Middletown Township Puts Open Space Dollars to Work to Save Mater Dei Property
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Click HERE to read our press release for more information. Click HERE to watch Mayor Tony Perry's video announcement.
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Mayor Tony Perry Receives 2025 Award for Outstanding Contributions to the History of Middletown
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 Photo courtesy of the MTPL
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On Tuesday evening, the Middletown Township Historical Society (MTHS) presented Mayor Tony Perry with its 2025 Award for Outstanding Contributions to the History of Middletown. The award ceremony was hosted at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL), where the MTHS also held a brief meeting and premiered its latest Middletown Memories video about former Middletown Township Police Chief Robert Letts. Mayor Perry was honored to accept the award, meet the former police chief, and talk about the importance of preserving Middletown's rich heritage.
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Community Comes Together for 6th Annual Polar Plunge to Freeze Addiction in Honor of Resident Dillon Rahim
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 Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz was honored to support Middletown resident Gina Rahim at this important event.
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On Sunday morning, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz was humbled to attend the Tigger Stavola Foundation's 6th Annual Polar Plunge to Freeze Addiction. The local nonprofit focuses on drug prevention and education and dedicated this year's event to late Middletown resident Dillon Rahim. Dillon was 25 years old when he passed away from fentanyl poisoning on April 22, 2023. He moved to Middletown when he was 2 years old. As a longtime resident, one of his favorite pastimes was watching the sunrise at Sandy Hook and hiking the trails in that area. Dillon also loved to travel, play sports and video games, and discuss topics like religion and history. Despite his personal struggles, he always checked up on his loved ones and offered his support. Every day, 300 lives are lost to fentanyl poisoning — a staggering and heartbreaking number that demands attention and action. Together, we can make a difference. Want to get involved? Please consider joining the Middletown Alliance, a community-based volunteer organization that works to prevent substance use disorders, underage drinking, vaping, and other at-risk behaviors through education and awareness. The Alliance also aims to eliminate the stigma of mental health and substance use disorders through the events and programs they implement. Members of the Alliance are stakeholders in our community — parents, law enforcement, Township Committee members, Board of Education members, school administration representatives, educators, counselors, and concerned citizens. The Alliance meets on the third Saturday of every other month from 8:30-9:30 AM in the Training Room at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). The next meeting is on Saturday, May 17th. Thank you to the hundreds of community members who came together at the polar plunge to raise awareness and support this vital cause. Please visit middletownnj.org/middletownalliance for additional information and ways to get involved. Click HERE to read more about Dillon's story.
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Wonder Celebrates Grand Opening
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 Mayor Tony Perry, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, Committeeman Kevin Settembrino, and Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber were thrilled to attend the grand opening where they got to meet some employees and tour the restaurant.
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On Thursday afternoon, Wonder (1405 NJ-35) hosted its official ribbon cutting! This one-stop food hall has a variety of cuisines from renowned chefs and 20+ iconic restaurants. Patrons have the option to either order the food for delivery or take out, as well as dine in. The restaurant and delivery service is a 'wonder-ful' way to satisfy everyone's palate. Please join us in welcoming Wonder to Middletown! Click HERE for more information and to order.
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Welcome to Middletown, Wolf Fine Jewelers!
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 Mayor Tony Perry, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and Committeeman Kevin Settembrino were happy to help with the ribbon cutting and provide a certificate to congratulate the business.
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On Thursday evening, Wolf Fine Jewelers (1580 NJ-35) celebrated its grand opening! The family-owned jewelry store had been located in the Monmouth Mall since 1973 before moving to Middletown. The luxurious shop offers jewelry and watch repairs, ear piercings, and one-of-a-kind products. We are so happy they chose to move to Middletown and wish them 'shining' success! Visit wolffinejewelers.com for more information.
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Girl Scout Troop 60598 Celebrates Women's History Month with Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz
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Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz was honored to spend her Wednesday afternoon with Girl Scout Troop 60598 from New Monmouth Elementary School in honor of Women's History Month! The scouts discussed the importance of leadership and volunteering in your community. They also talked about the different qualities that make a great leader, such as confidence and kindness. Committeewoman Kratz explained her role on the Township Committee, answered questions, and reminded the scouts that kids can be leaders too.
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Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft Turns 65
Last week, Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) held a gala to celebrate its 65th anniversary. Mayor Tony Perry was proud to attend and present a proclamation on behalf of the Township Committee, proclaiming March 21, 2025 as Christian Brothers Academy Day in Middletown. CBA is an all-boys Catholic high school located at 850 Newman Springs Road in Lincroft. It offers Lasallian education, has a dominant athletic department that features 18 varsity sports, and is a two-time winner of the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The property that was originally a horse farm has now become home to a school with over 11,000 alumni. Visit cbalincroftnj.org for more information about CBA.
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Find Out the Answer to This Week's Township Trivia Thursday!
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Middletown Township and the Middletown Township Historical Society are partnering to present Township Trivia Thursdays every other week. Test your trivia skills while learning more about our town and its rich history. This week's question can be found on middletownnj.org/trivia and the Township's YouTube channel. The next trivia question will be featured via the Township’s social media channels on Thursday, April 10th. The answer will be revealed in the Friday, April 11th issue of Middletown Minutes and on our Township Trivia page. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X!
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Check Out DPW's Spring 2025 Brush Collection Schedule
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Community Gathers for North Middletown-Port Monmouth Neighborhood Plan Meeting
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 Randi Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Affordable Housing Alliance, talks to the crowd of community members.
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Middletown Township, Affordable Housing Alliance, Ideal Beach Community Association, Bayshore Family Success Center, and Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity hosted the 7th Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program meeting on Thursday, March 27th at Ocean Avenue Elementary School. The meeting focused on reviewing draft strategies and activities for the NRTC plan. These strategies are built off previous community engagement and input. With a work plan in place, opportunities for funding and investment to achieve the community's vision will become available. Visit middletownplan.org for more information about the NRTC plan and to view previous presentations and the draft strategies. We encourage residents who live in the planning area to complete this Google survey. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 23rd at 6:00 PM at Ocean Avenue Elementary School (235 Ocean Avenue). We hope to see you there!
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Register Now for Middletown Alliance's Parent Presentations This Spring
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The Middletown Alliance proudly presents its Spring Parent Presentation Series! The Alliance hosted the first presentation on Thursday, March 27th at Town Hall. The presentation focused on current drug trends and was led by Prevention Specialist Nicki Francis from the Wellspring Center for Prevention. Nicki shared some of the latest drug trends and products seen in Monmouth County and local schools, such as nicotine oral pouches, easily concealable vape devices, kratom, and more. Parents and guardians were able to ask questions and learn what Middletown is doing to help fight these issues! Interested in attending the remaining presentations? The next one on Monday, April 14th will be about social media and the final one on Thursday, May 22nd will be about raising resilient kids. Both presentations will be held from 7-8 PM in the Training Room at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). Click HERE to view the graphic in a larger PDF format and visit middletownnj.org/presentation to register for the presentations.
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NJAW Lead Service Line Replacement Program Door-to-Door Canvassing Continues
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CDM Smith, on behalf of New Jersey American Water (NJAW), started a door-to-door canvassing effort related to the Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP) in Middletown on Monday, February 3rd. The canvassing and internal inspections are currently taking place in the Port Monmouth Elementary School District 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 to not 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.
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Sign Up for Middletown Parks & Recreation's 2025 Specialty Summer Camps
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Join Middletown Parks & Recreation for its various specialty camps hosted by third party vendors. With plenty of options to choose from, your child is bound to have a great summer! Click HERE for more details.
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Deadline to Apply to Become a Vendor at the MAC's Spring Arts & Crafts Festival is Friday, 5/2
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The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) is seeking vendors for its upcoming Spring Arts & Crafts Festival that is taking place on Saturday, May 10th from 11 AM - 3 PM. Spots are open to craftspeople/artists selling items that they make themselves. No commercial kits, toys, merchandise, flea market, or rummage sale items allowed. This is a non-political event. No displaying of political advertising will be permitted. Setup will be available beginning at 8 AM the day of the event. Spaces are 10' x 10' and will be assigned in the days prior to the event. Vendors must provide their own table and/or tent. As the event is outdoors at the MAC (36 Church Street), no electricity will be available and generators are not permitted. Free parking is available across the street. All vendors are responsible for disposing of their own waste and having their space completely cleared after breakdown. Each vendor spot costs $50. Checks should be payable to the Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748. If you would prefer to pay by credit card, please call the MAC at 732-706-4100. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 2nd, so secure your spot today!
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Register Now for MAC's Summer Arts Camps
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Registration for the Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) summer arts camps officially opened on Wednesday, March 5th. Your favorite instructors are back for a fun-filled summer of theater, visual arts, dance, STEM, and so much more! Click HERE for more information and to register.
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Celebrate the Grand Reopening of MTPL's Reference Area and History Room on Monday, 3/31 at 11 AM
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The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) is pleased to share that the grand reopening of its Reference Area and History Room is on Monday, March 31st! The ribbon cutting and reveal will be at 11 AM. After the ribbon cutting, the MTPL will hold tours and demonstrations of the new and updated areas throughout the day. Stop by the MTPL (55 New Monmouth Road) to celebrate this special occasion and for the opportunity to participate in raffles, giveaways, and a scavenger hunt!
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Teens: Participate in MTPL's Cards for a Cause on Wednesday, 4/2
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Teens, stop by the MTPL's Community Room to make spring-themed 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 12-18 years old to participate. Registration is NOT required.
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Attend MTPL's Local Author Visit with Penelope Marzec on Wednesday, 4/2 at 6:30 PM
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Come to the MTPL's Community Room for an in-person author visit with local author Penelope Marzec as she talks about the history behind the story of her latest release, Love's Gift. Registration is required. Click HERE for more information and to register.
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Monmouth County Senior Advisory Council to Host Community Listening Session About Aging Concerns at Middletown Senior Center on Friday, 4/11 at 10:30 AM
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The Monmouth County Senior Advisory Council will be hosting its next community listening session for residents of Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Highlands, Middletown, Red Bank, Rumson, and Sea Bright. The session will take place at the Middletown Senior Center (900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo) on Friday, April 11th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. During this session, you will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges you anticipate as you age in your home and explore solutions to help you navigate them. County resources will be available and lunch will be provided. There is limited seating, so please contact Sheila Chapman at 732-431-7450 or Sheila.Chapman@co.monmouth.nj.us to RSVP by Friday, March 28th. Visit monmouthadvs.com for more information about the Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans Services.
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Hop into the Spring Spirit at Middletown Parks & Recreation's Annual EGGstravaganza on Saturday, 4/12 from 10 AM - 1 PM
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Bring your family out for a spring-filled Saturday and join Middletown Parks & Recreation for its annual EGGstravaganza at the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street)! Get your photo taken with the bunny, meet friends at the petting zoo, jump in a bounce house, do arts and crafts with Doodle Dude and Miss Fish, and more! This event is free with free parking available in the NJ Transit lots. Click HERE for more information.
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Search for Treasure in Middletown Parks & Recreation's Mystery Egg Hunt on Thursday, 4/17 at 5 PM
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The hunt is on in our parks! Join Middletown Parks & Recreation for a Mystery Egg Hunt! You may be asking yourself, "What is the mystery?". Well, you know the time and date... but not the location! The mystery locations will be revealed at 4:30 PM on Thursday, April 17th on Middletown Parks & Recreation's Facebook account. This festive activity is free for residents, but participants must bring their own basket for the hunt. Click HERE to follow Middletown Parks & Recreation on Facebook.
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Register Now for Blood Drive Happening at Town Hall on Tuesday, 4/15 from 12:30-6:30 PM
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The Middletown Township Health Department is proud to be partnering with the New Jersey Blood Services/New York Blood Center to host a blood drive at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway) next month! According to New York Blood Services, someone needs blood every two seconds. It is important to have blood available 24/7 for emergencies as well as ongoing, life-sustaining needs for patients battling chronic diseases. Since blood cannot be synthetically made, there is no substitute – only volunteer donors can give the gift of life. Help make a difference by making an appointment today at nybc.org/drive and use the sponsor code 72770!
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Compete in Middletown Parks & Recreation's Fishing Derby on Sunday, 5/4 from 9 AM - 12 PM
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Catch the big fish and claim the prize at the return of Middletown Parks & Recreation's Fishing Derby! Participants will be competing for the longest fish at Garvey's Pond, located on Lakeside Avenue in Navesink. There will be medals for the top winners in each age range and raffle prizes throughout the event. Please bring your own equipment. Click HERE for full tournament rules and registration.
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Register for Middletown Parks & Recreation's MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Competition Happening Tuesday, 5/20 at 5 PM
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Join Middletown Parks & Recreation for MLB's Annual Pitch, Hit & Run Competition! This fun event provides children an opportunity to showcase their baseball and softball skills with the possibility of earning a chance to attend and compete for a championship during the 2025 MLB World Series. Register today because if Middletown gets 150 registrants, then our winners automatically advance to the regionals hosted at a nearby MLB stadium! Click HERE for more information and to register.
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Be the Difference Suicide Prevention Community Walk to Take Place on Sunday, 5/18: Sign Up Now!
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On Sunday, May 18th, the third annual Be the Difference Walk will be starting at the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street) at 10:00 AM and ending at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). The proceeds from this event, which was founded by former Middletown High School South student Piper Wyman, are donated to the New Jersey chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This year, Middletown High School South senior Alex Taddeo is spearheading the event. Mayor Tony Perry and the Township Committee are proud to support the event that will once again travel up Church Street to Town Hall. Follow @bethedifference_nj on Instagram and click HERE for more information and to register.
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- Beginning Monday, March 31st, Chapel Hill Road will be closed at Whipporwill Valley Road for construction. A detour is set. Properties 1-230 will have access from the NJ-35 side. Properties 231-400 will have access from Kings Highway East. The road will be closed 24/7 for approximately 6 months. Click HERE to view a map of the detour.
- Beginning Tuesday, April 1st, NJ-35 from approximately the New Monmouth Diner (1887 NJ-35) northward through Holmdel and Hazlet will be closed for resurfacing from 10 PM – 6 AM through Tuesday, April 22nd. One lane will close at 8 PM, two hours prior to the full closure. Most of the work will be done outside of Middletown.
- Church Street in Belford (near Saint Mary School) between Leonardville Road and Drift Road is currently closed 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 13th, Broadway is closed between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) due to construction of the final phase of the U.S. 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 13th, providing an alternate detour route for the Broadway closure.
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Middletown Township Animal Control Provides Information About Baby Rabbits' Spring Habits
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Connect with the Township to Help Correct Concerns
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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. Exciting news — the Connect & Correct app is now officially available on the Apple App Store! The Township will also be launching it on the Google Play Store in April. The app should make it even easier to report your concerns on-the-go as well as streamline communications regarding any concerns you may have.
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Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates
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Know Someone with a Disability? Make Sure They Register with NJ Register Ready!
Middletown’s Office of Emergency Management encourages residents with disabilities to register with NJ Register Ready. This free program is designed to assist first responders and emergency planners in identifying community members who may need assistance evacuating in advance of an emergency. For more information about the program and the three ways you can register, visit middletownnj.org/oem.
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Click HERE to access hi-res photos from thise-newsletter.
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Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20
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