To the editor:
The Arc of Somerset County would like to express its gratitude to the local fire and police departments, first responders, and township officials that worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of Somerset County residents both before and after Hurricane Irene. We found the officials to be not only responsive and informative, but also patient and positive in spite of the damage and destruction from the storm.
The Arc of Somerset County provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and has group homes and apartments across the entire county, including several in Manville. Residents in those programs would have been far more negatively affected by the storm had it not been for the Manville fire and police departments that assisted with everything from evacuation to pumping water out of flooded basements in the aftermath of Irene. Local officials in Manville and all over Somerset County were both responsive and focused on meeting the needs of county residents.
We are thankful to have such a dedicated network of support in our county, and hope that residents, businesses, and organizations hit hardest by this terrible storm are able to recover soon.
Lauren Panarella
Executive Director
Arc of Somerset County
Manville
