WEST LONG BRANCH – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has proclaimed May as Older Americans Month and held its first annual senior celebration at a Spring Swing dance at Monmouth University yesterday.

 

"This month-long celebration recognizes that there are more than 114,000 Monmouth County residents aged 60 and older," said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, who is the liaison to the county's Office on Aging, Disability and Veterans' Interment. "They are united by history and strengthened by experience which enables them to bring wisdom and insight to our communities." 

 

More than 500 seniors attended the "sold-out" free event hosted by Monmouth University. The seniors enjoyed a lunch and danced to the sounds of the Colts Neck Swing Band and dance bands from three schools: Neptune High School, Manasquan High School and Monmouth Regional High School.    

 

"Our senior citizens give back to their communities by volunteering to help others," said Freeholder John D'Amico, who also attended the Spring Swing. "They teach young children to read, help those who are hospitalized and play an important and compassionate role in our county. Today's  event thanks them for their continued assistance in making our communities strong." 

 

"The Monmouth County community helps improve the quality of lives of older Americans by increasing their opportunities to remain active and engaged in community life," said Freeholder John P. Curley, who also attended the event. "It is important that we provide support systems to help seniors maintain their dignity, independence and self-determination." 

 

Throughout the month of May, the county's Office on Aging, Disability and Veterans' Interment will be promoting its many services for seniors. Some of the programs the division coordinates are issues related to Medicare Part D, Project Lifesaver, the Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program and a Durable Equipment Program. 

 

For more information about these and other programs for the county's senior population, contact the Monmouth County Office on Aging located at 21 Main Street and Court Center in Freehold, by telephone at 732-431-7450, or on the Web at www.visitmonmouth.com. 
 

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