Artists recognized in statewide event FREEHOLD - Six Monmouth County residents came up winners in a statewide senior citizen art contest sponsored by the New Jersey Association of Area Agencies on Aging. According to a press release, Arnold Hirsch of Freehold Township, Michael Menendez of Freehold Township, Paul Pugliese of Long Branch, Ruth Slater of Marlboro, Stephen W. Slomko of Farmingdale, and Joan Wallace of Manasquan were recognized among the 212 entries in the professional and nonprofessional categories. Wallace was judged the overall Best in Show in the professional division. "I offer my heartfelt congratulations to these extremely talented, active adults with special kudos to Joan Wallace for her beautiful watercolor painting 'Faces in a Crowd,' " said Monmouth County Freeholder Robert D. Clifton, liaison to the Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Interment Affairs. The agency coordinates Monmouth County's entries each year. Fifteen winners from Monmouth County's Senior Citizen Juried Art Contest competed in the state competition. All were first-place winners in Monmouth County's Senior Juried Art Contest and Exhibition held earlier this summer. A reception recognizing all of the statewide winners was held in October at the Hunterdon County Complex, Flemington. The New Jersey Association of Area Agencies on Aging hosts the competition with the assistance of the 16 participating counties, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the New Jersey Foundation for Aging.