Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone Newsletter

Hello!

I hope everyone is enjoying the summertime sunshine and warm weather!

It has been a busy few weeks here in Monmouth County, and I am excited to share some updates with you.

This month, I had the pleasure of joining Sheriff Shaun Golden and the MOFFC Board to celebrate the completion of the Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism, a continuing education program for adults with autism. Finding high-quality continuing education programs can be challenging for individuals and their families once students graduate from high school. Located on the Brookdale Community College Campus in Wall Township, this daily program offers job training, coaching, employment placement in local businesses and organizations, and more.

This ceremony represents more than just a milestone; it marks the fruition of a vision over a decade in the making. Sheriff Shaun Golden, the entire MOFFC Board, and I are deeply moved by the support and assistance we’ve received from our esteemed partners, especially Brookdale Community College and Fran and Paul Turner, whose generosity has made this dream a reality.

We extend our gratitude to Clerk Christine Hanlon, Commissioner Sue Kiley, Ross Licitra, Erik Anderson, and the many friends and colleagues who joined us to celebrate this special occasion. I also want to thank the project architect, Spiezle Group, and our dedicated professionals and tradesmen for their unwavering commitment. My excitement continues to grow as this project unfolds, and I eagerly anticipate the grand opening coming soon!

Additionally, my fellow Commissioners and I announced the completion of a new intersection warning beacon at Steiner Avenue and 4th Avenue in Neptune City. This beacon will enhance motorist awareness and significantly improve intersection safety. We have also authorized the relocation of the stop sign beacons previously used at Steiner Avenue to the intersection of Memorial Drive and 4th Avenue. This move will enhance safety at the new location while repurposing existing equipment at no additional cost to taxpayers. We want to thank the Neptune City Mayor and Council, as well as the Neptune City Police Department, for their invaluable assistance and support in completing this crucial road improvement project.

We are also excited to announce that the County will host a Veterans Resource Fair from 4-7 p.m. on Aug. 14 at the Wall Township Municipal Building, 2700 Allaire Rd. We are thrilled to host the annual Veterans Resource Fair and thank the Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services for coordinating such an important event. Monmouth County honors and appreciates all those who have served our nation in the armed forces, and we want to do everything we can to assist these men and women when they come home. To register, please call 732-431-7450. To learn more about the Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services, visit www.monmouthadvs.com.

Lastly, my fellow Commissioners and I have declared Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, as a County Day of Remembrance to honor the victims, first responders, volunteers, and all who were affected by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Last year, we passed a resolution making Sept. 11, 2023, a County Day of Remembrance to allow everyone the opportunity to attend local memorials and support the loved ones of the victims of September 11, 2001. As the first County in New Jersey to pass such a resolution, we had hoped this would inspire the State and Federal Government to do the same. Since they have failed to take such action, Monmouth County will once again show our support to the victims and their families by passing a resolution for 2024. We, as a nation, took the pledge to never forget those who lost their lives on 9/11, and I encourage everyone to find a way to honor those we lost, such as attending a ceremony, visiting a local memorial, thanking a first responder, or spending time with loved ones.

Speaking about 9/11 remembrance, we invite the families of Monmouth County’s 9/11 victims to participate in the annual September 11 Memorial Ceremony, which will be held at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook at 460 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Highlands, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.

As we come together as a County to mark the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Board of County Commissioners would like to invite the loved ones of those who lost their lives that day to not only attend but to participate in our Memorial Ceremony by reading the names of those we lost in Monmouth County. This moving ceremony is a tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks and a reminder to their families that we will stand true to our pledge to never forget them.

Those interested in participating in the 2024 Monmouth County September 11 Memorial Ceremony are asked to email Lauren Brand at Lauren.Brand@co.monmouth.nj.us or Danielle Banyacski at Danielle.Banyacski@co.monmouth.nj.us by Monday, Sept. 2.

As always, it is a pleasure to serve as Commissioner Director.

Sincerely,

Tom Arnone