Township Officials Show Support at Monmouth County's Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

Last week, Mayor Tony Perry, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, and Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber attended the County's annual 9/11 memorial ceremony at Mount Mitchell Scenic Overlook (460 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Highlands). The service honored the 147 Monmouth County residents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, including the 37 Middletown residents.

Middletown PBA Local 124 Honors 24^th Anniversary of 9/11 with Annual 9/11 Memorial 5K and Kids' Run

On Saturday, Middletown PBA Local 124 held its 4^th annual 9/11 Memorial 5K and Kids' Run. Proceeds raised will be donated to a scholarship that the PBA is creating in honor of Detective Lt. Joseph Capriotti and to local nonprofit The P.O. Ken Tietjen Memorial Foundation, which was created in memory of late Middletown resident, police officer, and volunteer firefighter Kenneth Tietjen who gave his life in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.

Gary Ruhman Bike Tour Donates to Middletown's Veterans Affordable Housing Project

On Saturday, Mayor Tony Perry, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, and Committeeman Ryan Clarke accepted a check donation from the Gary Ruhman Bike Tour at VFW Post 4303 in Hazlet. The money will go toward our affordable housing building for veterans, formally known as Veterans Village, which is nearing completion and will be opening on Leonardville Road in November. We appreciate their generosity!

Check Out New Episode of Minute with the Mayor

In the latest episode of Minute with the Mayor, Mayor Tony Perry highlights recent 9/11 events, including the first responders’ 9/11 stair climb fundraiser at Life Time and the Township’s annual silent memorial and wreath tribute. He also covers the honor of speaking at the USS New Jersey (SSN-796) official portrait and pennant presentation at the New Jersey State House. The submarine was commissioned at U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle last September and holds a special place in Middletown’s history.  

Other topics in this episode include the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovated courts at Tindall Park, a special visit from the Savannah Bananas’ Dancing Umpire at McMahon Park, and a generous check donation from the Gary Ruhman Bike Tour for Veterans to support our 100-percent affordable housing building for veterans. Mayor Perry also invites the community to attend the official grand opening for the Township’s Veterans Village on Sunday, 11/2 at 11:00 AM, followed by our annual Veterans Day Parade at 1:00 PM.

Click HERE to watch the episode on YouTube.

New Mandatory Bulk Pickup Advanced Scheduling

As of Monday, September 1^st, your bulk pickup day is now your bulk pickup week! The Township’s contractor, IWS, now has a dedicated truck and crew for this effort 5 days per week!

Simply register by 3:00 PM Sunday through Thursday of your scheduled recycling week to have your bulk collected within 48 hours.

There can only be one bulk collection request per household during your recycling week. If you don’t schedule in advance, your bulk will not be collected. You can conveniently do this by using the Recycle Coach app, emailing bulk@middletownnj.org, or leaving a voicemail at 732-615-3278.

Click HERE to download Recycle Coach on the App Store and click HERE to download Recycle Coach on Google Play. 

Middletown Senior Center Programs Moved to Different Locations Due to Renovations

Submit Photos to Middletown America 250's Weekly Photo Contest: This Week's Winners to be Announced on Friday, 9/26

As part of Middletown's America 250 initiative, the Township launched a weekly photo contest! Capture a unique photo in Middletown inspired by the weekly theme, which will be shared via Middletown Township's and the Middletown America 250 Committee's social media channels and in Middletown Minutes.

This week’s theme is “Interiors of the Past”. Take a photo of colonial interior design features that were popular during the Revolutionary War, such as fireplaces and window shutters!

Upload your photo to middletownnj.org/250photocontest, along with your name, social media handle, and a short description of your image and its location. New themes will be announced every Thursday. The winners will be announced every Friday, so please submit your photo by noon on Thursday of that week.

Follow @middletownamerica250 on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop. Your photo could be featured on Middletown Township's and the Middletown America 250 Committee's social media channels, Middletown Minutes, and our municipal TV channel (Comcast Cable Channel 20/Verizon FiOS Channel 26), so we encourage you to participate!

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's photo contest with the theme "Revolutionary Exhibits"! Below is the winning photo chosen by Mayor Tony Perry. Ellen Hughes (@ellen.h.pics on Instagram) submitted this great photo of The Middletown Militia Secures their Prize, a painting by Steve Schreiber. This piece of artwork is currently on display at the Middletown Township Public Library (55 New Monmouth Road) and on loan from the Middletown Township Historical Society.

Volunteers Give Hartshorne Cemetery Some TLC

On Friday, September 19^th, Middletown Landmarks Commissioner Roseann Eteson and local volunteer Jamie DeRisi dedicated the morning to cleaning up downed tree limbs in Hartshorne Cemetery (57 Kings Highway).

This historic cemetery remains owned and maintained by the Hartshorne family. The land was originally owned by Richard Hartshorne, a Quaker from England, who arrived in America in 1669, and likely settled in Rhode Island before moving to Middletown around 1670. Hartshorne is recognized as one of the earliest European settlers to Middletown.

During his lifetime, Hartshorne became one of the largest landowners in the region, holding over 2,400 acres that encompassed Sandy Hook and the Navesink Highlands.

This cleanup was part of an ongoing effort to highlight our historic landmark cemeteries where Revolutionary War Patriots are buried as part of Middletown’s America 250 initiative. Private Timothy Murphy who served in the Monmouth Militia is buried here. Murphy was married to Mary Garrison, Richard Hartshorne’s great-granddaughter, and died in 1812.

Uncover the History of the New Jersey Loyalists with the MTHS on Tuesday, 9/23 at 7 PM

The Middletown Township Historical Society (MTHS) will be launching its America 250 Speaker Series with "Patriots of a Different Name: New Jersey Loyalists" on Tuesday, September 23^rd at 7:00 PM at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL). This event is free and will also be available to watch via Zoom.

During the American Revolution, New Jersey saw more battles and skirmishes than any other colony, particularly due to the partisan forces on both sides. The citizenry of New Jersey were staunchly divided, and those supporting the British Crown were just as patriotic and zealous as their rebel counterparts. 

Please join Andrew Dauphinee, Jerseyana Librarian at the New Jersey State Library, for a deep dive into one of the most important and effective provincial forces in the American Revolution: The New Jersey Volunteers. Andrew will discuss the history, military engagements, and notable figures, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution.

Click HERE to register via Zoom.

Learn How to Clean Historic Cemetery Gravestones with Middletown America 250 on Saturday, 9/27 at 10 AM

Middletown DAR to Host Genealogy Classes at MTPL: Register Now!

The Middletown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be hosting a two-part workshop at the Middletown Township Public Library (55 New Monmouth Road) called “Researching Revolutionary War Patriots in Your Family Tree”. Registration is required.

Part 1 will take place on Tuesday, September 30^th and will focus on how to add yourself to Family Search and connect your family into the public tree. For the class, you’ll need to come prepared with the names on your family tree, date and place of birth, and date and place of death for each one of your parents and your four grandparents.  

Part 2 of the workshop will take place on Tuesday, October 21^st. Once you are connected into the public tree, you will use that tree in conjunction with the DAR’s Genealogical Research System to identify any potential Revolutionary War ancestors. This workshop will only help you identify a potential branch of the tree to explore further. Once a candidate ancestor is identified, traditional genealogy techniques will be required to prove that line.

Click HERE to register for Part 1 and click HERE to register for Part 2.

Monmouth County Officials Release Free Educational Resource for Monmouth County Students for America’s Upcoming 250^th Anniversary 

The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee recently released a free educational resource for Monmouth County students in recognition of America’s 250^th 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.

Township's Free Tutoring Program for Income-Eligible Students Returns Saturday, 9/27: Apply Now!

If you have any questions, please contact Middletown Township Community Development Manager Jill Cammarosano at jcammarosano@middletownnj.org or 732-615-2281.

Please visit middletownnj.org/ngsp for more information and middletownnj.org/apply to apply.

Register Now for MAC's Fall Classes

Registration for the Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) fall classes has officially opened! Pick up a hobby and sign up for a class in theater, dance, art, or more.

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

Middletown Township Health Department Encourages Residents to Be Proactive About Cancer Screenings

Middletown Township Floodplain Management Shares Preparedness Tips in Observance of National Preparedness Month

Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with the MTPL

If you live, work, or go to school in Middletown, you’re eligible for a free Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) card! Your card is the key to so much more than books — it unlocks access to the library's digital resources, research tools, Makerspace, private study rooms, and extensive collection of books, movies, TV series, music, and magazines for all ages.

This September, keep an eye out for library card sign-up pop-ups around town and enjoy special perks and giveaways when you sign up. There’s no better time to get your library card and start exploring everything the MTPL has to offer!

Submit your Entries in the MTPL's Teen Art Contest through Monday, 9/22

Monmouth County Virtual Public Information Notice for Improvements to South Laurel Avenue at the Railroad Bridge: Last Day to Submit Comments is Monday, 9/22

Monmouth County is currently advancing a Concept Development (CD) Study for improvements to South Laurel Avenue from Commons Way to AT&T Drive in the townships of Middletown and Holmdel. The purpose of the CD Study is to identify the Purpose and Need for the proposed improvements and then develop conceptual alternatives that can be compared in order to determine which one may be recommended to advance as a Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA).

The first Public Information Session was held on June 27, 2023. As of Monday, August 11^th, Monmouth County, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, is hosting a virtual Public Information Center (PIC) meeting to update the public on the status of the study.

Written comments from the public will be accepted through Monday, September 22^nd. If you have questions regarding the project, please contact the Monmouth County Project Manager at Vince.Cardone@co.monmouth.nj.us or 732 431-7760.

Click HERE for more information.

Register for Alerts from New Jersey American Water

Visit login.amwater.com to log in to your MyWater account and sign up for alerts.

Middletown EMS Provides Vital Information About Narcan Administration

In a recent Public Service Announcement (PSA), Middletown EMS Public Information Officer Jimmy De Rugeriis describes the signs of an overdose, explains how to use Narcan, and shares information about where people can access Narcan.

Click HERE to watch the PSA on YouTube.

Learn More About Middletown Wellness Wheels

The Middletown Township Health Department officially launched Middletown Wellness Wheels in partnership with Uber Health. The program was announced in February when the Middletown Township Committee unanimously passed a resolution to award Uber Health the contract.

Middletown Wellness Wheels, which is funded through a portion of the Opioid Settlement Funds awarded by the state, provides free local transportation for residents with substance use disorders, at risk of substance use disorders, or those who need access to mental health services. Middletown Township is the first municipality in Monmouth County to utilize the settlement funds in this manner.

Click HERE to watch our Public Service Announcement about the program.

MTPD Promotes E-Bike Safety in PSA

Across the country, and right here in Middletown, we’re seeing a surge in injuries involving electric bikes and scooters, especially among young riders.

Deputy Chief Paul Bailey of the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) shares some crucial information in this Public Service Announcement (PSA) about the different types of micromobility devices and the regulations that riders should follow when using them. Please tune in and stay safe!

Click HERE to watch the PSA on YouTube.

Sign Up for a Free Home Smoke Alarm Installation with the MTFD and American Red Cross

The Middletown Township Fire Department and Middletown Fire Prevention Office are partnering with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms for free throughout Middletown. If you are interested in this service, please schedule an appointment at middletownnj.org/smokealarm.

Click HERE to watch a Public Service Announcement for more information.

NJAW Lead Service Line Replacement Program 

Door-to-Door Canvassing Continues

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 3^rd. The canvassing and internal inspections are currently taking place in the Bayview Elementary School District and Fairview Elementary School District in Area 2 on the map above. 

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.

Learn About the Importance of the SAT and ACT and How to Ace Them at the MTPL on Monday, 9/22 at 6:30 PM

High school students and families are invited to the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) to learn how the SAT and ACT still impact scholarships, placement, and admissions. Huntington Learning Center will share insights, strategies, and prep tips to help you navigate testing and make the most of your college opportunities. This program will take place in the MTPL's Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road). Registration is recommended.

Can't make it? There will be another one on Wednesday, October 1^st at 6:30 PM.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Attend the Waloo Park Playground Grand Opening on Tuesday, 9/23 from 5:00-6:30 PM

Come and celebrate the playground YOU voted on earlier this year! Join Middletown Parks & Recreation at Waloo Park (Main Street, Port Monmouth) as we cut the ribbon to unveil our brand new playground.

Super Bowl champions Ottis Anderson and Stephen Baker will also be there to help the Township celebrate this special occasion. In addition, you can enjoy free cotton candy and a face painter (while supplies last). You can also shoot some hoops on the park's newly resurfaced basketball courts too!

This grand opening was originally scheduled for Wednesday, September 17^th, but was postponed due to inclement weather.

Listen to Piano Solo Compositions at the MTPL on Thursday, 9/25 at 6:30 PM

Enjoy an evening of piano at the MTPL with Dr. Maxim Anikushin, featuring solo compositions inspired by literature, including works by Liszt, Chopin, Ravel, Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven. An acclaimed concert pianist, Anikushin has performed at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and with renowned conductors and ensembles worldwide. Registration is recommended, but not required. The program will take place in the MTPL's Community Room.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Uncover Treasures at Middletown Parks & Recreation's Guided Fossil Hunt on Sunday, 9/28 at 11 AM

Join Middletown Parks & Recreation for the last guided fossil hunt of the season! Come dig up history at the Poricy Brook Fossil Beds where there are many Cretaceous-Era marine fossils waiting to be found. Middletown Parks & Recreation's guide will supply equipment for screening for fossils and identifying your treasures.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Sign Up for Free Flu Vaccine Clinic Happening on Tuesday, 9/30 from 10 AM - 1 PM

The Middletown Township Health Department will be holding a free flu shot clinic open to all Monmouth County residents in the Training Room at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). Appointments are required. 

Visit middletownnj.org/fluclinic for more information and to pre-register.

Middletown Township Floodplain Management Encourages the Public to Learn About Flood Insurance on Thursday, 10/2 at 6 PM

Pre-Register for Middletown Township Animal Control's Free Cat and Dog Rabies Clinics Happening in October

Visit middletownnj.org/rabies for more information and to pre-register.

Attend the Middletown Youth Wellness Event on Thursday, 10/16 from 6:00-7:30 PM

Participate in Trunk-or-Treat at Middletown Day on Sunday, 10/19: Last Day to Register is Wednesday, 10/8

Calling the most epically decorated Halloween trunks for the new Trunk-or-Treat feature at this year's Middletown Day! Trunk-or-Treat will take place from 2-4 PM. 

Help spread treats (or tricks!) in addition to getting an awesome parking spot for the day! First place ($200 Amazon gift card) and second place ($100 Amazon gift card) winners will be voted on by attendees. 

Pre-registration is required and costs $15 per car. There is limited capacity available, so register today!

Click HERE to complete the registration form.

Raise Money for Middletown WTC Memorial Gardens Fund and Participate in Annual Mayor's Challenge Happening on Saturday, 10/25

We hope you'll join us to run the trails of Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) for a good cause! 

Middletown Parks & Recreation is raising money for the Middletown World Trade Center (WTC) Memorial Gardens Fund through this year's Mayor's Challenge. A special 25^th anniversary improvement project is taking place and this event will help fund it. Register now for early-bird pricing! 

The Middletown WTC Memorial Gardens are located next to the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street) and pay tribute to the 37 residents who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as the first responders and individuals who have lost their lives as a result of that fateful day. 

Visit middletownnj.org/5K for more information and to register.

• On Friday, September 19^th, Navesink River Road will be closed between NJ-35 and McClees Road from 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM for milling and paving.
• On Sunday, September 21^st, there will be road closures on Tindall Road northbound, Park Avenue eastbound, East Road southbound, and Swartzel Drive westbound due to the annual Love for Luca 5K Run/Walk. Please avoid the area.
• In June, Monmouth County began the construction of the replacement of Bridge S-14 on County Route 50 (Swimming River Road). The road will remain open throughout construction and two 11-foot-wide travel ways in each direction will be maintained. Construction is anticipated to take two years. Please follow all posted signs and stay alert while driving in the area, as temporary changes to traffic patterns may occur. Click HERE to read the County's press release for more information.
• 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 13^th, 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 two 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.

Middletown Township Health Department Provides Information on How to Properly Dispose of Sharps

Middletown OEM Shares Information about How to Stock Up on Hurricane Supplies

The Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds residents about the importance of being prepared, especially during hurricane season. Now is the time to review your emergency plans, stock up on essentials, and stay informed. Whether securing your home, checking your supplies, or signing up for emergency alerts, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Visit weather.gov/hurricanesafety for safety tips and resources.

Prepare for Hurricane Season by Purchasing or Renewing Flood Insurance

Need Assistance? Utilize the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System

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.

Middletown Township Building & Inspection Department Launches New SDL Online Permit Portal

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.

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.

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.

Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates 

Click HERE to access hi-res photos from this

e-newsletter. 

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