Monmouth County and Middletown Township Break Ground on Road Improvement Project in Lincroft
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 Pictured from left: County Commissioner Nick DiRocco, Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeeman Kevin Settembrino, LVGA Board Director Abe Littenberg, Mayor Tony Perry, County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, and County Commissioner Deputy Director Sue Kiley |
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 Commissioner Director Tom Arnone and Mayor Tony Perry congratulate Abe Littenberg for his traffic safety advocacy efforts. |
A major road improvement project is officially underway in Lincroft! On Tuesday morning, Monmouth County and Middletown Township elected officials gathered to break ground on the roadway behind the Acme shopping plaza. The new two-way roadway will replace the current one-way service road behind the shopping center. Vehicles and pedestrians on Middletown-Lincroft Road will now have direct access to the shopping center, which will reduce the volume of traffic and improve traffic safety on Newman Springs Road. A sidewalk will also be installed to promote walkability. During the groundbreaking, Mayor Tony Perry proudly announced that the new roadway will be named after Abe Littenberg, a longtime Lincroft resident. Abe, who serves on the Lincroft Village Green Association (LVGA) Board of Directors and is a passionate advocate for safer streets, was joined by his family and other LVGA members at the event. Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone also shared that the County is proposing that the speed limit between Hurleys Lane and Woodland Drive decrease from 40 mph to 35 mph. The Board of County Commissioners will be voting on the speed limit reduction on Thursday, June 12th. These road improvements are a result of two successful public input sessions that were hosted by the Township and County to discuss Newman Springs Road/County Road 520 traffic safety improvements. Your voice matters, so thank you to everyone who attended these meetings and shared their feedback. Click HERE to read the County's press release for more information.
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MTPD Honors K-9 Jax with Final Walk-Out
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 Mayor Tony Perry and Committeeman Ryan Clarke were honored to bid farewell to Jax along with the Middletown Township Police Department and offer support to Detective Lieutenant McGrogan and his family. |
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 Jax in action! (Photo courtesy of MTPD) |
On Tuesday, the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) held a final walk-out for K-9 Officer #6 Jax, a beloved bloodhound who joined the MTPD as a four-month old puppy in August 2015 with her handler and partner Detective Lieutenant Brian McGrogan. She was put to rest due to medical issues. In 2016, Jax attended the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office Bloodhound Academy. She received specialized training in human scent trailing. Jax was nationally certified and stood out for her exceptional abilities and determination. She dedicated countless hours of training and answered numerous calls for service. Whether it was to track a suspect, apprehend a criminal, or more importantly bring loved ones back home, her efforts gave families hope and brought resolution in their darkest moments. Jax loved participating in community events and interacting with residents and students at local schools, National Night Out, the Middletown Alliance Leaders program, and K-9 meet-and-greets. Jax attended training seminars as far as South Carolina, always proudly representing the MTPD. To honor her incredible life and career, Township and MTPD employees attended her walk-out at Police Headquarters where Detective Lieutenant McGrogan and his family walked her down the halls where she worked for 10 years. A procession followed Jax to Home Veterinary Services in Belford, where officers and K-9s from across the state greeted her. Once she arrived at the vet, the MTPD conducted her "last call" where they shared her career highlights as everyone saluted her one final time. Jax was a beloved partner and a cherished member of the McGrogan family and MTPD. As the first bloodhound in the department’s history, she leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
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MTPD and Middletown PBA Local 124 Participate in 42nd Annual Torch Run Benefiting SONJ
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 Committeeman Ryan Clarke and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz were proud to cheer on the runners and thank ShopRite for their support. |
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Earlier today, the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) and Middletown PBA Local 124 participated in the 42nd annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise funds for the Special Olympics of New Jersey (SONJ). The run spans over 750 miles and 26 routes as officers carry the "Flame of Hope" throughout the state. MTPD officers received the torch from the Red Bank Police Department, traveled up Route 35, and stopped for some refreshments at ShopRite (1500 NJ-35), where a representative from the Torch Run presented a plaque to thank them as a sponsor. The officers then continued up Route 35 to pass the symbolic torch to the Holmdel Township Police Department. This inspiring event will lead up to the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, held at The College of New Jersey from June 7-8. |
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Middletown Exercises for a Cause at Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer's Annual Tutu Trot 5K
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Every year, our community comes together for local nonprofit Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer's Annual Tutu Trot 5K Run/Walk. Mayor Tony Perry was honored to help kick off this year's race, which took place on Sunday, June 1st, along with Founder Andrea Verdone Gorsegner. He also cheered on the trotters, including Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell who ran the course! The goal of the Tutu Trot is to raise $100,000 for the Children’s Brain Tumor Network, an organization dedicated to critical research for pediatric brain cancer. More than just a race, the Tutu Trot offered entertainment from the School of Rock’s House Band, live art from the Doodle Dude, inflatable games, and community spirit. The event originated in Trumbull, Connecticut, in honor of young cancer fighter Mia McCaffrey, and now bridges both Trumbull and Middletown in a heartfelt effort to raise funds and awareness. Every dollar raised supports ongoing research, bringing hope to children and families battling brain tumors. Visit infiniteloveforkidsfightingcancer.org for more information.
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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. Joseph Murray Day will be the first “stamp” on Middletown America 250’s virtual passport, which will be featured on the Middletown America 250 app when it is released! Attendees are encouraged to scan a QR code at the event so they can get points and climb to the top of the app’s leaderboard. As our 250 celebration continues through 2026, there will be opportunities for the highest-scoring users to win some awesome prizes! 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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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 Instagram story on Thursday, June 19th. The answer will be revealed in the Friday, June 20th issue of Middletown Minutes and on our Township Trivia page. Follow us on Instagram! |
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Monmouth County Officials Release Free Educational Resource for Monmouth County Students for America’s Upcoming 250th Anniversary
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The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee is proud to release a free educational resource for Monmouth County students in recognition of America’s 250th birthday. Schools are invited to implement this book about Monmouth County’s Revolutionary era history into their curriculum. This free educational resource includes stories about influential people, significant places, and key events that have made an indelible impact on American and New Jersey history. It also includes interactive activities for students to learn from while having fun. For questions or to request printed copies of this resource, please email Ted.Maturo@co.monmouth.nj.us. Click HERE to read the book and click HERE to read the committee's press release. |
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Middletown Alliance Leaders Celebrate Graduation
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 Photos courtesy of Middletown Alliance |
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Congratulations to our Middletown Alliance Leaders graduates who are headed to Thorne Middle School in the fall! Middletown Alliance Leaders (formerly known as Project P.L.U.S.) is a peer leadership and prevention program for 5th and 8th graders led by the Middletown Alliance. Fifth graders from New Monmouth, Harmony, and Ocean Avenue elementary schools spent the past 8 weeks learning the skills and information to be a peer leader in their school and community. This group is the last graduating 5th grade cycle of the 2024-2025 school year. We wish the graduates a fun and safe summer! |
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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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Register for MAC's School's Out Day Camp Happening on Tuesday, 6/10
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The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) will be hosting its School's Out Day Camp on Tuesday, June 10th! 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 day 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 next to 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 and to register. |
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Sign Up for Middletown Parks & Recreation's Skateboarding Camp
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Shred with Middletown Parks & Recreation this summer! Learn how to skateboard or expand your skills with Coach Dave at Kunkel Park Skatepark (11 Vanderbilt Avenue, Leonardo). Camp will take place the weeks of Monday, June 23rd through Friday, June 27th and Monday, August 25th through Friday, August 29th. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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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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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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This 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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MTPL to Close Early on Friday, 6/13 at 12:30 PM
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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) 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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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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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 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 this 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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Learn About Retirement in Last Session of MTPL's Spring Financial Fitness Series on Tuesday, 6/10 at 4:30 PM
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Join M&T Bank at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) to learn how to make sure you’re financially fit for retirement. The program will take place in the MTPL's Group Study Room, located in the back of the Reference Area (55 New Monmouth Road). Registration is recommended. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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Attend MTPL's Community History Fair on Saturday, 6/14 from 2-4 PM
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Visit the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) for its first Community History Fair! Several local historical organizations, including the Middletown America 250 Committee, will be on site to talk about how they are preserving and making Middletown's history accessible. The MTPL will also be discussing their "What Middletown History is to Me" project for the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. The fair will take place in the Hub area right outside the new History Room. This free event is open to everyone! |
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Watch JAWS at Ideal Beach with Middletown Parks & Recreation on Friday, 6/20 at 8:45 PM
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Celebrate the 50th anniversary of JAWS with a special screening on Ideal Beach! Join Middletown Parks & Recreation and bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks for this free event. Click HERE for more information. |
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Buy Tickets for Middletown Night at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Happening on Friday, 7/18 at 7 PM
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Join Middletown Recreation for Middletown Night at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in July. Sit with our community as we cheer on New Jersey's team, watch fireworks, and enjoy a Star Wars-themed night! A $20 ticket includes a hot dog, soda, ice cream, and boardwalk game ticket. Click HERE for more information and to get your tickets. |
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Join MTFD at Touch-a-Truck on Monday, 7/21 from 6-9 PM
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On Monday, July 21st, stop by the former Mater Dei High School parking lot for the Middletown Township Fire Department's (MTFD) third annual Touch-a-Truck to check out fire trucks, food trucks, games, and fire safety demonstrations! |
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- From Monday, June 9th through Friday, June 13th, Acme Service Road from Middletown-Lincroft Road will be closed periodically due to construction of the new two-way access road in Lincroft. The road will be closed between 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please use an alternate route.
- 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.
- 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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Prepare for Hurricane Season by Purchasing or Renewing Flood Insurance
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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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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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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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Visit sdlportal.com to access the portal and create an account. Need assistance? Click HERE for step-by-step instructions on how to create an account. |
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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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