Middletown Disburses $422,500 in COVID-19 Relief Grants to 29 Small Businesses and Non-Profits
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 Mayor Tony Perry, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell and Committeewoman Pat Snell presented No Limits Cafe Founder Stephanie Cartier and her wonderful staff members with a ceremonial check for $15K at the restaurant on Tuesday, February 9. "We are very grateful to Middletown for supporting No Limits Cafe," said Cartier. "We opened 2.5 weeks prior to the pandemic so we were hit hard. This $15,000 will allow us to continue giving our employees with intellectual disabilities meaningful employment. We love our Middletown Community!"
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The Middletown Township Committee ceremoniously presented 8 small businesses with a check for $15,000 on Tuesday, February 9th through the Middletown Economic Relief Program (MERP): All Natural Dry Cleaners, Code Ninjas, Greens & Grains, Middletown Pancake House, Monmouth Museum, No Limits Cafe, Rock’n Music Academy, and Zeek’s Tees.
MERP funding was officially approved at the Tuesday, February 16th Township Committee meeting where it was announced that 29 small businesses and non-profit organizations across town will be awarded $422,500 through this initiative. Of the 29 small businesses that applied, 26 were awarded $15,000, and the other three were awarded $10,000, $10,500, and $12,500 since that is the amount the business owner requested. The relief program was launched in October 2020 to help provide financial assistance to eligible small businesses and non-profit organizations in the municipality that have been affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
“During this challenging environment, we are very excited to be able to provide some financial assistance to our dedicated and hard-working small business owners who continue to serve our community as well as employ locally,” said Mayor Tony Perry who also serves on the board of the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce. “Business owners will have this money in their hands before the end of the month and we hope that it will not only enable them to stay afloat, but also thrive as COVID restrictions ease up.”
Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell is a business owner and understands first-hand the financial burden this pandemic has had on community. “This is one way we are able to give back to our small business owners who have been putting their heart and soul into trying to adapt to the continuous blows COVID has dealt.”
Click HERE to read about how some small business owners plan to use the MERP funds.
Click HERE to view photos from the event.
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PLEASE CONSIDER PURCHASING A PERSONALIZED BRICK TO SUPPORT THE TOWNSHIP'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL GARDENS FUND
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As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Middletown WTC Memorial Gardens Committee is raising funds to add a fountain called “The Rise of Hope” that will be erected near the end of the memorial pathway, giving a quiet space to pause and reflect.
They will also be installing two additional monuments that will be dedicated to the heroism and patriotism of our military and first responders, as well as memorialize our first responders lost from 9/11 illnesses. Please consider purchasing a personalized brick with your family name or a message that will be placed along the new walkway to enter the Memorial Gardens.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR BRICK.
If would like to contribute to this 501(c)(3), donations can be sent via PayPal to MiddletownWTC@gmail.com. You can also mail a check made payable to Middletown WTC Memorial Gardens Fund, c/o Mayor’s Office, Middletown Municipal Building, 1 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748.
For more information, please call 732-615-2287.
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DPW Offers Recycling Education Tours for Local Groups: Book Yours Now!
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The Middletown Recycling Division offers COVID-friendly outdoor recycling educational tours of the Middletown Recycling Center (52 Kanes Lane) to local groups.
This week, the Recycling Division hosted Cub Scouts Lion/Tigers Pack 142. These Kindergarten and first grade students had a lot of fun and learned how to "recycle right" in Middletown!
If you are interested in participating in an educational tour, please contact Amy Sarrinikolaou, Division Head Recycling and Clean Communities, at 732-615-2040 Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
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Mayor Perry Celebrates Great Kindness Challenge Month with Ocean Avenue Elementary School Students
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Mayor Tony Perry recently addressed the students of Ocean Avenue Elementary School to thank them for encouraging our community to come together and participate alongside students and staff in The Great Kindness Challenge during the month of February.
Mayor Perry and the Township Committee officially proclaimed February 2021 "The Great Kindness Challenge Month" to inspire everyone in Middletown and beyond to unite in the spirit of kindness and respect.
Click HERE to watch the video.
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Watch the Tuesday, February 16th Township Committee Meeting on Middletown's YouTube or TV Channels
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Click HERE to watch the meeting on the Township's YouTube Channel or catch it on our TV channel (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20) every night at 5:00 PM and 8:30 PM through Friday, March 5th.
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Garbage & Bulk Collection Weather Update
Due to safety concerns, today's garbage and bulk collection in the South Zone was rescheduled. There will be double garbage pickups in the North Zone (Monday, 2/22) and the South Zone (Tuesday, 2/23). Residents may leave up to 3 additional closed garbage bags next to the cart. Please do not block the cart with the bags. Bulk collection scheduled for Friday, 2/19 in the South Zone will now be a double pickup on Friday, 3/5 where residents can leave up to 8 items curbside.
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Car Seat Install & Safety Checkpoint: Wednesday, 2/24 2-6 PM Old Village Fire Company (1340 Hwy 35, Middletown)
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Residents are welcome to come to this FREE Car Seat Safety Checkpoint hosted by the MTPD to ensure your child is in the right car seat and that it is installed correctly. We ask that adults wear face masks. Questions? Call 732-615-2046.
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Join in the Middletown Senior Center Fun!
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Middletown Recreation's Collecting Maple Sap Hike Rescheduled for Thurs. 2/25!
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 *The Collecting Maple Sap event from 2/18 was postponed to Thursday, 2/25 due to inclement weather.*
Get out and stretch your legs! Great for all ages. Each week a new topic will be discussed along the trails at Poricy Park. Join us this week to learn where maple syrup comes from and check in on this season's "harvest." Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome if space permits (no cash accepted). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Rain or shine, dress for the weather.
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THE MTPL PRESENTS: An Interview with Nathaniel Philbrick, Author of National Book Award Winner, In the Heart of the Sea Submit your interview questions by today, 2/19!
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THE MAC PRESENTS: BIG READ Ocean-Themed Art Contest Entry deadline: March 15th
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FOR STUDENTS GRADES 6–8 AND 9–12
The exhibition is inspired by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant book pick, In the Heart of the Sea, by Nathaniel Philbrick.
Entry Deadline: March 15 | Exhibition Dates: March 22 – April 30
All work submitted will be part of a virtual exhibit and future window exhibit at the Middletown Arts Center. One student from each of the two categories (Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12) will be chosen to receive a $50 gift certificate donated by the Friends of the Library. For more information, please email artscenter@middletownnj.org.
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Middletown Social Services Encourages Residents to Lend a Hand This Easter Holiday
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2021 Dog Licensing Information PLEASE NOTE: Dog license renewals have been extended through the month of February. Late fees will not be incurred until March 1st.
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Due to COVID-19, in-person dog licensing for 2021 is being done at the Health Department (180 Main Street, Port Monmouth) this month by ONLINE APPOINTMENT ONLY.Click HERE to access the online pet licensing portal.
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COVID Testing at Train Station Sundays, Mondays & Fridays
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COVID-19 Vaccination Advisory: Appointments Can Only Be Scheduled Through County/State
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If you are looking to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination in Middletown, you need to register for an appointment via Monmouth County and/or the State. Offices in the Township do not make appointments for vaccinations.
Please CLICK HERE to access important links to County and State information.
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COVID Vaccine Eligibility Information
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If you are eligible to receive a vaccine, there are generally three ways to get vaccinated:You can pre-register for the vaccine on the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System. This online portal enables prioritized groups of individuals, and eventually the general public, to find a vaccination site, pre-register, and schedule an appointment when one is available. Click here to to visit the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System. Select healthcare facilities, including many hospitals, are offering vaccines to directly to their employees and volunteers. If you work at one of the facilities, you can contact your employer to learn if the vaccine is available to you.
If you don't qualify for a vaccine at this time, register on the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System and they will notify you when the vaccine is available for you.
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Municipal Offices Open to Public By Appointment Only
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To help ensure the safety of visitors and employees, municipal offices are now open to the public by appointment only. The only exception is for in-person tax payments at the Tax Collector's Office.
Employees and visitors must wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. If you would like to schedule an appointment, you can reach the various departments at the phone numbers listed HERE.
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Click HERE to access hi-res photos from this e-newsletter.
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Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20
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