The Mayor and Township Committee issued several proclamations at the Monday night meeting to commend outstanding residents, encourage support for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and to highlight Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Older Americans Month Honorees

In celebration of Older Americans Month, the Mayor and Township Committee issued commendations to three Joseph O’Brien, Isabel Cuccinelli and Sgt Michael Shaffery for their contributions to the Middletown Senior Center.

Joseph O’Brien has been a devoted and loyal member of the Middletown Senior Center since 2007. Joe, who is well-known for his sunny disposition, has been an invaluable asset to the Senior Center since his first visit. He is a dedicated volunteer ready to help staff and fellow members during every season of the year. He serves as a dance partner for the ladies at Senior Center Dances, cooks at the Summer Picnic, volunteers at Middletown Day and helps decorate the Christmas tree. Joe also donates his time to help distribute free bread each week.

Isabel Cuccinelli has been a devoted and loyal member of the Middletown Senior Center since 2007. From the moment Isabel arrives at the Center, she offers her services to staff and members. Senior Center staff can always count on her to be that extra pair of helping hands needed at special events and parties. They can count on Isabel to take care of “the little things” such as folding newsletters and washing coffee pots without being asked. Isabel is an ardent supporter of Senior Center programs and a member of the Advisory Council. She also volunteers to help prepare for and sell items at the Granny’s Attic sale on Middletown Day.

Middletown Police Sgt. Michael Shaffery serves as the community liaison between the Middletown Senior Center and the Police Department. Sgt. Shaffery, well-known for his patience and friendly demeanor, consistently presents informative programs to our seniors about important topics such home improvement scams and burglary prevention. He is an outstanding officer always willing to go that extra mile. After learning that the annual Monmouth County TRIAD Conference was canceled last year, he organized a mini-conference at the Senior Center to ensure our members would not miss any news about important safety programs. The successful mini-conference focused on the nationwide issues of pedestrian safety, driving safety and fire prevention.

The Relay for Life Days were proclaimed as June 18 and June 19, 2010 in Middletown by the Township Committee in support the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life held at Mater Dei High School.

Relay For Life is a community event that celebrates survivors, remembers those who have lost their battle with cancer and unites our community to fight against a disease that has taken too much from too many. Because cancer never sleeps, Relay For Life teams spend the night camping out, enjoying music and engaging in family activities together while team members walk around a track relay-style for the duration of this event.

One important aspect of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those who have won their battle. One of the most moving parts of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony. The night is brightened by the glow of illuminated bags called Luminaria, each bearing the name of someone who has battled cancer. Some celebrate cancer survivors, while others help us honor and remember those gone too soon. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor. Luminaria Bags are available at Middletown Town Hall, the American Cancer Society’s Shrewsbury Office at 801 Broad Street and at the event. The suggested donation is $5 for each Luminaria. For questions regarding the event or to register visit www.relayforlife.org/middletownnnj or call 1-800-227-2345.

Hurricane Preparedness Week
Register for Alerts at www.middletownnj.org
The Mayor and Township Committee have proclaimed May 23-29, 2010 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Middletown Township. National Hurricane Preparedness Week highlights the vital importance of being prepared when natural disasters strike. Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. Forecasters are predicting near average activity this season with 18 named storms and 8 hurricanes. Hurricanes can cause destruction over entire regions and claim many lives.

By working together as a community Middletown can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from a hurricane. Middletown Emergency Management works with township, county and state agencies and first responder organizations to develop emergency operation plans that address response to hurricanes and other community hazards, said OEM Coordinator Charles W. Rogers III.

Residents can do their part by preparing themselves and their families for emergencies. Residents should maintain emergency supply kits, family communication plans and evacuation plans. Residents should also register with the Middletown Township Citizen Communication Center at
www.middletownnj.org in order to receive important alerts via e-mail and cell phone text messages about local emergencies. Alerts are issued for occurrences such as hurricanes and other severe weather, utility outages and road closures, Rogers said.