Bayshore Middle School Participates in Annual Great Kindness Challenge

Mayor Tony Perry and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz started their week on a positive note by helping kick off The Great Kindness Challenge at Bayshore Middle School in Leonardo! The Great Kindness Challenge is a week long, global campaign that is dedicated to students performing as many kind deeds as possible based on a provided checklist. Some items on the checklist included dressing up for spirit days, "reporting your affection" by giving a friend a kind note (spearheaded by the school's newspaper club), and reducing single use plastic by bringing your own silverware or water bottle (spearheaded by the school's environmental club).

As leadership guests, Mayor Perry and Committeewoman Kratz spoke to the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade students about the importance of spreading kindness. They were both paired with student peer leaders who explained the campaign and showed them the program's different initiatives. Both Mayor Perry and Committeewoman Kratz were also proud to sign the school's "pledge to kindness" banner.

We applaud Bayshore Middle School for emphasizing the importance of kindness!

Middletown High School North Ice Hockey Team Wins Annual Mayor's Cup!

On Thursday night, Middletown Sports Complex was filled with community spirit as high schools North and South hockey teams competed for the annual Mayor's Cup. It was a tied game that went into overtime, but Middletown High School North ended up clinching the title for the fourth year in a row!

Cub Scout Pack 242 Learns About Voting and Community Involvement at Town Hall

On Tuesday evening, Cub Scout Pack 242 came to Town Hall to meet with Mayor Tony Perry! The fourth graders discussed majority and plurality voting as well as the importance of community leadership. In addition to learning from Mayor Perry, they also had the chance to present some of their own ideas, like creating a trail in Middletown. Mayor Perry was so happy to hear from these young leaders and can't wait to see all the good they will do!

New Episode of Minute with the Mayor Available Now

Watch Mayor Tony Perry's first Minute with the Mayor of the year as he congratulates two Monmouth United Soccer Club teams on their accomplishments, explains the benefits of our Volunteer Incentive Program, and discusses Normandy Park Rink and Waloo Park updates. 

Click HERE to watch the episode on YouTube.

Normandy Park Hockey Rink Renovation Expected to Begin Soon

We’re thrilled to invite the Middletown community to participate in shaping the future of Waloo Park, which is located on Main Street in Port Monmouth! We’ve selected four fantastic playground designs, and now it’s your turn to tell us which one you prefer.

As part of this exciting project, the playground’s location within the park is changing. The new playground will be placed slightly closer to Main Street than the former playground, and the old asphalt area will be removed. This change will leave the back part of the park as open green space — perfect for pick-up games, relaxation, and enjoying the outdoors!

Once the survey is complete, we’ll share the results. Our goal is to purchase the selected playground equipment by the end of March. If everything stays on track, construction could begin as early as July, with the new playground ready for use by this fall!

The last day to complete the survey is Friday, February 7^th, so don’t miss the chance to share your input!

Visit middletownnj.org/waloo for more information and to complete the survey.

Online Parking Permit System to Reopen TOMORROW (Saturday, 2/1)

Our online parking permit system is currently inaccessible due to an update. The site will reopen tomorrow, Saturday, February 1^st. Going forward, the Township Clerk's Office kindly asks you to continue to purchase your permits as a new permit (not a renewal). 

You can also visit middletownnj.org/parkingpermits to download a paper form. Thank you for your patience!

Renew Your Dog License TODAY (Friday, 1/31): Late Fees Begin TOMORROW (Saturday, 2/1)

Visit middletownnj.org/petlicensing for more information.

With dog license renewals currently taking place, Middletown Animal Control would like to remind residents about the benefits of licensing your dog!

Visit middletownnj.org/petlicensing for more information. Late fees begin on Saturday, February 1^st, so renew your dog license today!

Lead Service Line Replacement Program Canvassing to Begin in Middletown on Monday, 2/3

CDM Smith, on behalf of New Jersey American Water (NJAW), will be starting a door-to-door canvassing effort related to the Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP) in Middletown on Monday, February 3^rd. The canvassing and internal inspections will begin in Area 1 on the map above. The entire canvassing is expected to take place over the next few months.

All CDM Smith inspectors will wear co-branded (NJAW and CDM Smith) high visibility logo vests and will have NJAW-issued Contractor ID badges. Inspectors will introduce themselves and the program to property owners and will then ask to enter the home to inspect the water service where it enters into the home (typically in a basement or crawl space). 

The inspector will take exterior photos of the property and interior photographs of the service material and record the pipe material identified. Inspections generally take 15 minutes or less. At no time will residents be asked for money. Any customer that prefers not to have an internal inspection completed will be directed to alternatives to the inspections including self-reporting.

The Middletown Township Police Department is aware of the canvassing. If you have any questions about LSLRP, please email njawlead@cdmsmith.com and LeadFreeNJ@amwater.com. 

It may be winter, but summer will be here before you know it! If you're thinking about building an in-ground pool in time for this summer, the best time to start the permit process is NOW!

Stop by the Planning, Zoning & Community Development Office at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway) to meet with the Zoning Officer for a Development Permit Application. You will need a property survey that shows the proposed location of your pool and any other associated improvements such as a patio or cabana.

The initial zoning review takes about 7-10 days. Depending on the proposed improvements, a grading plan review or variance may be required. This process could take much longer, up to 3-6 months.

Please call Zoning at 732-615-2278 if you have any questions.

Connect with the Township to Help Correct Concerns

Middletown Township is now utilizing the “See-Click-Fix” platform so residents can easily contact the Township to report any concerns. The Township is branding this reporting tool as Connect & Correct since you can submit your request via the website and track its progress through completion.

Visit middletownnj.org and click on the Connect & Correct button. This link will direct you to a page of categories you can choose from to report your concern. Simply choose the relevant category from the list such as lost pet, pothole, sidewalks, playgrounds, etc. and add a brief description of the issue. You will be able to enter an address or pinpoint the location of the issue on the map. You will also have the option to attach a photo if you would like, and then you can click to submit the report.

You will then be able to track the status of the issue through updates on the platform or via email notifications.

In February, the Township will be launching the Connect & Correct app which should make it even easier to report your concerns on-the-go as well as streamline communications regarding any concerns you may have.

Middletown Health Department Encourages You to Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month!

Last Day to Pay Quarterly Taxes Without Interest is Monday, 2/10 by 4 PM

Click HERE for more information about how to pay taxes.

Save the Date for Free Presentation About NJ's Tax Relief Programs: Wednesday, 2/12 from 2-4 PM

Click HERE for more information about the presentation.

Middletown Recreation's After-School Science Club Begins in February: Register Now!

Join Middletown Recreation for its award-winning After-School Science Club where there's STEM activities to do, nature to explore, and fun to be had! Each week has a different topic and will include an outdoor hike (weather permitting). This winter's theme is Space Explorers. 

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Join Middletown PBA Local 124 and Hazlet PBA 189 at Annual Climb With A Cop Fundraiser TOMORROW (Saturday, 2/1)

Middletown PBA Local 124 is partnering with Hazlet PBA 189 to host the annual Climb with a Cop fundraiser on Saturday, February 1^st. The event will take place at Gravity Vault (37 Kanes Lane) from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of New Jersey (SONJ). We hope to see you there!

Middletown VAC Encourages Community to Attend Annual Four Chaplains Service on Sunday, 2/2 at 2 PM

The Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee (VAC) invites residents to attend VFW Post 2179's annual Four Chaplains Service. It will take place at the Post (1 Veterans Lane, Port Monmouth) on Sunday, February 2^nd from 2-3 PM.

The Four Chaplains Service is held annually to commemorate the selfless acts of valor of the four chaplains who perished on the U.S.A.T. Dorchester in 1943. 

The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation exists to further the cause of “unity without uniformity” by encouraging goodwill and cooperation among all people. 

Sign Up for Middletown Recreation's Maple Sugaring Programs Happening Saturdays, 2/8 and 2/22

Bring your scout group to Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) to learn how to collect sap, identify maples and other trees in the winter, and how boiling increases solution concentrations to create syrup! 

Click HERE for more information. 

Attend Middletown Preschool's Open House on Tuesday, 2/11 from 5-7 PM

Visit Middletown Preschool (50 Bray Avenue) on Tuesday, February 11^th from 5-7 PM to see if it’s a good fit for your little one! Take a tour, meet our teachers, and get more information about sending your child to preschool. Please RSVP by emailing recreation@middletownnj.org.

Click HERE to learn more about Middletown Preschool.

Listen to Live Music at the MAC's Monthly Music Cafe on Sunday, 2/2 from 4-6 PM

Join the Middletown Arts Center (MAC) for its monthly music showcase featuring singer-songwriters Dan Toye, Gwynne Alden, Kevin Liebkemann, and Patrick Bamburak. The concert will take place inside the MAC's theater (36 Church Street). The event is free with a suggested donation of $5.

Click HERE for more information about the concert and click HERE to donate.

Play Games at MTPL's Tween Game Night on Tuesday, 2/4 from 7-8 PM

Calling all tweens! Bring a friend or make a friend at the Middletown Township Public Library's (MTPL) Tween Game Night on Tuesday, February 4^th! Come to the MTPL's Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road) to play games like Trivia, Bingo, Pictionary, HeadsUp, and more. This free program is for kids between the ages of 9-12. Registration is required.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Design Greeting Cards for Senior Citizens at the MTPL on Wednesday, 2/5 from 3-5 PM

Teens, stop by the MTPL's Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road) to make greeting cards for local senior citizens in Middletown! Volunteer hours will be offered for each card. There is a limit of five cards for a total of five hours, and volunteers must be between 12-18 years old. Registration is NOT required.

• Church Street in Belford (near Saint Mary School) will be closed between Leonardville Road and Drift Road beginning Monday, February 3^rd to replace Bridge MT-10. It will be closed 24/7 to vehicular traffic through October, but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the course of the project.
• As of Monday, January 13^th, Broadway is closed between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) due to construction of the final phase of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Port Monmouth Flood Control Project. Broadway will be closed for approximately 2 years. Detours were posted. Port Monmouth Road between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) reopened on Monday, January 13^th, providing an alternate detour route for the Broadway closure.
• As part of the replacement of a bridge structure, Whipporwill Valley Road will be closed to traffic for a period of 90 consecutive calendar days. The project began on Monday, December 2^nd and a detour will be in place during the closing period. The bridge area at Whipporwill Valley Road will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the allowed closing period. Vehicular and pedestrian access to all residences and businesses within the project limits will be maintained during construction.

Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates 

How to Protect Your Pipes During the Colder Months

Now that it is officially winter, we encourage you to take some preventative measures to avoid frozen pipes! In the graphic above, New Jersey American Water provides some helpful tips.

In addition to avoiding frozen pipes, it is also important to keep in mind that you should not pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain. You should dispose of them in the trash instead. This tip should be practiced year-round, but is especially relevant during the holiday season when family and friends tend to be gathering together for meals more often. 

Click HERE to watch a video about unwelcome holiday guests – fats, oils, and grease!

Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms with Flood Insurance and Precautionary Steps

Middletown Floodplain Management encourages residents to purchase flood insurance and winterize their homes by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. 

Remember to clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or neighboring structure during or following a storm. Keep pathways and driveways clear between storms to avoid buildup of snow piles and icing. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

Apply Now for Township's Free Tutoring Program for Income-Eligible Households

Middletown Township is offering free tutoring services through the Next Generation Support Program to students from income-eligible households who have fallen behind academically due to the pandemic. The program has begun, but the Township is still accepting applications.

Visit middletownnj.org/ngsp for more information and to apply.

Click HERE to access hi-res photos from this

e-newsletter. 

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