCenter is also looking to recoup some of the revenue lost when we had to cancelled both of our 2020 music and food festivals as a result of COVID-19,” Kirkpatrick added. “The two festivals help defray the extremely popular and successful holiday lights display that lights up the Red Bank business district from the night after Thanksgiving until the new year.”

Concert goers will receive a goodie bag with snacks, and a list of restaurants offering discounts the day of the performance.

“RiverCenter is excited to have this opportunity to welcome more people back to Red Bank and to demonstrate our responsiveness to their desire to be entertained while still feeling safe,” Stephen

Catania, RiverCenter Chairman and owner of the Cheese Cave said. “We are equally thrilled to be giving some great artists an opportunity to get back to playing in front of a live audience and earn some money.”

The Riverside Music Sessions are being presented by the Asbury Park Press and produced by Rue Events (Really Unbelievable Events). The event is a project of Red Bank RiverCenter.

MB BOE change of meeting date

Alia Pigozzi Rienzo, age 81 of Ocean passes

Alia Pigozzi Rienzo, age 81 of Ocean, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch surrounded by her loved ones. Mrs. Rienzo was born in Parma, Italy and grew up in Bologna, Italy and ultimately met her future husband, Dr. Albert Rienzo, while he studied medicine at the University of Bologna.

She moved to the United States in 1966. She lived in Tinton Falls and then in Rumson, where she and Albert raised their four children before moving on to Ocean Township 14 years ago.

She was predeceased by her parents Elsa Conte and Ermes Pigozzi. She was predeceased by her daughter Elsa Walters in 1997. Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Dr. Albert Rienzo; a son and daughter in law, Anthony and Judy Rienzo; two daughters and sons in law, Benedetta and Joseph Radic and Carolina and Jason Desiderato; and three grandchildren, Alexander and Christian Radic and Rylee Elsa Desiderato.

She worked as a designer in Bologna, Italy prior to marrying her husband and moving to the United States to raise their family. She was a talented artist in both oil and tempera mediums. Family above all else was everything to her, she made a life for her family and is loved by her adoring family. She was an avid reader of current news events, and a wonderful cook who enjoyed trying new recipes and entertaining family and friends with her wonderful parties.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, September 21 at 11:00 am at St. Jerome Church of the Parish of Our Lady of Hope in West Long Branch. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by visiting the Guestbook/Tribute page link above.

Peter W. Kenny passes

Peter W. Kenny, of Spring Lake formerly of West Long Branch,  died peacefully at home on Monday, Sept. 14th, after battling Alzheimer’s and cancer. He was 74 years old. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather and Attorney.

Peter was born and raised in West Orange and attended St. Benedict’s Prep. He graduated from Niagara University and received his Law Degree from Toledo University. Peter practiced law in Monmouth County over 50 years, where he served as the President of the Bar Association as well as the President of the Monmouth Bar Foundation for many years.  He served as the Prosecutor in both Red Bank and Tinton Falls as well as the Public Defender for Asbury Park and Tinton Falls.

He was a member of the West Long Branch Borough Council, where he served as the Chairman of the Police Committee. Peter was a member of Borough Chemical and Truck Company #1, West Long Branch Fire Department.  He was a parishioner of St. Jerome’s RC Church.

His priority in life was his family. He cherished time with his grandchildren and loved bragging about each of them to anyone who would listen. He enjoyed making friends, once you became a friend of Peter, you were his friend for life.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching sports especially with his grandchildren.

Peter was predeceased by his parents, Isabelle and John Kenny; two brothers, John and Philip Kenny.

Surviving is his beautiful and loving wife of 52 years, Carole Uncher Kenny; their children, Patrick and his wife Kate Kenny, Wayne, Pa. and Karen and Michael Dettlinger, Brielle; his grandchildren, Molly, Annie, William, Lilah Grace and Jack.

Due to Covid19 restrictions, Peter’s family will have a private funeral mass at St. Jerome’s RC Church, West Long Branch. In lieu of traditional remembrances please consider honoring Peter by contributing to Butterfly Wishes, Homeside Hospice, 67 Walnut Avenue, Clark, NJ 07066. To share a favorite memory of Peter or send a message of condolence please visit Peter’s page of tributes at www.woolleyboglioli.com.

Ocean Township Trio Seeks Three Board of Education Spots

Candidates Support Turning in Mail-In Ballot Early

OCEAN  – September 16, 2020 — Three Ocean Township (Monmouth County) residents are running together on a unified ticket for the November 3 school board elections.

Alix Hayes, Dan Penix and Shawanda Beale are running for OT Board of Ed.

Shawanda Beale, Alix Hayes and Dan Penix registered their ticket – Putting Students First – to be on the ballot for the Township of Ocean School District election, which has three seats up for grabs this year.

All three candidates have children currently in Ocean Schools: Beale has a daughter at Wayside Elementary and a son at Township of Ocean Intermediate School (TOIS), Hayes has a daughter at Ocean Township Elementary School (OTES) and a son at TOIS, and Penix has a daughter at TOIS (and a daughter who graduated from OTHS).

Each of the candidates has extensive community involvement and a passion for education.

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BEALE:

· University of Virginia, B.A.; Virginia Commonwealth University, M.Ed.

· 20 years’ experience in Education (Assistant Director, Supervisor of Guidance, High School Counselor and Language Arts Teacher)

· Member, Ocean Township Zoning Board

· Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the NJ Commission on National and Community Service

· “I’m running for BOE because I have a genuine interest in contributing to the school community and collaborating with stakeholders to accomplish common goals. I believe in putting students first.”

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HAYES:

· Tulane University, B.A.; University of Miami, M.A.

· Works in Corporate Communications, former television reporter

· Immediate Past-President of the OTES PTA

· OT Recreation volunteer soccer coach

· Mentor to underprivileged teens through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Asbury Park

· “I’m committed to helping increase student test scores, ensuring equity in education

among all student groups and particularly among historically under-served and under-performing subgroups, dedicating additional resources for teachers and increasing the transparency, communication and accountability of Township of Ocean BOE.”

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PENIX:

· Rider University, B.A., Keller Graduate School of Management, MHRM

· Property Manager and Project Manager

· Executive Director, Sigma Community Outreach and Upliftment Platform

· Ocean United Soccer Association (coach and trainer)

· President, Villas at Poplar Brook Board of Trustees

· Member, Ocean Township Environmental Commission

· “I have a clear vision to continue to move this school district forward. I want to be a part of a team that is willing to respectfully collaborate and implement policies that will benefit all students and put the focus on them. I plan to use my expertise and experience to assist in creating a fiscally sound budget that increases the financial health of the district.”

On the ballot, Beale, Hayes and Penix will be spots #2, #3 and #4. The three running mates recommend voters send back their mail-in ballots well before the election deadline; however, ballots can also be dropped off at individual, assigned polling locations as well as select drop-off sites throughout Monmouth County. All mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before General Election Day, November 3, and received by the County Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on November 10.

The BOE election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, and will coincide with the General Election for local, state and federal offices. Due to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and to limit lines at in-person polling locations, Governor Phil Murphy mandated last week the election will primarily take place by Vote-By-Mail. This means all registered voters in New Jersey will receive mail-in ballots and limited polling locations will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day (for voting on paper provisional ballots only), with accessible voting devices for disabled voters only.

Unlike in previous elections, sample ballots will not be mailed to voters for the 2020 General Election per Executive Order by the Governor. The County Clerk will instead send a postcard to voters indicating their polling location for the 2020 General Election. Sample ballots, lists of ballot drop-off locations, available polling locations and other Election Day information will be posted to the Monmouth County Clerk’s website as they become available.

Richard (Dick) Topham Sr., 89 passes

Richard (Dick) Topham Sr., 89, died September 17, 2020, with his children by his side in Carpinteria, Ca. A graveside service for Richard will be held in the coming weeks at Carpinteria Cemetary in Carpinteria, Ca.

Richard was born October 7, 1930, in Port Washington, NY to William and Marion Topham. Richard grew up in Long Branch, graduating from Long Branch High School in 1948.

Richard married Rosemary M. Guzzi in 1953. They had a wonderful marriage for over 60 years before Rosemary’s passing in 2013.

Richard was in the Military Army Reserves from 1950-1954, and from 1954-1956 Richard was a Korean War Veteran in the Army stationed at NATO Southern Europe. Richard stayed in the Army Reserves until 1958. After the military Richard received his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Monmouth University in 1962.

Richard worked at EAI with analog computers from 1956-1967 in New Jersey and at Control Data with digital computers from 1967-1977 in Minnesota and Pennsylvania. Richard’s most significant achievement was his acceptance of Analog Computer Systems by NASA’s 1966 Space Program. In 1977, Richard and Rosemary moved to California where he was founder and president of Location Sound Corporation and Professional Sound Corporation in Los Angeles, Ca. Richard worked side by side with Rosemary for over 25 years growing and expanding the professional audio industry. Richard revolutionized the professional film and TV audio industry with his innovative ideas for which he received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Lifetime Honorary Membership in the Cinema Audio Society.

Richard and Rosemary retired in Carpinteria, Ca to be by the sea. Richard and Rosemary loved to travel together and Richard loved to ski. You could always see Richard on the tennis courts at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club or flying his racing pigeons. Richard had a lifetime appreciation of music in which he loved to share with family and friends.

Richard Topham is survived by; daughters, Debbie Martel and Ruthann Morrison and sons, Richard H. Topham Jr and Martin Topham; along with 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

In leau of flowers, donations may be sent to the Sierra Club.