Mule Barn Tavern Brings Community Together to Raise Funds for Veterans Village
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 Pictured from left: Committeeman Ryan Clarke, Mule Barn Tavern Bar Manager Christina Baszak, and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz |
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On Tuesday, Mule Barn Tavern celebrated Veterans Day by donating 100% of its proceeds made that day to Veterans Village, Middletown Township’s new affordable housing project for veterans. In addition to donating its sales, Mule Barn Tavern also raffled off four gift baskets featuring gift cards, merchandise, and items from local businesses. All proceeds from the raffle tickets are also benefiting Veterans Village. Many Township employees and officials were happy to enjoy a meal at the restaurant and support both a local business and a good cause. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and to Mule Barn Tavern for their incredible generosity. |
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Township Supports Westminster Presbyterian Church's Annual Field of Flags Dedication Ceremony
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Last weekend, Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC) hosted its 16th annual Field of Flags ceremony. Field of Flags is WPC's two-part event that pays tribute to every soldier who perished while fighting in the Global War on Terror. In October, Mayor Tony Perry and Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell were proud to participate in the first part and help plant the nearly 7,000 flags displayed on WPC's lawn. On Saturday, November 8th, Deputy Mayor Hibell, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz were honored to attend the second part of the event, known as the dedication ceremony. Deputy Mayor Hibell spoke at the event and personally thanked our veterans and the WPC, as well as provided information about Veterans Village. Members of the Middletown Township Police Department and Middletown Township Fire Department also participated. In addition to paying tribute to our fallen heroes, Field of Flags also highlights veteran causes and veteran-based nonprofits. This year, all money raised through donations and the Field of Flags sweaters benefited Alpha Wave Project. This nonprofit, created by resident and retired Marine Kyle Rodger, is dedicated to reducing isolation and suicide among veterans and first responders. Photos courtesy of WPC
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Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee Member Bob Siemer Participates in MTPL's Community Leader Storytime in Honor of Veterans Day
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Last weekend, the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) held a special Veterans Day edition of its Community Leader Storytime! Vietnam veteran and Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee (VAC) member Bob Siemer talked to the kids and parents in attendance about his experience in the military. Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971 during the Vietnam War and held the rank of First Lieutenant with the 1st Cavalry Combat Engineer from 1970 to 1971. He earned many service ribbons, such as the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Air Medal, Bronze Star, and the Soldier’s Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
In addition to being part of the VAC, Bob was also the Township's 2023 Veteran of the Year, which recognizes individuals whose service, leadership, and ongoing commitment to their fellow veterans have made a meaningful and lasting impact. Bob helps veterans file claims for Disability Compensation, educates the community, and also spearheads the Township’s “Thank a Veteran” program, where he coordinates with local businesses to provide discounts to veterans to help honor them all year long. |
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Township Committee Welcomes Speeders to Middletown
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 Mayor Tony Perry, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and members of the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce were proud to join Speeders employees for their grand opening! |
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Yesterday, Speeders (676 NJ-35) hosted a ribbon cutting for its brand new Middletown location! Speeders is a membership-focused car wash brand that has locations throughout the country. It prides itself on delivering a fast, high-quality, and eco-friendly car wash experience. To celebrate its expansion, Speeders will be offering free car washes from Friday, November 14th to Sunday, November 23rd! Visit speeders.com for more information about its services. |
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Mayor Perry Discusses the Importance of Community Leadership with Elementary School Students
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Earlier today, Mayor Tony Perry was honored to be a guest speaker at Middletown Village Elementary School! Several first grade classes came together in one room to listen to Mayor Perry talk about the different types of community leaders and their responsibilities, his experience as mayor, and the qualities that make someone a leader. He also talked about America's upcoming 250th birthday and how Middletown is celebrating it. While there, Mayor Perry handed out Mayor's Squad stickers and the Middletown America 250 Committee's activity book, Liberty's Ride for Freedom. This story features a horse named Liberty who goes on a journey around Middletown to carry an important letter that helps deliver freedom. The students and staff at Middletown Village Elementary School also gave Mayor Perry "letters of hope" to be gifted to the future tenants of Veterans Village. |
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Middletown High School North Girls Varsity Soccer Team Competes in Semifinals
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 Photo courtesy of Jon Helwig |
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On Tuesday, Committeeman Ryan Clarke was proud to visit the Middletown High School North Girls Varsity Soccer Team and wish them luck in their semifinals game the following day. While their season came to a close, the Township is incredibly proud of the team for advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2019 and for representing Middletown with such talent and heart. |
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Watch the Monday, November 10th Township Committee Meeting
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, November 30th. |
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DPW crews are out clearing drains across town, but with over 6,000 catch basins in our neighborhood streets, every bit of community help goes a long way. Thank you for helping keep Middletown safe and prepared for fall and winter weather! |
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Check Out the Fall 2025 Edition of Middletown Matters!
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Our bi-annual newsletter, Middletown Matters, will be arriving in residents' mailboxes soon! In the meantime, feel free to read the digital version at middletownnj.org/matters. |
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Browse Our New Middletown America 250 Merch Store!
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Join us in commemorating Middletown’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary era by purchasing a keepsake from the Middletown America 250 Merch Store! Visit middletownnj.org/america250store to explore all items, including our limited-edition Sandy Hook Lighthouse ornament. Crafted by the same renowned company that produces the official White House ornaments, this piece offers a beautifully-made tribute to one of the nation’s oldest and most treasured landmarks. You can also browse other Middletown favorites that make thoughtful gifts and meaningful mementos this holiday season. Each purchase will directly support upcoming events and initiatives that honor our community’s rich heritage as we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary next year. Items are available for pickup at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway).
Please email america250@middletownnj.org to schedule your pickup. |
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Learn about Revolutionary War Patriot Reverend Abel Morgan, Jr. in the latest Locally Sourced Middletown America 250 Series Podcast
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In the second episode of our Middletown America 250 series Patriot Profiles — a special edition of Mayor Tony Perry’s Locally Sourced podcast — we explore the life of Reverend Abel Morgan, Jr., a steadfast spiritual leader who helped guide Middletown through the Revolutionary War. You can listen to the podcast on middletownnj.org/locallysourced, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Podbean, and Spotify. Our next Patriot Profiles episode will air on Thursday, December 4th. |
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MonmouthNJ 250 Committee's Parade to Take Place in Middletown on Sunday, 6/28 Beginning at 12:30 PM
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Township Committee Tests Out New Tindall Park Courts by Competing in Exciting Pickleball Game
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Pickleball is taking off and Middletown is ready to play! With eight brand new dedicated pickleball courts and 12 refurbished tennis courts at Tindall Park, we’re serving up more ways to stay active and connected. Click HERE to watch as the Township Committee gives the game a try and see how we’re keeping our "parks in play" for everyone! |
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Sign Up for a Free Home Smoke Alarm Installation with the MTFD and American Red Cross
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The Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Middletown Township Fire Prevention Office are partnering with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms for free throughout Middletown. We encourage all residents to check if their smoke alarms are working. If you are interested in this free service, please schedule an appointment at middletownnj.org/smokealarm. Click HERE to watch a Public Service Announcement for more information. |
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Write a Letter to Santa by Thursday, 12/4
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Our Middletown elves are currently collecting letters in our special mailboxes and will be delivering them directly to the North Pole! Santa will write a personalized return letter to your child through the joint Middletown Parks & Recreation and the Middletown Arts Center (MAC) Letters to Santa program. Please include $1 with your letter to donate to the MAC. To help our elves, we encourage you to download our letter template. Click HERE for more information, the letter template, and drop-off locations. |
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Give Back through Township's Holiday Helpers Program
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Looking to spread some holiday cheer? Middletown Township is pleased to announce the return of our Holiday Helpers program! Support a Middletown family in need this season by either "adopting a family" or donating a gift. We kindly ask our community to give back if they are able. To participate, please email holidayhelp@middletownnj.org or drop off gift donations at the location and times found on middletownnj.org/holidayhelpers. Thank you for your generosity! |
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Middletown Township Health Department and Middletown Alliance to Provide Free Quit Kits to Community on Thursday, 11/20 at Town Hall
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Thursday, November 20th is the Great American Smokeout, an annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society. People are challenged to stop smoking for at least 24 hours, with the hope that their decision not to smoke will last longer. If you're having trouble quitting smoking or vaping, the Middletown Township Health Department and Middletown Alliance encourage you to visit tobaccofreenj.com/gaso for helpful resources. The departments will also be handing out free quit kits in the lobby at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway) on Thursday, November 20th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. |
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Participate in the MTPL's Strategic Planning Survey by Sunday, 11/30
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The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) is planning for the future — and your voice matters!
The MTPL is working on its next Strategic Plan, which will help guide the library’s goals and priorities for the coming years. Your input ensures the library reflects the needs, ideas, and dreams of our community. Click HERE to complete the short survey. |
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Fall 2025 Leaf Collection to Begin Monday, 12/1
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MTPD to Host Free Car Seat Safety Checkpoint on Wednesday, 12/10 from 2-6 PM
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Residents are invited to a FREE Car Seat Safety Checkpoint hosted by the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) at Station 11 Old Village Fire Company (1340 NJ-35) to ensure your child is in the right car seat and that it is installed correctly. The checkpoint will be open from 2-6 PM. Car seat safety checkpoints are held every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Please contact Officer Michael Reuter at 732-615-2046 if you have any questions or concerns. |
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MTPD Promotes E-Bike Safety in PSA
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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. |
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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 team will be working in the Middletown Village Elementary School District and Nut Swamp Elementary School District in Area 3 this upcoming week. 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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Purchase Tickets for A Soldier’s Play at the MAC: Final Shows are This Weekend
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Dunbar Repertory Company will be presenting the 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, A Soldier's Play, at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC) on Saturday, November 15th at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM and Sunday, November 16th at 4:00 PM. A Soldier's Play is a gripping and powerful story about race, justice, and identity within a segregated U.S. Army base in 1944. Click HERE for more information and to buy tickets. |
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Free Paper Shredding Event at Middletown High School North on Saturday, 11/15 from 9 AM - 1 PM
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Middletown Township is partnering with the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners to host a free paper shredding event. Residents may shred up to 100 pounds, which is equivalent to four office paper boxes or four large-sized trash bags. All papers will be shredded on location in the mobile trucks and the event will end either once the mobile trucks are full or at its scheduled end time. Large binder clips must be removed from documents; staples and paper clips can remain. |
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Learn about Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 Trans-Antarctic Expedition at the MTPL on Friday, 11/21 at 2 PM
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Discover one of the greatest stories of courage in the history of exploration with this in-person talk at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) on Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Learn about the voyage, the challenges that went wrong, and how Shackleton and his crew survived against all odds in total isolation at the bottom of the world. The past will come alive at this exciting presentation in the MTPL's Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road). Registration is recommended. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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Craft Turkey Balloons at the MTPL on Saturday, 11/22 from 1-3 PM
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Get ready for Thanksgiving by creating your own turkey balloon craft at the MTPL! Decorate your balloon with a variety of fun materials and add a string to take your festive creation home. This program is for patrons ages 6+. Registration is required.
Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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Exercise at Middletown Parks & Recreation's Turkey Trot Hike on Wednesday, 11/26 at 2:30 PM
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Come stretch your legs before your Thanksgiving feast! Join Middletown Parks & Recreation to hike the trails of Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) with a guide, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Visit mtownrec.recdesk.com to register on RecDesk. |
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'Tis the Season: Attend Our Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Sunday, 11/30 from 5-7 PM
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Santa's coming to town! Catch the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the MAC (36 Church Street). Bring the whole family — get your photo with Santa and enjoy some crafts, bonfires with classic holiday cartoons, a holiday train ride, and an inflatable gingerbread house! The event is free for residents and food will be available for purchase. |
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Purchase Tickets for Middletown Parks & Recreation's Annual Santa Ferry Happening on Saturday, 12/6
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Middletown Parks & Recreation is back on the bay to celebrate Christmas! The annual yuletide ride features Santa and friends, presents, entertainment, and a scenic ride around the Statue of Liberty. All children and infants will receive a holiday present! Tickets are only sold in person at the Poricy Park Nature Center (345 Oak Hill Road) on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Only a limited amount remain, so buy yours today! Click HERE for more information. |
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- On Saturday, 11/15, Nutswamp Road will be closed between Navesink River Road and Michael Drive from 8:20 AM to 10:00 AM. Hubbard Avenue will be closed between West Front Street and Navesink River Road. Shadow Lake will be using the entrance/exit off Alexander Drive.
- 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 most likely be closed 24/7 to vehicular traffic for the remainder of 2025. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the course of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
- 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 two 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 Your Home for Winter Weather
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The Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages residents to winterize their home ahead of the winter season. Follow the tips above and visit weather.gov for additional information. Stay safe and warm! |
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Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates
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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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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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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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