Middletown Minutes

Middletown Remembers 22nd Anniversary of 9/11 with Silent Memorial Service

Photo of 9/11 ceremony
Middletown PBA Local 124 9/11 5K

Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz was honored to attend Middletown PBA Local 124's annual 9/11 5K. (Photo courtesy of Port Monmouth Fire Company)

Mount Mitchill 9/11 Memorial

Mayor Tony Perry, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and MTPD Chief R. Craig Weber attended Monmouth County's annual 9/11 ceremony at Mount Mitchill on the morning of 9/11. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Perry)

Photo of Sunrise Senior Living's 9/11 Memorial Service

On the eve of 9/11's anniversary, Mayor Tony Perry, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and Lincroft Fire Company members attended Sunrise Senior Living's memorial service in Lincroft. (Photo courtesy of Trace Nimon)

On Monday, September 11th, Middletown Township held a silent memorial service at the Middletown World Trade Center Memorial Gardens to honor the 37 residents we lost 22 years ago. Once the thunderstorms passed, hundreds of people, including 9/11 victims' loved ones, Township Committee members, local dignitaries, first responders, veterans, and community members, lit candles and walked through the Gardens after a wreath tribute and a bell tolled 37 times in memory of each resident whose life was taken. 

Nothing could dampen the patriotism and unity felt that evening.

Click HERE to view photos and videos from the tribute.

Watch a Video Recap of Town Hall's Grand Opening!

Screenshot from video of the ribbon cutting

Missed our grand opening that took place in July? Good news – you can now catch highlights from the event on YouTube and our TV channel (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20).

Click HERE to watch the video created by Cine Selector, a local production company.

Township Logo

Township Committee to Host Meeting on Monday, 9/18 at 7 PM


The Middletown Township Committee Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, September 18th at 7:00 PM in the courtroom at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). The meeting is open to the public. 

The meeting will also be made available to watch or listen to by visiting www.middletownnj.org/tcmeeting. If prompted, please enter your name and email address to join. To call in to the meeting, dial 1-408-418-9388. The event access code is 2342 030 8448 followed by #. Enter 2023 if a passcode is required. 

Prior to the Township Committee Meeting, the event link will be published on the Township’s Facebook page. The recording of the meeting will be aired on the Township’s TV channel (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20) and YouTube channel. 

Click HERE for more information and to see the agenda.

Skatepark in Leonardo Nears Completion

Aerial shot of Kunkel Skatepark

Drone photo courtesy of MTPD Detective Albert D. Scott

Get ready to break out your skateboards and hit the new Kunkel Skatepark in Leonardo soon!

While some perimeter site work remains, all interior skate components have been constructed. Ramps, jumps, curbs, and rails have been installed in the center of the park and will soon be ready for flips and tricks! Fences, signs, and shade structures are currently being installed. The parking lot and park perimeter will be paved over the next two weeks to complete the project.

While it may look appealing to use the skatepark now, it is currently closed and not safe to use since it is an active construction site. Anyone accessing the area for any reason will be considered trespassing so do not enter. 

A grand opening is planned for early October.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nourishes Beach in Port Monmouth with Dredged Material 

Photo of the sand at Port Monmouth Beach

Photo courtesy of Frank Gioia

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been winding down their "beneficial reuse" beach operation in Port Monmouth this week. Clean sand dredged from the nearby navigation channel has been placed along the bayfront expanding the size of the beach from Pews Creek to Compton Creek. 

The beneficial reuse program not only saves money by reducing the cost of shipping dredged material to an offshore storage location, but it also fortifies the shoreline and expands the recreational areas.  

Click HERE to watch a brief video clip by Middletown OEM Operations Chief Charlie Ehret.

September is Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month where we emphasize the importance of being ready when disaster strikes. Together we can weather any storm!

Be in the know by following these important tips:

  • Register for Nixle, theTownship’s emergency notifications system. Once registered, you will receive alerts about traffic detours, criminal activities, missing persons, and more. Text MiddletownNJ to 888-777 or visit www.middletownnj.org/nixle to register.
  • Residents with disabilities should register with NJ Register Ready.
  • Know the flood-prone streets and coastal evacuation routes.

All Monmouth County Emergency Management operations can be found here. You can also read Middletown-specific information from our Office of Emergency Management at www.middletownnj.org/oem.

Join Us for the Middletown Day Festival & Car Show Next Weekend on Saturday, 9/23 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Middletown Day

Middletown Day returns to the Great Lawn at Croydon Hall next weekend on Saturday, September 23rd! 

Join us as a business, vendor, sponsor, or car show participant as we come together as a community to celebrate all that makes Middletown so exceptional. 

Visit www.middletownnj.org/middletownday for more information.

Middletown Historical Society Unveils Painting at MTPL

Group photo from painting unveiling

Pictured from left: Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq., artist Steve Schreiber, Monmouth Timeline Inc. Editor John Barrows, and Township Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz (Photo courtesy of MTPL)

This morning, the Middletown Township Historical Society unveiled a painting at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL). The painting, The Middletown Militia Secures their Prize, will be displayed in the library's new History Room once renovations are complete.

Artist Steve Schreiber was also present, along with Middletown Township Historical Society trustees and members, elected officials, media outlets, and community members. Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz was thrilled to be there for the big reveal!

If you are interested in looking at more items from the Middletown Township Historical Society's collection, feel free to visit their exhibit at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway) during regular business hours.

School's Out MAC Day Camp

Register for MAC's School's Out Day Camp Happening on Monday, 9/25


The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) will be opening its School's Out Day Camp on Monday, September 25th! The MAC offers full and half-day camp programming for elementary school students when Middletown's public school district is closed. Young students are invited to fill their days off from school with crafting, doodling, and more creative activities with Miss Fish, the Doodle Dude, and friends!
     
There are morning, afternoon, and full-day sessions. A half-day costs $38 and a full-day costs $75. Children may be dropped off at the MAC Annex, which is located at the Middletown Reformed Church (121 Kings Highway), any time after 8:30 AM and must be picked up by 3:30 PM.

Click HERE for more information about the program and to register.

Donate to Middletown's Back to School Supply Drive by Tuesday, 9/26

Back to School Supply Drive

Middletown Recreation, Middletown Social Services, Middletown Cub Scout packs, and Memorial Sloan Kettering are collecting school supplies for residents in need.

Please consider donating and helping students get off to a great start. 

Click HERE to view our list of supplies and drop-off locations.

Register for MAC's Fall Classes!

MAC Fall 2023 Classes

Registration for the Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) Fall 2023 classes has officially opened. Pick up a new hobby and check out all the wonderful programs they're offering!

Click HERE to view the youth classes and click HERE to view the adult ones.

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month: Get Yours at the MTPL Today! 

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month

The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) is encouraging all Middletown residents, students, and business owners to sign up for a library card. There will be a free prize given to everyone who comes to the MTPL (55 New Monmouth Road) during the month of September and signs up for one.

Visit www.mtpl.org to see all the great resources and programs the MTPL offers!

MTPL's "Fall Into Wellness" September Series Continues with Two Final Programs This Upcoming Week!

Fall into Wellness MTPL

The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) invites the community to attend its September series of virtual and in-person wellness programs that aim to provide adults with tools and tips to help them thrive this autumn. MTPL’s Wellness Series programs are free and open to all who wish to attend.

Want to learn tips on how to live a happier and healthier life? Attend The Positive Psychology Diet program on Monday, September 18th at 7 PM for an informative presentation where you will discuss how to implement positive changes for 21 consecutive days and ultimately create a positive life habit. This great program will take place in the MTPL's Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road). Registration is recommended, but not required. Click HERE for more information and to register.

With cold and flu season right around the corner, it's important to learn how to stay healthy! Join the MTPL via Zoom on Wednesday, September 20th at 1:30 PM for the Optimizing Immunity program where Jill Patterson, RDN, will share strategies to boost your immune system through an informative and interactive workshop. Click HERE for more information and to register.

Click HERE to read the MTPL's press release for more information.

Report Your Missed Trash, Recycling, or Bulk Collection to DPW

Missed Garbage, Recycling, or Bulk Pickup

We encourage you to complete a form at www.middletownnj.org/missedpickup if your trash, recycling, or bulk was not collected. 

Please call DPW at 732-615-2090 if you have any questions.

Click HERE to complete DPW's form. 

Upcoming Events

Learn All About Trade School with Brookdale Community College at the MTPL on Tuesday, 9/19 at 7 PM

MTPL Trade School Information Session

Interested in pursuing careers in Culinary, Bathroom Design, Horticulture, Auto Tech, Construction Management, and Commercial Driving – or want to receive a certificate in Health Science? Join Brookdale Community College at the MTPL to learn how to apply to trade school and what to expect in each program!

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Register for the Mayor's Challenge 5K + 1 Mile Fun Run Happening on Sunday, 10/15

Mayor's Challenge

Exercise for a great cause at the annual Mayor’s Challenge 5K + 1 Mile Fun Run! Race the trails of Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) to compete for an awesome prize while raising money for RallyCap Sports, a nonprofit that brings recreational opportunities to children and young adults with special needs while also providing life-changing volunteer opportunities. Long sleeve t-shirts will be given to the first 150 participants! 

Sign up today at www.middletownnj.org/5K.

Traffic Safety and Detours
  • Monmouth County is performing road maintenance to County Route 12A (Navesink River Road) near Browns Dock Road. As of Tuesday, September 12th, the eastbound lane of Navesink River Road is closed. The westbound lane remains open. Police officers are alternating the flow of traffic to allow for both directions of traffic to safely drive through the work zone. Beginning on Monday, September 18th, both lanes of traffic will be closed for five days.
  • Oak Hill Road at the NJ Transit railroad crossing is currently closed and is expected to reopen by the end of the day on Friday, September 22nd. 
Resources

Middletown Social Services Currently Not Accepting Any Donations

Middletown Social Services is currently not accepting any donations.
FHA 203(k) Loan

Tap into Federal Housing Administration’s 203(k) Program to Help Rehab or Renovate Your Home  


If you want to finance the purchase of a home that needs rehabilitation or finance improvements to your current home, the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program (203(k) Program) may be the right choice for you. This program is available through FHA-approved lenders and allows homebuyers to finance the purchase of a home or homeowners to refinance a current mortgage, combining the cost of renovations, repairs, or remodeling into a single loan. 

The program permits homebuyers and homeowners to have home repair improvements incorporated into their mortgage. This way you can quickly and easily tap into cash to pay for property repairs or improvements, such as those identified by a home inspector or an FHA appraiser. Those who are buying a home can make it move-in ready by remodeling the kitchen, painting the interior, or purchasing new carpet. Homeowners can make property repairs, improvements, or prepare their home for sale. The 203(k) Program is also often used to rebuild or repair after a natural disaster such as a flood or hurricane. It is also available to HUD-approved non-profit organizations and government agencies.

 For more information and resources, check out this pamphlet.

Help Stomp Out the Spotted Lanternfly

Lifecycle of the spotted lanternfly

You have probably noticed Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), an invasive planthopper native to China, India, and Vietnam, everywhere you turn. Starting in September, SLF will lay eggs and die out by October or November (see lifecycle chart above). 

This insect is an invasive pest that has the potential to greatly impact agricultural crops and hardwood trees. They feed on the plant sap of many different plants including grapevines, maples, black walnut, and other important plants in New Jersey. While it does not harm humans or animals, it can reduce the quality of life for people living in heavily-infested areas.

As SLF feeds, the insect excretes honeydew (a sugary substance) which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects. The honeydew also builds up and promotes the growth for sooty mold (fungi), which can cover the plant, forest understories, patio furniture, cars, and more.

If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, help us Stomp it Out!

Become a Monmouth County Poll Worker for the November General Election

Become a Monmouth County Poll Worker! Call 732-431-7802 x7150 for information.

To qualify, you must be a registered voter in Monmouth County and attend a poll worker training class. You will be paid $300 for working a Primary Election or a General Election. Call the Monmouth County Board of Elections at 732-431-7802 x7150 to register for a training class.

Click HERE to complete the application.

Click HERE to access hi-res photos from this

e-newsletter. 

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1 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748

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