The Middletown Arts Center will also be closed on Thursday, November 27^th and Friday, November 28^th.

The Middletown Township Public Library will be closed on Thursday, November 27^th. The library will follow its regular business hours the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Community Supports Local Nonprofit Middletown Helps Its Own's Thanksgiving Food Drive

Last weekend, hundreds of community members came together to assist local nonprofit Middletown Helps Its Own pack and deliver boxes of food and turkeys to local families in need. Thanks to our community's generosity, a total of 350 families in Middletown can eat a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

Mayor Tony Perry, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, Middletown first responders, and the Middletown Lions Club were proud to be part of the many individuals and organizations who lent a helping hand for this great cause.

Historic Cedar View Cemetery Celebrates 175 Years

On Sunday, November 16^th, Mayor Tony Perry was honored to present a proclamation to local nonprofit Friends of Cedar View (FOCV) at Cedar View Cemetery's 175^th anniversary luncheon.

Cedar View Cemetery, located off Hurleys Lane in Lincroft, is the final resting place of Black soldiers from the Civil War and World War I, as well as formerly enslaved people and their descendants. In addition to being one of the most historic cemeteries in Monmouth County, it is also the only known African-American burial ground from that time period. On November 14, 1850, John B. Crawford, a local white farmer, and his wife, Catherine, sold the two-acre plot of land for $60 to 14 free Black men to be used as a burying ground.

After discovering how neglected the cemetery had been, a group of descendants, historians, and citizens incorporated FOCV in 2021 to preserve the cemetery and its forgotten history. Today, FOCV hosts routine cleanups to continue restoration and maintenance, participates in community events, and organizes fundraisers to raise awareness and protect this hallowed ground.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday on Saturday, 11/29 by Supporting Local Businesses!

'Tis the Season: Attend Our Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Sunday, 11/30 from 5-7 PM

Santa's coming to town! Catch the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the Middletown Arts Center (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.

Fall 2025 Leaf Collection to Begin Monday, 12/1

Visit middletownnj.org/collection for more information.

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!

Nominate a Middletown Veteran for the 2025 Veteran of the Year Award by Friday, 12/26

Visit middletownnj.org/voty for more information.

Check Out the Fall 2025 Edition of Middletown Matters!

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.

Browse Our New Middletown America 250 Merch Store!

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 250^th anniversary next year.

Once you decide on your item(s), please click "Participate Now" on the online store to place your order! Credit and debit cards are the only accepted forms of payment. All payments must be made through the online store.

Items are available for pickup at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway).
Visit middletownnj.org/250pickup to schedule your pickup.

Learn about Revolutionary War Patriot Reverend Abel Morgan, Jr. in the latest Locally Sourced Middletown America 250 Series Podcast

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 4^th.

MonmouthNJ 250 Committee's Parade to Take Place in  Middletown on Sunday, 6/28 Beginning at 12:30 PM

Write a Letter to Santa by Thursday, 12/4

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.

Give Back through Township's Holiday Helpers Program: Donations Will Be Accepted Until Friday, 12/12

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!

Pay Off Late MTPL Fees with Food Bank Donations from Monday, 11/24 through Wednesday, 12/31

Food for Fines has officially returned to the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) and will run through the end of December! During this time, patrons can pay off library late fees with donations of nonperishable food items. Each item donated will reduce late fees by $1.00. Patrons can donate up to a total of $10.00 per library card. Donations may be dropped off at the Circulation Desk.

Please note that donations cannot be applied toward lost or damaged items. Expired food also cannot be accepted. All collected items will be donated to local food banks.

Participate in the MTPL's Strategic Planning Survey by Sunday, 11/30

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.

MTPD to Host Free Car Seat Safety Checkpoint on Wednesday, 12/10 from 2-6 PM

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 Corporal Michael Reuter at 732-615-2046 if you have any questions or concerns.

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 (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.

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 team will be working in the River Plaza Elementary School District and Lincroft Elementary School District in Area 3 next week. There will be no work conducted on Thursday, November 27^th or Friday, November 28^th due to Thanksgiving.

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.

Purchase Tickets for Middletown Parks & Recreation's Annual Santa Ferry Happening on Saturday, 12/6

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.

Create a Special Stocking Stuffer at the MTPL Makerspace on Wednesday, 12/3 at 6:30 PM

Parents, caretakers, and guardians of children in 2^nd grade and up are invited to the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) Makerspace for a festive winter holiday event. Craft a custom item to give as a stocking stuffer for your child! While caregivers create, children can enjoy a craft and holiday music next door in the library's Teen Room.

A registration form will be emailed and must be completed to participate. Makerspace training is required for Safety, Sublimation & Heat Press. Patrons who have not completed the training must take the training online prior to the event.

Click HERE for more information and to register. 

Celebrate the Holidays at MTPL's Annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, 12/6 at 2 PM

Kick off the holiday season with some music! Enjoy the festive sounds of the popular local group, "The Band of the Two Rivers”, live in the MTPL's Community Room. Registration is recommended.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Attend Our Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting at the MAC on Wednesday, 12/17 at 5:30 PM

Please join us at our annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting with the Chabad Jewish Center at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC, 36 Church Street)! There will be crafts, food, and more at this free event.

Buy Tickets for Middletown Night at the New Jersey Devils by Thursday, 12/4

Cheer on Jersey's hockey team during Middletown Night, which is taking place on Sunday, January 4^th at 7:00 PM! Tickets include a postgame on-ice shoot from the blue line experience. All children will receive a Devils swag-bag! 

Click HERE to get special event tickets.

• On Sunday, November 30^th, avoid Cooper Road (Bodman Park) to Bowne Road to Browns Dock Road (Huber Woods) between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
• 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 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.

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

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!

Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates 

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.

Click HERE to access hi-res photos from this

e-newsletter. 

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