The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, has announced the postponement of all of its public programming through the end of April due to the COVID-19/coronavirus outbreak.
According to a press release, programs that will be rescheduled include “Molly Picon: A Yiddish Gem,” a talk by Rabbi Michael Klein about “The Jews of the Wild West,” a workshop entitled “Spring into the Marriage and Relationships of Your Dreams,” the documentary film “Shalom Bollywood,” a talk by local resident William Agress about “Growing Up Jewish in Rural New Jersey” and a talk by Monmouth County artist Leora Asa, “A Living Artist and Her Work.”
Anyone who holds prepaid reservations for these programs is entitled to a refund. For more information, call 732-252-6990 or visit www.jhmomc.org.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe has announced that during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, members public may still access state parks, forests, recreation areas and Wildlife Management Areas, including roads, parking areas, trails, lakes and other open space areas for healthful passive recreation.
According to a press release, campgrounds, visitor centers, nature centers, restrooms and similar facilities at state parks, forests, recreation areas, Wildlife Management Areas and historic sites are closed until further notice to protect public health and safety as the state works to address COVID-19.
Entry fees normally collected by state parks will be waived during this time. Additionally, permits typically required, including but not limited to mobile sport fishing permits (i.e., beach buggy permits) are still necessary, according to the press release.
“Keeping state-owned open spaces available to the public is important so people can continue to enjoy the healthful benefits of recreation and being outdoors,” McCabe said. “We advise the public to practice social distancing while enjoying our open spaces.”
Staff and law enforcement personnel will continue to conduct routine patrols of open spaces to ensure public safety and general well-being of the visiting public, according to the press release.
The DEP is postponing all upcoming events, programming and camping reservations in state parks and Wildlife Management Areas through April 30. Refunds will be issued and events rescheduled at the appropriate time. For updates, visit www.njparksandforests.org
News updates and information regarding Monmouth County events and programs affected by the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com
As of March 14, all Monmouth County library branches and the Monmouth County Park System buildings closed to the public. County golf courses and park spaces remain open.
As of March 16, public access is restricted from all buildings with the exception of the Monmouth County Division of Social Services (MCDSS).
For MCDSS, protections have been put into place to ensure there is no physical contact between Monmouth County employees and the residents seeking services, according to a press release.
All Monmouth County employees are available to residents by phone and by email.
Crisis counselors from the Monmouth County Division of Behavioral Health are available through phone banks to help residents who may be experiencing stress or anxiety due to the evolving situation. The counselors will provide county residents with guidance to help them through this challenging time, according to the press release.
The Monmouth County Health Department phone bank is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and may be reached at 732-845-2070.
Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon has created a central webpage for official government notifications relating to closures, curfews and updates about government operations in Monmouth County due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.
This page will help county residents navigate the days ahead with up-to-date news and information from the municipal, county and state levels of government, according to a press release.
“Knowledge is power and making sure all county residents are provided with correct
information will go a long way in avoiding panic and confusion,” Hanlon said.
“Because we have 53 municipalities in Monmouth County, as well as several
government entities at the county level, this page will offer a central location for
residents to find out critical information. We will continue to update the webpage as circumstances change and as more information becomes available,” Hanlon said.
The COVID-19 Government Operations webpage can be accessed by visiting
MonmouthCountyClerk.com or using the direct link at
MonmouthCountyClerk.com/coronavirus-covid-19-public-notices/
For additional information, email [email protected]