Community Comes Together to Remember Fallen Heroes at Annual Memorial Day Parade
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 Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz were honored to attend the service held at the World War II Memorial (900 Leonardville Road) prior to the parade. |
On Monday, Middletown Township held its annual Memorial Day Parade with American Legion Post 338 to remember the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The parade stepped off from Bayshore Middle School in Leonardo at 10:00 AM. The Middletown Township Police Department's Color Guard led the procession alongside U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle Commander Captain Kent Smith. The parade continued with the Township Committee and local elected officials, Grand Marshal Tracci Dunn, Middletown High School South and North marching bands, scout troops, veteran and community organizations, cartoon characters and superheroes, antique cars, and our first responders who proudly turned on their vehicles' sirens for the residents lining the streets. The 3-mile parade route concluded at American Legion Post 338, where Commander Robert Colton and Mayor Tony Perry each shared some inspirational and patriotic words. There was also an Invocation, Benediction, wreath laying, flag raising, and presentation for the Grand Marshal. The service ended with Taps. Once the parade was over, community members were encouraged to stay and enjoy hot dogs and beverages. Thank you to American Legion Parade Chairman Michael Piatti, Parade Chairwoman Aubrey Piatti, and Commander Robert Colton for coordinating this important event. The Township also extends a huge "thank you" to the many individuals and organizations who participated in the parade. A video of the parade will be published to the Township's YouTube channel and TV channel (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20) next week. There will also be a photo album on Flickr, so be on the lookout!
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MTPD Attends Local Nonprofit Friends of Cedar View's Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
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On Monday, Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) Chief R. Craig Weber, Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II Officer Shaun Sullivan, and Special Law Enforcement Officer Class I Officer Dylan Wanagiel were honored to join local nonprofit Friends of Cedar View for their annual Memorial Day ceremony at Cedar View Cemetery in Lincroft. Friends of Cedar View is responsible for helping restore Cedar View Cemetery, which is the final resting place for over 200 African-American families from the area. This includes freed slaves and persons of color that were born free, in addition to Civil War veterans who served in the Union Army as members of the U.S. Colored Troops. Middletown is proud to support the nonprofit's mission and donated a plaque for the cemetery in 2022 to help preserve the site's history and honor those buried there. |
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Middletown Surprises Sergeant First Class Justin Laberdee with Flag Presentation
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 SFC Laberdee poses with his wife and children, his mother Doreen DeLorenzo (who helped organize the surprise), Mayor Tony Perry, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, and Committeeman Ryan Clarke. |
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At the Township Committee Meeting on Wednesday, May 28th, the Township Committee surprised Sergeant First Class (SFC) Justin Laberdee with a certificate and flag that was flown at Town Hall in his honor. SFC Laberdee originally came to the meeting to cheer on his niece in another presentation. Born and raised in Middletown, SFC Laberdee has just returned home after 21 years of active duty service in the United States Army. Driven by a deep sense of duty after 9/11, he graduated from high school a year early to serve our country. While stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he served two tours in Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. Congratulations and welcome home, SFC Laberdee! Thank you for your service. |
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MTPD Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II Officers Graduate from Monmouth County Police Academy
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 Chaplain Rev. Dr. Dan Correa, Deputy Chief Paul Bailey, Officer Christopher Glietz, Deputy Chief John Werner, Chief R. Craig Weber, and Auxiliary Officer Jay Stevenson support the new officers at their graduation. (Photo courtesy of MTPD) |
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Congratulations to the newest members of the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) who recently graduated from the Monmouth County Police Academy: Jack Chenoweth, Kenneth Fernandez, Lindsay Jakeway, Sebastian Martin, Stan Oseback, and Brandon Saghafi! All of them have the title of Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II. We wish our new officers a successful and safe career and thank them for protecting and serving our community!
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Thorne Middle School Select Choir B Naturals and Vocal Vibe Show Choir Celebrates Achievements
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 After wow-ing the audience with two amazing performances, the group of talented singers take a photo with Thorne Middle School Chorus Teacher Nick Jupinka, Mayor Tony Perry, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, and Committeeman Ryan Clarke. |
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At the meeting, the Township Committee proudly recognized Thorne Middle School Select Choir B Naturals and Vocal Vibe Show Choir for winning several awards at the 2025 Hersheypark Music in the Parks Festival! The group won Excellent Score in Treble Choir, first place in Show Choir, and Best Overall Junior High Choir. Member Isabela Andrade also won the Overall Soloist Award! The group received personalized certificates from the Township Committee and performed two beautiful songs - Does the World Say? by Kyle Pederson and Together We Are Better (When We Sing) by Greg Gilpin. We applaud Thorne Middle School Select Choir B Naturals and Vocal Vibe Show Choir for their achievements and thank them for shining a spotlight on Middletown! 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 day at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 8:30 PM through Sunday, June 15th. |
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Catch Latest Episode of Minute with the Mayor
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Join Mayor Tony Perry as he talks about how our community came together to honor Memorial Day and shares a heartwarming story about how the Township Committee welcomed home and surprised a Middletown resident who just retired from the United States Army. He also highlights the Thorne Middle School Select Choir B Naturals and Vocal Vibe Show Choir's recent accomplishments and announces the County and Township's upcoming groundbreaking to officially make the Acme Access Road in Lincroft a two-way roadway. The groundbreaking will be taking place on Tuesday, June 3rd at 9:00 AM and will be livestreamed by the County. Click HERE to watch the episode on YouTube. |
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Homeschool Debate Club Discusses Communications Skills with Mayor Tony Perry
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On Friday, Mayor Tony Perry was a guest speaker at the Homeschool Debate Club's May meeting, which took place in the courtroom at Town Hall. The club consists of homeschooled students ranging from 10-14 years old from Middletown and the surrounding area. The group meets on the last Friday of every month at the Middletown Township Public Library to practice communications skills and debating strategies. At their final meeting of the 2024-2025 school year, Mayor Tony Perry talked about how maintaining eye contact, having positive body language, and presenting your positions with evidence and facts are important to communicating effectively. Kudos to these young students for learning how to take a stance on what they believe in! |
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Port Monmouth Fire Company Raises Money for Pancreatic Cancer Research with 7th Annual Car Show
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 Mayor Tony Perry and Committeeman Ryan Clarke proudly present the Mayor's Choice Award to Leon Manchester. (Photo courtesy of Shannon Topoleski) |
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On Saturday, Port Monmouth Fire Company hosted its 7th Annual Car Show for a Cure! Proceeds will be donated to pancreatic cancer research. Congratulations to Leon Manchester who won the Mayor's Choice Award for his 1989 Jeep Sahara! |
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Middletown First Responders Emphasize the Dangers of Drinking and Driving to High School Juniors and Seniors
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The Middletown Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD), and Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) recently participated in the annual Rude Awakening Program at Middletown High Schools North and South. The program aims to educate juniors and seniors about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving through a simulated motor vehicle accident scene, complete with emergency medical response, fire department extrication, and police investigation. The goal of the program is for students to gain a deeper understanding of the real-world impact of their decisions behind the wheel. Thank you to our first responders for their time, energy, and dedication to making this event a success! |
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Local Groups Clean Up Old First Church Cemetery in Honor of Middletown America 250
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 Photo courtesy of Middletown Community Affairs Council |
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On Tuesday, Middletown Landmarks Commissioner Roseann Eteson hosted a cemetery cleanup at Old First Church Cemetery (69 Kings Highway). The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, Middletown Landmarks Commission, Middletown Community Affairs Council, and volunteer Jaime DeRisi worked together to clear the brush from the cemetery in honor of America's upcoming 250th anniversary. One of the initiatives of Middletown's America 250 Committee is to recognize our Revolutionary War landmarks and Patriots. Beautifying these cemeteries where these war heroes are buried is important to the committee's mission. Thank you to these community members for all their hard work in clearing these overgrown cemeteries, preserving our local history, and honoring our Patriots! |
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Remember Revolutionary War Hero Joseph Murray at Poricy Park on Sunday, 6/8 at 11 AM
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Join the Middletown America 250 Committee, Middletown Parks & Recreation, and the Poricy Park Conservancy at Joseph Murray Day on Sunday, June 8th! In remembrance of the 245th anniversary of Joseph Murray's death, our community is encouraged to gather together at the Joseph Murray Farmhouse at Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road). Murray served in the Monmouth County militia as a soldier belonging to Colonel Asher Holmes’ Regiment under the command of Lieutenant Garret Hendrickson in opposition to the British during the Revolutionary War. There will be a 21-gun salute, wreath-laying, color guard, poetry reading about Murray's life, as well as a proclamation presentation. The Murray Farmhouse and Barn will also be open to visitors and staff will be on hand to answer questions. We encourage you to attend Joseph Murray Day so you can learn more about this Patriot's life and contributions to our nation! |
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MTPD Provides Safety Tips for Scam Text Messages and Online Threats
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The Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) has recently been contacted by residents who have received text messages stating that they have outstanding traffic violations. THIS IS A SCAM. Please review the information above for tips on how to stay safe from scam text messages and online threats. Always remember: NEVER CLICK ON A LINK YOU MAY BE UNSURE OF. |
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Normandy Hockey Rink Construction Update
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The Township is excited to announce that the roller hockey rink at Normandy Park, located on Nutswamp Road, is in full construction mode. The estimated completion is end of third quarter — a time reference, not a hockey reference! Middletown Parks & Recreation's improvements on various projects, such as sports fields, playgrounds, building renovations, and more, take place year-round. Want to stay updated on project statuses? Visit middletownnj.org/parkprojects. |
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Sign Up for Middletown Parks & Recreation's New Sports Broadcasting Camp Happening from Monday, 6/30 to Thursday, 7/3
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NEW CAMP ALERT! Make your sports dreams a reality with Middletown Parks & Recreation at its new camp run through Play by Play Sports Broadcasting Camps! Meet industry pros and athletes and visit state-of-the-art media venues all week. Click HERE for more information and to check out the week’s schedule. |
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Register Now for Middletown Parks & Recreation's New Camp at Monmouth Museum
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NEW CAMP ALERT! Join Middletown Parks & Recreation at its new camp at Monmouth Museum (765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft) as Young Discoverers (PreK Ages 3+) and Adventurers (Grades K-2) explore exhibits and enjoy crafts, stories, games, and outdoor play. Click HERE for more information about pricing and weekly themes. |
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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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Register Now for MAC's Summer Arts Camps
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Get ready to dive into a summer brimming with creative fun! The Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) summer arts camps begin in less than one month. 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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MTFD and Middletown Fire Prevention Remind Residents About the Importance of Smoke Alarms
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The Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Fire Prevention Office would like to remind our residents about the importance of having working smoke detectors in your residence. Click HERE to watch their Public Service Announcement on YouTube.
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Attend Virtual Public Meeting about Raritan Bay & Sandy Hook Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study on Wednesday, 6/18 at 6 PM
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Next month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will be holding a virtual public scoping meeting about the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study. The meeting will discuss the inclusion of Belford and Keyport into the existing study. We encourage community members who live and work in the area to participate and share their knowledge of Belford's flooding and storm risk challenges. Your input can inspire future storm risk management measures. Click HERE for more information about the study. Click HERE to join the virtual public meeting. The meeting ID is 993 106 286 940 and the passcode is wG6wn6Rp. You can also dial in by phone at +1 503-207-9433 with the following phone conference ID: 366 985 301#. |
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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 New 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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Participate in Middletown Township School District's Strategic Planning Meetings
The Middletown Township Board of Education invites everyone to participate in a Strategic Planning Initiative along with their neighbors, community members, friends, teachers, students, and school district administrators to create a shared vision for the future of the Middletown Township School District. This process will be facilitated by the New Jersey School Boards Association. The goal is to create a shared vision for the district to discuss strengths, challenges, and solutions. Staff members, parents, guardians, students, community leaders, and other interested members of the public are invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas to help plan for the future of Middletown's students. Meetings will take place on the dates listed below at Middletown High School North (63 Tindall Road). The first meeting was held on Thursday, May 29th. Click HERE to watch a presentation from the meeting. - Monday, June 16th from 6:00-7:30 PM
- Thursday, August 28th from 6:00-7:30 PM
Click HERE to RSVP to any of the meetings.
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Pay Off Library Fines by Donating Nonperishables through MTPL's Food for Fines Program until Sunday, 6/15
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Food for Fines is back at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL)! Pay off your library fines by dropping off nonperishable food bank donations at the MTPL's Circulation Desk (55 New Monmouth Road) from Thursday, May 1st through Sunday, June 15th. Expired food items will not be accepted.
Each nonperishable item donated eliminates $1.00 of late fees. Patrons can reduce up to $10.00 per card. Please note that donations cannot be used to pay for lost items.
All donations will be brought to the food banks at Calico Cat (96 Kings Highway), Project Paul (211 Carr Avenue, Keansburg), and Middletown Helps Its Own (612 Carter Avenue, Port Monmouth). |
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Prepare for Life after Graduation at the MTPL on Monday, 6/2 at 7 PM
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Calling all recent and soon-to-be college and high school graduates! Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and purpose? Join Stefanie Garguilo at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) for "Life After Graduation," a dynamic life coaching workshop designed specifically for young adults navigating the transition from high school or college to the next chapter of their lives. In this engaging and transformative workshop, participants will delve into the concept of purpose and how it shapes their future as well as learn tips on career exploration, strengths, and goal setting. This inspiring program will take place in the MTPL's Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road) from 7-8 PM. Registration is recommended. Click HERE to register. |
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Learn About Heart Healthy Eating and Get Free Health Screenings at the MTPL on Wednesday, 6/4
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Join the MTPL next week to learn about the heart-healthy Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets with Hackensack Meridian Health! The program will take place in the MTPL's Community Room from 1:30-2:30 PM. Registration is recommended. Following the program, free health screenings will be offered on site for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, stroke risk assessment, and body mass index. Fasting is not required. Screenings take approximately 10-15 minutes per person. Stop by anytime between 2:30-4:30 PM to learn your numbers! Registration is recommended. Click HERE to register for the program and click HERE to register for the screenings. |
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Volunteer at Ideal Beach Cleanup on Saturday, 6/7!
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The Township encourages everyone to join the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) and Ideal Beach Community Association (IBCA) on Saturday, June 7th from 10 AM-12 PM for a beach cleanup at Ideal Beach! Middletown Township, the Bayshore Family Success Center, and Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity are currently partnering with AHA and IBCA to create a community-driven neighborhood plan for the North Middletown-Port Monmouth area. The plan’s strategies and activities build off community meetings, events, and input. With a work plan in place, opportunities for funding and investment to achieve the community's vision will become available through the New Jersey Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) Program. The plan will be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs next month. Visit middletownplan.org to review the draft plan and provide comments. Click HERE to sign up for the beach cleanup. |
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Register for Annual Relay for Life of Middletown Happening on Saturday, 6/7 from 6-10 PM
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The Township Committee recently proclaimed June 7, 2025 as Relay for Life Day in Middletown and encourages everyone to attend the event. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's annual nationwide signature event that celebrates survivors, remembers those who have lost their battle with cancer, and unites our community to fight against a disease that has taken too much from too many. This year, Relay for Life will be taking place on Saturday, June 7th from 6-10 PM at Middletown High School South (900 Nutswamp Road). Please visit middletownnj.org/relayforlife to sign up. |
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- On Sunday, June 1st, please expect delays from 9-10 AM on Nutswamp Road near Middletown High School South due to a 5K.
- On Monday, June 2nd, Main Street (Port Monmouth) will be closed between Broadway and Port Monmouth Road from 8 AM - 6 PM due to milling and paving. A detour will be set.
- As of Monday, March 31st, Chapel Hill Road is closed at Whipporwill Valley Road for construction. A detour is set. Properties 1-230 have access from the NJ-35 side. Properties 231-400 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.
- Church Street in Belford (near Saint Mary's 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.
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Middletown Township Health Department Shares Information about Ticks and Mosquitoes
'Tis the season for ticks and mosquitoes! The Middletown Township Health Department would like to share some useful resources with our community. Click HERE for more information about ticks and click HERE for more information about mosquitoes.
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Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge Construction Update
Last week, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners shared channel information for the Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge that will be observed for the summer season. The 75-foot navigational channel is now open for marine travel. Bridge openings will follow the normal summer schedule of Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 9 AM to 7 PM. The bridge opens on the hour during those times. From Monday through Thursday, the bridge opens on signal. Click HERE to read the County's press release. Visit rumsonseabrightbridge.com for more information.
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Monmouth County Currently Offering Greener Blue Pump-out Boat on Fridays and Saturdays
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The Greener Blue Pump-Out Boat, which is operated by the Monmouth County Department of Health and Human Services, is currently in service on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM! This free program, which is available to all recreational boaters and not limited to Monmouth County residents, helps properly dispose sewage from boats. Service is available on a first come, first served basis and does not require any paperwork. The service areas are the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers and the Atlantic Highlands Marina (Sandy Hook Bay). If you have general inquiries, please call the Monmouth County Division of Health at 732-431-7456 (Option 3). On service days, you can contact VHF Channel 9 (Marine radio) or call 732-761-4997. |
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Need Assistance? Utilize the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System
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Monmouth County proudly offers the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System – an easy way for residents to find and access appropriate services in Monmouth County to meet their needs. Created as part of Monmouth County’s Department of Human Services, the Navigation System serves as one point of entry for residents to be connected to any human service provider in the County without needing to make multiple calls. Call the Warm Line at 732-683-8959 to reach countless service providers and visit monmouthacts.org for more information. |
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Middletown Township Building & Inspection Department Launches New SDL Online Permit Portal
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How to Secure Your Home in the Event of an Earthquake
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Earthquakes can happen anytime, anywhere. The best time to prepare for an earthquake is before it happens. The Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) would like to educate our community about how to stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake. It is important to protect your property by bolting tall furniture, securing loose objects, and knowing how to turn off your utilities. Stay on the lookout for additional educational materials! Visit ready.gov/earthquakes for more information. |
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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 and Google Play! The goal of the app is to 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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