The Arnone Report: Stay Cool, Eat Local and Other Great Stuff

By Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Hello! I hope everyone is continuing to enjoy the summertime sunshine and warm weather!

As everyone is aware, we have experienced hotter than normal weather lately. Heat wave or not, I always advise those who plan on spending time outdoors in the heat to be prepared. Heat-related illnesses are preventable.

For those who are not able to be in a cool location, visit an air-conditioned mall or library to get relief from the hot weather. For those who are out in the heat, stay hydrated! It is important to drink water before thirst kicks in! While you’re keeping hydrated, don’t forget to take care of your pets, too! Lastly, don’t forget the sunscreen!

Over the weekend, I had the honor of attending two special events. On Saturday I attended the 100^th Anniversary Celebration of the Wayside Fire Company in Tinton Falls. The Wayside Fire Company was founded in 1919 and throughout its existence, the company has grown and has been dedicated to serving the Tinton Falls community. I want to congratulate the Wayside Fire Company on their 100th anniversary and thank them and all our first responders for their dedication and service to Monmouth County.

On Sunday, I attended the 1^st Annual Allenhurst Beach Illumination, where Sheriff Golden, my fellow Freeholders and I honored the iconic lifesavers of the Jersey Shore. This event was a great way to pay tribute to the long history of life-saving activities along the Jersey Shore and to Allenhurst namesake Abner Allen, who led the rescue of more than 200 people from the New Era ship when it wrecked off the beach in 1854. The Beach Illumination also supported the Allenhurst Police Association, the Allenhurst Fire Department and First Aid Squad, as well as the Coast Guard relief program. Thank you all for your service to the community!

On a separate note, I would like to take the time to talk about the County’s Grown in Monmouth program. As liaison to the County’s division of economic development, I could not be more proud of the success of this program.

For those that do not know about this initiative, Grown in Monmouth focuses on the retention and expansion of our County’s agricultural industry through the promotion of Monmouth-grown agricultural products and services. We know how important this industry is in Monmouth County and this program helps business owners showcase their products.

Most notably, residents and visitors may notice Grown in Monmouth banners or signs while traveling throughout Monmouth County. Businesses and establishments that display these signs have entered into a partnership, at no cost, with the County that states they either grow or make products with ingredients grown in Monmouth County. Our partnerships include farms, wineries and restaurants, among other establishments.

Speaking of Grown in Monmouth, we are only one week away from our first-ever Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week! I would like to remind all restaurants throughout Monmouth County to sign up to participate in the Restaurant Week, which will run from Sunday, July 28 through Sunday, August 4. As the liaison to the County’s Division of Economic Development, I am proud that we have created an event that will promote both our local businesses and our local farmers at no cost to them.

Restaurants participating in the Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week must feature at least one dish that is made with ingredients that have been grown in Monmouth County. There are no requirements for pricing or menu selection.

Those interested in participating in the first-ever Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week can sign-up by contacting the Monmouth County Division of Economic Development by phone at 732-431-7470 or by email at [email protected].

Lastly I want to remind everyone that the 45^th Annual Monmouth County Fair kicks off Wednesday, July 24^th and will run through Sunday, July 28^th! The Monmouth County Fair offers thrilling rides, live entertainment, pie eating contests, historic and garden tents and so much more! There is truly something for everyone so be sure to stop by for a fun filled day!

As always, it’s a privilege to serve as your Freeholder.