The December Township Committee meeting was brimming with accolades and good news. The governing body issued 10 oaths of office to police officers, two Life Saving Awards and one Distinguished Citizen Award. They also recognized two sports teams and an Eagle Scout, and accepted a special gift from Old First Church.
Police Officers
Five Monmouth County natives join the Middletown Police Department this holiday season. They are Police Officers Cynthia Reynolds, Ryan P. Pigott, Philip M. Paone, Timothy R. Walden, and Christopher Keller. The officers will attend the Monmouth County Police Academy in 2016.
Oaths of office were also issued to five Middletown residents who will be serving as Special Law Enforcement Officers II. They are Daniel Flannigan, Scott Lorenson, Anthony Mercantante, Ryan A. Bruno, and Scott A. Chenoweth.
Life Saving Awards
Life Saving Awards were presented to Fire Marshall Edward Skelly and Police Officer Nick Caprio for their roles in a water rescue that occurred on June 8, 2015, when a father and son capsized while kayaking in Raritan Bay in Port Monmouth in the area of the Dunes. They also received recognition from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.
Distinguished Citizen Award to Anthony Panzica
The Distinguished Citizen Award was presented to Anthony Panzica for his volunteer work in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, with Middletown 350, and his continuing efforts with the Volunteer Corps and at many community events. Panzica is a an inaugural member of the Volunteer Advisory Committee, serving today as president and as the body’s driving force.
Sports Champions
The governing body recognized the Middletown Soccer Club U13 Girls Team on winning the 2015 NJYSA President’s Cup. They will go on to represent New Jersey in the Regionals in Virginia in May 2016.
The Township Committee also congratulated the Middletown South Football Team on winning the 2015 NJSIAA North II Group IV Championship This is the first state championship for Middletown South since 2006 and the tenth in school history. The team outscored their opponents 450-89.
Little Library Project – Eagle Scout Christian DeSanctis
Eagle Scout Christian DeSanctis of Boy Scout Troop 32 was recognized for his literacy project. DeSanctis has installed “Little Free Library” kiosks at Town Hall, the Senior Center, Tonya Keller Community Center, Lincroft Village Green and the Middletown Arts Center for his Eagle Scout project. The kiosks are stocked with books by from the library and private donations.
Historic Document Presentation
Peter Ahern, Chairman of the Old First Church Board of Trustees and Elaine Lent, Church moderator and historian presented a framed copy of a document from 1777 to Mayor Stephanie C. Murray. The document, entitled Proposition The One, originates from church meeting notes where attendees made a decision to stand together and fight against the British. Old First Church, located on Kings Highway was founded in 1688, 24 years after Middletown was settled by the English in 1664.