For Immediate Release:
February 27, 2009
Freeholders recognize Millstone youth
13-year-old is first to be recognized in county’s Call to Service initiative
FREEHOLD – Knowing supply was low and the demand was up, 13-year-old Jordan Davis of Millstone donated all of his birthday money to his school’s holiday food drive.
In recognition of that act of kindness, the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders presented Jordan with a proclamation in what is the Board’s first public recognition of those who selflessly and willingly come to the service of others, under the new Call to Service initiative.
“Jordan selflessly thought of others in need and acted to make a difference,” Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “Jordan’s actions touched me deeply and caused me to reflect on all the other good people in Monmouth County who are called to serve as well.
"Monmouth County’s Call to Service focuses on getting people involved in their communities,” McMorrow added. “Our goal is to develop an environment that will cultivate a community of leaders – people who want to make the county a better place and need only encouragement or the tools to take the first step. Jordan Davis is a model for all of us.”
McMorrow met Jordan during the 2008 holiday season when she assisted students at the Millstone Township Middle School with a food drive.
The Board of Chosen Freeholders also formalized the county’s efforts to promote citizen involvement on county boards and commissions. A resolution adopted last night
expands the information about the county’s boards and commissions available on the Monmouth County Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
“This is another step forward in Monmouth County’s journey toward good government,” McMorrow said. “We are building on last year’s call for citizens to participate on county boards and commissions. Our existing online application form allows Monmouth County residents to apply for positions on various boards and commissions. This provides us with a talent bank of interested residents who want to volunteer their time and share their expertise.”
Information on the Web site will include the purpose, statutory authority membership requirements, meeting dates, member names and terms of each county board or commission.
“Our Public Information office, in conjunction with the Clerk of the Board’s office, is compiling and verifying the information that will appear online soon,” McMorrow said.
“I have to thank my fellow freeholders for the efforts that we have made together the past several years on this path,” McMorrow said. “With Freeholder (Robert D.) Clifton, we enacted a far-reaching pay- to-play ban that includes a ban on the practice of wheeling. Then, in 2008, Freeholder (John) D’Amico took up the issue of open appointments.
“This year, our efforts are focused on recognizing good deeds while we educate citizens about the importance of being involved,” McMorrow said.
The county will recognize and promote ways that MonmouthCounty residents can become active citizens and make a difference in their communities and at the county level. Leadership forums to teach local residents about service opportunities and a Citizen Service Day on Sept. 17 is planned.
This effort joins a statewide effort and call to service led by the Citizens’ Campaign, a non-partisan organization that encourages innovative constructive government solutions and recruits and educates citizen leaders.
# # #